Despite our fears and misconceptions, many Muslims in America are open to hearing about the gospel message.
To share the gospel with our Muslim friends, neighbors, and co-workers effectively, Fouad Masri says it’s important to listen and ask questions about their Islamic faith.
“Many times people think that you have to be Arab, you have to speak Arabic, or you have to have read the Quran. So many times, but that is not true. When someone brings up their faith tell them, ‘hey that’s great,’ or listen what they’re saying. Maybe what they’re saying is not great, but respond with the greatest message.”
“Jesus tells us what to say. He says, ‘The thief comes to steal kill and destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly,’ (John 10:10) so share the abundant life with them.”
Fouad encourages us to ask questions to gain a better understanding of where a person is coming from.
“America has an arena of ideas to exchange, so if they want to present Islam, great. What does Islam bring that is different? What does Islam bring that is new? I would listen, but also I would ask questions.”
“‘If Islam is the way, can Islam give me power over sin? Can Islam make me love my neighbor as myself? Can Islam make me love my enemies? Can Islam give me peace, love, joy, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, etc?’ Let them share, absolutely, but we have the right to share back.”
Listening and asking questions is important in conversations, but Fouad reminds us that we also need to point our Muslim friends to the Word of God.
“Never underestimate the Word of God. Isaiah 55 says, ‘My Word will never return void.’ When you give the Bible to your Muslim friend, even if it’s portions of Scripture, it’s like putting potassium in water: potassium in water creates a reaction.”
He shares a personal example,
“My friend, a Yemeni brother, was just watching the news two years ago on ISIS and all that. He had been reading the Quran, but he remembered that his mother had a copy of the Arabic Bible. So he pulled the Arabic Bible and opens it right where it says, ‘Beware of false prophets’ (Matthew 7:15).”
“It hit him that not everybody who wants to teach religion, not everybody says ‘I’m from God’ is necessarily true. You have to measure the message. As he studied the Bible, it impacted him and he became believer.”
“Do not be afraid when somebody ask questions or says, ‘Hey go to this website.’ Go to the website and ask questions. But when you give the Word of God, when you give the Bible, it’s impactful.”
Author and lecturer Fouad Masri was born and raised in the war zone of Beirut, Lebanon. As a third generation ordained pastor, he has a passion for sharing the love of Christ with Muslims and has been reaching out to Muslims and inspiring others to follow his example since 1979.
Sharing the gospel with Muslims
