FAITH & COMMON SENSE: 5 THINGS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ISLAM

In a sad state of affairs, many "so called" Muslim countries have constitutionally banned the preaching of any faith that does not fit into their definition of Islam. 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | Articles
Source & Credit: Chicago Islam Examiner
By Qasim Rashid | Chicago, IL


The truth is that every one of these items can be an entire article in and of itself.  Perhaps in the future we will tackle these matters in more detail.  For now, we present a brief synopsis addressing some crucial facts about Islam that every Christian should know.



: Islam does not teach or command Muslims to kill Christians as 'infidels.'
On the contrary, Muslims are commanded to protect Christians as well as their places of worship.  The Holy Qur'an declares:

"Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is God’ — And if God did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of God is oft commemorated. And God will surely help one who helps Him. God is indeed Powerful, Mighty —(22:41)

The reader will notice that Muslims are commanded to protect all people who have been persecuted for their religion, as well as to protect the places of worship of all people.  In fact, Mosques are mentioned last, thereby establishing that a Muslims's first duty is to protect the sanctity of other religions first.


: Islam accepts the Bible to be a true Book of God.

Yes, it is true!  The Holy Qur'an acknowledges the truth of the Torah and the Gospel. The Qur'an declares,

He has sent down to thee the Book containing the truth and fulfilling that which precedes it; and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel. (3:4)

and again:

“And He will teach him the Book and the Wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; (3:49)

To be a Muslim, one must recognize the truth of previous scriptures God has revealed to mankind.  It must be pointed out, however, that Islam does not endorse that these books were kept in their pristine and original form.  As history has shown, there have been changes and abrogations made to these holy books of God.  For the sake of brevity we will leave the matter here, but suffice it to say, Islam celebrates the Holy Bible.


: Islam fully endorses preaching Christianity to Muslims.

In a sad state of affairs, many "so called" Muslim countries have constitutionally banned the preaching of any faith that does not fit into their definition of Islam.  However, when we study the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we find that nothing could be further from the truth.  A most famous incident in history occurred when a Christian delegation from Najhran came to see about his claim of Prophet-hood.

This delegation became the honored guests of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and spent several days in his company.  They asked him questions about Islam as well as preached their faith of Christianity.  Rather than oust, oppress, or God forbid threaten them, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gladly offered his very own mosque to his Christian guests to perform their Sunday worship.

In short, as Islam teaches "there is no compulsion in religion," (2:257), Islam forbids that a Christian, or person of any faith, be stopped from peacefully practicing and preaching their faith, even to Muslims.


: Islam honors Mary Mother of Jesus (peace be upon him) with unmatched love.
In regards to Mary Mother of Jesus (pbuh), the Holy Qur'an declares,

And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah has chosen thee and purified thee and chosen thee above the women of all peoples.(3:43)


The verse speaks for itself.  In fact, even the prescribed dress that Muslim women are encouraged to wear (i.e. loose clothing, scarf, etc.) is in exact accordance with the practice of Mary.  She is a model beloved of God which Muslim women strive to become.  Islam also affirms the virgin birth of Christ. (3:48)


: Islam honors Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) as a beloved servant of God Almighty.
You might have already figured this one out by now.  In regards to Jesus (pbuh), the Holy Qur'an declares,

When the angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah gives thee glad tidings of a word from Him; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honored in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness to God; (3:46)

Again, the verse speaks for itself.  Jesus was the Messiah, honored in this world and the next.  One cannot be a true Muslim without having true and sincere love for Jesus Christ (peace be upon him).  A point of note is that Islam recognizes Jesus (pbuh) as a beloved Prophet and servant of God, not God Himself.  This belief is based on the Holy Bible as well as the Holy Qur'an.


We will expand on each of these concepts in the future.  Hopefully, these brief insights have helped our Christian friends gain a more thorough understanding of Islam.  Indeed, Islam seeks to build ties of brotherhood among mankind - never to destroy them.



Qasim Rashid is a contributing member of Majlis Sultanul Qalm, USA (MSQ USA) and regularly writes for Examiner.com and various other publications on topics ranging from Islam to human rights. Leave your thoughts and comments, or email Qasim at 1muslim.examiner@gmail.com