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.

The Difference between Christianity and Islam

On By Mona SabahIn Bible, cultural diversity, Islam, Jesus Christ, Prayer, Teaching

Sometimes, you just need a quick reference sheet to know what are the differences between Christianity & Islam! There are many similarities as well – if you’d like to know more, grab my book “Reaching Muslims” from Amazon!

If you would like to request a free PDF for your own private use (copyright!) please comment & send your email! I’ll be happy to send it to you via email! You can also go to my FB page for more information on free LIVE events!

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!

Muslims & Christmas

On By Mona SabahIn Advent, Islam, Islamophobia, Jesus Christ, Muslim
Christmas Tree in UAE – From Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Christmas was such a controversial topic when I was growing up in my Muslim community in the United States! There were hundreds of opinions –one group would say “we should try to integrate “and the other would say “we should never celebrate Christian traditions.” For a few years, I never saw a Christmas tree or a present during December… until one day.

Apparently, there was a Christmas gift exchange going on in my younger sibling’s elementary school class. She came home and asked why Santa did not come to our home and if that meant something bad. She also asked to have a gift for the exchange and one for the teacher. All of these requests and questions left my whole family with a dilemma — to do or not to do? After some hushed debates between my parents, they decided on a resolution that seemed to fit our needs: they would compromise. Yes on the gifts but no on Jesus.

Our family celebrated Christmas, as do many Muslims. Christians are sometimes surprised when I share this. There was nothing wrong with giving gifts for a culture that believes in sharing. There was nothing wrong with enjoying parties during the Holiday season for a culture that loves giving and receiving hospitality. You see, Christmas is a time where many people open their homes and greet one another warmly. Muslims can see that and feel that joy that surrounds the season!

While we shared in the festivities, the lines were clearly drawn: there was no church or Jesus. Santa was a weird notion to me. I never did understand the tradition. Same goes for the tree or the eggnog. I never met others (who said they were Christians) who told me about what Jesus did or why they celebrated this season. Even today as a Christian, I am not sure they knew or understood.

What I did know was the following from the Quran:

  • Mary was Isa’s mother (Isa = Jesus’ name in Arabic)
  • Mary was a virgin and Jesus’s birth was a miracle from Allah
  • Jesus was a revered prophet
  • Jesus had a revelation from Allah called the Injeel (New Testament or Gospels)
  • That’s about it… did not know what the Gospels were or anything more

As Christians, we need to reach out and use every opportunity to welcome our Muslim co-workers, friends and neighbors. We should invite them to share in the joy of the season. HOWEVER, the entire Christmas season is to point to ONE thing: the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The book of Galatians states that ” But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus Christ came for a purpose and that purpose was to redeem those of us who cannot earn our own salvation.

Christmas is a time for us as believers to share the Good News of the Gospel with all – including Muslims. Do not be afraid. There are many Muslims who would love to have a conversation about Jesus (as He is held in high regard in Islam) and may even ask you questions about Christmas. Maybe instead of focusing on presents, we should focus on sharing the ultimate gift of salvation with others. May the Lord bless you as you share His love.

Merry Christmas!

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!

Genesis for Muslims?

On By Mona SabahIn Bible, Islam, Jesus Christ

A few weeks ago, I had a conversation that went like this:

Muslim: I have a question for you. Muslims believe Allah is “noor” (light) and He has no physical body. Do you believe this?

Me: Yes, we believe God is light (did not share 1 John 1:5)

Muslim: So if God is light and the sun and moon are light, why can’t we worship them? Why can’t we say God is in them?

Me: We believe God is the Creator and He created the sun, moon and stars. We have to be careful NOT to worship the created – that would be idolatry and isn’t Islam absolutely against that?

Muslim: Yes. True. So, how do you know God created the sun and moon?

Me: It’s written in Scripture. What’s written in Scripture is truth and I believe it completely.

Muslim: Where? What Scripture?

Me: The Bible, in the book of Genesis. Would you like me to share what the creation of the world looked like? There is definite order to God. Did you know that light was there before the sun was made? Isn’t that interesting?

Muslim: yes. Tell me more.

**********

The rest of the conversation went back and forth, until the discussion basically ended with the person wanting to know more, but telling me that they cannot believe what is in the Bible, since they believe it is not credible.

As Christians, there are numerous reasons to watch out in a discussion about Genesis. The Quran does not have a comprehensive chapter on how the world was formed, but contains bits and pieces scattered through the entire Quran. This makes it very complicated and difficult to glean important differences in beliefs.

There are a few things I would like to point out. The Quran does not believe in original sin. They believe that if Adam sinned, that’s his to own. No one else suffers because of his mistake. They do not understand that God made all these things and “it was good” and that the sin that entered the garden had eternal consequences that impacts the world even today. Therefore, no fallen nature, no need for a Savior.

Here’s one of the sections of the Quran that provides an insight. It’s from Surah Fussilat 41:8-12–

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds – for them is a reward uninterrupted. Say, “Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds.” And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures’] sustenance in four days without distinction – for [the information] of those who ask.

Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly. And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

If you are counting, there are 2 days, then 4 days, then 2 days. The account is not clear on what came first or second or when humans were made. Contrast this with the account in Genesis where there is a clear order to what came first, second and how (Genesis 1-11). Also, the Quran states that Adam was created in Janna (Paradise) and not on earth (Quran 2:35).

There is a good article at creation.com titled “Koran vs. Genesis” that has a chart clearly showing the differences. There are also citations of verses from the Quran to help figure out where things go.

Here is a list that might be helpful to know when sharing about Genesis with a Muslim:

  1. No original Sin (Quran): We believe Sin entered the garden and thus the world. We live in a place polluted. God not only created the world but provided the remedy for Adam’s sin of disobedience in Genesis 3:15. The remedy promised to man is Christ Jesus, the sinless lamb of God who was sacrificed on the cross. Romans 3:23 states clearly that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
  2. No Savior – You’re on Your Own (Quran 2:48 – And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.). The Bible says that only the sinless Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) can bridge the great divide and make peace between us and God. The Quran teaches that only through Islam (works Surah 41:8 & obedience to Allah and his prophet Muhammad) can one avoid the ‘Blazing Fire’ (Surah 3:85; 48:13- And whoever has not believed in Allah and His Messenger – then indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers a Blaze). NOTE: Islam goes further by saying that even Muhammad’s own family members (mother, father and Uncle Talib who adopted him) were going to hell: Muslim (203) narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that a man said: “O Messenger of Allaah, where is my father?” He said: “In Hell.” When he turned away he called him back and said: “My father and your father are in Hell.”  His Uncle’s fate was a bit lighter, since he would only burn up to his feet in hell: Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 5.224 Narrated by Abu Said Al Khudri That he heard the Prophet (saws) when somebody mentioned his uncle (i.e. Abu Talib), saying, “Perhaps my intercession will be helpful to him on the Day of Resurrection so that he may be put in a shallow fire reaching only up to his ankles. His brain will boil from it.”Sahih Muslim Hadith 413 Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas -The Prophet of Allah (saws) said: Among the inhabitants of the Fire AbuTalib would have the least suffering, and he would be wearing two shoes (of Fire) which would boil his brain.
  3. There are degrees of sin & you can work them off (Quran): The Bible does not differentiate (Romans 6:23). All sin separates us from God. The Quran says that Muslims can work off their bad deeds by performing salat (prayers) and wadu (ritual washing) (al-Bukhari 10:504; al-Muslim2:437). Allah may even decide to hide someone’s sin: “The messenger of Allah said, “All my followers’ sins will be forgiven except those made public. That is, when a man commits a sin at night and then makes known during the day, even though Allah has screened him at night…” (al Bukhari 73:95). The Bible states clearly that God is HOLY. There is no darkness in Him. Isaiah 59:2 states “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” All things will come to light on judgment day!

Another good article to read is “Sin According to Muslims” by the Zwemer Center. They have a simple way of putting key differences together and explaining complexities between Christianity and Islam.

Remember that no matter what, a dialogue about the Word of God is a good place to start. We need to be respectful, loving and gracious in our interactions. If someone is curious, our job is to help answer the questions with the best information we have – our Bible. In order to do that, however, we need to open it, read it, and study it!

Join me for Bible study if you don’t have a group. I would welcome it!

The Fearful Art of Negotiation

On By Mona SabahIn Business, Communication, conflict, Human Resources, Management, women

According to Wikipedia and also the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word Negotiation comes to us from the Latin “Neg” = no (or negative) and “otsia” which means “leisure” or “free time.” The meaning was that businessmen had no free time for nonsense. I speak Spanish fluently and know that “negocio” is the Spanish term for “business!” So that is what the old world verbiage for denoting a businessman or woman.

I think it’s important to know where words come from and I spend a lot of time figuring out word origins – maybe it’s because English was actually the 3rd language I learned! 🙂

When you think of the term “Negotiation” in light of the definition, it shouldn’t seem too scary. YET, many business colleges and also Inc magazine, Forbes magazine and Harvard Business say that negotiations is one of the key skills many college students are missing and are fearful of.

So why is that?

The answer may be found in another word “Fear.”

Fear can come from many different places. For the women I have spoken to over the past, their fear simply lies in the lack of perception or abilities. They were never taught how to handle business without letting emotions get in the way. For me, that was NEVER the case! 🙂 Easterners learn that if you don’t haggle over every single thing in your life, you haven’t done your work. It’s not personal… in fact, it’s a big game to see who wins the most.

My dad taught me how to haggle at the markets when I was a young girl growing up in the Middle East. Haggling by men and by women is simply an expectation. If you pay full price for something, they look at you weird because you are not playing the game with them. When I moved to the United States, I was surprised to find out that some people have never haggled over the price of their automobile, their home, at garage sales or flea markets! 

My friends started taking me with them so that I could help train them the way I had been trained. Haggling is not rude. Haggling involves not being emotionally connected to whatever it is you were buying. So, how does that principle apply to the workplace?

There are many missed opportunities for negotiations. Not just in determining your salary but also your job opportunities. There are opportunities for negotiations in conflict resolution and also peace-making. There are Diplomats who work for Foreign Affairs who do this for a living! It takes some preparation (yes, you have to do your homework) and also knowledge of what you want (=goal) and what the other person may want (= realistic outcome). ASKING for what you want is 50% of the battle! Once you get that out there, it actually doesn’t take much more to get to the outcome. However, a part of the realistic outcome is being able to accept the answer “NO.”

What are some fears we need to address?

First is the Fear of Rejection – What if they don’t like me? What if they say NO?

If they say no, it’s not the end of the world. I tell my kids that the answer is already no, so if you ask, you have more of an opportunity to hear a yes! It’s the glass half-full vs half-empty. If you don’t even ask, there is zero opportunity to find out if you can or cannot do something or have something. When I worked at Campbell Soup, I was miserable in my entry level position (I had been there for a year and did not care for the redundant job). When a supervisor position opened up, I jumped at the opportunity to apply. I didn’t even get an interview for this internal position! I asked the head of HR what happened and they told me I didn’t qualify. So, I asked what I needed to do to qualify. He sent me to get some supervisory skills training, which I got done quickly. Another position came up. This time, I applied and got an interview, but did not get the position. I went to the hiring manager of the department and told him that I had applied for a position twice now and was obviously not qualified. I asked him what I needed to do and then I spent another 6 months gaining those skills. Guess what? The next time the position opened, I applied and got it. Then the next, then the next. The manager told me that none of the others who had been turned down asked him how to improve themselves or what they wanted.

You will get rejected. Get over it. It’s not the end of the world.

The second big fear is getting emotional (or anxious, or insecure, or afraid).

When you think of negotiations as business, it should take the scare factor out. Much of anxiety or insecurity comes from a lack of preparation. When negotiating salary, there needs to be research done. Present the facts. There shouldn’t be an emotional appeal or need to get upset or even angry at the other person. Dealing in business is about money and money is math. If you can present the facts in terms of numbers, you can negotiate anything – from garage sales to your salary!

Think about it. The bottom line in negotiations is win-win. The other person should have some stake in it as well. It’s not about steam-rolling the other person down with your skills – I don’t like negotiations like that. They should be respectful but firm. You need to clearly state your case. What is it you want and why? What’s in it for the other person? By the way, you are not the first (or last) person who will ask for these things. If the initial answer is no, try again. Try to ask questions as to what are they looking for?

Another recommendation is to practice negotiations. You can do a role play with a friend (if it is something you want to buy, like a car), or better yet, real life situations like garage sales. These people don’t know you. Chances are they will never see you again. As long as you are not being rude, there are many people who will be glad to negotiate on prices with you. There are other places that are also open to negotiations, like your TV provider, cell phone plan, real estate fees, any hotel, etc.

Again, do your homework to see what is “reasonable,” plan & jot down some notes, and practice. You might be surprised at how easy and (do I dare to say?) enjoyable it is!