How to Share the Gospel with a Muslim
When was the last time you heard someone really long for the salvation of a friend or countryman? Do you remember what that yearning sounded like? I wonder – did it sound anything like the following?
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.
In this way, the apostle Paul expressed his breaking heart for the lost sheep of Israel (Romans 10:1-2). But couldn’t this yearning also be felt for Muslims? Many Muslims are equally zealous for Allah, the god of Islam, but their zeal goes for naught because they do not know God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
How can Christians help Muslims find the true God, so that they too may have the hope of eternal salvation through Jesus? How can we sensitively and effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to our Muslim friends and acquaintances?
What Causes Muslims to Turn to Christ?
I believe that the grace of God made possible my conversion from Islam to the truth of Christianity, but I am convinced that God chooses to engage followers of Jesus Christ in the process of planting, tending, and reaping the harvest of souls. I believe that God led me, as a Muslim, to the cross of Jesus Christ through the following four areas, four areas critical to the salvation of other Muslims, as well.
1. Your Prayer
Never underestimate the fervent, effectual prayer of the righteous. It really does “avail much” (James 5:16)! I genuinely believe that a Christian like you prayed that God would save a Muslim in Bangladesh, even possibly prayed that God would give a Muslim in Bangladesh a dream that would lead him to the truth. As a result, I am here today professing faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer is an essential tool in leading a Muslim to Christ, for it is not we who draw them, but the Holy Spirit Himself who draws them to the truth. The importance and power of prayer cannot be overstated.
After I became a Christian, I faithfully prayed that my family would believe on Christ too; now, several years later, three of my family members in Bangladesh have trusted Christ. I continue to pray for the rest of them, that they all may come to know our Lord and Savior.
How should we pray for Muslims? Jesus said, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2). Many Muslims are seeking and ready to receive the gospel, but they have never had the opportunity to hear it. We should pray for workers to go and bring these seeking Muslims into the family of God.
We must also realize, however, that prayer for Muslims involves spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 tells us “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and is already doing so through the vehicle of Islam, but Jesus has overcome and He wants Muslims to know eternal life through Him.
God already has used dreams and visions to prepare the hearts of many Muslims to hear the gospel of Jesus. Pray that dreams like these would continue and that they would be a catalyst to salvation for many. Pray that God would bring opportunities in your path to share the love and truth of Christ with a Muslim friend.
2. Your Example
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Jesus emboldens us to follow this command, for our ultimate aim in life is to glorify God.
I cannot express how powerful to a Muslim is the example of a Christian committed to serving God. Simply seeing the morality and joy of one called a follower of Jesus speaks volumes to Muslims.
Muslims often have a skewed perception of what a Christian is; they often associate Christianity with the ungodly things done by those claiming to be “Christian,” or they mistakenly assume someone is a Christian by default. In Islamic countries, there is no “separation of church and state” as commonly understood in the United States. Actions allowed and promoted by the government are consistent with Islamic law. Hence, many Muslims, especially those living outside of the Western world, assume that the same is true elsewhere, and that therefore the United States must be a Christian country that promotes Christian beliefs and practices, and that most of the people living here are “Christian.” In other words, many Muslims equate American with Christian; therefore everything American must also be Christian, including its films, music, media, etc.
Even before talking about Jesus with a Muslim, living a godly life in front of your Muslim friend will impact him or her in an amazing way. As one Christian song states, “You’re the only Jesus some will ever see.” Seeing a godly marriage and family in which loving and serving God and others remains the central concern will spark interest and curiosity in the mind of a Muslim. Deep down, they long for the personal relationship with God that makes living a godly life possible.
The religion of Islam is very much a works-based religion. Many Muslims feel driven by their fear of not acquiring enough good works to enable them to enter heaven. Consequently, they feel anxious and pressured.
While it is true that a godly life will speak loudly to Muslims, it is also true that a lifestyle not fully submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ will leave Muslims disinterested and disenchanted. If we are going to witness for Christ, it is imperative that our lifestyle match our words, for too often Muslims get turned off by the hypocrisy of Christians who say one thing and do another. Many Muslims are generally moral people, with values similar to our own. So if they do not see at least the same level of morality in us as in them, what will attract them to Christ? We would be doing a disservice to the message of Christ by our sloppy spiritual lives.
While we will still make mistakes—becoming a Christian does not mean that we stop being humans—Muslims must see the power of God working through lives fully submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, not only will a godly example impact Muslims, but so will a genuine, Christ-like love.
3. Your Love
Jesus gave us two central commands: to love God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (see Matthew 22:37-40). It is amazing how abundantly this love can flow from God to us to others—when we allow it to.
God’s love for mankind is equally extended to Muslims. We must pray that God will give us the same heart for them that He has, that we will want to develop friendships with Muslims and eventually to share with them the hope and joy found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Muslims must see that our love is genuine and that it will continue to flow whether or not they choose to accept our faith. We must love unconditionally, as the Father loves us.
Dr. William Miller, missionary to Muslims in the Middle East, related a moving story of the effectiveness of Christian love. “It was Mr. Wilson’s tears that led me to become a Christian,” stated Abbas, a Muslim cleric in Iran. Abbas went to visit Mr. Wilson, a missionary in his area, several times to discuss Christian doctrine, not with the intent of becoming a Christian, but to humiliate the missionary by arguing the superiority of Islam. While Mr. Wilson patiently tried to explain the common misunderstandings Muslims have about Christianity and to respond to the arguments Abbas presented, the Muslim cleric proudly objected, feeling triumphant in defeating the missionary until, to his surprise, he saw the missionary begin to weep.
Years later, Abbas would explain that, “Mr. Wilson came here, he talked with me and argued with me, but I felt I had overcome him, and I was feeling very proud of myself. Then that man of God felt so sorry for me in my unbelief and pride that he began to weep. His tears did for me what his arguments did not do. They melted my heart, and I believed and became a Christian. Later I was baptized.” (Miller, A Christian’s Response to Islam, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., 1976, 125-127.)
God used the power of the gospel and the missionary’s heartfelt love to draw this Muslim and his entire family to faith in Christ.
4. Your Witness
While God alone can grant eternal salvation, I believe that God gives followers of Jesus Christ the privilege to witness for Him on this earth. As Saint Francis of Assisi stated, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”
Our lifestyle must present the message of the gospel before our words speak it aloud. After you address the areas of your prayer, example, and love, then is the time to verbally offer your witness.
Share with your Muslim friend not only the message of the gospel and how he or she can find assurance of salvation in Christ, but report what God has done personally in your own life. While Muslims can try to discount what the Bible says, they cannot refute your own experience; and all people, deep down, hunger for the kind of hope, joy, and peace you have through a personal relationship with God in Christ.
Beyond these four general suggestions about how to share the gospel with a Muslim friend, consider a few practical “do’s” and “don’ts” about the most effective strategy to use in discussing your Christian faith with a Muslim.
A Few Do’s
1. Develop Friendships
Muslims are hospitable people. They want to see the same extension of friendship from you, so show Muslims your true friendship. How? You can show your Christian love by reaching out in many ways. Invite them to social activities and to your church fellowship, and if you feel comfortable, invite them into your home. Develop genuine relationships with your Muslim friends.
Followers of Islam live all around us, in our places of work, in our neighborhoods, on our university campuses, and just about everywhere else. Many Muslims, especially new immigrants to America, long to build friendships with Americans. When bonds of trust are established, Muslims are much more willing to listen and respect what you have to say.
After you have developed a friendship, listen for and be sensitive to the spiritual and physical needs of your Muslim friend. These needs often reveal an opportunity to show Christian love and to witness for Christ.
2. Respect Your Muslim Friend
Respect Muslims as people and respect their religion. Try to see them as God sees them, as people He loves, but who remain lost without the truth of Jesus Christ.
Consider Paul’s tactics with the unbelievers in Acts 17. Paul respected the Greeks in Athens by concurring that they were very religious, that they even had an altar “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.” Paul took this opportunity to explain who this “unknown God” really was. Instead of initially attacking their misunderstanding of worshiping many gods, Paul gently took them from their current understanding and proclaimed the truth about the Creator, the Lord of heaven and earth, and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Additionally, with the current tragedy of Islamic extremist terrorism, it is important that we do not stereotype all Muslims as terrorists. Not all Muslims are terrorists, and not all terrorists are Muslim. Instead, respect the beliefs of your Muslim friends, get to know them individually, and value them as people. You will see a much better response from Muslims if they see that you genuinely respect them.
3. Share Your Personal Testimony
Be prepared to describe what God has done in your own life. Most Muslims long for a personal connection with God, but they do not think it is possible. Be a witness for Christ by giving your testimony about what Jesus has done in and for you. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
Although Muslims often argue when issues of faith are discussed, I have found that sharing a personal testimony leaves an impact that arguments cannot. Muslims may try to attack Christian doctrine, but they cannot counter personal experience. Just as the blind man Jesus healed gave testimony: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25), so also we can relate to Muslims areas of God’s faithfulness in our own lives.
Usually Muslims will argue with me about doctrinal issues, but they are speechless in response to my personal testimony. Don’t underestimate the significance of your testimony.
4. Be Knowledgeable about Islam
Christians must emphasize the unique elements of the gospel message. But in order to claim that Christianity offers the truth and the “best deal,” one must become familiar with other faiths, otherwise no effectual comparison can be made. Believers in Jesus Christ must have at least a general understanding of the teaching of Islam and the Muslim mind-set if they are going to effectively witness to Muslims.
I vividly remember how Peter, the man who led me to Jesus, was familiar with Islam and my spiritual struggles as a Muslim. Therefore, he was effective in communicating the gospel to me.
A Few Don’ts
1. Don’t Argue about Allah, the Trinity, or Jesus as the Son of God
While debates between the Muslim and Christian positions have spurred discussion and interest, there is also a danger in such activities.
Remember, Jesus loved those who murdered Him! It is essential that we too love and pray for those who oppose the gospel, rather than respond to them with contempt. Consider a few suggestions regarding how to sensitively tailor your methods of conversation in order to most effectively meet your Muslim friend’s needs.
First, don’t refer to Allah as a false or pagan god. This will immediately bring a barrier in your witness. In the mind of a Muslim, the term “Allah” does not refer to an idol, but to the Creator of heaven and earth. Instead of arguing about this term, acknowledge the truth that there is only one God (as Muslims would readily agree). Explain to your Muslim friend the nature of God as you understand Him. Communicate what God means to you.
Second, don’t waste time arguing about the Trinity, as your argument will rarely cause a Muslim to believe. The Trinity is a doctrine that requires faith to accept. Instead, pray for your Muslim friend to have the faith to believe, and focus your conversation on the person and purpose of Jesus.
Third, don’t initially refer to Jesus as the Son of God. This terminology brings a barrier and confusion for many Muslims and can be explained later.
2. Don’t Attack Mohammed or Islam
Don’t attack your Muslim friend’s belief in the prophet Mohammed or Islam. Muslims are taught to believe that their religion is the final and best religion. Hence, their religion and revered prophet are very dear to most Muslims. While you may not agree, respect their beliefs yet without compromising your own convictions.
3. Don’t Presume You Know Their Beliefs
Don’t presume that you know what your Muslim friend believes. Not all Muslims follow orthodox Islam, and your Muslim friend may have a different understanding of his or her own religion. Ask your friend thought-provoking questions. Muslims are usually more than happy to talk about Allah, and this brings an opportunity for discussion about your beliefs, as well.
Don’t even presume that you know who the Muslims are. Contrary to the stereotype often communicated in the American media, not all Muslims are Arab, nor are they all terrorists. Actually, less than 20 percent of all Muslims come from the Middle East, and the four largest Islamic nations by population—Indonesia (141 million), Pakistan (94 million), Bangladesh (84 million), and India (82 million; 11 percent of the nearly 1 billion population are Muslim)—are not even in this region of the world. (Anis Shorrosh, Islam Revealed: A Christian Arab’s View of Islam, Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1988, 41-42)
In America, many of these Muslims hold professional jobs, strive to raise God-fearing families, and love their home country, the United States. While a percentage of the Muslim world carries hostilities against America for its governmental policies and pro-Israeli stance, not all Muslims practice jihad or holy war against non-Muslims. Most view jihad as a struggle to better oneself and one’s society, and do not view aggression as a necessary part of their faith unless it comes in their own defense.
4. Don’t Forget to Pray
It is crucial when ministering to a Muslim that you remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to guide you into every word and action (or to refrain there from).
And don’t be afraid to pray in front of your Muslim friend! Many Muslims don’t think Christians pray. I know that might sound ludicrous, but honestly, as a Muslim, I doubted whether they did. As a Muslim, I prayed faithfully five times a day, yet nothing in the information I had acquired about Christians led me to believe that Christians prayed as well, or that their faith in God impacted their life in the least. So I felt amazed one day when I saw a Christian praying over his food. I thought he must be very righteous to pray even over his meal!
While Muslims are required to pray at least five times a day, their prayers differ tremendously from a Christian’s prayer, mainly because they pray out of obligation, and they may not feel a closeness to God or receive answers to prayer.
Prayer is the key to preparing both yourself and the hearts of Muslims, whether here in the United States or abroad, many of whom live in societies that seldom have opportunity to even hear the good news of the gospel.
Condensed from Chapter 21 in Dr. Sarker’s book Understand My Muslim People
Dr. Abraham Sarker
Former Muslim and Founder/Executive Director of Gospel For Muslims
To order Dr. Sarker’s book, Understand My Muslim People, click here.