Historian shares how Islam really began

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Matthias

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Muslim women wear jewelry. @Debp do you wear jewelry?


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Would you wear a necklace like this one when evangelizing Muslims?

Why or why not?
 

WHO ME

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I had heard that the catholic church had a hand in the start of islam, so looking into it I had wondered about how the.nuns were covered much like a burqa and found out there were (atleast at one time) catholic nuns who also had a mesh over their faces and wore gloves to cover their hands so that from head to toe they were fully covered.. since God never says anything about that I thought it was interesting
 

Debp

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Muslim women wear jewelry. @Debp do you wear jewelry?


View attachment 86177

Would you wear a necklace like this one when evangelizing Muslims?

Why or why not?
I don't wear jewelry anymore because I am basically homebound since I don't walk too well anymore.

But when I spent Christmas last year with my dear Muslim raised friends, yes I did wear a cross. And I gave several pieces of heirloom jewelry to their daughter who I've known since she was a baby. They always loved my mom (now deceased) and myself very much. So I like to identify as a Christian. And I've always tried to help them through these many years.

You can pray for Lopa and her husband and daughter. Her husband is also going through a serious issue right now too.


I had heard that the catholic church had a hand in the start of islam, so looking into it I had wondered about how the.nuns were covered much like a burqa and found out there were (atleast at one time) catholic nuns who also had a mesh over their faces and wore gloves to cover their hands so that from head to toe they were fully covered.. since God never says anything about that I thought it was interesting
Islam started with Mohammed meeting what he thought was an angel in a cave.
 

Debp

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Have you ever visited a mosque?
No but when I used to walk well I often walked past a mosque on the way to the market. The men would be all over the sidewalk and I had to zig zag to get around them.

Should Christian men evangelize Muslim women? Should Christian women evangelize Muslim men?
I think it depends on the age of the people involved and each individual circumstance. And leading of the Holy Spirit.

I'm about 20 years older than my friend's husband (who is also my dear friend). And also I always felt the Lord gave me a single calling and I minored in missions...so I am comfortable around Sam. Also he isn't a dogmatic Muslim...he was just raised in a Muslim country.
 

Matthias

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I don't wear jewelry anymore because I am basically homebound since I don't walk too well anymore.

But when I spent Christmas last year with my dear Muslim raised friends, yes I did wear a cross. And I gave several pieces of heirloom jewelry to their daughter who I've known since she was a baby. They always loved my mom (now deceased) and myself very much. So I like to identify as a Christian. And I've always tried to help them through these many years.

The necklace I asked about isn’t just a cross. It’s a Jerusalem cross, the symbol of the Crusades. It has connotations for a Muslim that a “regular” cross doesn’t.

Wearing a Jerusalem cross while evangelizing a Muslim is a very bad idea. I’ve seen people make that mistake; mostly out of ignorance. The evangelism ended before it started. It never had a chance of succeeding.

You can pray for Lopa and her husband and daughter. Her husband is also going through a serious issue right now too.


I’ll be sure to do that.
 
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Debp

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I’ll be sure to do that.
Thank you. And for salvation for their household. As you know, perhaps some Muslims are receptive to the Christian faith, but it's hard for them to say they aren't a Muslim. But with God all things are possible.
 
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Matthias

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No but when I used to walk well I often walked past a mosque on the way to the market. The men would be all over the sidewalk and I had to zig zag to get around them.

I have. The service was segregated. Men and boys in one room; women, girls, and babies in a different room. I was able to speak with the men and boys, not with the women and girls.

I think it depends on the age of the people involved and each individual circumstance. And leading of the Holy Spirit.

I think it’s a bad idea for Christian men to evangelize Muslim women and for Christian women to evangelize Muslim men. There might be isolated instances where it could be successful but the Islamic culture is constructed in such a way that makes it difficult.

I'm about 20 years older than my friend's husband (who is also my dear friend). And also I always felt the Lord gave me a single calling and I minored in missions...so I am comfortable around Sam. Also he isn't a dogmatic Muslim...he was just raised in a Muslim country.

That might an example of an isolated instance where evangelism of a Muslim man could be successful. How hard have you nudged in the direction of Christianity?
 

Debp

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That might an example of an isolated instance where evangelism of a Muslim man could be successful. How hard have you nudged in the direction of Christianity?
I've planted seeds throughout the years. When we thought Sam had a brain tumor many years ago, I talked with him on the phone about the precious blood of Jesus and he cried. Now that they are older I've encouraged them individually to trust in Jesus as their Savior.

Years ago Lopa said they didn't like going out with a strict Muslim couple because they could only eat fish while with them.

Mom and I always celebrated Christmas with them. When mom got homebound we couldn't do that. But now that Mom died two years ago, we started celebrating Christmas again at their home.
 
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Armour of God

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I watched an interview where an Englishman was asking a woman why she and other muslim women wear burquas.

She said its so that they can't be seen by men as to stir up any lustful thoughts or emotions within them.

Then he asked her why don't men wear burquas as well, so that they don't stir up any lustful thoughts or feelings among women.

The woman was stunned, she didn't know what to say for a moment. Then she said she doesn't question her religion.

But he made such a good point you could see it in her eyes and her failure to speak right away that she was stunned and was questioning it herself.
 
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Matthias

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I watched an interview where an Englishman was asking a woman why she and other muslim women wear burquas.

She said its so that they can't be seen by men as to stir up any lustful thoughts or emotions within them.

Then he asked her why don't men wear burquas as well, so that they don't stir up any lustful thoughts or feelings among women.

The woman was stunned, she didn't know what to say for a moment. Then she said she doesn't question her religion.

But he made such a good point you could see it in her eyes and her failure to speak right away that she was stunned and was questioning it herself.

“Contrary to common misconceptions, most Muslims do not find Islamic dress restrictive, and these guidelines are viewed as a way to express faith rather than a limitation on personal freedom.”

(Huda, “Islamic Clothing Rules and Requirements”)


Everything she (and we) need to know about Islamic clothing requirements (for women and men) is provided in the link.

There’s nothing wrong with the question the reporter / interviewer asked. Was it for the purpose of evangelizing the woman?

Knowing the requirements could help us avoid making clothing choices for ourselves that would, or might, damage our evangelism efforts.
 
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Matthias

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There’s nothing wrong with the question the reporter / interviewer asked. Was it for the purpose of evangelizing the woman?

“This method of raising and answering questions is central to Jesus’s teachings. I call the Jesus method. It is an exceptionally helpful tool for evangelizing Muslims. When Muslims are asked a question, they do not feel threatened or attacked. Using questions will help them think critically about Islam’s claims and open the door for you to make a point. …

Some Christians - naively, in my estimation - tend to come forcefully into their initial discussions with Muslims. They want to win.

Instead of asking question, these Christians make huge statements about Islam and Muslims …

While these statements are truthful from a Christian and biblical standpoint, they cannot encourage a fruitful conversation with Muslims. Assertions such as these especially early in a discussion may make Muslims feel attacked. They may also feel powerless because they may not know how to respond. In either case, Muslims will likely leave the discussion or simply listen with no desire to comprehend what you’re saying. Alternatively, if Christians begin with questions and lead Muslims to discover the truth behind these statements, the friendship can continue, allowing more time for gospel proclamation. …

These questions open the door and encourage Muslims to talk about themselves, but they must eventually lead to deeper questions if the goal is evangelism. … The best part about asking questions is that it creates a dialogue. When speaking with Muslims, allow them time to explain what they think and feel. Then you can ask questions that will direct the conversation to the gospel. …”

(A.S. Ibrahim, “Using the Jesus Method to Witness to Your Muslim Neighbor”)

 

Matthias

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Is the mosque a good place to evangelize Muslims?
 

Matthias

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For those interested in sharing Christ with Muslims …

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All we have to do is remember the mission and do what followers of Jesus are commissioned to do (Matthew 28:19-20).
 

Debp

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@Matthias I tagged you on a post of mine in a rain thread...did you look at it? I posted photos of Lopa, Sam and their daughter there.
 

Matthias

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“If you want to share Jesus with Muslims, stop treating Islam like it’s made of straw. It isn’t.

And most Muslims aren’t persuaded by drive-by arguments or recycled talking points they’ve heard a hundred times before.

They don’t just hear your theology. They feel your spirit.
Your tone.
Your posture. Here’s what changed my life:

Don’t start by tearing down Islam.

Understand it and study it.

Know its claims better than most Muslims do.

Build the strongest version of the argument possible, then gently expose the cracks that can’t bear the weight of truth. Because truth doesn’t fear scrutiny.

It thrives in it.

That’s why our approach isn’t built on disrespect, mockery, or endless debates. It’s built on truth and tenderness. Conviction and compassion. The Holy Spirit and sound apologetics. The goal isn’t simply to prove Islam wrong.

The goal is to show why Jesus is worthy.

One conversation.
One relationship.
One soul at a time

As 1 Peter 3:15 says: ‘Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have.’ …”

(Shahriq Khan)