* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download Unveiling Islam - Knysna Baptist Church
International reactions to Fitna wikipedia , lookup
Sources of sharia wikipedia , lookup
Islamic democracy wikipedia , lookup
Islam and secularism wikipedia , lookup
Satanic Verses wikipedia , lookup
Soviet Orientalist studies in Islam wikipedia , lookup
Political aspects of Islam wikipedia , lookup
Islamic missionary activity wikipedia , lookup
Criticism of Twelver Shia Islam wikipedia , lookup
Islamic–Jewish relations wikipedia , lookup
Islam in Indonesia wikipedia , lookup
War against Islam wikipedia , lookup
Historicity of Muhammad wikipedia , lookup
Islam and Sikhism wikipedia , lookup
Islam and modernity wikipedia , lookup
Islam in Bangladesh wikipedia , lookup
Islam and war wikipedia , lookup
Criticism of Islamism wikipedia , lookup
Muhammad and the Bible wikipedia , lookup
Islam and violence wikipedia , lookup
Violence in the Quran wikipedia , lookup
Islamic culture wikipedia , lookup
Islam and Mormonism wikipedia , lookup
Schools of Islamic theology wikipedia , lookup
Origin of Shia Islam wikipedia , lookup
Unveiling Islam Taken from “Unveiling. A Christian Study Guide to Islam”, Barnabasfund In the local Knysna classifieds paper Islam is a complete way of life social, economic and political, which literally means ‘surrender’, ‘submission’, obedience to The Only One Absolute True God Almighty (Allah), so that we are in peace and tranquillity. One who gives him- or her-self voluntarily, surrendering, submitting in obedience, with sincerity to God – is called a Muslim. The name Islam has a universal meaning and is not named after a tribe or individual. Adam was the first to bring Islam to humanity and continuity of this just, equitable social order through the Messengers and Prophets of God. Without the Gospel of Jesus Christ there is no hope in this world. Eph 2 calls the believers to remember the time when they were separated from Christ, …, having no hope and without God in the world. Even the best meaning people in the world will be hopelessly without ‘peace and tranquility’. Adam was indeed the first to bring non-Christianity to humanity. And one of its fruits is certainly Islam. As the church of Jesus Christ, we need to unveil this Religion, to see it for what it is, so that those who are submitted (trapped) in it, will find freedom in the New Adam, Jesus Christ. “THE POWER AND LOVE” The difference between Islam and Muslims - To distinguish, even as we distinguish between our children and their false beliefs – we are to pray for our enemies, to be Light in the Dark World, as Jesus Christ, with His Attitude. 2Co 4:1-6 (1) Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. (2) But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. Fear? Love. - Our God is sovereign, and we are His children. ‘Do not fear those…’ - 2 greatest commandments: Love GOD, and NEIGHBOUR (the Samaritan) Preparation? The Armour of God. Our battle is not…, but is…. We stand firm by grounding ourselves in salvation, truth, faith, righteousness, the word, readiness to share, prayer. Understanding Islam is subservient to all these. (otherwise all you have are academic blobs) -1- 1. Week 1: History Islam claims that the final revelation from God to Christians and Jews was given to Muhammad, since the other scriptures have become distorted. Islam holds the final word on true religion and faith. The founder is Muhammad – a prophet (* a prophet must be a man, otherwise not a suitable prophet; hence Jesus had to be only a man). However Muslims don’t see Muhammad as FOUNDING Islam, but RESTORING it (after Adam introduced it!) 1.1. - Of Muhammad all we know are from Muslim records, 150+ years after death Read “Muhammad’s Story” – Islam by Malcolm Cunningham, 2008. Notice the setting of precedent. o In some ways, feel sympathy for him o But it highlights the plight of people without the Truth, and the fruit thereof! The violence seen in Islam clearly germinated here. Remember: - we’re not sure how much of this is historical. But it is their pattern for behaviour. - Muhammad sought Peace with intolerance – requires violence! - Contrast 1Pe 2:21-24 (21) For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (22) He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. (23) When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (24) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. - 1.2. Of Islam and the Crusades - successors (Caliphs) o 632-634 Abu Bakr – wanted it to spread beyond Arabia o 634 – 644 (assassinated) Umar o 644 – 656 (assassinated) Uthman o 656 Ali: civil war over his appointment for 5 years. 661 assassinated Minority Supporters: Shia. Main body: Sunni muslims o = “Golden Age!” the age of the 4 rightly guided Caliphs - Spread seen as holy war. Jihad. As they forced people to submit to Allah. By 750 from Spain/Morocco to India and China. Many killed for not submitting. - -2- - - 1100’s through Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand. Trade routes became muslim controlled. Slave traders. From 14C to 16C, Ottoman Empire expanded from Turkey into Europe, lasted 400 years. At its strongest, from Austria, Turkey, East Mediteranean, Algeria. Defeated in WW1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gth02BAd3G0 Crusades o 1096 retaliation of Christians. 9 crusades over 200 years. Success at first, but gradually lost, incl Jerusalem. Very violent time. Today, 25% world population = Muslim, less than 15% are Arabs. o 57 countries members of Organisation of ther Islamic Conference (OIC) – 2nd largest intergovernmental org in world after the UN. Extremely powerful, influential, offers political and economic benefits to its members. 1.3. - +- 30 muslim majority countries in Africa. 0.5 billion ppl. (half the continent) The gospel was in Africa before Islam! Simon of Cyrene, Pentecost, the Ethiopian eunuch. Mainly through sword trade – ivory, gold, slavery (E/ W coasts). To avoid slavery, many converted. Could retain their ATR religion and multiple wives. (and Muslims may not be slaves) migration – colonial strategy mission – ‘dawa’ SA: Ahmed Deedat, Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI), debating with Josh McDowel, Jimmy Swaggart 1.4. - In Africa Christian response Be aware of how Islam gains strength. Trade, business, politics, legal changes, mass migration, marriage, conversion, and violence and terrorism. Economic aid. Pray for wisdom, strength, protection. Be more involved in business, education, politics, media to represent Christianity. We cannot be sitting in the ‘dicky’ seat. Remember Christ! Matthew 28:18-20 – the spreading of His Kingdom. -3- 2. Week 2: Belief The most basic question of any faith is naturally, ‘What do you believe?’. 2.1. - - 3 dominant influences at the time. Christianity, Judaism, Paganism Similarity with Judeo-Christian belief. Shared stories and people from Bible. Creation, Hell, Judgement – but on closer inspection, very different. Especially about JESUS: only a man, not God, did not die on a cross. Some heretical sources floating at time of Muhammad. Note: mosque design – middle eastern churches at that time. Zoroastrian sources. Similarities like Muhammad’s visit into Heaven, paradies, black-eyed virgins, crescent moon and star (scholars think borrowed from Persians) Paganism – written in Ancient Arab rhyming style similar to that used by Arab fortune tellers. Ancient Arabians worshiped stones, spirits, many gods. Pilgrimage to the Meccan stone. Historians agree Kaaba was built as stone and wood building only a few decades after Muhammad’s birth. Beforehand, an open booth of branches where pagans used to worship and sacrifice. His pagan tribe and others used the stone as centre of worship. Mecca became new Jerusalem. Other pagan practices included within Islam. Animals still sacrificed at Mina, and stand at Arafat and run between 2 mountains as pagans did. Pagans used to offer sacrifices to their gods at Kabaa. Had to walk around calling the names of their gods (Muslims do this – the 99 names of Allah). All these traditions included in Islam, except the ‘many gods’. 2.2. - - - Influences on Variations of many divisions. Began 25 years after Muhammad. Caliph after Uthman: Ali? (Muhammad’s cousin, son-in-law, husband of Fathima) versus anyone from Quraysh tribe, elected by elders. Those who didn’t follow Ali – Sunni Muslims: 90% of Muslims. “Sharia law can never change” Those who did follow Ali – Shia Muslims. Majority in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain. “first Imams were sinless – cannot be questioned” No imam today, waiting for the one to return from 832AD. Sharia can be changed. Sufism – mystics (Suni or Shia). Long for personal, loving relationship with God – to feel close. Done through fasting, chanting, meditation. Dancing, spinning to enter trance. Follow saints (dead or alove) – protectors from evil, sources of supernatural power. Missionaries. Large impact on West. Folk Islam – dominated by fear of evil spirits. Witchcraft, sorcery, spells, charms, curses. Some worship ancestors. Visit fortune tellers etc Progressive – seek change, to be unpolitical. Human-rights, equality, freedom of religion – often threatened with violence by traditional Muslims. Radical Islam – within last 50 years growing movement to restore Islam to glory days. Seek to purify Islam, return to roots and -4- power.Aim for every country to be Muslim, under Sharia law. Jihad, terrorism, violence, coups. Mission, Aid. When peaceful dawa (mission) fails, violent jihad may be used. 2.3. “Theology” and Salvation Theology – 6 pillars of Faith.1 Belief in: 1. God a. is One (Tawhid. “There is no true deity deserving worship but God”) b. no equals or lesser gods c. 99 names to describe him (Father is not one of them (nor Son)) d. alone to be worshiped e. Sovereign control over all things – arbitrary fatalism. Men do not really have free will. f. CONTRAST the TRUTH i. The Holy Trinity. Jesus, Divine and Human. The Son of God ii. Sovereign control over all things – not the author of evil. Free will in bondage to sin through Adam. God predestines, calls, justifies, glorifies. 2. Angels a. All good & obedient, eventually die. Unseen. b. Not fallen – Those are Jinn – a separate creation of God c. Greatest = Gabriel – delivered revelation to Muhammad. d. 2They carry the throne of God, “I have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of God who carry the Throne. The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey” e. How many angels there are? Only God knows. The MuchFrequented House is a sacred heavenly sanctuary above the Kaaba, the black cube in the city of Mecca. Every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, followed by another group 3. Holy Books It always comes down to an argument of authority. We will visit this question next week, so we mustn’t spend too much time here today. a. The Quran itself, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. b. The Torah (Tawrah in Arabic) revealed to the Prophet Moses (different from the Old Testament read today). c. The Gospel (Injeel in Arabic) revealed to Prophet Jesus (different from the New Testament read in churches today). d. The Psalms (Zaboor in Arabic) of David. Quotes about their beliefs are from www.islamreligion.com – this website might differ from other Islamic teachings 2 www.islamreligion.com 1 -5- e. The Scrolls (Suhuf in Arabic) of Moses and Abraham. f. Important to note: the Quran confirms whatever is true in previous scriptures and rejects whatever alterations and changes human hands have made to them. “If we were to assume the law, that is the lawful and the prohibited, contained in the previous books did not suffer corruption, the Quran still abrogates those rulings, it cancels the old law which was suitable for its time and is no longer applicable today” g. CONTRAST: Is the NT corrupted? Impossibility! i. The power of God to protect His word to generations of believers ii. The evidence of manuscripts: - The New Testament has been preserved in more than 5,800 Greek manuscripts, 10,000 Latin manuscripts and 9,300 manuscripts in various other ancient languages including Syriac, Slavic, Ethiopic and Armenian.” Therefore more and more manuscripts are discovered as archaeologists have been digging up ancient ruins in search of their treasures. One amazing discovery led archaeologists to uncover 900 manuscripts, including OT texts, between 1947 and 1956. They were found in clay jars, hidden in eleven caves in and around the NW shore of the Dead Sea. These were composed between 150BC and 70AD, making them the oldest known existing manuscripts of the bible.3 Remember that the ‘visions’ to Muhammad were given in the 7th century. iii. Islam attacks the various versions of English Bibles and says “The Quran, on the other hand, is the only scripture in existence today in its original language and words”. BUT, Muhammad never wrote down his visions – he was illiterate. After his death, his followers wrote down his revelations. In truth, after committing his sayings to writing, there were conflicting teachings. One version was kept and the rest were burned. However, even the Muslim groups today have differing versions of the Quran (Sunni’s). - One incident that shed’s light is when Muhammad received a revelation that idol worship was OK, and then an update, which cancelled it. The claim was that Satan deceived him and inserted the verses without him knowing! iv. Actually a very poorly written book. Unintelligible, incomplete sentences, unfamiliar Arabic words, illogically 3 Bible Translations, Malcolm Cunningham -6- used pronouns, awkward grammar – toilsome and wearying to read, crude. v. One man! Versus 40 very different authors over 1500 years. Unified revelation. Impenetrable to discredit. vi. Conveniently, “ After the Quran, no more scriptures will be revealed by God. Just as the Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet, the Quran is the last scripture.” 4. Prophets (only Muhammad to be followed today) a. “We make no distinction between one another of His prophets”, i.e. Jesus no better than Muhammad. b. “God chose morally upright men to bear His message and pass it to humanity”…” They were the best in morals and they were mentally and physically fit, protected by God from falling into cardinal, major sins” (CONTRAST – David and Solomon) c. Muslims firmly believe the final prophet was the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, and there will be no prophet or messenger after him d. Regarding prophets - CONTRAST i. they were fully human with no divine attributes or power. …They did not have the power … to forgive sins [cf Lk 5:20-25] ii. They had no part in running the affairs of the universe. [cf Heb 1:1-3] iii. if one does follow their example, they would live a life in accordance to the Will of God, earning His Love and Pleasure 5. Day of Judgement “Everyone is scared of dying and rightly so” Interesting – salvation only a future-life concept. No doctrine of ‘salvation’ apart from Paradise. Everything is about earning entry to Paradise. A religion of works. Credit through these 6 pillars of faith, and 5(6) pillars of duties: - Declaring “I testify that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the apostle of God” - Prayer. Must be clean first, hands, head, face, teeth, beard, feet, toes. Rinse their nostrils out – for when they sleep, the devil lives in their nose. If they don’t their prayers will not be answered. o Face Mecca o 5 times a day. o In Arabic – many do not know what they’re saying o Friday prayers at Mosque accompanied by Imam’s teaching o Loudspeaker – declaration of faith, plus “come to prayer, come to success” and “prayer is better than sleep” - Fasting during Ramadan (9th month)– to remember Muhammads vision from Gabriel. No eating drinking smoking sex while the sun is up. At night – feasting, even until 2AM, rising early to eat before sunrise. (in some countries, fines or beating/imprisonment for breaking) -7- - - Giving – must at least give 2.5% Pilgrimage – if affordable. (12th month) – cubic structure, Kaaba. Pilgrimms circle 7 times, hopefully they can touch or kiss the black stone – worshipped by pagans before Muhammad’s time. (A Hajji is one who has made the pilgrimage) Jihad? Many scriptures glorify fighting for God and Islam (jihad) – growing number believe it is such an NB duty, therefore 6th pillar. The world divided into 2 – where Muslims rule (House of Islam), and where they do not rule (House of War). The Caliph was required to lead a war at least once a year. Paradise: a. Intermediate: The grave is a garden of paradise or a pit of hell; angels of mercy visit the souls of believers and angels of punishment come for the unbelievers. b. Afterwards, a resurrection and judgement based on deeds/ belief treated as such. The bridge over hell to paradise is religion (the Islamic one of course) i. Heaven: “eternal garden of physical pleasures and spiritual delights. Suffering will be absent and bodily desires will be satisfied. All wishes will be met. Palaces, servants, riches, streams of wine, milk and honey, pleasant fragrances, soothing voices, pure partners for intimacy; a person will never get bored or have enough” ii. Hell: “its inhabitants will remain in it forever. No one will come out of Hell except sinful believers who believed in the Oneness of God in this life and believed in the specific prophet sent to them (before the coming of Muhammad). The polytheists and unbelievers will reside in it forever.” 6. Divine Decree (fatalism) - God’s sovereign decree. - In Islamic doctrine every human act both in material and spiritual life is predestined o 4Man is hardly at all the cause of his own acts o Fatalism part and parcel of Arab religion before Muhammad – inevitable necessity, arbitrary sovereign power o Difference: predestination of ends, regardless of means. Illustration: A ship crowded with Englishmen and Mohammedans was ploughing through the waves. Accidentally one of the passengers fell overboard. The Mohammedans looked after him with indifference, saying, "If it is written in the book of destiny that he shall be saved, he shall be saved without us; and if it is written that he shall perish, we can do nothing"; and with that they left him. But the Englishmen said, "Perhaps it is written that we should save him." They threw him a rope and he was saved. Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, Boettner, CH26, compares Christian with Islamic predestination 4 -8- o Remember that Islam borrowed from Judaism and Christianity. And BTW they also have their ‘Arminians!’ o For a contrast, see http://www.ccel.org/ccel/boettner/predest.vi.iv.html, paragraph 4. Overall, Islam is lacking w.r.t. God’s fatherhood, love, the election in Christ. When Christ is removed, Predestination really is ugly. - Ultimately, however, no assurance, even if these duties are perfectly kept – though they have good reason to think Allah will be pleased. Some do believe that dying in Jihad go straight to Paradise. Contrast to True Faith o We are saved apart from the law, by righteousness credited by God through faith in Christ’s sacrifice. o We have assurance of this inheritance because of God’s sovereign election through Christ. o Eph 2:8-9 -9- 3. Authority Question from last week: Where was Muhammad buried? Medina – Saudi Arabia, in the “Mosque of the Prophet” “Muhammad's grave lies within the confines of what used to be his wife Aisha's and his house. During his lifetime it adjoined the mosque, which was expanded during the reign of Caliph al-Walid I to include his tomb.[3] Muhammad is buried next to the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar. Umar was gifted a spot next to Muhammad by his wife Aisha, which she had intended for herself. Muhammad's grave itself cannot be seen as the area is cordoned off by a gold mesh and black curtains. As per Islamic tradition, the grave itself is not embellished or decorated and is two cubits high. The grave is marked by an austere green dome above it, built by the Ottoman Turks. This dome has become universally emblematic of both the Muhammad himself, as well as the city of Medina. Muhammad's grave is an important reason for the particularly high sanctity of the mosque. Millions of visitors come to visit it every year because it is traditional to visit the mosque when going on the pilgrimage to Mecca.” Wikipedia 3.1. - Quran Most sacred book God’s final revelation to Muhammad – the “Messenger of God” (note Jesus – the Word of God) Message brought piece by piece over last 23 years. Repeated to followers – written down on leather, camel bone, stone, leaves, wood, bark. Only after death, collected into a single book. o When Uthman was Caliph – decided to collect into one book 650-656AD. All other version and bits destroyed. Distributed in kufic script – no vowels or punctuation. What they believe: - it is an exact copy, has existed forever. physical book holds power. a holy book – be sensitive when talking to Muslims about it. - never carried below waiste, placed on ground. special place in home set aside, never written in. wrapped in a cloth. Understanding it - Arabic – other translations ‘not true Quran’. Muslims memorise sections without knowing what it means. - 114 chapters = “Suras”, arranged by length, not order of reception - very directed towards the situations they found themselves in – for guidance – hard to apply to other circumstances. - contradictions: “Abrogation” – later revelations cancelled out earlier ones. – but 1) which ones came later? Muslim scholars argue over this. and 2) as years passed Muhammad became less tolerant and more warlike. therefore ‘peaceful’ parts are superceded by violent parts – if peaceful parts are quoted – are they still relevant? - 10 - What it says about OT & NT - genuine, but changed by Christians and Jews (scientifically there is more support for validity of Bible than Quran) Jesus Christ - “Isa” – prophet, born of virgin, miracles, sinless! - did not die on a cross, not the Son of God, not God - (Muhammad and miracles – none, except the Quran itself) Further reading: http://www.answeringislam.org/Responses/Azmy/mhd_miracles.htm 3.2. Traditions and Laws His Sunna - Muhammad’s way of life, words, actions – the perfect example of living. Trousers put on sitting down. Shoes put on – Right one first. Left off first. The Hadith - "Hadith" is a record of Mohammed's words and deeds according to his wives, relatives, and companions. - around 150years afterwards, gathered. Each scholar his own recorded – into a collection. long list of those who had passed the stories on. some considered more reliable than others. Sunni and Shia traditions are different! - second only to Quran. easier to understand. - see http://www.islamreview.com/articles/incredibleteachings.shtml - used for legal rulings and to interpret the Quran. Much law found in Hadith rather than Quran. e.g. Quran tells Muslims to pray. Hadith tell Muslims how often, what time, how to pray. - End times in the Haddith. o End times tribulations o Antichrist (Dajjal) will appear and cause corruption/oppression. Helped by Jews. A saviour, Mahdi, will appear to fight Dajjal, Jews and Christians, and restore Islam to glory. o Jesus will return as a muslim to help Mahdi. He breaks the cross, kills all pigs, converts Christians to Islam. All Jews are killed, no non-Muslims are left. Islamic world kingdom. o After victory, Jesus reigns with Mahdi for 40 years, marries, has children, dies, is buried as a Muslim next tp Muhammad. o Then a terrible beast ceomes from the earth and destroys the Kabaa. o Then the day of judgement where everyone is weighed for Heaven or Hell. Most Muslims will have to spend some time in hell to be purged. Sharia - the laws from the Quran and Hadith are the Sharia – explains what they can do/ is allowed (Halal) or forbidden (Haram) - Sunni’s – 4 versions of Sharia. - 11 - - Shia’s – 1 version of Sharia all of life directed: what to eat, marriage, treatment of women, education, business, medicine, inheritance, war, worship. It may have been ‘quite fair’ at the time in contrast to surrounding pagans, but it hasn’t changed for 12 centuries. against basic ‘human rights’, ;freedom’. death penalty for adultery and apostasy. hand removed for stealing. whipped for alcohol. Sharia and non-mulsims - heavy pressure on govts to add parts of sharia law. non-muslim majorities allowing muslim minorities to live by different legal system – Canada, Kenya, Uganda, UK, RSA. In Nigeria, provinces with majority Muslim rule have Sharia. - oppression of non-muslims in muslim countries. hard to get examination passes, jobs, promotions. second class citizens. permits for churches, repairs difficult. no Christian worship allowed (compare the complaint if they are not allowed to worship in non-Muslim countries) Taqiyya - allowed to lie for several reasons. first used when their lives were in danger – to save their lives. later it became acceptable to lie to protect not just life but property and honour. It is especially permitted if it is good for Muslims and Islam. - Quran: says it’s allowed - Hadith says it’s allowed for o a man to lie to please his wife o to bring peace between quarrelling groups o in war Muslims feel it is OK to lie to non-Muslims about things like Islam, its history, their plans to spread islam., statements that it is a religion of peace, all faiths treated fairly. Lying – encouraged. 2:58 on follow up 1 - 12 - 4. Culture Enter into the world of Islam and Give thanks for your Liberty in Christ, and Grow concern and pity for your Muslim neighbour. 4.1. Character Just as with Christianity – Islam is intended to affect all aspects of life. Difference: a code of written law (Sharia); versus the law of God written on hearts Christianity, then, is also multi-cultural; whereas Islam is restricted to a culture: what to eat, how to be educated, how to slaughter animals, treat women (possessive), bank money, dress. seen in that even ‘non-religious’ muslims still enact Islamic customs as part of their culture. Islam – combined religion, civilisation, nationality, culture, identity. Govt & Religion inseparable. All or nothing. Muslims feel that they belong to a wider ‘Islamic nation’ (remember, ‘house of peace’ vs ‘house of war’) – also quick to come to the aid of other muslims around the world. Their identity as Muslims is tied up in their dress, speaking, rituals etc (Contrast Christianity – what is our identity?) Honour and Shame - HONOUR, DIGNITY, REPUTATION – the most important things in their lives. - criticism is an insult, esp before others. - gain respect through: generosity, 5 pillars, obedient & modest wife, obedient children, avenged insults on family or Islam. If not, have failed, worthy of public shame. o (may not be truly there, but vital to be portrayed on the outside, in order to be acceptable) - Honour can be more important than logic, facts, life itself – therefore will do anything, go any length, to guard that honour. If honour is lost, it must be avenged at all costs, otherwise they will be dishonoured forever. o explains why family members will be killed even though loved – so that the family will not be disgraced e.g. a muslim woman who runs away to refuse arranged marriage will be pursued and killed, to punish and avenge the shame that they suffer for her disobedience ( all it takes is one person in the family to resent this and make it known to the community – community which feeds honour – Joh_12:43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.) o family honour very much based on behaviour of the women – to dress and behave properly. hence heavily controlled by men. any disobedience must be punished to save honour. o see how hard it is to become converted to any other religion – the greatest possible shame on a family! A traitor ti the Islamic Nation. - 13 - - (Contrast: how is a Christian different – liberated from this? Rom 12:19, 1 Pet 2:23) Constant Fear - Do not believe in a personal, loving, faithful God who will protect and care for them. He is ‘merciful’ – at arms length, and He will not guarantee His love. Distant and Unpredictable. Therefore there is much ground for constant fear. Fatalistic, don’t believe they have any control over their lives. Fear death, evil spirits, shame, hell, curses, catastrophes. - (Contrast Christianity – God’s love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18, There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. ) Blaming Non-Muslims - many claim that non-Muslims everywhere in the world are plotting to humiliate, dominate, exploit and manipulate them. Irony is that this is exactly what their religion has done to them. o cf Tim’s testimony: Local Imam claiming the missionaries were there to make them Christians (western colonialism, and immorality). The local chief wrote a letter saying, impossible: the one thing we are convinced of – they love God and their Neighbour. - on one hand blaming others for all troubles, on the other hand very sensitive about their own. special treatment/ compensation, e.g. apologies for Crusades, though it was centuries ago, insitgated by the Muslims, and won by the Muslims. o from roots of Islam – distrust of anyone who isn’t a Muslim. Victim mentality inculcated from young age. - (discuss: How sensitive should Christians be about their religion?) Islamic Nation (Umma) - more loyal to Umma than own country – to be defended at all costs – even by Jihad. - Men feel the necessity to get involved with Islamic wars in conflicts around the world. Reverence for Muhammad - though a man, disrespect for Muhammad is as blasphemy. “may Allah bless him and grant him peace” - (Pakistan: death penalty for disrespect of Muhammad) - Danish cartoon, 2005 – Christian minorities in Muslim countries injured, even killed. (cf issue of honour) 4.2. Women Family - place in the home. produce sons for husband, care for them, do housework - 14 - under protection and control of male relative strict families: needs permission to visit mother or sisters. may not go on her own. - may not talk/ toucha male not a relative (never greet or handshake with an unknown man) - in socials, often gather in different rooms - reason: lacking in intelligence, morals, religion - a source of sexual temptation - muhammad said, “most people in hell are women” Clothing - covered from neck to ankle, wrists. hair too. some cultures include face, hands, feet. Legally - inferior to men, few rights and freedoms - sharia gives them half value of men (2 female witnesses = 1 male witness; inherit only half what the brother does; compensation for injury half of what man gets) Marriage - a god-given duty. singleness means punishment for sin - a contract – dowry paid for exclusive rights to woman’s body. - concerns joining 2 families together, not just 2 people – hence arrangement. they may refuse, but it brings great shame – hardly ever happens. often related famlies – second cousins etc. - 4 wives at a time. must treat all 4 the same. may beat them if they are disobedient. - Muhammad, their perfect example, married a 6 year old, and consummated the marriage at 9 years. - A Muslim man may marry a Christian woman! very encouraged as a way to spread Islam – sometimes even rewarded with money. (pastors daughters are worth more!) - Rape disallowed, but some justify it as Jihad if it is a Christian woman/ non-muslim woman. - Divorce - a disgrace for an unhappy or abused Muslim wife to leave her husband. to retain honour, the family will do all they can to make her rejoin the husband. Honour more important than happiness. Increases the number of trapped abused women. - it is easy for a man to divorce the woman (Sharia law) “I divorce you” – 3 times before a witness. harder for a woman to divorce her husband – will probably be rejected by her family (dishonour) and have nowhere to go. The children belong to the husband. On divorce, children given to ex husband. On death, widow gives children to his relatives. Some cultures have temporary marriages, muta. (1 hour to 99 years) – therefore he can sleep with a prostitute without breaking any laws, because she is his wife for a few hours. then he divorces her. Spiritual duties - 5 pillars of Islam - few to mosque – should pray at home (or pray in a separate place in the mosque – not seen or heard by men - 15 - - little knowledge of Quran, though well versed with judgement day and that more women will be in hell. Live in fear. Contrast: Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 4.3. - Non Muslims Types of non-Muslims: People-of-the-book (Judeo-Christian), Pagans (many gods), Apostates Then - Conquered non-muslims were treated differently based on what type they were o pagans had to be wiped out by conversion or killing. o people-of-the-book allowed to continue their faith as long as submitting to Muslim rule, paying special tax (jizya). treated harshly, inferior. ‘dhimmis’ o apostates killed. and Now - disadvantaged, like under Sharia in earlier times - Sometimes govt restrict Christians – public worship, or even private. (Saudi Arabia). If not govt, then personal authorities: arrested, tortured, even killed – for no law breaking but just because the police and judges are against them. main targets: church leaders, evangelists, converts from Islam. - sometimes extremists stir up hatred and bring false claims against Christians. Even in places like Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uganda, Kenya, extremists have urged mobs to attack Christians. Why it is so - the later more violent verses cancel out the earlier peaceful verses (abrogation). Muhammad said the Christians and Jews must’ve changed their scriptures, otherwise they would’ve accepted him as the final prophet. - 17 times a day, praying to god to not let them be like those who have earned God’s anger, or those who have gone astray. Many are taught that those who earned his anger are Jews, and those who have gone astray are Christians. No surprise they begin to depise. - contrast: Luk 18:11-14 - (11) The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.(12) I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'(13) But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'(14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." - Quran and hadith forbit friendship/ greeting with Christians - 16 - - Impose their understanding of culture/religion on West and Christianity – equate Hollywood with Christianity, and war on terror as Christianity violently against Islam 5. Conclusion Eyes opened? Enter into the world of Islam and Give thanks for your Liberty in Christ, and Grow concern and pity for your Muslim neighbour. - 17 -