Joel News: Christians reach out to Muslims in 40 cities

Image: Austcare, Flickr

Joel News: Christians reach out to Muslims in 40 cities

Joel News International has just featured an interview from Mahabba Network's director, Gordon Hickson, on our work of helping Christians engage with Muslims.

Joel News offers a weekly high-quality selection of the most inspiring stories on the advance of God's Kingdom in six continents.

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We are currently presented with one of the greatest opportunities of our time: to unveil Jesus to Muslim people in the Western world and bring them to Christ.

The number of people identifying themselves as Muslim in the UK has grown by almost 70% in ten years, from 1.6 million in 2001 to 2.7 million in 2011. It is estimated to grow to 5.5 million by 2020. Across Europe, there are already 47 million Muslims. By the year 2030, there will be 58 million Muslims in Europe, 8% of the population. Islam has found a home in Europe.

To seize this opportunity a new network called ‘Mahabba' (‘love’ in Arabic) is developing in the UK, networking both agencies and churches, and proving to be a catalyst to unity and prayer. Its emphasis is on motivating and mobilizing ‘ordinary’ Christians rather than just ‘specialists’ to reach their Muslim neighbours and help them grow in Christ.

A Turkish imam’s daughter has inspired many by personally leading over 100 Muslims to Christ.

Director Gordon Hickson on the Mahabba Network reports the first fruits. “In Oxford, it took two years to break through in prayer, but then about 40 Muslim people came to Christ over the next five years, especially among the Iranian fellowship. They were joined by an imam sheikh from Uganda who was an expert in Sharia law: he had a radical conversion experience, and now spends hours witnessing to Arabic speaking Muslims studying in Oxford. A Turkish imam’s daughter came to Christ outside of Oxford and has inspired many by personally leading over 100 Muslims to Christ.”

Most of the networks are witnessing Muslims coming to Christ. In Manchester, in just a few days, a young man from Pakistan walked into the cathedral asking to convert; a Saudi woman walked into a church and asked to become a Christian; and a Somali man shared with his Christian friend that he wanted to become a Christian.

The goal is to have 75 Mahabba networks across the UK in 2019.

Local Mahabba prayer groups have now been launched in over 40 cities across the UK, as well as spreading across to France, Belgium, Norway, Austria, and even South Africa. They have been asked to help establish groups in India and Korea. One couple has moved across to Chicago (home to over 400,000 Muslims) and another to help set up in Australia. The goal over the next two years is to have 75 Mahabba groups across the UK, with strong relational networks with others across Europe and other Western nations.

What English translation of the Qur'an and introduction do you recommend?

What English translation of the Qur'an and introduction do you recommend?

John asked about a good English translation of the Qur'an and a helpful introduction or commentary: 

Can you recommend a good translation of the Qur'an and introduction?

Dear Mahabba,

“What English language translation of the Qur’an would Muslims considered the most reliable? Would that be the best version for a novice like me to read? What English language introduction to Islam and the Qur’an would you recommend? I would like to understand how to bridge from the Qur’an to the Bible. And an introduction that is not too simple.”

OUR RESPONSE

The easiest to come by is most probably Yusuf Ali which also contains the Arabic script but the translation is archaic.
 
AJ Arberry tries to give a sense of the rhyme and rhythm in English and is a sensitive translation (available on subscription to Oxford Islamic Studies online).
 
There is a Qur’an website on the Internet that contains several translations with which to compare whenever available quran.com.
 
Neal Robinson’s Discovering the Qur`an (2004) is a sympathetic introduction to the Qur’an by a non-Muslim while Muhammad Abdel Haleem’s Understanding the Qur`an: Themes and Style (2001) is a Muslim’s introduction to the Qur’an.
 
It will be difficult to find one source that both introduces Islam as well as bridging Qur’an to Bible.
 
I’ve always found P.K. Hitti’s History of the Arabs (10th repr. 1991) a comprehensive overview of Islamic history that has a scholarly take on Islam before relations were so extremely polarised as now.
 
Kenneth Cragg’s The Weight in the Word – Prophethood: Biblical and Quranic (1999) compares and contrasts Muhammad with biblical prophets and, broadly stated, shows how the Qur’an applies biblical ideas for its own purposes.
 
See how you get on with these for the moment – there is so much out there to choose from!
 
Do let me know how you get on and whether you can get hold of resources.

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SINCE YOU'RE HERE...

... we have recently reached a total of 40 local Mahabba prayer groups in the UK - awesome news!

With your help, though, we would like to continue to sow, plant and support Mahabba groups.

Our work involves a small team of regional reps and central hub personnel investing in local coordinators and groups, as well as spreading the word.

To continue this vital mission to Muslims, we need to increase our regular monthly income.

Our initial target is to raise up 100 individual regular donors, giving an average of £10 to £15 per month.

Could you be one of the 100?

Elliot's weekly round-up: Woman on the Bridge & Muslim Soldiers

ELLIOT'S WEEKLY ROUND-UP: WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE & MUSLIM SOLDIERS

This week in the media:

• A Muslim woman responds to criticism of how she was portrayed on social media
• Muslims stand in solidarity with victims of the Westminster and raise funds for the victims and British Muslim soldiers speak out

A photo of Muslim woman who was walking over Westminster Bridge soon after the Westminster attack has been in the media this week.

The picture of the woman has been widely circulated on social media. She has been criticised for 'casually' walking by and ignoring victims whilst on her mobile phone.

Jamie Lorriman, who took the photo, spoke out in defence of the woman telling Australia’s ABC: 

“The people who took on that picture are being rather selective... It’s wrong it’s been misappropriated in that way.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/24/muslim-woman-bridge-westminster-attack-speaks-becoming-target/

Elsewhere a Muslim speaks of her shock at hearing of the stabbing of police officer Keith Palmer whilst in her office overlooking the Thames.

She then explains how British Muslims collected £25,000 for the victims of the attack. However, the amount raised now stands at more than £28,000.

On Sunday evening Muslim women formed a human chain to demonstrate solidarity for the victims.

On Wednesday tourists joined Muslims and Jews in a silent vigil on Westminster Bridge and outside the Houses of Parliament.

Some held signs reading, 'Love for all. Hatred for none.'

The secretary of Bangladeshi Muslims UK stated he wanted...

“to show our solidarity with those killed here by this barbaric attack. We don’t support this kind of attack in the name of Islam or any other faith. ”

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/29/love-for-all-hatred-for-none-hundreds-gather-for-westminster-attack-vigil

Elsewhere on BBC radio 4, Salaam to Queen and Country tells the story of Muslim soldiers in the British Army.

The soldiers tell of how some have had to overcome objections from family and friends to serve in the military.

The programme reveals what its like for the 16 Muslim women and 426 Muslim men in the British Army.

The media can give greater insight and understanding into Muslim life.

To further develop a more comprehensive understanding why not consider some study.

Taking some time for a module or a short course could help you to share Jesus more effectively.

“It could be exactly what you need”

https://mahabbanetwork.com/upcoming-events/mission-and-ministry-in-muslim-communities

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SINCE YOU'RE HERE...

... we have recently reached a total of 40 local Mahabba prayer groups in the UK - awesome news!

With your help, though, we would like to continue to sow, plant and support Mahabba groups.

Our work involves a small team of regional reps and central hub personnel investing in local coordinators and groups, as well as spreading the word.

To continue this vital mission to Muslims, we need to increase our regular monthly income.

Our initial target is to raise up 100 individual regular donors, giving an average of £10 to £15 per month.

Could you be one of the 100?

Charisma Magazine: I see many people of the Islamic faith coming to Christ

Image: Beth Rankin, Flickr

Charisma Magazine: I see many people of the Islamic faith coming to Christ

Charisma Magazine, which featured Mahabba in two articles, has just published a prophetic word from Cindy Jacobs about God moving among Muslims.

This is in light of the Westminster bombing, which we blogged about recently.

Mahabba has been aware of God moving among Muslims for some time - the wind in the House of Islam - so this is an encouraging word.

This is part 3 in a series of 3 from Charisma Magazine. Read part 1 and part 2.

We've reproduced part of the prophetic word here, but you can find a link to the full article at the bottom.

I feel that as the Christians in England and the broader of the U.K. and Europe pray for the Muslims, there's going to be great visitations come.

I see signs and wonders and miracles. I see many people of the Islamic faith coming to Christ—God visiting them in unique ways with angelic hosts and things like this and sending more laborers.

I believe that all of these terrible things that Satan meant, even the people who have died, which is so awful, we can't even imagine how awful that is. And we are grieving with you here in the United States—God is going to release such evangelism, such great things are going to impact the Muslim people in a great way.

It's not time for hating. It's time for praying. Let's not be haters; let's be prayers. 

Charisma Magazine: Mahabba empowers Christians to Reach Muslims for Jesus

Image: Hellmy, Flickr

Charisma Magazine: Mahabba empowers Christians to Reach Muslims for Jesus

Charisma Magazine featured Mahabba in a second article, focusing on our work of presenting the opportunity to share Jesus with Muslims in turbulent times.

This is part 2 in a series of 3 from Charisma Magazine. Read part 1 and part 3.

Here's a short excerpt, and you can find a link to the full article at the bottom.

This network was started as a partnership of many churches and agencies in Oxford seeking opportunities to introduce local Muslims to the Good News about Jesus. Mahabba, as a movement, seeks to be a catalyst in networking together 'ordinary Christians', resourced by agency 'specialists' and championed by church leaders, to love their Muslim neighbours.

So Mahabba is not seen as an agency which are often seen negatively by pastors: their model is a prayer-based relational network which equips local churches with mentoring and training materials, which help church leaders to train ordinary members of churches to relate to Muslims in love and be able to explain the Gospel clearly (for example, 'Friendship First', 'Come Follow Me' and 'Joining the Family.' See kitab.org.uk).

Strang report: Christians loving Muslims produces fruit

Image: Neil Moralee, Flickr

Strang report: Christians loving Muslims produces fruit

The Strang Report from Charisma magazine featured Mahabba in an article leading up to Ramadan.

This is part 1 in a series of 3 from Charisma Magazine. Read part 2 and part 3.

Steve Strang interviewed Gordon Hickson, Director for the Mahabba Network, and here are some excerpts.

You can find a link to the full article at the bottom.

The bottom line: Christians should not be afraid of Muslims. As they share love (mahabba), Muslims are coming to Christ. His friendship network is being used successfully in various parts of the world. And after having a significant spiritual experience, he now has faith for 30 million Muslims to come to the Lord!

I was horrified at the lack of response by pastors and ministries when it came to trying to reach Muslims.

I have to admit I thought it was a demon and tried to rebuke it, but actually it was God and He, more and more, continued to make it known to me for 11 months that 'this is Me; you must start praying for and reaching Muslims

How can I help someone facing divorce in Islam?

Image: Jad Limcaco, Unsplash

HOW CAN I HELP SOMEONE FACING DIVORCE IN ISLAM?

Emma asked a tricky question about supporting Muslim families in her community:

“How can I help someone facing divorce in Islam? ”

Dear Mahabba,

I know of a lady who has recently experienced what I'm told is an Islamic divorce. It is quite a difficult and complicated situation, but do you know anything about her human rights, in terms of her divorce, and whether she is entitled to anything, or if anyone knows of anyone that might be able to give her some advice.

Thank you!

Our response

This is another question to which it is hard to give a definitive answer, but again individuals from our online community, The City, have had some helpful suggestions.

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Contact the Muslim Women's Network

You can find some information from this solicitor, but my advice is to contact the Muslim Women’s Network. It has challenged traditional Islamic practices with regard to women and also has a helpline that deals with these issues constantly. It has a helpful factsheet on Islamic marriage.

There is an active parliamentary enquiry into Shariah councils and their effect on women. It is collecting evidence and cases such as the one you mentioned are crucial to its investigation. Naz Shah, the MP for Bradford West, is very active on this committee and in her constituency.

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Hope Projects

I know this charity, Hope Projects, that supports asylum seekers and refugees has good solicitors - maybe they know about Islamic divorce.

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Citizens Advice Bureau

It may be the case that the Islamic divorce (talaq) is invalid under British law, depending on where the marriage occurred. She should certainly get legal advice as a first step before accepting or signing anything. 

She should also seek advice from Citizens Advice to check her rights to social housing or Job Seekers Allowance, again, depending on her circumstances. 

Citizens Advice is probably the best place for her to talk to someone in the first instance, as there are many variables here. She should take her documentation (passport, Home Office papers, divorce document etc). One visit will not usually be enough to sort things through.

Many offices will have Urdu/Punjabi/Mirpuri-speakers, if her level of English is an issue.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/

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Offer Christian love and accommodation

An alternative to referring her to Islamic agency would be to provide her with accommodation from fellow believers and show her the love of Jesus.

This lady needs love and safety, so this is an opportunity to to show Jesus to her. There are many Asian Christians to ask regarding how to relate to her, and love in practice speaks volumes.

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Refer to specialists for help, but pray

This lady needs love from fellow believers, as Emma has already shown through her concern. At the same time, this issue needs specialist help from people who are dealing with this problem daily, such as MWN (see above). The organisation is in contact with government agencies (they brought this problem to the government’s attention initially). 

As we’ve seen with other cases where women and Islamic values are concerned, the government and its agencies are not always confident to deal with what they call ‘cultural issues.’ Working through a Muslim organisation that is against injustice towards women because they can help overcome PC sensitivities.

This does not mean that Christians should absolve themselves. It means that they continue to walk this road with her while they try to get the best help they can. MWN can look after the technical and legal aspects while Christians provide material and spiritual support, together with immense prayer.

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A further note on Islamic divorce (talaq)

The triple talaq is mainstream, and many people suffer a lot of anguish as a result of it.

The thing that’s not mainstream is the halala (marrying another man, sleeping with him, being divorced by that man, and then re-marrying your first husband). Think of the shame (if it gets out, which it probably will) of allowing/encouraging your wife to have sex with another man in order to be reconciled – after your own rash words in a fit of temper. However, according to Shariah, it’s the only way that a man and his ex-wife can get back together. 

A mufti (scholar who gives rulings on specific issues) has shared with me that he often has enquiries from husbands and wives who want to be reconciled after a triple talaq. They often ask that he declare that the talaq is invalid. He usually has to rule that it is valid and halala is the only solution. He does so with a heavy heart…

I understand that this law was actually designed for the protection of wives. Apparently, in Arabia at that time, wives were being divorced with just saying the word “talaq” once. Later on the husbands would take their wives back at their whim. This could happen many times. So Shariah ordains that:

• One talaq is not enough, three are required
• Talaq a serious business, not just reversible at whim

There is disagreement among scholars as to whether all three talaqs can be spoken or written at exactly the same time, or whether three separate occasions are required.

Is it right to allow Muslim prayers or Qur'an readings in church?

Image: Daniel Burka, Unsplash

Is it right to allow Muslim prayers or Qur'an readings in church?

Carl asked the following question off the back of a meeting for better understanding (MBU) with local Muslims:

“Is it right to allow Muslim prayers or Qur’an readings in church?”

Dear Mahabba,

MBUs have built good relationships and sown the Gospel among Muslims. It has also resulted in requests for the use of our places of worship for Muslim events. One of them was for an Eid el Adha event.  This would include the reading of the Qur'an and Muslim prayers. What would your response be to this request?

Our response

This is a tricky one, and has caused quite a bit of debate and controversy recently, as we explored in a blog, 'Islam in church: some questions'. Rather than lay out a definitive answer, here are some responses from individuals on our online community area, The City.

How strongly do you feel?

"I’d be quite happy with the idea, although I know that some Christians strongly feel that such acts are totally unacceptable. Maybe believers from a Muslim background might be more strongly of the latter persuasion."

What is your perspective on the consecration of space?

"We have churches that meet in schools and pubs. We also have church traditions that consecrate space. I think to invite Muslims to confess that Muhammad is God’s messenger in consecrated space violates that consecration.

"Whether we like it or not, we tend to be secular Christians, and so we don’t take the consecration of space very seriously. We don’t do symbolism. But Muslims do, much more so than us anyway.

"I think the question is much more about how we regard our church space. Would you invite a Jehovah’s witness to preach there? How about a militant atheist? Would you allow Hindu gods to be praised in it?

"The question of whether to allow or invite Muslims to pray and confess their creed needs to be set alongside this sort of question to give it context. If space is just space, then you have no problem. If consecration means something, that is another matter."

Provision for personal prayer

"If the space is consecrated: I would not make provision for another deity to be worshipped. I would tend not to give a platform for another religion to be preached and lifted up without a counterpoint or moderation by a Christian.

"But someone who wants to personally pray, I would have no problem with, especially if they are meaning to seek the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob, even if their idea of Him is corrupted.

"If their prayers are together in community and include a led confession or declaration about Muhammad, in a Christian consecrated space… that's another question."

A former Muslim's viewpoint - what does God say?

"My response would be: 'what is God asking me to do?' Bearing in mind Scripture such as Peter’s vision that all food was now clean or that circumcision or non-circumcision was not the deeper spiritual issue. Is God trying to lead us to think and react differently to the changing society we now live in?

"Having come from a Muslim background and being able to see both sides, I would drench that church in prayer and plead protection over it through the blood of Christ and then invite another faith to hold their event. If just one heart is changed through that event, if seeds are sown, would it not be worth it? I think the answer to this dilemma lies in prayer and isn’t that what we as the Mahabba Network do? And do so well, might I add!"

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"I agree that we need to pray without ceasing, for discernment and for God to use the relationship to His glory. Here is an example of a church that opened its door to its Muslim neighbours on a more permanent basis."

What does Muslim tradition say?

"According to traditions, the Prophet invited Christians to worship in his mosque.

"As to whether this is a practice that Muslims emulate, Muslims have been known to say this too.

"Some Christians have often prayed quiet individual prayers in a mosque, explaining that they are making their own dua, and had no problems.

"I have known this to happen in a more public or congregational way. 

"In a dialogue meeting, Christians had an impromptu prayer meeting in the mosque, while the Muslims perform their prayers (salaat). The Muslims did not have a problem with that."

Gracious hospitality vs. faithfulness to truth

"I think there are two quite different themes at play here. One is gracious hospitality and the other other is faithfulness to truth.

"If we come across people who are marginalised and excluded, trying to find space to honestly meet their religious obligations, how could we not offer them space? That is an application of loving our neighbour and we do so in the name of Christ.

"However, if we so order things that our actions seem to communicate that obedience to Muhammad is the same thing as faith in Christ, if we seek to join the two, blurring the differences then we are being unfaithful and no longer witnesses to the truth. Nor do we witness to the Muslim guest.

"Our love for the other and our security in Christ should enable us to be hospitable, but it should not lead us to bend over backwards so that we affirm the denial of Christ."

Since you're here...

... we have recently reached a total of 40 local Mahabba prayer groups in the UK - awesome news!

With your help, though, we would like to continue to sow, plant and support Mahabba groups.

Our work involves a small team of regional reps and central hub personnel investing in local coordinators and groups, as well as spreading the word.

To continue this vital mission to Muslims, we need to increase our regular monthly income.

Our initial target is to raise up 100 individual regular donors, giving an average of £10 to £15 per month.

Could you be one of the 100?

Elliot's weekly round-up: Westminster Attack

Image: David Dibert, Unsplash

ELLIOT'S WEEKLY ROUND-UP: WESTMINSTER ATTACK

The news has been dominated by the attack on Westminster this week.

A car driving at speed ran into pedestrians and then a policeman was stabbed.

The person who carried out the attack has been referred to in a number of different ways including: Adrian, Khalid, a bright and sporty pupil, friendly and polite, a middle aged father, a soldier of Islamic State, a Muslim convert radicalised whilst in prison, a body builder, a portly man, violent, shy, friendly and approachable, nomadic, a former English teacher, middle aged murderer, pure evil scum, a good listener, a dad who gave football tips to boys in the neighbourhood, someone who would play football but was not very good, a grandfather, a criminal, a manager.

Who exactly was he?

But as Brendan Cox stated - husband of murdered MP Jo Cox - we should focus on the victims of the crime. Forty people have been injured and four have died: PC Palmer, Spanish teacher Aysha Frade, American tourist Kurt Cochran who was celebrating his silver wedding anniversary, and cricket loving Leslie Rhodes - a retired London window cleaner.

“What the terrorist would like to happen is for us to fall apart and start blaming groups of people, to say that in some way this is Muslim or Islam as a whole.”

https://www.indy100.com/article/westminster-london-terror-attack-parliament-brendan-cox-shooting-updated-7644936

The attack has been condemned by The Muslim Council of Britain. The Mayor of London has thanked the emergency services and warned Muslims to be vigilant against hate preachers. 

“Terrorists want to attack London is because they hate the fact that we don’t just tolerate each other – whether you’re a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, member of an organised faith or not, we respect, embrace and celebrate each other and that’s going to carry on”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-attack-isis-muslim-council-britain-westminster-terror-cowardly-depraved-harun-khan-solidarity-a7646201.html

Muslims from around The UK have condemned the attacks including groups from Lincoln , Blackburn and Muslim leaders from Waltham Forest.

Another group have gone beyond words to do something positive for the victims. It has raised funds for the families of the by setting up a website entitled Muslims United for London. At the time of writing it has raised over £20,000.  

Our response

Let's pray for the victims, let's pray against radicalisation and for those developing anti radicalisation strategies. Let's continue to reach out to our Muslim colleagues and neighbours with the love of Jesus.

“We have to remember that the person who did this is no more representative of British Muslims than the person who killed Jo is representative of people that are from Yorkshire.”

https://www.indy100.com/article/westminster-london-terror-attack-parliament-brendan-cox-shooting-updated-7644936

What are the best websites for Muslims seeking Jesus?

Image: Chen Yichun, Unsplash

What are the best websites for Muslims seeking Jesus?

Chris approached us, wanting to know about the best websites for Muslims who are seeking Jesus.

“What are the best websites for Muslims seeking Jesus?”

Dear Mahabba,

The internet is a great place to share faith with Muslims, wherever they are and with anonymity, which some may need.

Can you suggest where to direct Muslim friends so that they can explore the Christian faith further, view a testimony or an FAQ to address their burning question?

I would be interested in finding the best sites that offer any or all of the following:

• Testimonies
• Most ‘frequently asked questions’ addressed
• A presentation of the Christian faith in a Muslim friendly style
• Resources in different languages such as an online Bible
• Ideally, it would be great to find this all on one site!

Thanks!

Chris

Our response

Hi Chris,

We asked our online community on The City, and had a good response with suggestions for you. Here we go!

Websites

www.bible.com

• A simple, versatile online and smartphone Bible (also known as YouVersion)
• Features more translations – including ones that are easier for Muslims to understand like the Urdu Geo Version and Sharif Arabic Bible
• Worth using its tools to hyperlink every Bible verse you quote in an e-mail, post on social media or a website

www.al-kitab.org

• An online Muslim-friendly English Bible

www.biblegateway.com - CAUTION. SEE NOTE BELOW

• Although Bible Gateway has a wide selection of translations, it is probably best for Christian use alone
• Some of its adverts, which are pro-Israel or Zionist, could be viewed negatively by Muslims and be a distraction
• Use with plenty of caution, or else we recommend other Bible sites
• Thank you to Duncan for the cautionary note in the comments

Presentation of Christian faith to Muslims

info.al-kitab.org

• Al-Kitab Scripture Research Institute offers Muslim-friendly English Bible correspondence studies

www.word.org.uk

• A basic correspondence course for Muslims
• One former Muslims commented on the word.org resource:

“I found it helpful to send to a Muslim friend who quoted from the Qur’an 19:36-37 that refers to God not needing a son. Rather than argue the point it was great to lovingly direct her to a resource where she can find out for herself”

Frequently asked questions

www.answering-islam.org

• 'My favourite site', according to Sam!

www.unchangingword.com

• A very good website with many articles and video clips giving apologetic lectures on the key subjects that Muslims often discuss
• The website has most articles and some of the video clips in English, Bengali, Urdu, Indonesian and Mandarin Chinese

Testimonies

www.muslimjourneytohope.com

• For testimonies this is hard to beat!

haveyouseenthemaninwhite.com

• An interesting approach - 'the man in white'

Other

A comment from Fred (a former Muslim) on the online approach:

A very good approach

It is we who want to thank you

Image: Matt Jones, Unsplash

It is we who want to thank you

One of our regional reps was on the road recently, helping to motivate and mobilise local Christians to love their Muslim neighbours.

We got the following note of thanks!

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Dear Mahabba,

It is we who want to thank you. We want to tell you how grateful we are for your contribution to our event.

“the Christian way is to make friends with Muslims, respect them as people, show understanding and reach out with the grace the Lord Jesus offers”

You communicated the message so well: that the Christian way is to make friends with Muslims, respect them as people, show understanding and reach out with the grace the Lord Jesus offers.

Personally, I was twice blessed by you, having been a teacher and wanting to share that grace with Muslims which identifies us as Christians.

Your message would have been a window for people to see a fresh understanding of the Word. Your impact was so powerful.

“Our discussions about Islam and Muslim people will never be the same again!

”

Our discussions about Islam and Muslim people will never be the same again!

Time together was brief, but it was such a pleasure to meet you both.

Thank you for your introduction to Islam which was all too brief. May the Lord richly bless your ministry. "The field is ripe.."

James & Charlotte

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You can read the story of the event with James and Charlotte below.

Elliot's weekly round-up: Immigration, Integration & Islam

ELLIOT'S WEEKLY ROUND-UP: IMMIGRATION, INTEGRATION & ISLAM

The election  held in The Netherlands this week  was dominated by the theme  of immigration, integration and Islam.

Geet Wilders party which wanted to ban the Qur'an and mosques has only gained a few additional seats and so will be ruled out of talks about forming a coalition. 

The European Union has ruled that employers can ban visible religious symbols in the workplace. This has potentially huge implications for hijab wearing Muslim women all over Europe. Some have welcomed the ruling others have feel it discriminates against Muslims.

“For Muslim women a headscarf is not an accessory; rather, it is a part of their belief. So, just like one’s ethnicity, it can’t be changed or replaced. The headscarf ban will keep Muslim women out of jobs and business”

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/03/eu-hijab-ruling-affect-muslim-women-170316073040916.html

The final episode of Extremely British Muslims was shown this week on Channel 4. It was about how Muslims live by the rules from the Qur'an and Hadith.

It featured brothers Shaun and Lee, who couldn't be more different. Shaun has become a Muslim and is now known as Abdul. His wife is Pakistani. His brother, Lee, is/was a member of the English Defence League.

On their visits to each other, with their families, having frank chats in the back garden, they reminisce about the good old days.

““We liked going out and getting wrecked, didn’t we?” says Lee. Abdul, you didn’t! Oh, but he did. “The party was always at our house,” he smiles – is that nostalgia or regret?”

They laugh together about Abdul’s ginger beard, while Lee admits he used to think Muslims were baddies and that, by attending EDL rallies, he was “sticking up for his country”. Asked if he would ever go to the mosque with his brother, Lee gives an honest no, prompting Abdul to say:

“If any of his friends saw him in a mosque, that would look bad”

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/mar/17/extremely-british-muslims-review-the-only-extreme-thing-round-here-is-the-size-of-the-rats

How can we respond to en election, a European ruling, a TV documentary set in Birmingham. I have been reading a book this week - it has a suggestion.

Is Islam taking over the country?

Image: Neil Moralee, Flickr

Is Islam taking over the country?

North of Birmingham, one of the most diverse cities in the UK, are small towns and places where very few Muslims live.

Two of us had the privilege of spending a great evening with about 50 people wanting to hear about relating to our Muslim neighbours.

They were a really friendly bunch, with great hospitality, and good humour flowed.

However, as they themselves admit, the type of some of the questions that play out in their area are:

• Is Islam taking over the country?
   
• What about Al Qaeda? Terrorism?
   
• What does the future hold?

The lack of opportunity to engage with Muslim neighbours, and seeing large Muslim communities that seem to be a block of people that are hard to get to know, are two key elements in this.

In this setting, facts like the percentage of Muslims in the country and the Muslim responses against terrorism are important, but not all that’s needed.

To go further we need to point to opportunities for actually getting to know Muslim neighbours. 

Or, where that is not practical, to show positivity about our own relationships.

One of Mahabba’s sayings is 'face the facts, don't fuel the fear'.

We need to feed that back to those people in areas of the church who don’t have opportunity to get to know Muslims and help set the tone of love and grace.

YOUR TURN

Do you want to find out more about Islam and Muslims? Request someone from Mahabba to come and speak at your church.

Mahabba on Cross Rhythms' Breakthrough! Nights

Image: Joanthan Velasquez, Unsplash

Mahabba on Cross Rhythms' Breakthrough! Nights

Gordon, National Director for Mahabba Network, was on Cross Rhythms' Breakthrough! Nights radio show last night, speaking about the work of Mahabba.

Breakthrough! Nights focusses on the people, issues and initiatives of the Stoke on Trent area and occasionally national and global topics.

It offers a chance for people, Christian or not, to engage spiritually through contemporary worship, prayer, the prophetic and sharing amazing life changing stories.

Gordon answered a series of questions, including:

• What response is the Network getting from the Muslim community?
   
• If Islam is in the news, like most things, it's usually for bad news and in Islam's case it's usually terrorism. You don't often hear of people talking about loving Muslims in the media. So please tell me about your love for Muslims
   
• What do Muslims experience from their families and faith community when they want to change their faith and become Christians?
   
• How understanding is our Government and services, of the issues Muslim converts face?
   
• The Government has recently ended the scheme bringing child refugees to Britain, having taken just 350 of the promised 3,000. What is your opinion of this?

The full interview will be available shortly as a Q&A article, so stay tuned, but you can listen again to the show here.

Gordon was speaking to Heather Bellamy, and if you want to tune into Cross Rhythms, Breakthrough! Nights is on every Tuesday evening, and available on FM or online.

Jesus & Muhammad

Image: Adam Przewoski, Unsplash

Jesus & Muhammad

Local Mahabba members were involved with another Meeting for Better Understanding (MBU) between Muslims and Christians the other night.

The discussion was to do with Jesus and Muhammad.

Individuals had been praying hard for the Holy Spirit to move in this particular mosque, which practises a strict form of Islam.

There have been a number of previous MBU’s, but little outward signs of warming to the Gospel.

On the night, about 80 people, mainly Muslims, heard a clear Gospel presentation and took evangelistic literature.

Questions and discussion about Muhammad and Jesus clearly gave Muslims present much food for thought, some of them a little troubling, as they challenged their current beliefs about Jesus.

Christians continue to meet up with their Muslim friends, so please pray for them as they build relationships and share Jesus, particularly as the Gospel stirs people's hearts and minds with questions and promptings.

Your turn

Have you been inspired?

Why not get in touch with your local Mahabba prayer group, get praying and see where God leads you?

How to answer key questions from Muslims

Image: Emily Morter, Unsplash

How to answer key questions from Muslims

Denise has been building relationships with Muslims, and sent in the following question, wanting to know how she can bring her faith into conversations with grace and truth.

“How can I get equipped to ask - and answer - the right questions when talking to Muslims?”

Dear Mahabba,

I have a good Muslim friend, and we have been talking about faith and building friendship for several years. I was recently invited to the mosque open day, and spoke to the imam and my friends for two hours.

However, although I came away feeling much more informed, I felt ill-equipped to ask the right questions - especially to do with the fundamental differences between Islam and Christianity.

These included, the sonship and divinity of Jesus;  the Trinity; reliability of the Qur'an and Bible; and more besides!

Can you help or point me in the right direction? I would really appreciate it!

Many thanks,

Denise

Our response

Hi Denise,

Thanks again for your message, and great to hear that you are building relationships and have been able to visit your local mosque successfully.

In terms of your questions, there are a handful of suggestions:

1. Connect with someone at your local Mahabba group
    
2. Browse the helpful articles on Christianity Explained website
    
3. Join The City and enquire of others there
    
4. Connect with Applied Biblical Christianity (ABC)

Local Mahabba group

There are individuals in local Mahabba groups who are doing exactly the same things as you and working through the same challenges. A local group is an excellent place to get support from others with more experience.

Christianity Explained website

There are many websites available with articles and resources on how to answer common questions and points raised by Muslims. Check out the articles on explaining Christianity to Muslims and various hot topics.

Join The City

You can also apply to join The City, the Mahabba online community area, where you can pick the brains of lots of other Christians who are engaged in the same issues as you. This is good if there is no local group near you, and there is a wider pool of people to ask.

Connect with ABC

Acts of kindness definitely help to build new relationships, but what do you do when the Qur'an says:

Jesus did not die on the cross, neither was he the Son of God, the third person of the Trinity, or God

'How to share the Gospel with Muslims' is a useful document from ABC which can help lead to opportunities to share the Gospel, as well as answering the usual questions.

Also available from ABC as a PowerPoint for teaching in small groups or churches. [N.B. scroll to bottom of downloads page.]

I hope that helps!

Let me know if you need any further help,

Simon

Elliot's Weekly Round-up: Hijabs, frustration, Birmingham & asylum

“female Muslim athletes are delighted”

— http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/brands/nikes-first-high-performance-hijab-coming-female-muslim-athletes/

This is the big news that Nike are set to launch a sports hijab in 2018. The material it is made from has lots of little holes to ensure breathability.  It will be available in three colours. This demonstrates haw big business is becoming more aware of the Muslim pound. We too, as the church, need to become more aware of those around us.

“#DearSister
You must be married by age______
What about my goals and aspirations?
Sister, your goal should be to serve your husband
(UGH)”

— http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-39179674

A recent report states how Muslim women are frustrated about being told how to dress and behave. Women's comments in the article are very different to the often assumed repressed role.  

The second episode of Extremely British Muslims is on Channel 4 this Thursday.  The last episode was about the struggle to find a spouse using family connections, mosque matchmaking services, and Muslim dating sites.  This episode homes in on what it is like for young men growing up as Muslims in Birmingham. It highlights their difficulties when travelling internationally, their aid work with refugees in Greece, along with discussion of why some people become radicalised.

““You have people who are ex-bad boys who still have that gang mentality. And if you want to be in a gang, what’s the biggest gang in the world right now?

“ISIS is the biggest, baddest gang in the world. You can get an AK and get forgiven by God at the same time.”

— http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/terrorists-why-extremely-british-muslims--12641261

Perhaps their conclusion is the most noticeable- and is a challenge.

““I know we have got to do more too, we have to work harder to mix. My community needs to be more outward looking.

“It’s up to all of us.””

— http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/terrorists-why-extremely-british-muslims--12641261

Finally a video that informs and may challenge preconceptions of asylum seekers.  Life as an asylum seeker here is tough.  Let's respond with Jesus love.

Where does god gain more honour?

Image: Jacob Meyer, Unsplash

Individuals from a local Mahabba prayer group have been involved in running a meeting for better understanding (MBU). 30 Muslims attended the event with Christians and heard the Gospel very clearly.

A Muslim speaker made a very startling statement, quoting from Deuteronomy 21:23.

“Whoever hangs on the wood is cursed by God”

He went on to say:

“For this reason, it is impossible for us to believe that Jesus died on the cross. God would never allow such a terrible thing to be said about one of the greatest prophets”

The Christian speaker succeeded very well in building the Gospel precisely on this truth:

“Jesus took the curse that had been caused by our sin and paid the punishment of death on our behalf”

It was clear that from a Muslim perspective, the death of Jesus is a great sign of God’s weakness.

Therefore, it is very important to emphasise that:

“The Gospel does not finish with the curse and death of Jesus, but continues with the lifting of the curse by his resurrection!”

A great question to ask Muslims regarding this central issue is:

“Where does God gain more honour, by preventing the death of Jesus, as it is described in the Q uran, or by raising him from the dead, as described in the Bible?”

The answer is self evident.

For more helpful answers and resources on how to speak with grace and truth to Muslims, check out the Christianity Explained website.

New Testaments & Gospels in other languages suitable for refugees and asylum seekers

Image: Raul Petri, Unsplash

Info on new testaments & gospels in other languages suitable for refugees and asylum seekers

“Do you have any info on New Testaments & Gospels in other languages suitable for refugees and asylum seekers?”

Mahabba Gloucester has created a helpful sheet!

N.B. prices are subject to change and are correct as of the time of publication of this blog.

1. Amazon www.amazon.co.uk

• Arabic/English New Testament, £2.80 (£3.27 plus postage)

• Biblica are holders of the NIV copyright

• NIV Luke’s Gospel £0.50 (and free shipping for orders of over £10.00)

2. Operation Mobilisation (OM) www.uk.om.org

• Store in Halesowen

• Telephone 0121-5855662 - Cecil Benjamin knows about Asian languages best

• Large stock with English/Urdu Luke's Gospels in packs of 100

3. The Bible Society biblesociety.org.uk

• Based in Swindon, telephone 01793 418100

• Urdu New Testament £1.25

• Bengali New Testament £8.40

• Punjabi New Testament £8.05

• English/Russian £19.00

• English/Arabic £5.00

• English/Chinese £5.00

• English/Spanish £7.00

4. Kitab www.kitab.org.uk

• Andrew Howell, telephone 01908 552714

• New Testaments or Gospels in other languages

• Luke in Arabic £0.85

• Diglot New Testament in Arabic £6.50

• Luke in Gujarati

5. The Bible Society www.bsni.co.uk

• Northern Ireland, 028 9032 6577

• Bi-lingual New Testaments: English/Arabic, English /Chinese, English/Hungarian, English/Polish and English/Spanish

6. Gospel Publishing Mission www.gospelpublishingmission.org

• Is God really my Father? English/Arabic and pictures for use in teaching, £4.50

• N.B. check pictures for suitability

7. Bible websites with foreign languages

• Biblegateway www.biblegateway.com/app/

• YouVersion Bible app