Beginning to Share Your Faith with Muslims

It’s worth saying from the outset, that there is no fool-proof formula that guarantees success when you begin to seriously reach out to Muslim friends. There are no shortcuts to being genuinely interested in the person and their concerns and to follow closely to Jesus’ lead in everything you say and do. Put aside your prejudices – about Islam, the Qu’ran, Jihad, the plight of Muslim women. If you don’t, your friend will quickly realise and defences will be raised. Be dependant on prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, to change you as well as your friend.

Start with what you have in common, you will be amazed at how much there is! For example, did you know that Muslims accept the following about Jesus? -

• He is a great prophet
• He is referred to as the word of God in the Qu’ran
• He was born of a virgin 
• He will return to earth on judgement day.

Now what is uncomfortable about that?!

Make Jesus central to your discussions, referring to Him as Jesus the Christ or Jesus the Messiah as Muslims do.

Try and read some of the Qu’ran, especially those parts that refer to the life of Jesus. If you read something from the bible, remember that to Muslims all holy books must be treated with great respect – try to use one with no notes scribbled on it and ensure you never put it on the floor.

Avoid the trap of entering into an ‘us versus you’ debate or argument – this usually ends up nowhere. It is not being more Christ-like to win an argument, and will probably not win over your Muslim friend – being loving, patient and humble will. Get into the habit of being a ‘follower of Jesus’ rather than a Christian, and avoid the term Christianity – both may have negative connotations and can cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

Muslims consider the law of Moses, Psalms and the gospels part of their holy literature, with the Qu’ran as the final authority. Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses are honoured as prophets, and their stories and the truth that they convey are very powerful ways of communicating to Muslims – use them.

Most of all, find starting points, inroads, and prepare ways of communicating them – they can all serve to guide towards the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.