New Mahabba group in Dublin

Image: Jason Briscoe, Unsplash. Dublin

New Mahabba group in Dublin

One of the newest groups in the Mahabba Network has just launched in the Republic of Ireland.

This is particularly exciting, as there has been lots of demand from Ireland (Republic and North!) for some time, but no groups!

After the official launch of the group in Dublin, we had a very encouraging note.

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Dear Mahabba,

There was a very encouraging meeting for prayer and discussion in Dublin today, organised by our coordinator.

I didn't actually count how many people were there, but I think it was over 20. There was a mix of people from the south of Ireland and from Northern Ireland.

We prayed for Muslims, and discussed approaches and resources for sharing the Good News with Muslims.

We are hoping to have a prayer gathering on a regular basis.

I would like to encourage those who came today to join the Mahabba Network. We would learn from what others are doing in other places, and be able to share our ideas and resources within Ireland.

Would it be possible to set up three groups in the Network - one for Dublin, one for Belfast, and one overarching regional one for all of Ireland?

If these specific groups were in place, then it might encourage most of the people to join. (There might also be demand for a third group in Cork.)

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Our response

We are all in favour of three more groups, so if you are reading this and God is speaking to you, do get in touch!

I want to know the truth

Image: Himanshu Singh Gurjar, Unsplash

Celebrate with us 🎉- Jesus is breaking into the lives of those who don't know him! This is a story from a Mahabba member whom we supported on an outreach project.

Like, comment or share if you're encouraged! 👍

I want to know the truth

During a recent trip, God spoke to me early in the morning about someone that would be saved that day.

I had a heart full of anticipation all day.

Then I saw her!

I spotted her from a distance, sitting in a desolate area outside some shops that had been closed down. She was taking a break from work at the time, was playing on her mobile phone.

Her name was Rita and God gave me a word of knowledge that she was a woman that ‘searched for the truth’ in life.

She was very surprised that I knew that! I explained, that Yeshua (Jesus) had spoken to me about her that morning. He wanted to welcome her home and give her the truth.

She asked a few more questions and then said,

“I want to know the truth!”

My friends and I prayed for her to receive salvation and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Since then we have become friends over the internet and I pray for her regularly.

YOUR TURN

Like, comment or share if you're encouraged! 👍

Elliot's weekly roundup: cancer, eradication and refugee hunting

image credit: flickr cranky messiah

A Ukip parliamentary candidate has described Islam as a "cancer" as well has praising  the founder of the English Defence League. Ms Santos later said,

““It was a turn of phrase, I’m not referring to a quarter of the world’s population any more than I meant the word ‘cancer’ to be taken literally.””

— http://www.independent.co.uk/news/ukip-islam-cancer-caroline-santos-tommy-robinson-tweet-a7716381.html

A Labour candidate has been sacked for reportedly making a number of comments about Islam.

“Mr Merralls also allegedly engaged in conversation where he reportedly posted: “On a positive note that should eradicate islam from our continent for years”.”

— http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/02/labour-sacks-candidate-investigation-calling-eradication-islam/

Further afield in Germany physical violence has taken over from verbal aggression. The article highlights the rise of  " vigilante mobs" that hunt down refugees.  According to the article four men set upon a refugee in his car with a baseball bat and knuckle duster. They also beat him when he was on teh ground and trying to escape. Nine days later the man died of his injuries including a fractured skull. His two children are traumatised by the death of their father.

“The family’s lawyer, Christina Dissmann, said his wife “cannot comprehend how the perpetrators could continue attacking him when he was already lying on the ground…again and again they went after him and beat him”.”

— http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/four-men-germany-trial-beat-man-death-hunt-refugees-waldbroel-vigilante-gangs-bonn-court-migrants-a7715511.html

Reading the article reminded me of the violent attack in April on teenage asylum seeker Reker Ahmed in Croydon. These events are the very opposite of what we as Jesus followers stand for and seek to demonstrate. We have a choice how to relate to those around us. 

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

— James 3 v 17-18

Priest in Charge, Bristol

Image: Nick, Flickr

Priest in Charge, Bristol

Priest in Charge (half time) Easton Christian Family Centre

Located in a vibrant multi-cultural, multi-faith community, Easton Christian Family Centre is an informal growing church that 'welcomes all with the love of Jesus' and is learning what it means to follow Jesus.

It longs to grow in faith and maturity amidst its diversity and is looking for a priest who will lead it in understanding God's vision, building on existing outreach and local partnerships, by:

• Continuing to seek God’s guidance for it as a church family
• Being willing to support the development of lay leadership
• Overseeing pastoral support of everyone
• Encouraging mission and outreach
• Encouraging an exceptional culture of hospitality
• Encouraging a mix of service styles

It welcome applications from BAME candidates.

Closing date

16 May 2017

Shortlisting date

23 May 2017

Familiarisation day

1 June 2017

Interviews

2 June 2017

Elliot's weekly roundup: Bacon isn't Kryptonite

Image credit: Andrew Ridley, unsplash.com

This week's media trawl has revealed a warning, criticism and that bacon isn't Kryptonite. If that is confusing read on...

The Church of England is warning against allowing children to be withdrawn from school RE lessons and learning about Islam. It claims that withdrawing children will hinder people from developing skills that will will be needed for living well together as adults.

“Parents should be banned from withdrawing their children from religious education classes because they are preventing pupils from learning about Islam, the Church of England has warned.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/parents-ban-stop-children-learn-islam-faith-christians-religion-church-of-england-derek-holloway-bha-a7704996.html

After calling a snap general election, during the month of Ramadan, Theresa May has been criticised for ignoring Muslim voters.  

“Holding an election during Ramadan means there could be a disproportionate effect on voter turnout in those constituencies with a sizeable Muslim population.

If anyone thinks that their ability to go and vote will be affected, I urge them to register for a postal vote.”

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-criticised-by-muslim-mps-for-scheduling-election-during-ramadan-a3524506.html

Finally Cambridgeshire police have launched an investigation into a hate crime as bacon was left on a car door handle of a car belonging to a Muslim. This action gave rise to comments such as,

“Bacon isn’t kryptonite for Muslims”

https://www.indy100.com/article/muslim-pork-bacon-car-driver-door-cambridgeshire-police-7704961

Kryptonite is the fictional material that has power over fictional comic book hero Superman.

Lots of misunderstandings this week to do with education, the democratic process and pork products. Let's take the time to try and understand those around us so we can share Jesus more effectively.

God interrupts selfies

Image: Seth Doyle, Unsplash

Celebrate with us 🎉- Jesus is breaking into the lives of those who don't know him! This is a story from a Mahabba member whom we supported on an outreach project.

Like, comment or share if you're encouraged! 👍

God interrupts selfies

I met Alice and Odette while they were on holiday. They were busy taking selfies but God interrupted!

While trying to get chatty, I quickly realised they could not speak English only Russian. God used my friend miraculously, who was able to interpret God's question for them:

“What are your hopes and dreams?”

Alice wanted to be married and have her own business and Odette was desperate to conceive.

We were able to share a miracle that related perfectly to Odette, and the Holy Spirit softened their hearts ready for salvation; they were touched to tears and gave their lives to the living God right there and then!

When they finished praying with them, I witnessed that their hands were covered back to front with gold dust and their appearance was radiant with the glory of God.

We recommended churches in their hometowns and encouraged them to keep their faith strong.

We went away praising God's wonder, love and kindness, and praying that God help them be true disciples and follow him.

Your turn

Like, comment or share if you're encouraged! 👍

Mahabba on Cross Rhythms: Building relationships with Muslims

Image: Harist Refian, Unsplash

Mahabba on Cross Rhythms: Building relationships with Muslims

Mahabba recently featured on Cross Rhythms' Breakthrough! Nights radio show. National director, Gordon Hickson, was talking about the charity and its work in helping Christians to engage positively with Muslims through prayer and action.

Cross Rhythms has just released the transcript of the interview in an article, and we are excited to reproduce a part of it. You can find the full article via the link below.

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What does the work of Mahabba look like? What sort of things are you doing as a network?

Mahabba mobilises ordinary Christians across the country. For generations it's been a domain of specialists who understand Islam and have probably worked abroad, but we felt that the problem is the ordinary Christians. So Mahabba mobilises thousands of ordinary believers from ordinary churches to get out of their trenches of fear and begin to learn how to relate to Muslims in the community.

We are first of all a prayer movement and so we gather people together in prayer, mainly on a weekly basis across the churches. We find that unity with prayer is very important, because it's so important for Christians to know that they are one, but also for Muslims to know that we're one family and that when they approach us, they're not approaching a divided group of people. So we gather in unity on a weekly basis.

Those people that come, we then take them through our first course, which is called 'Friendship First'. It speaks for itself. It's trying to show people how to connect to Muslims in their community. It's about understanding the culture and simple care and friendship, to be able to reach out and connect to local Muslim people.

We have other courses as well, but that's the basic thing, that we're mobilising Christians across the country to connect to Muslims in their community.

It really helps with community cohesion and it breaks up the awful divide between the communities. It helps a journey of understanding on both sides.

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 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.

What is the Best Arabic translation of the bible for refugees?

Image: Mr Cup / Fabien Barral, Unsplash

What is the best Arabic translation of the bible for refugees?

Jay asked us about recommended Bible translations in Arabic the other day:

“Can you recommend a good Arabic translation of the Bible for a refugee?”

Dear Mahabba,

I know the YouVersion Holy Bible app is very good in terms of its range of other languages available. Could you give me some pointers on which of the Arabic translations would be best to use with which Arabic speakers when sharing with Muslims I meet? E.g., for Iraqis and especially Syrians. P.S. it was good to see that there is now a Dari audio version!

Our response

Thanks to the help of some specialists on The City, we an relay the following advice.

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Sharif Arabic Bible (SAB)

For Arabic speakers of Muslim background the Sharif Arabic Bible comes recommended.

The Sharif is written using Muslim vocabulary, e.g. isa, not yasua, and so is good as it is more accessible to Muslim seekers.

Conversely, it is not popular with Middle Eastern Christians because of its use of majority Arabic not Christian Arabic.

Incidentally, it also has a good (but maybe not widely known) reputation, being a set textbook for the Christianity subject in one or two Islamic universities.

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Van Dyke translation

The van Dyke translation is written in 19th century vocabulary, but is considered to be the best by the long-established Christian Arab community in the Middle East (similar to the love of white British church-goers for the 1662 prayer book and KJV).

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Kitab al Hayah (NAV)

The al Hayah translation is written in clear, modern Arabic, similar to the Good News Bible. You can buy a hard copy on Amazon etc. with parallel English/Arabic text (the English is the NIV). This is advantageous if you want to do a one-on-one Bible study, reading along with your Arabic-literate friend.

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Audio in local Arabic dialects

Look out for audio materials in local Arabic dialects such as from Global Recordings - with over 100 in Arabic alone.

Some of the recordings were made decades ago for the old 78 rpm records, so quality may be poor! As such, have a little listen before you pass it on to your friends.

http://globalrecordings.net/en/search/language?search=arabic&filter=contains#fndtn-panel2

If you’re looking for languages other than Arabic, or audio-visual etc, start here: http://globalrecordings.net/en/resources

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See also

Chapter Two Books https://www.chaptertwobooks.org.uk/foreign.html (use the pull-down menu on the right-hand side to select the language)

No Frontiers https://nofrontiers.org  (N.B. the website is currently unavailable 25/04/17 because of a rebuild, but check back).

Don't forget to try Word of Life http://www.word-of-life.org, which has lots of foreign language resources, including Arabic.

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Check out other FAQs from Mahabba

You might find the following helpful in relation to asylum seekers and refugees:

Do you have any info on new Testaments and Gospels in other languages suitable for refugees and asylum seekers?

Bibles for refugees

Families Ministry Leader, birmingham

Image Damian Zaleski, Unsplash

FAMILIES MINISTRY LEADER, BIRMINGHAM

Edward Road Baptist Church (Balsall Heath, Birmingham) is looking for the right person to be a key member of the church eldership and to lead the Families Ministry on a three-quarter-time to full-time basis, initially for a three-year term.

The successful applicant will:

• Be passionate about making Jesus known through church ministry to churched and unchurched families
• Be passionate about discipling believers
• Understand and value cross-cultural mission in a deprived, multi-cultural and multifaith, inner-city community
• Be a good team leader and administrator who is able to think strategically and to take initiative
• Be gifted at supervising volunteers and team members
• Demonstrate good pastoral and listening skills
• Be a humble and gracious team player who’s able to work with people from different backgrounds

The successful applicant will have specific responsibility for the families’ ministry, as well as a key role in wider church ministry, including teaching and preaching.

They will work closely with the senior pastor and be accountable to the eldership.

They will be a practicing Christian and in full support of the Evangelical Alliance Basis of faith. (By the nature of the job this is regarded as a specific occupational requirement).

Location & salary

Based in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, the salary will be £22,500 (pro rata), in line with BU Home Mission stipend.

Pastors will also receive a manse allowance, currently set by the BU at £6,000, as well as some additional expenses.

Closing date

Monday 5th June 2017

Interview date

Thursday 29th June 2017

Anticipated Start Date

September 2017

More Information

www.erbc.org.uk/recruitment or email recruitment@erbc.org.uk

Why I wept this Easter

Image: Aaron Burden, Unsplash

Why I wept this Easter (2017)

The message of Easter – crucifixion and resurrection - is so familiar to us. We know the story – and sometimes in our familiarity the power of its potent mixture of loss and joy is missed.

This year I wept at Easter. It was through a retelling of the Easter story in much of the pain and power that would have been the experience of the followers of Jesus.

We will all have heard of the attacks on the Coptic Churches in Tanta and Alexandria in Egypt this Palm Sunday. These attacks are not new at all but have become a depressingly regular experience for the Christians of Egypt.

For generations, they have endured the gauntlet of persecution ranging from unequal opportunity, ridicule, and shame to extreme violence – so in some ways, nothing is new. However, what has perhaps become more visible over the years has been the ‘What Would Jesus Do‘ response of Egypt’s Christians to those that hate and violate both them and their faith.

I watched the subtitled clip of a TV interview with the wife of the gatekeeper who died preventing the suicide bomber from entering the church – thus saving the lives of countless worshippers.

I have not witnessed on TV such a powerful message of forgiveness – offered, not under pressure, but as the natural overflow of an ordinary person trying to follow in the footsteps of her master.

What followed was just as powerful – the response of the Egyptian news anchor, who, faced with the power of such supernatural love, went off script as he reacted in incredulity and awe at these Christians who “are made of a different substance”.

Watch the clip:

I wept this Easter – to see this re-enactment of the Easter story lived out in our day. After all, what is Easter but an offering, a sacrifice, an exchange – of good for evil, purity for putrescence, honour for shame, life for death. 

As I did so, I thought of the long-held dream, borne in the hearts and prayers of many, of the Muslim world in large numbers embracing Jesus, the Son of God – their Sacrifice and Saviour. As I pondered this I sensed a whisper from heaven –“What is required for this to happen? Only a sacrifice – one willingly made.”

What is required? Is it more prayer conferences, clever strategies, media projects or new methodologies? No, while these can be good things; all that is required is a sacrifice – one willingly offered.

Ordinary Egyptian Christians are at the forefront of this sacrifice today, along with other unsung heroes from Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, Iran, Indonesia and elsewhere. They are leading the way in sacrifice and forgiveness – and this seed will surely bear fruit.

Such sacrifices are opening up the closed hearts of Muslims around the world – as illustrated so visibly by the news anchor! It seems that there is no shortcut to spiritual breakthrough – only a sacrifice is required.

The power of forgiveness is illustrated so well in two places in the New Testament.

• Jesus speaks over those nailing him to the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

• The dying prayer of Stephen for those stoning him: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Something shifts in heaven and on the earth when forgiveness is released. We see the Roman centurion reacting to the death of Jesus -  “Surely he was the Son of God!” Later we see Paul, who was a witness and, some think, a party to Stephen’s death, encountering Jesus and turning from his murderous path.

Perhaps it is not a surprise to see that later on it is Paul who becomes perhaps the world’s most effective missionary – and the Roman world to become the cradle of the Christian faith.

We will see the fruit of forgiveness in the coming days in Egypt – of this we can be sure – but what wider significance will these seeds of sacrifice have for the future of the Arabic and Islamic World?

So my tears were not just of sadness and empathy, but of hope - and in the beginning of a prayer – “Lord help me follow more fully in your steps and in the example of these ordinary/extraordinary saints and witnesses.”

Elliot's weekly roundup: How not to celebrate Easter

image credit: flickr aloush

What's in the news this week (April 2017)? Clothes, photos, comedy and how not to celebrate Easter.

New York Hijabis, available on iPlayer, gave an insight into the world of modest fashion in America. Fabian Muir's exhibition entitled Urban Burqa has been in the news. The exhibition shows a series of burqa images in an urban setting as a critique of the far right, populist opinion, and Islamophobia. 

“ 49% of Australians in a 2016 poll supported a ban on Muslims entering the country.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-39499321   

Comedienne Maysoon Zayid has also shared her experience on being a disabled Muslim American on the BBC Radio 4 programme Litter from America this week. In the wake of 9/11 she decided to use humour to fight against stereotypes and established the Arab American Comedy Festival. She is also one of the most watched TED presenters of all time.

“The bigots like to attack me on twitter...

If you did this in your country, you would be beheaded!
You mean New Jersey?”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08ljqct 

She continues by saying: "There are millions of people who really despise people like me, who are not white, who are not Christian, who are not able bodied..." Let's not be one of that group. Also, let's not take the approach taken recently in Birmingham, supposedly to do with Easter, where large crosses were held and "Jesus be with you" shouted by extremist groups. Instead, we will choose to live out the love of Jesus to those around us.

"What if the church was again known for being the people who love their cities and the people in them the most?"

Staying is the New Going

Happy Easter!

40acts: Against the Tide

Image: 40acts

40acts: Against the Tide

40acts has just featured a post from one of our local Mahabba prayer groups on day 35 of its campaign.

40acts is an annual campaign run by Stewardship during Lent, encouraging acts of generosity, and was the inspiration for Mahabba's Lovefast Ramadan campaign.

Today's theme is all about bucking the trends of society, and here's a snippet, which is to do with how we out work that in faith communitieis, including Muslim ones.

You can find a link to the full article below.

“In a culture which seems to thrive on negative perceptions and suspicion of difference, building friendships with people from other faith communities is one way we can do things differently. How will you swim against the tide of mistrust and fear? In which ways will you live out the message of reconciliation with which we have been entrusted?”

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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: The Sheep and The Goat

Image: CC Pop H, Flickr

Last Friday Reker Ahmed, a 17 year old Kurdish Iranian student, was waiting at a bus stop in Croydon south London.  What happened to him next has been given much media attention.

“he thought he was going to die”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-39503183

He was subjected to an unprovoked attack by up to thirty people. As a result Reker has suffered a fractured eye socket, a fractured spine and a blood clot on the brain. He was unable to recognise his brother when he visited him in London's Kings College Hospital.  Iraqi Kurds have condemned the attack. We can join with them in expressing our sympathy.

““Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Rekan Ahmed and we wish him a speedy recovery,””

http://aranews.net/2017/04/iraqi-kurds-condemn-attack-on-kurdish-asylum-seeker-in-uk/

Rather than being seen as an isolated event this attack can be seen as a part of a sustained increase in hate crime. As a result of the attack a number of people aged between 15 and 22 have been charged. Police are still investigating, there is an increased police presence on the streets surrounding the area.  In response to the attacks anti racist graffiti has appeared in the area.

I wonder if anti racist graffiti is enough?  The fact that this attack was launched from a pub named  The Goat reminds me of the passage in Matthew where the nations are separated as shepherds separate sheep and goats. 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.””

— Matthew 25

Giving money is a start, as over two and a half thousand people have done on a just giving page for Reker Ahmed, but the passage in Matthew goes beyond that to get involved practically. Even if we don't know any asylum seekers personally we can champion their cause, speak on their behalf. And if we do count asylum speakers as friends we can share Jesus with them in practical ways. I'll leave you with a strong challenge that might apply to welcoming asylum seekers too.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

— James 2

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