how do i convert muslims?

just as different fish take different bait, you have to understand the muslim's mind in order to determine the best approach.

Over here, we are surrounded by a sea of musilm nations (Indonesia and Malaysia) but most (including my own countrymen), are moderates. And yes, i'd agree with you, the family community ties are a very great obstacle to break through.

I'm sure the others will give more practical advice...

 

You need to first study Islam and understand it, because you need to know what they are taught about God and Jesus. I believe they are taught that the trinity is supposedly God, Jesus, and Mary. So if you talk about the Trinity, that is what they will think of.

They also believe it's blasphemous to say God can have a Son.

You really need to read some good books on Islam. Here are two:

_Islam: A Christian Introduction_ by Dr. Winifried Corduan

_Answering Islam__ by Norman L. Geisler and Abdul Saleeb.

 

We are told in the Bible to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have in Christ. That means that we must live our lives in such a way that someone will ask questions!

Knowing something about Islam is fine. Knowing the Bible and the Lord is much better, though, for He knows Islam through and through and knows how to direct you in the way He wants you to go around Muslims. He knows who is searching and who is not. He knows what questions someone might want to ask that He wants you there for.

In the long run, you can only be a sign post toward the truth. It is the Holy Spirit who converts those who want the truth.

 

Start with: forgiveness of sins.
There is no religion in the world that has an answer to the problem of fogivemess of sins, save for Christianity.

How can you be sure that God will forgive your sins? On mercy alone? On what basis then does God (Allah) forgive sins? Will he forgive the sins of Hitler or Stalin? Why or why not? Then, how do you know he will forgive your sins? How can we know for sure that our sins can be forgiven?

The Muslim cannot know. But the Christian can know because the penalty of his sin has been justly paid for. (1Pet.3:18) "The just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit."
You may compare it to our justice system, (when justice is properly carried out). Sin requires a penalty. God just doesn't forgive sins at random, without penalty. Every sin, or sin in general has a penalty. What is the penalty for sin? (Rom.6:23).
On what basis does God forgive sin?
The only answer to that question can be found in Jesus Christ.
DHK

 

Witness to them like you would anyone else.

First ask them if they think they are a good person. Most likely they will say yes. Then ask...

Have you ever told a lie ? Most likely if they are honest they will say YES. Then ask what does that make you ? Hopefully they will say A LIAR

Then ask them have they ever stolen in their whole life ? Most likely they will say YES. Then ask what does that make you. Hopefully they will say A THIEF.

Then ask them have they ever lusted after a woman or man ? If they say yes then say according to scripture that makes you have commited adultry in your heart.

So by their own admission they have admitted to being a liar, thief, and adulter ( or whatever example you give them ) So they are not as good as they thought they were.

Then proceed to show them God expects perfection
and how sin has seperated them from a Holy God. and how he sent his son who had not to sin to be sin for us ET. ET...

No need to have to understand the religion of the one you are talking to. If you know the real truth and stick to showing someone who thinks he a good person that he really is a sinner in need of forgiveness or if someone already knows they area a sinner point them to the one who can forgive them their sins.

A banker isn't taught how to study a conterfiet dollar bill to know one when he sees it. He is taught how to study the REAL dollar bill so when a fake comes along they can spot it right away.

 

How do you convert muslims?

The answer is you don't. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw all people into a right relationship with God the Father through Christ the Son.

Dr. Emir Caner (formerly at SEBTS now at SWBTS) grew up in a Turkish Muslim home. When people ask him, "When did to convert [or switch]?" He always replies, "Convert? I didn't. I got saved! I was a lost sinner and by the grace of God I was saved by faith in Jesus Christ."

If you are serious about witnessing to Muslims I suggest that you read up on the subjuct. Start with Dr. Caner's book entitled "Unveiling Islam: An Insiders Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs." Then read his book entitled "Out of the Crescent Shadows: Leading Muslim Women into the Light of Christ." Also, his book entitled "More Than a Prophet: An Insider's Response to Muslim Beliefs About Jesus and Christianity" will be helpful.

Devout Muslims are trained to attack certain points of Christianity, which they deem to be weak, such as the doctrine of the Trinity. However, they will likely have a misguided understanding of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. They may even believe that we say that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and Mary make up the Trinity. Furthermore, they will hold on strongly to the radical extreme Monotheism of Islam. There is only one God and one is one is one... There is no possible way for the Christian idea of Trinity (three) to equal one. So really nail down your understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity and the biblical passages that support the doctrine.

 

What can help, is not being afraid to tell them about Hell, and if they do not know Jesus they will be going there. Often some muslims will try and seek reassurance that they are following the same God as Christians, yet you need to make it clear that they are not, and without Jesus they will go to Hell for eternity. Sounds harsh I know, but why not preach what is the truth to them there is no point attempting to gloss over anything.

 

I have dealt with muslims and it is difficult.

Anyone who is devoted to his/her cause is difficult to deal with.

Arab muslims are especially difficult because of the history of animosity between themselves and historic Christianity (Crusades).

In my experience, it has always ended with anger concerning the diety of Christ, the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity. To them this is a grievous blasphemy. They consider Him a prophet, nothing more.

As far as they are concerned, though we may be people of "the book", nonetheless they consider Trinitarian Christians as infidels and polytheists.

My own opinion: let them see your good works, this is witness enough (unless God leads otherwise of course).

HankD

 

I start out with prayer, then gently, by getting to know them as human beings, let the conversations about God develop naturally.

Examples:
In explaining to one Muslim why I am single, but don't date I made the statement that no matter what the State of Texas may say, I believe I made a vow to God, and that I feel no one but God Himself could release me from that vow. The Muslim I spoke with was stunned and said, "I have never met a Christian who cared what God thought." (Talk about an eye opening, heart breaking statement!) That lead to a conversation about why Christ is so important to me.

Another example.
When speaking to one Muslim mother and her son, I commented to the child that his mother's nation of birth is considered the birthplace of mankind by many. The mother looked startled and said, "You acknowledge this?" I said, "Certainly. It is foolish of a Christian not to acknowledge those parts of our heritages which are common. Christ did not do away with the words of Abraham, He fulfilled them."

It was a beginning that did not immediately put them on the defensive.

 

Give them your personal testimony. That is one thing someone cannot dispute, nor argue with. Tell them how your life was before you accepted Christ, how you came about realizing you were going to hell, and how Christ has changed your life since. Tell them you love them and that is the reason you are talking to them about this, that you want them to share in the same joy and assurance of eternal life that you have.

 

I do agree with marcia that it is important to know something about their faith first.

Understand - they believe that Easu should have inherited God's blessing. Almost everything beyond that becomes muddied water to them.

 

I applaud your effort.

Best way? Be an example.

I do not agree that it is important to know much about their faith. You only need to know Jesus. Like someone said, everything else mixed in just muddies the water and many take that as allowances to make excuses for sin.

The one thing I came across in the people of Islam is that they are very committed to it, but it is my opinion that they do this because they know no other way. It never came across as a conscious choice to follow because they all seemed deathly afraid of the consequences of not being considered as pious as the law requires. Understanding Islam is one thing, understanding how entire countries apply and interpret it as their constitution is a whole other matter. I just didnt feel it to be based in any truth, only fear and I am not wired to think the same way. So I just stick to Jesus and be an example.

 

For what it is worth, here is my advice. I studied for an entire semester about the Muslim religion while finishing up college. In that process I read through the entire Quran and about a third of Al-Bukhari's collections of the Hadith. I also read some books from Muslim scholars and apologists. Despite all of that, I never found a "sure-fire" tactic to talk to them about Christ. The Muslim religion is conditioned to deflect whatever you say, mainly because they see non-Muslims as (in the best case) misguided and superstitious or (in the worse case) wicked infidels who deserve to be killed. Some things that I have always emphasized to the Muslim friends I have are these though...

The Quran instructs Muslims to read and believe the Torah and Injil (Law and Gospels) in Surah 3. I would then ask them if we could study what they say together.

I would always emphasize the love of God. Sadly, the Quran clearly states that Allah loves only those who do exactly what he says. I would read them John 3:16. My God loves the whole world, and even when we are still sinners, He loves us.

Also, I would speak to them of the assurance that God gives of salvation. The Muslim (even Mohammed the prophet, according to the Quran) can never know if he is going to heaven until he stands before Allah on the judgment day.

Of course, there are more things you can point out, but I always refrained from arguing. I would simply state facts and refuse to get drawn into arguments. They are trained to argue, but not to know what to do with love and acceptance. I still have several good friends who have given me standing invitations to visit their homes (in such Muslim strongholds as Turkey, Pakistan, and Morocco) any time I can. The majority of Muslims are nice people from what I have seen.

 

Another thing you can do is simly try!

That it is the problem, some christians will not try anything to share the Gospel with muslims believing that God will draw them and that they have no role in preaching the Gospel which is really quite sad.

 

Some tips on witnessing to Muslims: (From: http://www.christiananswers.net/evangelism/beliefs/islam.html )

Be courteous and loving.

Reflect interest in their beliefs. Allow them time to articulate their views.

Be acquainted with their basic beliefs.

Be willing to examine passages of the Qur'an concerning their beliefs.

Stick to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith but also take time to respond to all sincere questions.

Point out the centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation.

Stress that because of Jesus, His cross, and resurrection, one may have the full assurance of salvation, both now and for eternity (see 1 John 5:13).

Share the plan of salvation with the Muslim. Point out that salvation is a gift and not to be earned.

Pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him to provide wisdom and grace.

Be willing to become a friend and a personal evangelist to Muslims.

 

I work around many Muslims each day. As many here have pointed out it's gonna take SOMETHING to get them to leave the faith to which they have held for an entire life; and to which their families still adhere.

The Holy Spirit will have to do the converting. But we should try to show them WHY we are different - not by judging them but by loving them and respecting them.