Have you ever wondered just what it is that separates the Islamic religion from Christianity? I have; especially lately. I have been wondering about this lately, because I have a friend that is Christian, but her husband is Muslim. We were talking one day about the difficulties that presents for their marriage. I cannot begin to fathom having a mixed- belief marriage, and one that seems so at odds with one another. So I have been doing some research on the subject. I still am, by far, quite ignorant about the Muslim religion, but here are some things I have learned.
I learned a while back that the origins of both "races"- Jews and Muslims came from the same man. Father Abraham. That the Jews were, as we know descended from Isaac. And the Muslims (Meccans) were descended from Ishmael. What makes this so interesting to me, is that I place myself in the proverbial shoes of Ishmael, and think about his lot in life. For thirteen years, he is thought of as the heir to all the promises that were for Abram's descendents. Can you imagine, how it must have felt to know that though he was the first born, he was not the heir after all, and in fact was to later be banished from his father's household? The bible does give us some of this story in Genesis 21:9-10,14-16. I cannot imagine such a thing, except through the narrative that the bible provides. I cannot imagine such a sense of rejection, maybe? And perhaps abandonment? But whatever Ishmael felt, we know very little about it, for certain. I just find that interesting.Now we all know that Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism. That in fact the Messiah was part of their promise first, and then for the Gentiles was it given as well. Now when you look back, you might begin to see the beginnings of the enmity between the Jewish people and the people would later become what we call Muslims.
I've also wondered just what the Qur'an says about Jesus. I had heard that some say he was "just a prophet" no higher than Muhammad himself. Muhammad was the founder of modern day Islam. He was born 1400 years ago (approx 600 yrs after Jesus.) He was a very righteous man and believed that Allah (God) had revealed the Torah and the gospels. He had learned of both the Jewish books, and the Christian bible. (All the letters, etc. had been canonized by now.)
"ALLAH is HE besides Whom there is none worthy of worship, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. HE has sent down to thee the Book containing the truth and fulfilling that which precedes it; and HE has sent down the Torah (Law of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guidance to the people; and HE has sent down the Discrimination (judgement between right and wrong)." -- Qur'an, Surah 3:3-4
I have learned recently that the struggle with Muslims to believe in Jesus as the Messiah comes from, perhaps, some misinterpretation of their own Qur'an.
"Thereupon she pointed to him. They said, 'How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' Jesus said, 'I am a servant of ALLAH. HE has given me the Book, and has made me a Prophet; 'And HE has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me Prayer and almsgiving so long as I live; 'And HE has made me dutiful towards my mother, and has not made me arrogant and graceless; 'And peace was on me the day I was born, and peace will be on me the day I shall die, and the day I shall be raised up to life again.' That was Jesus, son of Mary. This is a statement of the truth concerning which they entertain doubt." -- Qur'an, Surah 19:30-35
In calling Jesus a messenger, Muhammad was also correct. He did not mean that Jesus was not the Messiah. Muhammad knew that one could be a messenger and not be a Messiah… but as The Messiah, one is also a messenger.
Jesus was both a messenger and The Messiah that Allah had promised! What is a Messiah? A Messiah is always known as "a Saviour… a liberator and a deliverer." God had promised to send one (Messiah) to pay the debt of sin for all mankind. Excerpt from ChristianAnswers.net
Now, how to witness to Muslims with this information? As of yet, I do not know, but I will be praying on this. I do not think it is in my calling to minister to Muslim men, as that would not bode well, I think, considering their cultural views of women, but I will be praying about how I can continue to minister to my Christian friends that are married to Muslim men. Please pray with me. Any Muslims reading this, please see Surah 3:38-48 regarding who Jesus was for you, as well as for me.
--Lord, I pray for discernment from You. That You may give me the words and the wisdom to know how to use them. I pray for my friend and the marriage that is blessed by You, despite the seemingly difference in beliefs. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
Picture of Qur'an from http://www.aldunya.net/
Picture of Holy Bible from http://www.uxbridgenazarene.com/Bible.jpg
