Understanding Islam - What Does the Bible Have to Say?
This morning you woke to an alarm clock. Millions around the world wake every day to different music. They wake to the morning prayer calls coming from their local mosque. These people make up the world’s 1 billion Muslims. There are lives dominated by the Imam, their mosque, and the rules of Islam. The Muslim people have a vastly different world view than Christians.
One of the pictures from the Iraq war that sticks out in my mind. It was a suicide bombing in Bagdad. An Iraqi man is seen on the TV shouting “DEATH TO ISRAEL.” What’s striking about this is that there was not a Jew within 1,000 miles! It was a vivid reminder of the hatred for Christians (in the mind of a Muslim, all Americans are Christians) and Jews.
To understand this, and to understand the threat to our society, we must understand Islam .
BACKGROUND
What is Islam?
Islam means “Submission”
Muslim “one who submits”
1.2 billion Muslims
2nd fastest growing religion
2nd largest religion (behind Christianity)
Are all Muslims Arab?
Only 30% pf Muslims are Arabic speaking
Top 4 nations with Muslim population are NOT Arab
‒ Indonesia (238 million, 88% Muslim)
‒ Pakistan (160 million, 97% Muslim)
‒ India (1 billion, 12% Muslim)
‒ Bangladesh (141 Million, 83% Muslim)
Are all Arabs Muslim?
‒ NO 95% lf Arabs world wide are Muslim
‒ Of America’s 2 million Arabs, only 23% claim to be Muslim
History of Islam
‒ Mohammad born in 570 in Mecca
‒ Familiar with Jewish and Christians. Familiar with the Bible and Christian practices.
‒ Mecca was the location of the Ka’bah - cube that contained 360 deities
‒ Mohammad preached against polytheism. This was welcomed by the Christians and Jews.
610, at the age of 40 Mohammad receives his first “vision” from the angel “Gabriel” ‒Mohammad thought this might be Jinn, or demons.
His wife reassured him it was not demons and to receive the message
After persecution began, Mohammad was forced to flee to Medina. This is the Hijrah or migrations.
I. The SOURCE of Islam
MUSLIM VIEW - “Allah is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.” “Islam and Christianity and Judaism have the same source, going back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham.”
Islam is syncretistic. Jews had settled in Arabia following their defeat by the Romans. In 600 AD there were many Jews living in the current region of Arabia. Mohammed took the Arabian culture, the OT Scriptures, NT Scriptures, traditions from the hundreds of local deities, wrapped in the garment of his “revelations from God” and came up with the Koran.
The POLITICALLY CORRECT VIEW is that “Allah is the Arabic name for God. The word is literally al-Lah, meaning "the God." The term "Muslim" means one who surrenders (to God). Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews (ABC News Website).
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
1. The Great Prophet is NOT Mohamed, but Jesus, Not a REVOLUTIONARY, but a SAVIOR
a. Prophesied in the OT
b. Gen 3:15
c. Micah 5:2
d. Isaiah 53
e. Luke 4:18-19. Reference to Isaiah’s prophesy
f. Matthew 5:17-18
g. Luke 22:37 “What is written about me is being fulfilled.”
h. Deuteronomy 18:15 with Deuteronomy 34:10-12.
2. Jesus is the ONLY mediator.
a. John 14:6 “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
b. 1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
c. Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
3. The PROPHETS revealed JESUS. Islam teaches that Mohammad is the greatest prophet, but both the Old and New Testament contradict this idea. In particular, the New Testament teaches that the purpose of the prophets and apostles was to reveal Jesus. Jesus is the Mystery spoken of by the Old Testament prophets, though hidden in meaning until the revelation was disclosed by NT apostles and prophets.
a. 1 John 4:2-3
b. Hebrews 1:1-3
c. Ephesians 3:4-6
The CONFLICT of Islam is prophesied in the Bible
1. Genesis 16:11-12 prophesy of Ishmael. He also had 12 sons, like Isaac. His descendants would constantly be in conflict. This is true to this day.
2. Genesis 25:18
3. ISHMAEL the father of Arab people
Today, majority of Muslims are not arabs, BUT all Muslims are the SPIRITUAL descendants of ISHMAEL through Mohamed.
Revelation 17:5. Religious Babylon - All false religion is described as the HARLOT - illegitimate offspring
The CONFLICT is the only explanation for the militancy of Muslims
against Jews
1. 6 million in Israel. 1 million of them are Arabs, whose birth rate is 2x that of Jewish families
2. 21 Arab countries surrounding Israel
a. Population 292 million
b. Land mass = 650 x that of Israel
c. Per capita annual GDP
(1) ISRAEL = $18,000
(2) ARAB = $3,700
d. Israel is the only Democracy. “Because Islam in many ways trains people not to govern themselves but to be governed by dictates, Muslim countries almost always are run by dictators, who have had much in common with the rulers of Marxist countries.”
3. Israel’s wars
a. 1948 war for independence
b. 1956 Sinai war
c. 1967 Six days war
d. 1973 Yom Kippur war
e. 1980 Lebanon conflict
f. 1999 Intifada
4. Palestinian Children
a. Educated in Israel
b. Given medical care
c. Granted religious and political freedom
d. Given land, cities, police forces
e. Because of Islam’s hatred of Jews, they teach their children from infancy to hate the Jews.
(1) kill Jews
(2) Train children and pay them as suicide bombers
(a) as young as 10 years old
(b) Mentally handicapped children
(3) Human shields
(4) NO DIFFERENT THAN THE CANAANITE’S offering their children to MOLECH. 2 Kings 16:3
F. Sons of Flesh. Galatians 4:29. CONFLICT
1. Sons of Flesh - Ishmael
2. Sons of promise - Isaac
3. Spiritual sons of flesh - those who reject Jesus
4. Spiritual sons of promise - those who receive Jesus
II. REVELATION to MOHAMAD
A. What does Islam teach?
1. Mohamed say a vision. He was frightened and thought it might be JINN or demons. His wife told him not to be afraid, the vision was an angel. Mohamad continued to receive these visions. No doubt, he was being influenced by demonic spirits. His first inclination was correct.
2. Islam teaches that the angel Gabriel visited Mohamad.
B. What does the Bible teach?
1. Matthew 24:5 “many will come In my name. . .”
2. Galatians 1:6-9. The children of Ishmael are not the sons of promise. Today, Gentiles can become true children of God by faith in Jesus, even though they were not originally part of the Jewish family. Paul makes clear that Ishmael was not the legitimate son.
III. ISLAM and WAR
As Christians, we must show the love of Christ to all people of the world. We must have a desire and a plan to reach Muslim countries with the gospel.
At the same time, elements of a religious movement are at war with US. We must understand the threat and protect our families and our country
Why do many Muslims hate Americans?
IT IS A HATRED of ISRAEL and CHRISTIANITY.
A. Two periods when the Quran was written
1. Earlier period (Mecca)
a. “To you, your religion, to me my religion” Qur’an 109
b. “We well know what the infidels say: but you are not to compel them.” Qur’an 15:45
c. “O Lord, there are people who do not believe. Bear with them and wish them peace. In the end they shall know their folly.” Qur’an 43:88
d. “There is no compulsion in religion.” Qur’an 2:256
2. Later period - after the people of Mecca rejected Mohamad’s message and drove him from their city.
a. “As for the unbelievers (Christians and Jews), for them garments of fire shall be cut and poured over their heads whereby whatever is in their bowels and skin shall be dissolved.” Qur’an 22:9
b. “When you meet the unbelievers, strike off their heads: then when you have made wide slaughter among them, carefully tie up the remaining captives.” Qur’an 47:4
c. “Fight ‘people of the book’ (Christians and Jews) who do not accept the relition of the truth (Islam), until they pay tribute (penalty tax) by hand, being inferior.” Surah 9:29
(1) (Regarding “inferior,” Islam has reduced the lifestyle in almost every country in which Shariah Law has been instituted - “Nowhere have whole peoples seen their situation reversed more visibly or more painfully than the peoples of the Islamic world.”
B. ISLAM advocates jihad
1. “Fight those who do not believe in Allan” Surah At-Taubah 9:29
2. “I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, Smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger tips of them” Quran 8:12
a. Some say. . “BUT MUSLIMS DO NOT TAKE THESE PASSAGES SERIOUSLY. . .” Consider this letter written by Mohammad Atta, leader of the September 11 hijackers:
b. Mohammad Atta terrorist letter: “When the confrontation begins, strike like champions who do not want to go back to this world. Shout, "Allahu Akbar," because this strikes fear in the hearts of the non-believers. God said: "Strike above the neck, and strike at all of their extremities." Know that the gardens of paradise are waiting for you in all their beauty, and the women of paradise are waiting, calling out, "Come hither, friend of God." They have dressed in their most beautiful clothing. When the hour of reality approaches, the zero hour, [unclear] and wholeheartedly welcome death for the sake of God. Always be remembering God. Either end your life while praying, seconds before the target, or make your last words: "There is no God but God, Muhammad is His messenger". Afterwards, we will all meet in the highest heaven, God willing.”
c. The phrase in bold is directly from the Qur’an.
3. “The unbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans shall butn forever in the fire of Hell. They are the vilest of all creatures.” Quran 98:1-8
4. “The person who participates in (holy battles) in Allah’s cause and nothing compels him to do except belief in Allan and His Apostle, will be recompensed by Allah either with a reward, or booty (if he survives) or will be admitted to paradise (if he is killed).” Al Bukhari vol 1:35
C. What does the BIBLE say?
1. Christ calls His followers to Spiritual warfare.
a. Matthew 10:5-16
b. “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34. The “sword” was the sword of persecution used AGAINST His followers!”
c. The 12 Apostles -
(1) no one led in battle
(2) all were martyred (except John)
(3) Mohammed commanded 27 battles in his lifetime
(4) Mohammed ordered 600 heads of his conquered enemies brought to him after one battle.
(5) “Jihad is the Muslim version of Evangelism Explosion”
d. Ephesians 6:12 “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. . .”
2. God has appointed human government
a. To maintain order
b. To punish evildoers
c. Romans 13:1-4
d. 1 Peter 2:13-17
3. LEGITIMATE USES of FORCE
a. Personal protection.
(1) Matthew 24:43 “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.”
(2) 1 Tim 5:8 “provides for his own. . .”
b. Protection of others
(1) Isaiah 1:17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
c. Punishment of evil - crimes and evil in the world
(1) Romans 13:1-4
(2) 1 Peter 2:19-20
(3) 1 Peter 2:13-17
D. What about those who say Islam is a peaceful religion?
1. Not according to the Qur’an
2. Not according to the life of Mohammed
3. Not according to the beginning of Islam
a. 632 - Death of Mohammed
b. 637 - Muslims capture Jerusalem
c. 632-642 - Muslim armies had taken Syria, Egypt and Persia.
d. 700 - Muslims complete a 70 year purge of N. Africa, virtually eliminating Christianity which had flourished for 700 years
e. 732 - Muslims turned back after reaching France
f. 846 - Muslims sack Rome and the Vatican
g. 1006 - Muslims invade India
h. 1094 - Muslims attack Spain
i. 1095 - Pope Urban II calls for the first Crusade - after 450 years of aggression by the raiding Muslims!
4. Not according to the militant sect of Islam know as Wahabi
a. 1972 massacre of Israeli athletes
b. 1979 Iranian hostage crisis
c. 1983 bombing of US Marine barrack in Lebanon
d. 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103
e. 1998 bombing of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania
f. Ongoing Intifada in Israel - murder in the name of Allah
g. 2001 bombing of the WTC.
5. Not according to the moderate Imam’s who either applaud the violence or remains silent.
E. The impact of godly principles in government.
1. Christians are prohibited to worship under Shar’ia Law
a. President George Bush (41) prohibited from saying Grace with troops in Saudi Arabia, protecting the Saudi’s from Iraq!
b. Bibles, Christian song books, conversion strictly prohibited
c. Taliban fighters in Afghanistan recently cut the throat of a Muslim cleric after it was discovered that he was promoting Christianity (Times of London, July 2004).
2. Muslims, and every other religion are free to worship here. WHY?
3. “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason people of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”
Patrick Henry
IV. ISLAM and END TIMES
A. Matthew 24:4-14. False prophets. Persecution. Great persecution.
B. Revelation 20:4. Beheading??? Could Islam be a source of this under a great ecumenical movement?
1. Nicholas Berg
2. Sri Lankan woman beheaded for murder in Saudi Arabian village square.
C. What will happen when believers are raptured? Will America still be a dominant military power when many of its soldiers and leaders instantaneously vanish?
V. REACHING MUSLIMS with the GOSPEL
A. RELATIONSHIPS!
B. Understanding. Muslims perceive Americans as haters of Muslim people. They perceive Christianity as an aggressive, dominating religion which has suppressed Muslims for centuries. “We need to remember, when seeking to witness to Muslims, that we are working in an atmosphere poisoned by the memories of these and more recent (e.g. the US’s two invasions of Lebanon) casualties. It is only by the grace of God that we have as much opportunity as we do to work with Muslims. If we exhibit any form of cultural superiority, religious triumphalism, or selective amnesia concerning the sins of the West, perceived as Christian, we only make matters worse. More to the point, the denigration of Islam as a religion or slurs against its founder, Mohammad, will not be tolerated. Working with Muslims calls for an especially sensitive approach.”
C. Many Muslims in the US are social in nature, not highly religious.
D. Points of commonality:
1. One God. Muslims accuse Christians of believing in three gods.
2. Morality. It should be stressed that America is a nation, not a religion. God does not approve of the immorality in America.
3. Background. Muslims believe in Adam, Noah, Moses, Jonah, John the Baptist and Jesus. They believe in the virgin birth. They believe Jesus was a great prophet. Take them to the gospels to study the life and teaching of Jesus!
4. Sacred book. Muslims claim that the Qur’an is the only uncorrupted book. They claim the NT was corrupted and changed. They revere the Qur’an in a mystical way, never putting it on the floor or allowing another book to be placed higher. They would never write or mark in the Qur’an.
E. Salvation.
1. Islam holds to a depressingly fatalistic world view. Life is predetermined. You cannot change your destiny. There is no hope for betterment. That is why suicide bombers line up to die and go to heaven where they will be greeted by 19 virgins and eternal bliss. They have no hope of a better life here on earth. This is why their parents rejoice when they die for Allah.
2. God. Muslims believe that God is impersonal. He is so far above us, that we cannot comprehend his ways. The incarnation if understood undermines this aspect of the Muslim world view.
3. Eternal Security. Muslims believe that you cannot know if you will make it to heaven.
a. Mohammad didn’t know if he would get to heaven. “Nor do I know what will be done with me or with you” Surah 46:9
b. “By Allah, though I am the apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me.” vol 5:266
c. “Save yourselves from Hellfire, as I cannot save you from Allan’s punishment.” Sahih Bukhari Vol 4, book 51, #16.
F. Tools for witnessing to Muslim friends
1. Your testimony - Muslims believe that God has not spoken since speaking to Mohammad 1400 years ago. What a surprise to hear that He is still speaking today!
2. The NT teaching of Jesus and the Apostles. Since the Qur’an speaks so frequently and surprising well of Jesus, studying the true revelation may be surprisingly easy.
3. “Indeed, in our effort to bring Muslims to study the Bible, we have an unexpected ally in Mohammed’s book the Qur’an. In a careful reading of Quranic references (3:84; 5:51, 71; 6:34; 10:37, 64, 94; 46:12) we find that Mohammad affirmed his belief in what was revealed to Moses and Jesus. He taught that God confirms and guards all previous scripture, that Christians are to stand fast on their own books of the Law and the Gospel, and that none could change the Word of God. Finally, the Muslim is told that if he has doubts he should ask the Jews and Christians, who were reading the Holy Books before he was.
4. Prayer. Colossians 4:3-4
Understanding Islam August 22, 2004
Pastor Paul Barreca Faith Bible Church
Comparing Mohammad to Jesus
Muslims claim that the Bible is corrupt. However, it should be noted that the Qur’an itself asserted the importance of the Bible. The Qur’an states: God “sent down the Law (of Moses), and the Gospel (of Jesus), before this (before the Qur’an)” Qur’an 3:3. The Qur’an affirms Jesus’ virgin birth, His ability to heal and raise the dead, that He is both a Word from God and a spirit from God, that He is Messiah, an all righteous one (sinless), among those nearest to God, that He is above in heaven now and will return to judge the earth (Qur’an 3:45, 49; 4:158; 82:22). On this basis, and since the Qur’an offers no improvement for what Muslims believe is a corrupt text of the Bible, it is reasonable to search the key documents of each religious system and examine what the Qur’an has to say about Mohammad and what the Bible has to say about Jesus.
MOHAMMAD JESUS
Birth *Not prophesied in OT, NT or by soothsayers
*Natural birth *Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; 9:1-7; Dan 9:25; Gen 49:10; Deut 18:15-19
*Virgin birth (accepted in the Qur’an)
Sinless life “O my Lord! Forgive my sins and my ignorance. Forgive my sins of the past and of the future which I did openly or secretly” (Hadith vol 8, no 407) 1 Peter 2:22; 2 Cor 5:21; John 9:24-25; Matthew 4:1-11
Miracles Performed no miracles. Qur’an 17:59, 90-93; 6:9, 37; 29:47-51.
Later sections in the Hadith speak of miracles. They appear to be “bigger and better” examples of OT and NT miracles and exaggeration of Arabian legends and myths. John 20:30-31; 6:26. Each of the 35 recorded miracles contained in the four gospels.
Slaves Mohammad owned many slaves. Referred to all black people as slaves. Enslaved his defeated foes (Hadith 435 vol 6) Proclaimed freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18-19). Equality in Christ (Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).
Temptation Mohammad lusted after his own daughter-in-law and took Zaids wife as his own. He later prophesied that this was Allah’s will (Qur’an 33:36-38) Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
More. . . .
Retaliation *Words of Mohammad: “Allah has hated you for asking too many questions” (Hadith 2, #555); “The Prophet told them repeatedly [in anger] to ask him anything they liked. But the people had learned not to ask anything” (Hadith 1, #30)
*Mohammad killed Ibn Khatal who was taking refuge in Mecca, after Mohammad had preached that no one should be killed in Mecca (Haddith 3, #72) 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Wives *His harem consisted of at least 20 women. The Hadith testifies that Mohammad was empowered by God to be with each of 30 wives in one night, saying he had the strength of 30 men (vol 1, no 267-270).
*He took Aesha, an 8 year old as a wife. Jesus had no relation with a woman.
Afterlife Mohammad had no assurance he would be in heaven. “Nor do I know what will be done with me or with you” Surah 46:9 “By Allah, though I am the apostle of Allah, yet I do not know what Allah will do to me.” vol 5:266 “Save yourselves from Hellfire, as I cannot save you from Allan’s punishment.” Sahih Bukhari Vol 4, book 51, #16. John 16:10; Luke 23:43
Self Claims Claimed to be only a man Claimed to be God. John 8:58
Salvation *You must save yourself
*God cannot be known. Grace is not spoken of. Salvation is by good works. Everything in life is pre-determined by fate. There is no emphasis on God’s love or mercy. Come to Jesus for salvation (John 6:36-40; 14:6; Matthew 11:29). Jesus came to show us God’s love (John 3:16; Luke 19:10). The New Testament emphasizes forgiveness of sin through belief in Christ’s completed work.
Death Died. Buried. Died, buried and risen (John 11:25; John 20-21; Acts 2:29-32). Gave his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
© 2004 Paul Barreca.
