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Fasting: The Jesus Way
The traditions of Islam teach that during this month, God gives Muslims a chance to double their rewards to have a much wider chance of getting into paradise. Muslims ask for His pardon for their past sins and conduct other meritorious behavior. Every act of kindness, prayer, giving, fasting, and anything else a Muslim can do to please God is expected. Since there is no assurance of salvation by grace for the 1.9 billion Muslims on earth, they hope to do more work as prescribed in Islamic law to have more chances on the Day of Judgement.
How should I share the Gospel message with my Muslim friends?
Sharing the Gospel with Muslim friends requires love, respect, and understanding. Here are some key approaches to keep in mind:
1. Build a Genuine Relationship
Care for Immigrants, Borders & LGBTQ+ and a Biblical approach
During an inaugural prayer service, a spiritual leader from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington addressed the U.S. president in her sermon. She urged him to reconsider his policies on immigrants and the LGBT community, emphasizing the biblical principle of "love thy neighbor." This story gained global media attention, leading several of my Muslim friends to ask for my thoughts on her interpretation.
Light of the World
Around Christmas, I often receive e-mails with comments to persuade me that I should not celebrate as it is a pagan celebration. Their criticisms remind me of a very dear Muslim friend’s question. He wrote: “As a Muslim, I see Christmas Tree and Christmas Eve celebrations as pagan rites. You used to be a Muslim. How do you now, as a Christian, make room for such a pagan celebration?”
Prayer of Forgiveness: Muhammad, Jesus & Us
A Muslim friend and I were about to share our thoughts on sin and forgiveness in Islam and Christianity, but we were interrupted. Later that evening, he sent me the words of a prayer which he treats as the number 1 best prayer to seek forgiveness (See picture). Since it is recommended by the prophet of Islam, he recites it everyday. The translation is as follows: “O Allah, you are my Lord. There is no god but you. You created me and I am your slave. I am abiding by your covenant and promise (to follow) as best as I can. I seek refuge in you from the evil I have committed. I acknowledge your favor upon me and I confess my sin. So forgive me because no one forgives sins except you.”
This prayer is mentioned several times in the books of traditions with some variations. My Muslim friend asked me if Jesus recommended anything like this or if Jesus prayed for forgiveness for the sins of his followers.