Page 127 - World Religions I - Islam

• Orthodox Muslims who take seriously the Qur'an believe their religion is superior to all others in beliefs and
practices.
• Christians need to be realistic about the feelings which Muslims may have towards Christianity in particular and
towards Christians in general.
• Remember that Muslims are people who face life-and-death matters, who laugh and cry, and who desire a better
world for themselves and their families.

Do's and Don’ts
Methods and styles of evangelism to Muslims may differ according to needs, circumstances, and personalities. Especially
with much history of uncongenial relationship between Christianity and Islam, it is wise to tread carefully but deliberately
and intentionally. Remember that the Bible says that one speaks with the tongues of men and angels but doesn't have
love, it not only sounds awful but is a disgrace. There are do's and don’ts - positive and negative ways of communicating
and sharing with Muslims.

• Don’ts
o Do not accentuate the negative at the beginning of a conversation at the expense of the positive.
 It may be much better to discuss the meaning of "Messiah" and "Word of God" and "Spirit of God",
as Jesus is given those titles in the Qur'an, than to start with Jesus as the Son of God and as part of
the doctrine of the Trinity, which the Qur'an condemns.
 Deeper conversations about deeper truths may follow.
o Do not be critical of Islamic doctrines or figures.
 Do not demean Islam, the Qur'an, or Muhammad in a disparaging spirit.
 Remember that you are addressing topics that they have revered their entire life.
o Avoid argumentation and hostile disputes.
 Muslims are more influenced by stories and parables than they are by logical arguments.
o Do not relate one-on-one and alone with the opposite gender unless the cultural norms would permit it
and others would completely understand it.
o Do not entertain stereotypes.
 The West tends to view Muslims oil-rich sheiks, extremists or terrorists, or generally dangerous
people. Such erroneous views can erect unnecessary barriers to communication.

• Do's
o Pray and seek the wisdom and peace that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
o Honor and respect Muslims as people with religious beliefs and feelings and culture.
 Be humble.
o Cultivate relationships with Muslims by discussing common and similar areas of interest such as belief
in one God, the virgin birth, and the names and titles given to Jesus in the Qur'an.
o Learn Muslim social customs, especially the roles of men and women, greetings and diet, so that
embarrassments may be minimal in interactions. Don't use Jewish greetings with Muslims (like "shalom").
o Include Muslims in activities where they may feel comfortable and may interact with Christians in social
and some religious occasions.
o Speak the truth in love.
 Use parables of Jesus and stories of the healing of the sick and miracles.
 Include one's own personal witness of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
o Quote from the Bible.
 Remember that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."1
 Be sure to show a high level of respect for your Bible. Make sure to not have a Bible that
contains handwriting or written notes. This may indicate to Muslims that you don't respect God's
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