Do’s and Don’ts of Reaching Out to Muslims
Do make it clear you are a follower of Christ, by your loving words and righteous lifestyle.
Don’t assume your Muslim friend understands your meaning of “Christian.”
Do take time to build a relationship. Practice hospitality.
Don’t be surprised if you are rejected at first. It is best to offer Muslim friends store-bought sweets and to avoid anything with pork or alcohol.
Do approach your encounters as a learner. Ask questions.
Don’t take notes and treat Muslim friends like an academic project.
Do correct their misunderstandings of your beliefs.
Don’t argue. If they want to debate with a Christian, refer them to the website: www.debate.org.uk/.
Do talk about Jesus. Use his title, Isa Al Masih.
Don’t insult the prophet Muhammad.
Do pray out loud with your Muslim friends. Ask if you can pray for their practical needs, healing, and worries. Look for opportunities and pray in Jesus’ name.
Don’t start your prayer with "Our Father├ö├ç┬¬" because Muslims have a misunderstanding about the fatherhood of God (as sexual). Wait until you correct this misunderstanding before using "Father" or "Abba." At first address your prayer to "Almighty God" or "Lord God."
Do use your right hand in giving and receiving gifts.
Don't use your left hand for eating food (especially when learning to eat with your hands). The left hand is used for toilet cleaning; the right hand for eating.
Do treat your Bible with respect. Store it high on a shelf. Some wrap it in a beautiful cloth.
Don't put your Bible on the floor or in the bathroom as reading material. Many Muslims are superstitious about the bathroom.
Do be gender-sensitive: interact man to man, woman to woman.
Don't allow any compromising situation, even just to protect from a possible rumor. An Arab proverb says, "A man and woman alone together are three with the devil."
Do observe body language. Take your shoes off when entering a home or place of prayer (especially if you see shoes at the threshold).
Don't sit so that the sole of your foot or shoe is facing someone. Women, don't look men directly in the eye, or at least quickly avert your glance.
Do practice modesty, even among Westernized Muslims. For women this is very important since family honor is tied to their behavior and reputation.
Don't assume Muslims think the same as you, even if they dress the same.
More than one billion people around the world follow the teachings of Muhammad and Islam., Christians and Muslims have beliefs that are in common that are different. These notes will help you to avoid common witnessing mistakes and to be more sensitive about sharing your faith with Muslims. Discover what Muslims have been taught about Christianity and how to answer their questions and concerns. ……
Here are a few of the interesting facts that you will encounterencountertudying Christianity and Islam:
Muslims believe Muhammad is the final prophet, but that Jesus was born of a virgin and lived a sinless life
That many Muslims misunderstand the concept of the Trinity.
That some Muslims are worried that Western society will corrupt their children because of the images they see on TV and magazines
Muslims are committed to the Five Pillars of religion
In Islam, there is no savior; Allah is supreme
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