Is Allah the same as Yahweh?

Mohammad was born in 570 AD. At the age of 25, he married a wealthy widow – Fatima. At the age of 40, through the angel Gabriel, Mohammad begins experiencing visions from Allah.

These visions were recorded and became the Qur’an. Tradition is that Mohammad was illiterate, thus what was written is a revelation directly from Allah as given verbatim to him by Gabriel

Numerous nomadic, Arabic tribes populated the Arabian Peninsula. These tribes were engaged in inter-tribal warfare and raids – female infanticide, kidnapping of women and blood revenge

The culture was one of polytheism, animism, and tribal values. Mohammad was of the Quresh tribe, and he preached against polytheism aand against the killing of female infants.

At the same time, the monotheistic religions of Judaism and Christianity were well-established. Mohammad was influenced by both. He preached against the polytheism practiced at the ka’ba in Mecca.

Shahada – “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is his prophet” Salat – Pray five times each day Zakat - The giving of alms/offerings Sawm – Fasting once each Rammadan Haj – At least once in one’s lifetime, he or she should make the pilgrimmage to Mecca

OT Hebrew and Muslim Unity – emphasis on unity in all of life Time – high respect for the past and tradition Family – solidarity Peace – harmony, integration; total way of life; both an internal and external characteristic Unity – only for its pragmatic value Time- future oriented Family – emphasis on the individual Peace – contentment; an internal characteristic; a segment of life Western Christian

OT Hebrew and Muslim Honor – all important Status – associated with wealth, family name, age Individualism – emphasis on the group Secularism – totally unacceptable trend Honor – high priority Status – a result of accomplishment Individualism – a high regard for independence Secularism – largely an acceptable trend Western Christian

OT Hebrew and Muslim Change – An undesirable phenomenon Equality – a theoretical ideal which is not practiced Efficiency – a matter of little or no concern Change – highly desirable phenomenon Equality – a theoretical ideal which is not practiced Efficiency – an imperative Western Christian

Muslim God – distant, merciful, capricious, vengeful, almighty Christ – prophet, miraculous birth, performed miracles Bible – one of the holy books; revelation from God, yet changed and corrupted God – personal, loving, concerned, just, holy Christ – son of God; fully man/fully God, virgin birth, did miracles Bible – the revelation from God that is authoritative Western Evangelical

Muslim Trinity – God, Mary and Jesus Faith – object of faith: God and Mohammad Sin – weak, shame, embarrassment, rebellion against God Salvation – need both faith and works, from God, no assurance Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit Faith – object of faith: Jesus as God Sin – sinful nature, guilt, rebellion against God and man Salvation – grace and faith, from God in Christ, assurance Western Evangelical

Muslim Sanctification – emphasis on obedience and ritual Love – stress on the family Supernatural powers – belief strongly in the spirit world; ‘jinn’ and the ‘evil eye’ Sanctification – emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit Love – stress on the community Supernatural powers – belief based on teachings of the Bible; little thought about spirit world Western Evangelical

Be hospitable to them; welcome them into your presence. BE a friend! Don’t be afraid to engage them in spiritual conversations. Be courteous and loving; they are people made in the image of God. Show genuine interest in listening to what they believe; allow them time to articulate their views. Know their basic beliefs. Be willing to examine passages of the Qur’an concerning their beliefs.

Know your own faith and the basic doctrines of Christianity. Take the time to respond to all sincere questions. Emphasize the centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Stress that because of Jesus, the cross, and resurrection, one may have assurance of salvation. Share the plan of salvation; point out it is a gift. Trust the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom and grace.