Women in Islam
True Love: Jesus Honors Women
The conversation around women's treatment in religions has been going on for centuries. Each side says, "We treat women best!"
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The conversation around women's treatment in religions has been going on for centuries. Each side says, "We treat women best!"
First, God goes by a different name than what the Islamic god goes by. Yahweh is the intimate name of God in the Bible, and was originally only supposed to be uttered by the high priest
Both Muslims and Christians give as part of their religious practice or worship. We can use this common ground to connect with our Muslim neighbors and friends
You’ve probably heard a lot about Afghanistan last year, especially after the Taliban takeover in September 2021 and the withdrawal of American troops. That is why they are our first country in our “Pray With Us” series!
“I want to share my faith with my Muslim friend, but I don’t know where to start.” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Talking about your relationship with Jesus can be uncomfortable at the start, and then when you add the fact that Islam and Christianity are so opposed to each other
Odds are you have a lot of questions about Islam. You weren’t raised in an Islamic household or culture, so of course, you’re not going to understand everything your Muslim friends say or do!
In the same way that Christianity has its own vocabulary (also jokingly called “Christianese”) Islam has words that those outside of Islam won’t understand. We’ve compiled a quick list of these words to help you.
You’ll probably hear your Muslim friend say that Jesus was an honorable prophet or a great teacher. Islam’s view on Jesus is important for Christians to know because it helps us find common ground to start from and also addresses where the Quran got it wrong.
If you have Muslim friends, you've probably heard them mention Muhammad with praise more than once. Who is he, and why is he so important in the Islamic faith?
Saudi Arabia has historically been one of the most Islamic and strict nations in the world, largely due to the fact that it has two of the Islam’s biggest landmarks – Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia also has extremely large access to oil reserves which has helped the country advance rapidly in recent decades
You’ve probably heard in the news about different Islamic sects around the world. Islam, like any religion, has had its own internal disagreements within its lifetime that caused the formation of sects and sub-sects
There are many differences between our God and the god of Islam, and we’ve detailed those in “Who is Allah compared to Yahweh?”
You’ve probably heard your Muslim friend talk about obeying Allah by following specific practices, such as praying multiple times a day. These practices are called the Five Pillars of Islam – required of every Muslim to complete
We are always excited to help you prepare for any questions that your Muslim friends will probably ask you. That's why we couldn’t leave it at just five! (P.S. if you missed our first post
If you’ve read any of our blog posts that mention inviting your Muslim friends over, you’ve probably seen us suggest that you ask about your friend’s dietary preferences! That is because of the Islamic concepts halal and haram.
While Turkey is not politically affiliated with Islam, the cultural presence of Islam is overwhelming. There are no laws against converting to Christianity, but any Muslim who leaves Islam is punished and isolated from their friends and family. Socially and culturally, Turkey is shut off from the Gospel.
One of the biggest months of the Islamic calendar is coming up – Ramadan. It is a month of fasting (and feasting) so Muslims can draw closer to their Allah, but even more importantly, gain his favor and have their sins erased.
Islam is more than a religion – it also shapes an individual’s and society’s culture. Halfway through Muhammad’s life, Islam spread through conquering other nations and people groups
The month of Ramadan is coming up! Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is important for every Muslim so that they can gain Allah’s favor. This year, it begins April 2nd and goes until sundown on May 2nd.
Both Islam and Christianity believe there is more to life after we die, however what that is and how we get there is very different.
Muslim women have a strong influence over their homes and their children. They are a cornerstone to raising their children in the Islamic faith and traditions.
When you are talking to a friend, and you have gained enough trust in the friendship, you both begin to open up about things.
Ramadan has begun for your Muslim friends! From March 11 to April 9, the Islamic world is fasting between sunrise and sunset in order to complete one of the mandated Five Pillars of Islam!
While Easter is a well-known story and event in Christian circles, your Muslim friends have little knowledge of why it is such a big deal to you!
In the Easter season, we express our gratitude for Jesus, forgiving us and taking our place in the payment for our sins. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, we are promised a home in heaven with God and have a relationship with Him eternally.
When we talk about reaching your Muslim neighbor, you probably picture an Islamic family that is either first or second generation Americans. You assume that they are new to Western culture
What if you only had one specific second every year to enter into God’s presence? If that one second took you outside of time itself and allowed you to see the Lord’s divinity and to get your prayers answered, wouldn’t you do anything in your power to make sure that you could gain access?
Prayer in Islam is not the same as our prayer life as Christians. Muslims are under a strict schedule of prayers that they must follow to please Allah
In Acts 2, we see the disciples and followers of Jesus received the Holy Spirit. It came down upon them and they began to speak in languages that were not native to them.
Marriage is a milestone in life that is treated differently in every culture and religion around the world. A marriage starts a new family and a new life with a partner.
One of the biggest questions that comes up in the topic of religions is asking what happens after we die. Is there a life after death? What does it look like? What someone believes about this question impacts how they live their life and approach God, or the god they believe in.
Islamic culture values hospitality as an act of worship and a way to respect one’s guests and make them feel welcome. They treat guests with honor and welcome them with open arms.
Somalia is an Islamic country on the horn of Africa. Even though there are over 14 million people living in Somalia, the Christian population is only in the hundreds according to Open Doors.
Whether you are someone who raises their hands and cries during worship times in a church service or you’d rather just listen to the words and sing in your heart
The topic of religious violence is not a new concept. There is violence in the history of the Bible and there is violence in Islam, however they are not the same.
A large part of the Muslim population in the world has religious beliefs and practices that are different from the more orthodox Islamic beliefs
How often do you think to check on your friend’s mental health? Is it in the forefront of your mind or a forbidden topic?
As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the Hajj is mandatory for Muslims (with some exclusions for medical conditions).
If you are going to talk to your Muslim friend about their beliefs, it is important to know what books they read and base their beliefs on.
When we look at the qualities of Islam’s god through the lens of the Quran and through what he tells Muslims, we find out that he is a progressive god – not in the sense of having forward-thinking political ideas, but in the sense of changing his message and values.
Most Muslims who contact us with questions about the true God and who are considering leaving Islam share one common concern: The punishment that the...
All Muslims try to follow Muhammad’s example and copy as much of his life as they can, because they consider him second to Allah and the most revered prophet. Let’s look at all of the prophets of Islam together.
There is an ongoing debate about whether Islam is a peaceful religion. We are here to settle that debate once and for all.
Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world. With a population that is mostly Sunni Muslim and only 2% Christian, we need to pray for the growth of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.
Islam dilutes Jesus’ character in the Quran, but Isa is still sinless and a miracle-worker. They believe that Isa is coming back to judge the world, but Islam teaches that Isa’s second coming is going to look very different from what the Bible says.
Arabic is Allah's language, therefore many Islamic practices must be performed in Arabic to be accepted by Allah, even if the Muslim does not speak Arabic.
There is a very explicit expectation that every Muslim should be married to make more Muslims. This is called expanding the “Ummah” of Islam, which is essentially the nation of Islam that includes every Muslim across the world.
What do you do if a friend has an emotional connection with a Muslim? Your friend is a Christian, and you know that they value having God at the center of their life. So what do you do?
“Can you earn salvation by doing good deeds?” Let’s look at how Islam answers this question, and then we will look at what the Bible says about good deeds.
Believers are under-equipped and not prepared to support their brothers and sisters in Christ who come from an Islamic background. It is important for us to know the unique challenges that MBBs face, and how you can help them in those specific circumstances.
Muslims believe that Allah is the main artist, and only he has the right to form any rendition of a living thing. Even if art is not a personal passion of yours, it is important to realize that having a restriction on art is something that will affect a Muslim every day.
Libya is an Islamic country, with only a small percentage of the population being Christians, all of whom have to live out their faith in secret. Christians are constantly under pressure, never knowing if they will be found out.
A fatwa helps a Muslim have the assurance that what they are doing is most honoring to Allah and therefore will gain them more of his favor.
The growing presence of Islamophobia is something that affects Muslims every day. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we can be ambassadors of love to hurting people, specifically Muslims who feel shunned and afraid.
Fact: It is up to Christian men to connect with Muslim men. But why?
It is important for you to understand your friend’s background and what drew them into Islam to truly be able to meet them where they are.
The conversation about the differences between Islam and Christianity has gone on for centuries. We’ve covered a lot of detail about many of the differences in other blog posts, but if you’re looking for a basic understanding then you’ve come to the right place.
There is a huge gap between Muslims who are trying to hold true to Islam’s values and the western culture they may live in. This gap is a space for Christians to step in and speak truth into our Muslim friend’s life.
What you may not realize, is that while you are trying to introduce your Muslim friend to Jesus, they may be trying to convince you to become a Muslim!
What Islam teaches about divorce reveals how Islam feels about marriage, the value of women, and how the family unit is set up within the religious community.
Whether it is through a “secret Santa” arrangement at your job or a personal gift you want to give them, giving your Muslim friend a gift is something we encourage Christians to do!
How much do you know about the modern-day country of Lebanon and how you can be praying for them?
Let's look at what the Quran teaches about Mary, what the Bible tells us, and then learn how to approach this topic with your Muslim friend.
It is so easy to retreat into our Christian circles for the month of December. However, this is one of the best times of the year to share Jesus with our Muslim friends!
Once the door to have spiritual conversations has been opened, there are some important things that you need to address as your Muslim friend begins to open up to a relationship with Jesus.
Today we are focusing on the different approaches to fasting, the what, how, and why in both the Quran and the Bible. This way you can learn what your Muslim friend believes, compare it to what the Bible says, and figure out how to talk about fasting with them!
Rajab is considered a sacred month because it marks the anniversary of the Isra and Miraj, the night journey Muhammad claimed to have visited Jerusalem and from there made to heaven. This claim was one of Muhammad’s attempts to win over the local Jewish tribes and Christians and have them believe in his prophethood.
We are a whole month into 2023, and there are many things that you could be discussing with your Muslim friend when it comes to current events. Let’s take a closer look at two events that could be talking points.
Did you know that what Islam teaches about lying is wildly different from what the Bible teaches? Learning about Islam’s teachings is important for every Christian especially when we have Muslim friends.
Studying adoption will help us understand our Muslim friend’s perspectives on various areas like family, marriage, children, and even on Allah. In order to understand the history of adoption within Islam, we must start with the man who started Islam– Muhammad.
How does someone who is not a Christian, like for instance, your Muslim friend, learn how to read the Bible and study it on their own? If they are curious about a relationship with Christ, they will need to read the Bible, but they most likely will not know where to start.
Well, when it comes to sharing the Bible with your Muslim friend, you’ll encounter a problem: Islam teaches that the Bible has been corrupted or changed. We’re going to look at what exactly Muslims believe about the Bible, but more importantly, how you can counter these beliefs so you can share God’s word with them and they’ll be open to receiving it!
Introducing your Muslim friend to God’s original design and intent for marriage is a great way to explain our relationship with Christ, since the Church is considered His bride.
Islam has its own version of this “salvation prayer” or confession of faith. A person’s life changes forever once they utter specific two sentences. They become followers of Islam, trapped into a life of rules and rituals they must follow strictly.
Our goal this year is to unite the Church in prayer for the Islamic world! Not only will we help you know what to pray for, but we also will share tools to help you stay consistent in your prayer.
Hesham graciously took the time to share his story with us, and now you can read it too! He shares what he’s learned as he’s pastored a congregation of believers who have left Islam to have a relationship with Christ, just like he did!
As Easter approaches, we should learn what our Muslim friends are taught about Jesus’ crucifixion so we can speak truth into their life.
In this month’s installment of our current events guides, we are going to look at news related to Islam and the Middle East. Being knowledgeable in these topics is key to having effective conversations with your Muslim friend.
We’re going to look at what happens during Eid al-Fitr and how we, as Christians, can express our love to our Muslim neighbors during their special holiday.
We are blessed to meet and partner with many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ from the persecuted church in the Arab world, many of whom have amazing stories of God’s faithfulness and providence. Christine is one of those special sisters.
There is a certain level of exclusivity that Islamic communities have. This can make it hard for your Muslim neighbor to open up to you or include you in their lives.
In this blog post, we will examine what Muslims are taught about tolerance. Are they taught to be tolerant at all? The answer will give us insight into the true Muslims’ worldview and how they live their lives.
As a start, we need to understand what Islam teaches about homosexuality, but we also have to make it clear in our conversations that as Christ followers, we follow Jesus’ teaching. Never forget, the most challenging conversations could have the highest amount of rewards.
Islamic family roles are very explicitly outlined in the Islamic religion and Shari’a law. In most cases a person’s relationship with their father can influence how they interact with people for the rest of their life.
It is time for Muslims around the world to complete the Hajj pilgrimage. We’ll go through some basics in this post before we talk about how you can connect with your Muslim friend during this time.
Summer is a wonderful time to invite your Muslim friend to join in your fun family activities. We have a great opportunity coming up to do this– Independence Day on July 4th!
The Islamic new year is coming up soon on July 19th! Here’s what Christians need to know and how they can connect with their Muslim friend during this time.
You may think that because this was 1700 years ago, Islam’s origins are not important for modern-day Christians to understand. However, learning about the history of Islam gives us insight into the life and teachings of its founder and how this impacts Muslims today.
It is important for Christians to understand the educational background their Muslim friend was raised in to be able to have sympathy for them and help them begin to think about their beliefs in a different way.
One thing Muslims must obey is avoiding dogs because in Islam, dogs are considered unclean. This does not mean that all Muslims hate dogs, but...
In the same way Christians value their churches as places of community and worship, Muslims value their mosques. However, a mosque is not the same thing as a church, so it is important for Christians to understand what a mosque is and what happens inside it.
When you’re talking to your Muslim friend about spiritual things, the topic of the Holy Spirit might come up. It is important to know what Islam teaches about the Holy Spirit so you can understand where your Muslim friend is coming from.
Our Muslim friends have a concept of sin that is taught to them in the Quran and the Hadith. This affects how Muslims approach Allah and the concept of salvation.
There are many ways the tragedy of 9/11 changed lives– people lost family and friends, a nation’s sense of security was shattered, and many people began to fear their neighbors instead of focusing on building bridges and loving them.
Learning about the Islamic creation story can open your eyes to see what influenced Muhammad as he started this new religion and how easily the truth can be twisted.
As a ministry engaging with Muslims who are questioning their faith every day, we want to equip our Christian brothers and sisters to know what our Muslim friends need when they are considering leaving Islam.
Have you ever heard your Muslim friend mention attending “khutbah”? It’s a very important part of a Muslim’s religious habits, so it’s good for you to understand what it is!
The history of flags in Islam is long and detailed. It's important for us to understand what the Islamic flags mean today because it gives us insight into the way the Islam is both a religion and a political power.
However, Muhammad twisted these stories to fit into his new religion. There are certain elements Muhammad obviously left out that were important in Jesus’ life on earth– like the twelve disciples.
In many pictures of modern-day Jerusalem, there is a large, golden dome in between the rooftops. This is called the Dome of the Rock, a significant Islamic symbol that has witnessed centuries of strife.
We will study what Islam teaches about Jews, but first, we are going to explain the reasons why Muhammad chose to single out God’s chosen people to be the main enemies of Islam.
We believe that there is a spiritual enemy behind Islam. A spiritual enemy that directly attacks the Truth. Islam has had millions of victims over the past 1400 years, and the biggest tool it uses to claim these lives is an ideology of death.
Sometimes deciding what to get someone for Christmas can be confusing. If you’re worried about what to get your Muslim friend, we’ve got the perfect gift guide for you!
Muhammad copied many Jewish practices in an attempt to gain the favor of the rich Jewish tribes of his day. Let’s look at a simple breakdown so we can better understand the Islamic religious practices that have connections to Judaism.
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We encourage every Christian to learn about this religion and how Muslims practice it so we can be more effective as we build bridges with the Muslims in our lives. We’ve assembled some of the most important statistics so we can have a general overview through basic statistics and numbers.
Many mosques are built in highly populated areas by wealthy Muslims or Islamic countries, but there is another way the number of mosques is growing– by taking over the space of abandoned churches.
Most of the women’s stories in the Bible are integral to the redemption story. We love to share with Muslim women how our Lord values His daughters because Islam does not value women as much as men.