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Prologue: Half in Islam, Whole in Jesus – A Woman’s Worth

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized

The following excerpt is from “Half in Islam, Whole in Jesus – A Woman’s Worth” by Mona Sabah. I hope you will enjoy reading why I wrote this important book, published in January 2020.

Prologue – A Former Muslim’s Perspective

As a Sunni Muslim woman, I was neither subjugated or oppressed.  I never felt like I was forced to live below the standard of society by my family or community (and I lived the first part of my life in several Islamic countries). I realize now that I was pampered, sheltered and kept relatively uninformed about the deeper matters of faith. My parents were highly educated and only had daughters– no sons to take on the banner of Islam in the household or to carry on the family’s name. My mother blazed new trails as a practicing physician. Both my father and mother raised us like boys in regard to having access to education, and we were given more freedoms than other women I knew. We could talk loudly (not rudely), be outgoing and we were unafraid of social constraints. We were pushed and encouraged to pursue an American University education and graduate degrees, which we obtained. We were raised with the freedom to have a western, independent mindset. From my background, it’s easy to see that I did not have what the West would consider to be a traditional Muslim upbringing – not in the least.

      Even though my parents tried their best to not have a dividing line between privileges set aside for men versus women, as I grew up, I became aware of society’s standards in Muslim countries. My first memory of realizing there were different rules for boys and girls in Islam was in Saudi Arabia. Our family was invited to a huge wedding party at a venue. All of us entered the festive locale together and the women were shown by the attendants to a separate room, while the men made their way to another. Being little, I secretly hung on tight to my father’s traditional white Saudi robes and quietly disappeared with him to the men’s area. The men noticed the shy, four-year-old interloper immediately, but all had smiles, were kind and cordial. I don’t think my father even realized that I had sneaked in behind him. The room was full of men of all ages. They were drinking hot tea from elaborately carved, long spouted brass and glass Arab teapots and of course, there was an enormous quantity of food laid out on engraved brass platters on low tables or on the carpets before them. The food kept coming as some of the men asked my father politely to get me out of there and back into the women’s area. I was confused because in our home, there was no separation of sexes – even when we entertained in a large group.  I was brought to the women’s area and was dropped off at the door so that the maid in attendance could take me in. My mother laughed because she knew I had run off to be with my father. There were no repercussions, just a quiet delineation of the fact that Muslim men and women do not gather together in social settings.

      This separation was new to me and as the days passed, my awareness of the divide became more developed. When venturing outside the home, most women had a mahram (guardian – more on that in later chapters) and did not drive an automobile or travel on their own. Suddenly, life began to look a little bit different for this safely secluded little Muslim girl. I noticed for the first time that women were veiled outside the home. This might seem as a ridiculous observation to some, but children are kept indoors most of the time. The weather is blazing hot in the Middle East and the entertainment is usually kept within one another’s homes. Our upstairs neighbors were Fatin and Busaina. They were two women who were kind, gentle, full of laugher, generous with their love and affection. Our families had relative freedom in going from one apartment to the other daily. I loved to visit them often because they had lots of snacks and they kept parrots!

      I enjoy reminiscing and speaking about my life in the East, especially with my American audiences. There is something very exotic about a culture that tends to keep to itself. There is a built-in curiosity about the women who are veiled and “wear their religion on the outside” in their demeanor and dress. My experience growing into adulthood in the United States as a Muslim woman was different than what others have experienced. It is my desire to help the reader understand some common belief systems that exist in Islam, while trying to not make too many broad-brushed statements about every Muslim having the same set of values or assumptions.

      Islam is not a monolithic religion. Those in the West have different views than the Easterners. Muslims born in the United States have different views than their immigrant parents. To add to the complexity, cultural influences have crept into how Muslims view Islam and how traditions are practiced. For example, I see things differently in the customs of marriage and family than my friends from Bangladesh or friends from Syria. However, there are general, underlying beliefs and principles many Muslims follow.

      It is easy to get confused when discussing Islamic principles. Even Muslims can have ambiguity on whether a topic is from the Quran or from a tradition (Sunnah or Hadith) or are they cultural restraints being placed upon the Muslims who live in a particular country. These differences also extend to whether or not the Muslim person is a Sunni or a Shia. Even the Hadith are different for these two groups! These ambiguities can become intermingled with life, tradition, culture and religion. In my writing, I want to present what most Muslims in my own family and community believed. A common statement Muslims make is that the low value placed upon women could be due to the society and not due to Islam.

      Our set of beliefs as a family are usually held by Southeastern Asian Muslims. Those from the Middle East or Africa may not know or understand where I am coming from due to their own traditions in culture. For this reason, it is important to define the background perspective used by the author. I was born in the Middle East and was raised there, along with years of schooling received in Pakistan. I moved to the United States as an immigrant when I was ten years old. My view of Islam is unique because I have both eastern and western eyes and I am blessed because I can walk the boundary line between these two cultures and religions. In 2007, I was saved by Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I appreciate the ability God gave me to view Islam through my own Muslim experience of thirty-five years (well into adulthood) and to reflect upon it now with an understanding of who Jesus Christ is in my life. This is not something I take for granted and I know that the Lord has placed me in a unique position to share it with others. He created me for this purpose – to educate and equip others to learn about Islam from someone who has firsthand knowledge of it and has lived in several Muslim countries. May my perspectives and experience help the reader to understand and bridge differences between cultures and beliefs. The Bible reiterates this truth in my life in Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (ESV).”

      The main purpose of writing this book is to answer frequently asked questions about the hidden life of Muslim women. My American friends have many questions about the women who live behind the veil of Islam. The book is intended for Christians, however if any of my Muslim sisters are reading this, I welcome you to reach out to me personally so we can discuss these topics openly and honestly.

      When the book was still in the conceptual phase, I was asked to write about women in the Quran. Since only Mary, mother of Jesus, is mentioned in the Quran it would have been a more thorough approach to research women in Islam as a whole. To this end, I wanted to compare and contrast Christianity and Islam through the main figures that represent each religion – Christ and Muhammad. Over the years, Muslims have argued with me that Muhammad does not represent Islam. That may be their stance, but it is the perception of many in the West that all of Islam hinges upon Muhammad. He is also mentioned in the shahada, the Muslim profession of faith or creed of Islam. Every Muslim testifies the Shahada in Arabic that “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” For this reason, he is inseparable, especially in this discussion of women. The first part of this book will discuss Muhammad and Islam. Throughout the book, I tried to not misrepresent the Quran or the Hadith. there may be long passages presented so they are not taken out of context. There is nothing more irritating to me as a Christian when others take one line out of the Bible and try to use it out of context without supporting Scripture.

      The later part of this book focuses on Jesus and His interactions with women. Since Jesus was never married, there are no wives to discuss. In the same chapter, I wanted to digress a little to discuss Eve, since she was addressed in the Islam section and I also think she is an interesting figure to many women, in Islam and Christianity.

Satisfaction

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized
Definition from merriam webster

Just today, there was a discussion in my group about how some people liked to complain. Not only do people want to complain as a pastime but they want to ensure they’ve been heard. There’s even a name that social media has given to them – that particular name, “Karen”,” also comes with it’s own haircut (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, just google it!).

In the course of the conversation, someone actually said “…except for you, Mona,” which kind of surprised me! I thought I had complained to this person recently, but maybe I had done this in my head (that happens sometimes). For once, I was at a loss for words and I mumbled something like “…what’s there to complain about? I’m content.”

What’s funny about that statement is that I meant it. It’s the truth. I sometimes have to check my thoughts and desires against what I’m supposed to be doing with my life- which is (according to the Westminster confessions) “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Not only is this the “chief end of man” per the catechism, but it is so simple and concise. It explains in a short statement the reason why we are created and the purpose of our life.

When feeling discontent which we all do from time to time, the difference for the Christian is to look at the reason why we have been put on this earth. If you’re making the main thing the main thing (glorification of God), then everything else falls into place.

Those who are around me know that I love words. I love knowing the etymology and usage of words. One word in particular has captured my attention for the last few months. It is “Satisfaction.” If you look at the definition I posted above fro the Merriam Webster dictionary online, you’ll find something curious… Christ is the satisfaction.

If you think about it, He completely “satisfies” the meaning in almost every part of the definition!

He is the perfect payment and reparation for sin. John the Baptist exclaimed the Agnus Dei (Latin for “Lamb of God”) in John 1:29https://biblehub.com/esv/john/1.htm

In the second set of definitions, Christ is the complete fulfillment. He is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Light of the World, the True Vine that gives us all we need. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He is the source of contentment and perfect rest (Psalm 23). He is the ultimate source of perfect gratification for His children.

That gratification comes from the third set of definitions. Through His torturous death on the cross, came full atonement for our sins. Some don’t understand what that word means. Atonement means to pay for a debt. There is a great debt all human beings owe to God Almighty for trespassing daily against His holiness. When I was a Muslim, I thought that my bad deeds were my own business. I felt guilty from time to time, depending upon how terrible my “crime” was. There was no law against lying, cheating or making small mischief against another. I was able to get away with it, so good for me! In justifying myself, I shrugged off my wrongdoing as nothing to worry about… until I realized that I sinned more and more. There was no way I could deal with my guilt. I knew I should be a better person and that good people didn’t behave this way. But where did those ideas of morality come from?

The truth is that God writes His laws upon our hearts. It is the wicked who suppress the knowledge of God (Romans 1:18). It wasn’t until I heard that Jesus Christ had paid my debt to God in full on the cross, that I understood what my Savior had done for me. That brings us to the last definition- vindication. These are legal terms that foreshadow our day in the heavenly courts, where we will have to account for every idle word we have uttered. Jesus Christ Himself said “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak…” (Matthew 12:36).

So, are you grumbling or are you content? Are you living for yourself, justifying bad behavior, trying to build your own kingdom and not knowing what day you’ll be called into the courts of God? Are you ready to face God on your own and defend yourself? Or are you relying fully upon the only One who drank the cup of God’s wrath on our behalf? Are you covered by His work on the cross or are you trying to get to Heaven on your own merit? Are you tired and weary with heavy burdens?

Come to the only One who fully brings satisfaction. Come to the foot of Christ, confess your sins, repent of your pride and find rest. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:29). Amen

My ABBA on Father’s Day

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized
Mona with Abba

My grandfather on my mom’s side was a very quiet and patient man. I knew this as a fact from a very young age. His unassuming presence was always shadowed by my grandmother who talked a lot and talked over others. I knew that my Abba (our name for our grandfather in Urdu) was there as a place where we, as little children, could run to. He would pick us up or just quietly sit with us as he watched everything and everyone around us.

Even though he was in the periphery, he had a sharp eye. Many times, it seemed like he knew more about what was going on in the family than anyone else. I think it was his ability to take it all in and process not only what was being said, but more importantly, what was not being said.

After my Appa (grandmother) passed away, Abba came to live with my parents. You couldn’t tell he was in the house, except for his gardening tools and his love for croissants (he would call them “cross nuts” in his Urdu accent). I was blessed to spend time with him and to get to know more about his life. He was a pharmacist, who made all his medications at his compound pharmacy (the only pharmacy in town) in Peshawar, Pakistan. He told me sweet stories about how he would walk to school as a young man and he would take food in his pockets for the birds he saw on the way (I know that’s where I get my love for birds!). One bird in particular caught his attention and he ended up following Abba home. It was a pheasant with beautiful plumage and he slept at the foot of his bed.

As I grew up and moved away, one evening I drove from college to speak with my parents about getting married to an American boy. The conversation did not go well. Before I dashed away, I went to my Abba’s bedroom in tears and told him that I was getting married against my parents’ will but that I wanted him to know what was going on.

In the tumultuous weeks that followed my “Declaration of Independence” from my parents, I found out that my Abba was the voice of reason in the home. Being the elder, he was able to plead my case with my parents. I was guilty of treason but he still asked for clemency.

Even though there was tension in the family with the marriage outside the culture and religion, they relented. We were able to come to an agreement and had two weddings- a Muslim & a Christian wedding.

I became a Christian much later in life (when I was 35 years old). When I first read the Lord’s Prayer in the Bible (Matthew 6:9-13), the first word startled me! It was Jesus Christ Himself asking his disciples to pray by addressing the God of the Universe as “Abba.”
The photo above shows how I have felt all my life about my Abba. Even at a picnic, he gave me shelter under an umbrella. He was kind, patient and loving. He was my advocate and he cared for me.

If an earthly grandfather can be like that, how much more will our Heavenly Father care for His children? I’m grateful for my childhood memories of my Abba. However, I am eternally secure in the knowledge that God the Father is the true Abba —our rock and our redeemer. If you do not have knowledge of who God is, as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, please comment and let me introduce you to the One who has given me a new life in Christ. It is He who I honor this Father’s Day and every day.
Lord Jesus, May it be so. Amen.

Guilt during Ramadan

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized
Ramadan 2020

My iPhone calendar reminded me that Ramadan is again upon the 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. This is a time of reference and reflection for me. I am not only reminded of how Ramadan used to make me feel as a Muslim but the immense guilt it brought along with it… year after year.

Over the last 13 years, the Lord has reminded me of His great mercy and forgiveness. Muslims hope that Allah will be merciful to them. This is the beginning and ending request of each prayer made five times a day. “Bismillah al rahman al rahim”- to Allah the most gracious and merciful. But will Allah be merciful? There is no way for a Muslim to know.

You see, for me, Ramadan was a noise tightening around my neck. It was a reminder of how much I wanted to do the right thing but continued to mess up. How many times I would have to miss prayer time due to corporate meetings I could not miss. How many times I forgot and put food in my mouth, only to give up once and for all. Ramadan was a time of guilt.

When I was working, I asked a fellow Muslim how they were doing with everyone eating lunch all around them. He looked around cautiously and because he knew I wasn’t fasting, he smiled and said he had snacks in his pocket to have later when his devout friend wasn’t around. That’s not descriptive of all Muslims. There are some who are highly disciplined and don’t care about what others are doing. They will keep their fasts. I didn’t meet many of them but I know they’re around— they made sure to point it out to me.

so, the big question was what to do with my guilt? I was wrong. I knew I was wrong. All Muslims were supposed to fast. This Muslim was barely able to keep up with the daily prayers. I was failing miserably and there was no way out of the debt of bad deeds required to get to paradise.

This is where the words of the Gospel changed my life. Actually, they changed my death! I was headed for hell (according to Islam, mind you). I knew that the scales of Allah on judgment day would not balance out in my favor. When I heard the words of truth, the Gospel of my salvation, I knew that I was going to find the peace of God. I cannot explain it. It was like a two ton weight had been taken off and I knew that the things I was trying to do as a checklist meant nothing. They could not help me when I was standing in front of a Holy God.

my guilt was there because my mind and soul knew all my works were frivolous.But I had no remedy for the guilt. How would I ever reconcile my debt of bad deeds?

The answer was CHRIST.

It’s not what we do. It’s what He did on the cross- a sinless lamb who sacrificed Himself for the sins of those who belong to Him. Sinful people continue to sin. Only One who is sinless can allow us into the presence of God Almighty.

Guilt is a symptom of our bad deeds and sinfulness but only Christ is the remedy.

I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for opening my eyes so I could see how tainted I was and how clean His blood could make me.

“Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of this world!” John 1:29

Good Friday, Despite What Muslims Say

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized
crucifixion

Today is the traditional day for Good Friday. When I was a new Christian, I was still not sure why it was called “Good Friday” when it was held that Jesus Christ was crucified on that day (the day after the Jewish Passover). Many people did not know but others understood the importance of this day.

Good Friday is the day that Christians remember the debt that Jesus Christ paid on the cross for our sins. He endured so much suffering that a new word originated — “excruciating.” The word comes into our language as a combination of 2 words: ex = out of + cruciare = to crucify (crux means cross). Cruciare referred to the torture on the cross done primarily by the Romans.

excruciate (v.)

1560s – from Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare “to torture, torment, rack, plague;” figuratively “to afflict, harass, vex, torment,” from ex “out, out from; thoroughly” (see ex-) + cruciare “cause pain or anguish to,” literally “crucify,” from crux (genitive crucis) “a cross” (see crux) (from Online Etymology Dictionary)

There were many who were crucified before Jesus. Research shows varying opinions of who exactly started the practice (Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians) but all agree that it dates back to around 6th Century BC. The research also shows that all considered this to be one of the most shameful ways to die. The Bible stated in the Old Testament that it was a divine curse to die on the tree (referring to hanging or crucifixion). Deuteronomy 21:22–23  “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance” (ESV).

The National Center for Biotechnical Information (NCBI) has an article that explores the history and pathology of crucifixion… if you are interested in the Scientific details. The article outlines that death was the inevitable result but the idea behind crucifixion was prolonged agony due to scourging beforehand with whips that had bone fragments and metal on the ends that would grip and tear the flesh. There was dehydration from loss of blood and profuse sweating due to torture and shock from the pain. Finally, when the person was too tired to hold his body up on the cross, as he would relax his muscles, he would aspyxiate himself.

The medical article noted that the Roman guards were only allowed to leave after the death of the victim, which they would sometimes hurry by breaking larger bones of the legs, by puncturing the heart or lungs with a spear or by building a fire underneath so the victim could not breathe at all.

These are all truths we find in the death account of the Gospels. Jesus Christ went willingly to the cross – not as a victim of the Pharisees, of the Roman Governor Pilate, or the crowds. No… He had predicted his death and resurrection numerous times in Scripture.

Luke 13:33; Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22; Mark 8:31

Luke 13:33 Nevertheless, cI dmust go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that ea prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Matthew 16:21 pFrom that time Jesus began to show his disciples that qhe must go to Jerusalem and rsuffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on sthe third day be raised.

Jesus Again Foretells Death, Resurrection

Matthew 17:22 mAs they were gathering1 in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

Mark 8:31 uAnd he began to teach them that vthe Son of Man must wsuffer many things and xbe rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and yafter three days rise again.

Why am I belaboring the point?

Well, because Muslims do not believe that Jesus Christ died on the Cross.

Why do they not believe that Jesus died on the Cross?

Because the Quran tells them so… but the Quran says other things as well:

Q3:55—Allah said, ‘Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to Me: I will purify you of the disbelievers. To the Day of Resurrection I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieved. Then you will all return to Me and I will judge between you regarding your differences.

Q5:117—[Jesus said,] I was a witness over them during my time among them. Ever since You took my soul, You alone have been the watcher over them: You are witness to all things.

Q19:33—[Jesus said,] Peace was on me the day I was born, and will be on me the day I die and the day I am raised to life again.’

*Q4:157 – Main Verse for the belief (presented here in 2 forms)

Sahih International—And for their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but another was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.

Yusuf Ali—That they said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’; – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not.

*If you would like to see a deeper discussion of these verses, please read this article “It was made to appear like that to them: Islam’s Denial of Jesus’ Crucifixion” by Gregory R. Lanier -Assistant Professor of New Testament
Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando.

The main point here is that we believe that Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross. There are historical records of this occurrence. The apostles were terrified of the Romans coming after them, yet they boldly proclaimed His death and resurrection. It is this truth that Christianity can boast of the Good News of the Gospel – that Jesus Christ came into this world, died on the cross for the remission of our sins and He rose again from the dead, thereby defeating sin and death.

His last words on the Cross confirm this truth “It is finished.”

Colossians 2:13-14 says: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” When we say that Jesus Christ’s blood has covered us, it means that He has paid the debt we owed God Almighty – for every big or small trespass (transgression, slip, error, or false step). When God looks at us on Judgment Day, He will only see the blood of Christ over us. He has us covered in every way, shape and form. Jesus Christ has completely removed our debt. We do not have to pay the penalty. He already did. We do not have to worry about where we are going after we die – that has been decided (by giving us the free gift of eternal life).

It is finished.

As a Christian, do you believe this to be true for you?

If you do not, let today be the day you bow your knees in gratitude and humility to the God who saved you. Repent of your trespasses and all the wrong you have done. Confess your heart’s secrets to the Lord and watch what He does with your life. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord so that you may live!

Good Friday is a day of the Good News of the Gospel. May it be so!

Why Islam? I’ll answer this!

On By Mona SabahIn Islam, Islamophobia, Uncategorized

Yesterday, as I was driving home on the Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City, I had to slow down to get a photo of this billboard. As a former Muslim, these are the things I used to believe. Now, I know better.

This billboard is the handiwork of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) which is a militant organization under investigation by the FBI according to terrorism expert Steven Emerson, and according to Discover the Networks, is linked to radial Islamic movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood, the pro-Sharia organization (like Hamas and al-Qaeda).

Emerson is quoted as saying “The ICNA’s hatred of the Jews is so fierce that it taunted them with a repetition of what Hitler did to them… The ICNA openly supports militant Islamic fundamentalist organizations, praises terror attacks, issues incendiary attacks on western values and policies, and supports the imposition of Sharia.” They hold extreme views on women, slavery and gays as well.

My aim in this blog is to save you the trouble of going to their website and answering the frequently asked questions about Islam:

  • What does “Islam” mean?

Islam means “submission” to the will of Allah (as defined in the Quran). It absolutely does not mean “peace.” Many will tell you that the root word comes from the Aramaic/Hebrew “shalom” for peace, but it does not. It comes from the word “silm” (seen-lam-meem) which means “submission” or “surrender.” The Quran says:

[2:136] Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered. [Arabic “Muslimoon”]

  • What is the One Message of Islam?

The singular message of Islam is the Shahadah. The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of belief in the oneness of God and on Muhammad as his final Prophet. It is required that the Shahadah is recited daily. It is the first of the five pillars of Islam and is also the first of the five beliefs.

  • Isn’t Islam the same as Christianity?

No, not at all. While there are similar people mentioned in the Quran as in the Bible, both teach different things. The Gulf Times (a Muslim periodical) says that “Allah clearly explains that our Deen [religion or divine law] has been perfected, and that it does not require any addition or deletion. That is why Allah sealed the office of Messengership with the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). The fact that He has chosen Islam as our Deen, means that he does not accept other than Islam from anyone:

“And Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted or him, and on the Last Day he will be one of the losers. (Qur’an 3: 85)”

Clearly, one cannot go to Paradise if they are not Muslim and don’t believe in Islam. It is exclusive. The article goes on to say that the One Message of Islam includes “The Rights of Allah on His Bondsmen: To worship Allah alone, and associate none with Him in worship. The rights of man on His Creator: To permit people to Paradise if they worship Him properly.” Islam is based upon works. Christianity relies on the grace of Jesus Christ as Savior – faith alone, Christ alone.

  • Are we One Family? Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad?

Both Abraham and Moses certainly appear in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. That is where the similarities end. While there is an entire Surah dedicated to Isa (Jesus the Messiah) in the Quran, Islam denies the deity of Christ and denies the Trinity – God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit. Christianity is based upon the death on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Quran unequivocally denies both and says it is not true. That’s a huge difference! We Christians worship One God in Three Persons. The Quran says that’s blasphemy.

  • How do we share the Gospel with Muslims?

In the book of Genesis, the Bible teaches us that all human beings are created in the image of God. We need to remember that when interacting with Muslims. We cannot take for granted that the Muslim person in front of us knows what is taught in the Quran or that they espouse any of the militant extremism of Islam. Many of my Muslim friends are so very dear to me. They welcome me into their homes with love and I try to return their hospitality in the same way.

Muslims are not a “pet project.”

The Gospel Coalition gives this sound instruction “Muslims come to faith by a supernatural work of God, by which the Holy Spirit opens their hearts (Acts 16:14) and grants them the gift of repentance (2 Tim. 2:25). We believe that a Muslim coming to faith is not intrinsically connected to our form of contextualization, but rests solely on God’s divine intervention (Dan. 4:35; Ps. 115:3; John 6:64-65) and our humble obedience to proclaim the gospel (Acts 1:8; Matt. 9:38, 28:19-20). God is not concerned with glorifying a method; he is concerned with glorifying his Son. Strategies are useful and necessary, but none of them offers the “key” to Muslim evangelism.”

The words of the Gospel message bring good news to those who are perishing. We need to share the actual words that Jesus Christ came to the earth as God in the flesh. He was crucified for the remission of our sins, He was dead and buried in a tomb. After three days, He rose again from the dead and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He will come back once again to judge the quick and the dead.

Christ died for those He called. He does not need our “good works,” for the only work that will get us to Heaven is the work done on the cross by our Lord and Savior.

May that be the Good News that goes out to the nations!

Seminar: Reaching Muslims

On By Mona SabahIn Uncategorized

Join me for a free seminar on Evangelism to Muslims THIS Saturday, March 2 at Yukon Church (11715 NW 10th street Yukon) from 9-12. Please contact Yukon Church to register.

Address:11715 NW 10th St, Yukon, OK 73099 Phone: (405) 354-5809

8:30 am registration 

Testimony 

1 History of Islam

2 Muslim Beliefs & Practices 

         – 5 Pillars of Faith

         – 5 Beliefs of Islam

3 Traditions & Convictions

4 Women’s Role in Islam

5 Understanding Assumptions

6 Reaching Muslims through Evangelism

7 Common Objections to Christianity

Book signing!

@monasabahbooks

Seminar: Reaching Muslims


monasabahbooks.com

The PLAN – Memorizing Ephesians

On By Mona SabahIn Bible, Uncategorized

Today, I want to share the plan I would like to use for memorizing the book of Ephesians. Our daughter is getting ready to audition for a children’s play. She is feeling a bit intimidated because she will have to memorize lines — why is it that actors can memorize thousands of lines but when it comes to Scripture, people aren’t ready to commit? I mentioned this to a trusted friend the other day and she said I may be on to something. She’s found that some actors take on the persona of their character and thus have an easier time understanding the role and the lines they might speak.

Isn’t that what we are called to do? I don’t mean “act” like a Christian – I mean actually BE a Christian and put on Christ. This is our calling and Paul, in Ephesians 4:1-2 tells us exactly that “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” So, MEMORIZING is not just to babble out lines. It is to actually live the life you are being called to live. The book of Ephesians is a love letter to the church, to remind and encourage them that they belong to Christ and should look like it.

John Piper, on his website Desiring God has several articles on why you should memorize Scripture. There is a guest author who gives Ten Reasons to Memorize Scripture – he is spot on! The Jesus Himself tells us in John 15:7 ” If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” and again in John 8:31-32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

HOW TO

There are several ways to approach this. The plan I will use is from Dr. Andrew Davis, called Scripture Memory Booklet. It’s a free PDF that’s 28 pages and is also available from Kindle. I recommend reading the whole booklet before you begin. It will help you tremendously and comes highly recommended. He has a plan at the end of the booklet that is 26 weeks (on p.23). Print out the plan and paste it in a notebook. On the page next to each week’s scripture, WRITE OUT the passage for the week.

Then, I will be using 3×5 note cards – not sure if I will use one card per verse, but you can. Punch a hole on the top left corner and grab a binder ring or a ribbon or twine to hold cards together. Now, take the cards wherever you go!

I read on another website that it takes 16 minutes to read Ephesians from start to finish. I didn’t believe it, so I timed myself on New Year’s Day. It took me 18 minutes at a natural pace. So, daily I will be reading ALOUD the entire book of Ephesians while I have my morning breakfast (in between sips of tea) and then I will be grabbing my note cards to read the verse over and over again.

Let’s say we start on Monday, the first thing I will do is to write out Eph 1:1 through 1:6 in my notebook. Then, I will write out the 6 verses on note cards and read the entire passage aloud. On Tuesday, read aloud and repeat verses 1:1 AND 1:2 together all day long. Wednesday – aloud + verses 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3… and so on. This way, you will not forget what you are committing to memory but are adding on.

Even if you don’t remember a single word, just reading the ENTIRE book of Ephesians over 155+ days will be quite incredible. What a wonderful way to spend time in the Bible. The book of Ephesians is about UNITY in Christ, in recognizing our WORTH in Christ, about our ROLE in life and about putting on the full armor of God! Cannot wait to have this be imprinted upon my heart!

Overview- Memorize Ephesians

On By Mona SabahIn Bible, Memorization, Uncategorized

I’m so thrilled to have several of you who have decided to join together to commit to our hearts and minds the entire book of Ephesians! Over the next few days, I will cover the who, what, when, where, why and how of all this. Before tackling anything, I like to know what I’m getting into, so I wanted to give a basic overview of the book’s layout. There are lots of outlines and guidelines out there, so please take a few moments to take a look at your Bible’s Study notes and familiarize yourself with the book’s contents. There is also a great article written by gotquestions.org.

WHO, WHEN & WHERE

It is understood that Paul was the author and the epistle (or letter) was written around 60-63 AD to the church at Ephesus (modern day Turkey about 6 miles from the Aegean sea) and was primarily written to encourage believers. Paul was most likely in prison at the time he wrote this letter (Eph 4:1-3). From the Thompson Chain Reference Bible, I found that Ephesus at the time was a huge center of worship for the goddess Diana, also known as Artemis – one of the 7 Wonders of the World. In the book of Acts 19:23-41, we find that Demetrius, a silversmith starts a riot that ends up in the amphitheater. The reference Bible mentioned that the 24,000 person amphitheater was uncovered by archaeologists at the turn of the century! It is interesting also to note that this might be the same place Paul refers to in 1 Cor 15:32 where he “fought the wild beasts in Ephesus…”

Road between the amphitheater and Temple of Artemis was paved in marble

The church at Ephesus was also one of the 7 churches mentioned in Revelation. They were noted for their hard work and endurance for the Lord, but had “forsaken (or abandoned) their first love” Revelation 2:4.

The entire book is six chapters with 155 verses – I have the outline I used to break it down by chapter (see photo). If we divide 155/6, we get 25.83, which means 6 verses a week for about 26 weeks. This will bring us to half the year for the whole book! There are plans out there for 26 weeks, but I think I may use one that is about 28 weeks (2 weeks in there to catch up).

Go ahead and grab a journal notebook (might even be one you got as a gift last Christmas?), a pen, and your Bible… jot down some thoughts on the book of Ephesians to get you thinking about the place.

Muslims & Mormons

On By Mona SabahIn Muslim, Teaching, Uncategorized

Over the years, many have asked for a comparison between Muslims & Mormons. In a wonderful book on apologetics called “Fast Facts on False Teachings.” One of the authors, Ed Decker leads a Christian Ministry and he has published numerous articles on Mormonism. I have included some of the information here in a comparison of Christianity & Mormonism.
Before I start, however, I would like to add a caveat. While there are similarities, there are also GREAT differences!

The Mormons claim a belief in Christianity that is similar to the Judeo-Christian views. However, the differences start right at the book of Genesis.

Mormons believe that the archangel Michael was born on earth as Adam, the first mortal man.  In the Mormon version of the creation story, Jesus Christ, who before his birth was called Jehovah of the Hebrew Bible, who created the earth and all things on it at the direction of God the Father.  This is a notion very similar to the beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.[4]  Mormons believe that God is immortal and that He was once a man albeit a perfect and exalted man. This is considered to be blasphemy by BOTH Christians and Muslims!

An article from Beliefnet.com states that the fact that would make Christians, Jews and Muslims shudder is the Mormon belief that  Jesus is the Son of God in a literal and physical sense.  He is the eldest brother of all mortals and the firstborn spirit child of God.  They believe that from Mary, a mortal woman, Jesus inherited the capacity to die, and from God, an exalted being, he inherited the capacity to live forever.[5]
Given all these differences, I actually believe that talking about Islam is a great spring-board for discussion and engaging your Mormon friend! What a wonderful way to start a dialogue.

Here are some of the things I would like to point out in what I know of the two religions:
*Muslims: Prophet Mohammad had a revelation by an “Angel of light” – later called “Gabriel”
Mormons: Joseph Smith had a revelation by an “Angel of light” – later called Moroni

NOTE: Paul warned, “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

*Muslims: Must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime to Mecca, where they must wear white (to equalize out rank/social status, etc) and to show purity
Mormons: Must make a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime to Utah Mormon Temple, where they must wear white (to equalize out rank/social status, etc) and to show purity

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Temple dress looks much like a Muslim dress for Hajj (Pilgrimage)! 

*Muslims: Polygamy acceptable per Islam (up to 4 wives)
Mormons: Polygamy acceptable (per book of Mormon & Joseph Smith’s practices)

NOTE: Some claim that the Bible promotes polygamy in the Old Testament. Where we find polygamy (Abraham, Jacob, Hannah & Peninnah in 1 Samuel, Solomon’s 700 wives, etc), we find trouble, confusion, sin and punishment. God’s original design was one man, one woman in Genesis 2:24 and again reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6. Anything apart from that is sin.

polygamy-380-women

*Muslims: Jesus was a man & prophet – nothing more
Mormons:  Claim: “Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ the Son are two distinct PHYSICAL beings. (Contributions of Joseph Smith)”

*Muslims: No original sin. Adam was a prophet who sinned… no big deal. All children are a blank slate and are held accountable later at puberty for their sins                              Mormons: No doctrine of original sin from Adam & Eve. Children are not held accountable for sins until age 8
*Muslims: Muhammad was illiterate (but wrote the Koran due to divine inspiration through the angel Gabriel)
Mormons: Joseph Smith was illiterate (education through grade three but wrote the Book of Mormon from divine inspiration through the angel Moroni)

*Muslims: Koran is “mother book” that resides in heaven with God.
Mormons: it is the golden Nephi plates that the angel Moroni took back to heaven.

*Muslims: Complete information for religion comes through Quran, Hadith and Sira of Muhammad                                                                                                                                            Mormons: Complete information for religion comes through Book of Mormon, Doctrines & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price

*Both say that they are the ultimate prophet of God

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

Interesting… isn’t it?