Woman to Woman in Woman to Woman in IslamIslam

By By Karen PorterKaren Porter

Leadership Certification Leadership Certification CourseCourse

Level 2Level 2Women’s MinistriesWomen’s MinistriesGeneral ConferenceGeneral Conference

Why This PresentationWhy This Presentation1.1. Explore ways to become friends with Explore ways to become friends with

the descendents of Abraham.the descendents of Abraham.2.2. Understand Muslim beliefs and Understand Muslim beliefs and

explore beliefs we have in common.explore beliefs we have in common.3.3. Recognize that because God is the Recognize that because God is the

Father of all humankind, and we are Father of all humankind, and we are children of Abraham, we are brothers children of Abraham, we are brothers and sisters of Muslims.and sisters of Muslims.

4.4. Explore ways to interact with Muslims Explore ways to interact with Muslims and share with them gems of truth we and share with them gems of truth we have found and love.have found and love.

““Though I am free and belong to no man, I Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under under the law), so as to win those under the law. To the weak I became weak, to the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” I Corinthians 9:19, 20, its blessings.” I Corinthians 9:19, 20, 22, 23 (NIV).22, 23 (NIV).

Terms and DefinitionsTerms and Definitions•Allah—Arabic name for the God who Allah—Arabic name for the God who created the world, the God of Abraham. created the world, the God of Abraham. Comes from the same word as the Comes from the same word as the Hebrew name for God – Elloh(im)Hebrew name for God – Elloh(im)

•Haj—Pilgrimage to MeccaHaj—Pilgrimage to Mecca

•Hanif—One who is especially faithful in Hanif—One who is especially faithful in belief in the one true God of Abraham and belief in the one true God of Abraham and is considered a part of God’s special is considered a part of God’s special people. people.

Terms and Definitions Cont’dTerms and Definitions Cont’d• Iblis—DevilIblis—Devil

• Imam—the religious leader of a mosque who leads Imam—the religious leader of a mosque who leads in the congregational prayerin the congregational prayer

• Injil—Biblical gospels, books of Isa. In a broader Injil—Biblical gospels, books of Isa. In a broader sense, the New Testamentsense, the New Testament

• Isa (El Masih) —JesusIsa (El Masih) —Jesus

• Jihad—A spiritual struggle, a struggle to better Jihad—A spiritual struggle, a struggle to better one’s lifeone’s life

• Kalimat—Word, Isa is referred to as the Kalimat Kalimat—Word, Isa is referred to as the Kalimat Allah Allah

Terms and DefinitionsTerms and Definitions

• Muslim—One who submits to AllahMuslim—One who submits to Allah

• Qur’an—Muslim holy book given or revealed word Qur’an—Muslim holy book given or revealed word by word from God, literally means “recite”by word from God, literally means “recite”

• Ramadan—Month of fastingRamadan—Month of fasting

• Shaitan—SatanShaitan—Satan

• Shari’ah—The laws, revealed and canonical, of Shari’ah—The laws, revealed and canonical, of IslamIslam

• Surah—Chapter (of the Qur’an)Surah—Chapter (of the Qur’an)

AttitudesAttitudes

Muslims toward ChristiansMuslims toward Christians——• ImmodestImmodest• Lump Jews and Christians together Lump Jews and Christians together • Oppressors of the true worshippers of Oppressors of the true worshippers of

AllahAllah• Worship more than one God Worship more than one God • Islam is superior to ChristianityIslam is superior to Christianity

Attitudes Cont’dAttitudes Cont’d

Christians toward MuslimsChristians toward Muslims——• Mysterious, keep to themselves Mysterious, keep to themselves • Restrictive Restrictive • Women passive and submissive; not Women passive and submissive; not

allowed to go to school allowed to go to school • Often must marry at a young age Often must marry at a young age • Christianity is superior to IslamChristianity is superior to Islam

Who are Muslims?Who are Muslims?

• 18% of the world’s population is Muslim 18% of the world’s population is Muslim • Muslims and Christians have become Muslims and Christians have become

more integratedmore integrated• Islam was born in the seventh century Islam was born in the seventh century

A.D. A.D. • Mohammed lived between 570 and 632 Mohammed lived between 570 and 632

A.D. A.D. • Angel Gabriel appeared to Mohammed in Angel Gabriel appeared to Mohammed in

610 A.D. 610 A.D. • He continued receiving words from Allah He continued receiving words from Allah

over the next 22 years. over the next 22 years.

Who Are Muslims? Who Are Muslims? Cont’dCont’d

• Mohammed’s writings were compiled Mohammed’s writings were compiled into Qu’ran (Koran).into Qu’ran (Koran).

• Mohammed fled to Medina in 622 Mohammed fled to Medina in 622 A.D., the beginning of Islamic history. A.D., the beginning of Islamic history.

• Islam means “to submit to God” Islam means “to submit to God” • Islam brought the divided Arab tribes Islam brought the divided Arab tribes

into a united people. into a united people. • Two types of Islam—Two types of Islam—

– Sunnis—90%, more liberalSunnis—90%, more liberal– Shi’ites—10%, more fundamentalShi’ites—10%, more fundamental

Children of the EastChildren of the East

1.1. Ishmaelites rescued Joseph from his Ishmaelites rescued Joseph from his brothers and took him to Egyptbrothers and took him to Egypt

2.2. Jethro, an Arab (Midianite), taught Moses a Jethro, an Arab (Midianite), taught Moses a more complete knowledge of Godmore complete knowledge of God

3.3. Ruth, an Arab (Moabitess) became a Ruth, an Arab (Moabitess) became a progenitor of the Messiahprogenitor of the Messiah

4.4. Wise men of the East, Arabs, brought Wise men of the East, Arabs, brought spices to the new born Messiah spices to the new born Messiah

Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam

• Testimony of Faith (Shahada)Testimony of Faith (Shahada)• Daily Prayers (Salat)Daily Prayers (Salat)• Fasting (Sawm)Fasting (Sawm)• Alms Giving (Zakat)Alms Giving (Zakat)• Pilgrimage (Hajj)Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Five (Six) Articles of Five (Six) Articles of FaithFaith

1.1. The Doctrines of AllahThe Doctrines of Allah2.2. AngelsAngels3.3. Revealed BookRevealed Book4.4. Prophets, MessengersProphets, Messengers5.5. The Last ThingsThe Last Things6.6. Predestination (As believed by Predestination (As believed by

some) some)

Other TraditionsOther Traditions

1.1. PolygamyPolygamy

2.2. Alcohol and PorkAlcohol and Pork

3.3. Folk IslamFolk Islam

4.4. ProphetsProphets

What Muslims What Muslims Believe About:Believe About:

1.1. Allah, the Allah, the Supreme BeingSupreme Being

2.2. Jesus Christ Jesus Christ

3.3. The Qur’anThe Qur’an

4.4. The LawThe Law

5.5. SinSin

Resistance to Resistance to ChristianityChristianity

1.1. ConfrontationsConfrontations

2.2. Missionary religionsMissionary religions

3.3. Dealing with theological Dealing with theological disagreements, not felt disagreements, not felt needsneeds

Developing Relationships Developing Relationships with Muslimswith Muslims

1. Develop personal friendships. 2. Avoid Argument. 3. Don’t Criticize Islam. 4. Same Concerns. 5. Admit Mistakes.

Developing Relationships Developing Relationships With Muslims Cont’dWith Muslims Cont’d

6.6. Be PositiveBe Positive7.7. Live as a BelieverLive as a Believer8.8. Describe yourself as a BelieverDescribe yourself as a Believer9.9. Focus on the concernsFocus on the concerns10.10.Tell Bible StoriesTell Bible Stories11.11.Don’t act superiorDon’t act superior12.12.PrayPray13.13.Be People of the BookBe People of the Book

Suggestions for Suggestions for Visiting a MosqueVisiting a Mosque

1. Place of Worship of God

2. Speak with the mosque leader (Imam)

3. Going as a Group

4. Behavior5. Avoid Argument

6. People of Faith7. Be Sympathetic8. Using the Qur’an9. Encouraging

Remarks10.Invitation to

Visit

Relationship Relationship Between SexesBetween Sexes

• Western openness can easily be Western openness can easily be misunderstood as frivolous and immoral.misunderstood as frivolous and immoral.

• Strict Muslim parents do not allow free and Strict Muslim parents do not allow free and open relationships for children in puberty.open relationships for children in puberty.

• As a rule, men should cultivate friendships As a rule, men should cultivate friendships with men, women with women.with men, women with women.

• Non-Muslim men cannot visit Muslim Non-Muslim men cannot visit Muslim women but other women are allowed. women but other women are allowed.

Areas of AgreementAreas of Agreement

1.1. Worship the one Worship the one and true Godand true God

2.2. Believe in Believe in ProphetsProphets

3.3. Understand Understand Abraham as one Abraham as one of the great of the great prophetsprophets

4.4. AngelsAngels

5.5. Prayer Prayer

6.6. Day of JudgmentDay of Judgment

7.7. Second AdventSecond Advent

8.8. Healthy lifestyleHealthy lifestyle

9.9. Family ValuesFamily Values

10.10.Hunger for GodHunger for God

Areas of Doctrinal Areas of Doctrinal DifferencesDifferences

• TrinityTrinity• Deity of ChristDeity of Christ• IncarnationIncarnation• Authenticity of Present ScripturesAuthenticity of Present Scriptures• Inspiration of BibleInspiration of Bible• Divine Origin of Qur’anDivine Origin of Qur’an• Mohammed as ProphetMohammed as Prophet• E G White as ProphetE G White as Prophet• Sabbath – Friday, Day of Rest IssueSabbath – Friday, Day of Rest Issue• Sin – SalvationSin – Salvation

Methods to Use in Methods to Use in Reaching Muslim Reaching Muslim

WomenWomen

1.1. Stories From the BibleStories From the Bible2.2. Build on the Faith that is Already PresentBuild on the Faith that is Already Present3.3. Use Creative FormsUse Creative Forms4.4. Discover and Address Felt NeedsDiscover and Address Felt Needs5.5. Use Stories of Women in the BibleUse Stories of Women in the Bible6.6. Use Stories of Women Who were Spiritual Use Stories of Women Who were Spiritual

Leaders in Islamic HistoryLeaders in Islamic History

1.1. FamilyFamily—How to find and keep a —How to find and keep a husband and how to care for their husband and how to care for their families.families.

2.2. GossipGossip—How to deal with gossip —How to deal with gossip and avoid gossiping themselves.and avoid gossiping themselves.

3.3. Work vs. familyWork vs. family—How to balance —How to balance work and caring for their familieswork and caring for their families

4.4. Lack of ForgivenessLack of Forgiveness—How to deal —How to deal with unwillingness to forgive, with unwillingness to forgive, grudges, and revenge.grudges, and revenge.

Felt Needs of Muslim Felt Needs of Muslim WomenWomen

5.5. Lack of TrustLack of Trust—Because of the —Because of the lack of forgiveness there is a lack of forgiveness there is a lack of trust. lack of trust.

6.6. Addictions of husbandsAddictions of husbands—Many —Many husbands are involved in some husbands are involved in some kind of addiction, like gambling, kind of addiction, like gambling, sexual, etc.sexual, etc.

7.7. Feeling Powerless—Feeling Powerless—Not being Not being able to control what is able to control what is happening in their lives. happening in their lives.

Felt Needs Cont’dFelt Needs Cont’d

1.1. Respect for the Local CultureRespect for the Local Culture

2.2. Understanding the Local CultureUnderstanding the Local Culture

3.3. Being a Godly PersonBeing a Godly Person

4.4. Being a Spiritual PersonBeing a Spiritual Person

5.5. Recognizing Muslim Women as Recognizing Muslim Women as Fellow Believers Fellow Believers

6.6. Being Known to Have Answers Being Known to Have Answers to Spiritual Questions to Spiritual Questions

Progression to Reach Progression to Reach Muslim WomenMuslim Women

1.1. Neutral SubjectsNeutral Subjects– God as Creator, CreationGod as Creator, Creation– Healthful Living, Dietary LawsHealthful Living, Dietary Laws– FamilyFamily

Order of Topics for Order of Topics for Conversation/ Bible StudiesConversation/ Bible Studies

2.2. Less Controversial SubjectsLess Controversial Subjects– Bible as Word of GodBible as Word of God– Character of GodCharacter of God– Angels and Their MinistriesAngels and Their Ministries– Last-day PropheciesLast-day Prophecies– Christ’s Second ComingChrist’s Second Coming– Day of JudgmentDay of Judgment– The Moral LawThe Moral Law– Tithe, StewardshipTithe, Stewardship– PrayerPrayer– Sabbath as Day of RestSabbath as Day of Rest– State of the Dead. Conditional ImmortalityState of the Dead. Conditional Immortality– Heaven – HellHeaven – Hell

Order of Topics Cont’dOrder of Topics Cont’d

3.3. Controversial SubjectsControversial Subjects– The TrinityThe Trinity– Jesus ChristJesus Christ

• Christ as part of the TrinityChrist as part of the Trinity• Christ as ManChrist as Man• Christ as SaviorChrist as Savior• Teachings of ChristTeachings of Christ• Miracles of ChristMiracles of Christ• Christ’s Death and ResurrectionChrist’s Death and Resurrection• Christ’s Mediatory MinistryChrist’s Mediatory Ministry

– What is Sin?What is Sin?– What is SalvationWhat is Salvation– BaptismBaptism– Origin of Evil Origin of Evil

Order of Topics Cont’dOrder of Topics Cont’d

4.4. Most Controversial SubjectsMost Controversial Subjects– SDA Church is God’s RemnantSDA Church is God’s Remnant– Spirit of ProphecySpirit of Prophecy– The Pre-Advent Judgment The Pre-Advent Judgment

Order of Topics Cont’dOrder of Topics Cont’d