If we’re not careful, we’ll end up thinking the goofiest stuff! We’ve got to check our sources, critique our understanding, eliminate bias confirmation, and be honest when we hold a particular position mostly because it makes us feel good, bumps our popularity or power, or pads our bank account.
We think too little about all kinds of things: Our faith, our politics, our houses and cars, even the food we eat and the way we talk to our kids. At least I do. You may have mastered this.
It’s no wonder then if we’re a little antsy about Muslims. To be sure, people pledging allegiance to Islam have done some horrific things in our generation. Most of them to other Muslims, but also some to Americans. The resulting press coverage has been a little south of fair and balanced, potentially causing us to assume things are different than they actually are.
Here are seven true things about Muslims that will help us form a more honoring and realistic mindset toward them while avoiding some of the caricatures that have been popular in recent times.
Muslims are people living their lives.
Almost all Muslims, really nearly every single one, are just trying to live their lives. A bunch of them are trying to serve God along the way. Almost none of them are trying to harm us or our kids or take over our country or become our president. Some may be mad at America, but not at you. When it comes to Muslims, we’d do well to remember the Barenaked Ladies song, “Odds are that we. . . will probably be. . . all right.”
We’re alike in many ways.
We’d be smart to remember that you can look at Islam almost as a heretical sect of Christianity. We believe mostly the same stuff. The things we don’t believe in common are big deals, really big deals. We believe in one God. We believe that God sent Jesus and Jesus is amazing. We believe that God deserves to be honored and obeyed. We have a similar sense of morality.
Muslims are often totally cool with being prayed for.
I’ve tried this and would encourage you to do so as well. Ask a couple questions to open some communication, then ask what they need prayer for. Say, “Can I pray for you right now?” It’s a beautiful act of love to request the good things of God for another human.
Most Muslims are pretty big on Jesus.
If it feels weird to share about your faith by initially dissing someone else’s faith, maybe start with Jesus. Talk about the commonalities. Share stories of the amazing things he said and did. Talk about the reality of Jesus in your life. If your Muslim friend is itching for a rumble, read a Nabeel Qureshi or Fouad Masri book, watch a couple Hatun Tash or David Wood videos and give it to them.
Muslims are as diverse as Christians.
Because our lives are full and our brains daily bombarded with info, we tend to generalize and categorize as broadly as possible. More nuanced thinking will help up understand and relate to Muslims. There are over a billion and a half of them! They are every bit as diverse as the giant group of people called “Christian.” Some speak Arabic, most do not. Some follow God with all their hearts, while some are twice a year mosque attenders (Sound familiar?!?). Others have left the faith, but haven’t figured out how to tell their moms yet.
While the ranks of the richest and the rosters of world class sports teams include Muslims, many of them are among of the poorest, most oppressed people on the planet. Dying in anonymity, they don’t make the news, so we don’t know about them.
Muslims are destined for the kingdom of God.
Based on God’s Genesis 12.3 promise to Abraham that “all the families of the earth would be blessed through him,” and the picture of that promise’s fulfillment John sees in Revelation 7.9, I’m convinced that tons of Muslims will find life in Jesus and a place in the kingdom of God. I don’t know how all that’s going to happen, but God does. I pray he accomplishes those purposes sooner, rather than later.
Muslims can be tons of fun.
I’ve shot crossbows and fireworks with Muslims, swapped stories, laughed and mourned, danced and dreamed, and eaten so much amazing food. I have been helped and heard and helpfully herded by Muslims who cared for me. My life has been enriched by Muslims. The people I know who’ve spent much time with them almost always share similar sentiments.
If you’d like to give it a go, may I suggest you check out this starter idea and ask God for opportunity to try it out today.