Follow-up Archive

November 16, 2005

Outreach to Muslims in North America
by Javed Khan

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Why reach Muslims? This is a question which has surfaced time and again in the minds of western countries. The apathy of western countries was rudely shaken after the events of 9/11. There was a sudden desire to know about Islam, Muslims, Jihad, and the beliefs of the Islamic people. The ignorance about the religion and belief, of those seven million people who live in the North American culture and a society, lead to fear, which coupled with the horrific events has resulted in paranoia.

So, why reach out to Muslims? There are many reasons - the main being the Great Commission, exhorting us to reach out to All Nations of the world. In North America and especially in the United States, there is a reticence in reaching out to anyone, let alone Muslims! We must understand that Islam is one of the fastest growing religions. In the United States, many would be surprised to know that the mother mosque in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was established in 1923! Nearly all major cities have sizeable populations of Islamic people from many different cultures and countries. Highly skilled professionals work in many offices and jobs that were once the domain of Anglos. The Muslim population permeates every aspect of society and though they are from different cultures and creeds, once they think that their religion is under attack, they will show solidarity under the umbrella of the Muslim Ummah.

Important Facts about Islam

Before attempting to reach out to Muslims, there are some important facts which must be known to those who want to evangelize the Muslims:

1. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. This is due to very aggressive and extremely well financed evangelism, coupled with a very high birth rate. The Muslims believe that a highly influential minority comes to North America for the sole purpose of evangelizing the 'decadent west.' They believe that spreading Islam validates a Muslim's departure from his own country to a western country with the intent of reviving and reforming the present Muslim community, as well as spreading Islam amongst the morally bankrupt western society.
   
2. Islam has more common ground with Christianity than any other religion although they do not want to admit it. Jesus is mentioned as the Word, the spirit, sinless, having the power to give life, and many other attributes. There is also mention of Bible characters, like Adam, Noah, Joseph, Mary, and Jonah, as well as of angels, the flood, and many other events from the Bible. This gives a common ground for evangelists to reach out to them.
   
3. Islam is the only world religion that challenges the authenticity of the Bible, claiming that it was corrupted and altered in such a way as to not show that Muhammad would be the final prophet. This is not found in the Koran, but Muslims are taught this and often use it as a first response in any debate or dialogue.
   
4. Islam uses all possible means to make converts around the world and the missionaries have highly developed skills. It would not be wrong to say that every mosque is a training center to some degree. Their missionary efforts are concentrated not only on the spiritual aspect but also politically and materially. The other method is to challenge the claims of Christianity by bringing attention to decadence in the North American society and comparing it to what is taught as Christian beliefs.
   
5. Islam also has a radical side, which is influenced by the Koran and the Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad). It is verses from these that incite Muslims to Jihad, as is evidenced by this quote: "If you choose to live here, you have a responsibility to deliver the message of Islam ----- Islam is not in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America and Islam is the only accepted religion on earth --- everything we need to know is in the Koran" ("San Ramon Valley Herald," July 4, 1998. Omar M. Ahmed, Chairman Council on American-Islamic Relation [CAIR]).
   

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