format_quote Originally Posted by
Just a Guy
... like a giant vacuum.
I just had a rather heated argument with a Christian friend of mine. I told him I was considering Islam and was studying the Qu'ran and he immediately got all defensive.
"I'd stay away from that if I were you. They're going to deport you as a terrorist." etc.
We're not really talking anymore now because of it...
If he's like that, I wonder what my family is going to think if and when I tell them...
I need a drink...
Sorry, I just had to vent. You don't have to respond. I'm not looking for any sympathy here.
I would advise you to use a different approach with your friends and family. With all the misconceptions about Islam, in the media and elsewhere, your friend might be feeling worried and threatened. I would advise u to speak to him and ur family from the angle of the teachings of Jesus (pbuh), for they are the same as the teachings as Muhammad :arabic5:
By this I mean, instead of saying 'I want to be a Muslim' say 'I want to be a devout follower of the religion Jesus followed (i.e. Islam/Muslim). But initially, u dont mentioned the word 'Islam' or 'Muslim' to your friends and family, because to them, these 2 words do not mean 'Peace/Submission to God', they will not understand, instead they will understand 'Terrorist/Arab, that is what their ears will hear and they will put their fingers in them, close their eyes and not want to abou hear anything more about it, or have anything to do with it. :hmm:
However, if you were to come on from the angle of Jesus (pbuh), perhaps you will find them more willing to Listen, and more receptive.
For example, if there is a new Muslim and he doesnt want to eat pork, instead of telling his family 'Islam forbids pork so I cant eat it'.. he could say, Jesus never ate pork so I am not going to have any either' or if the bible forbids pork, he could quote that? Explain to them that if you love someone truly, you copy them.. I love Jesus so Im gonna copy him.
These are just examples, I hope you get the jist of what I am trying to say. Many people do not associate Muhammad :arabic5: with Jesus (pbuh).... people think Islam is a new bedioun religion.
You need to show them through your actions, indirectly, step by step, that the religion these two Prophets brought was the
One and the
same religion, sent by the
one and
same God, each scripture confirming the other, each Prophet confirming the other. But we are expected to follow the Last Prophet, and the latest updated version revealed by God (i.e. Quraan)
Encourage your friends and family to sincerely follow the original teachings of Jesus (pbuh) and it will automatically bring them to accept the teachings of Muhammad :arabic5: inshaAllaah (God willing).
Sorry I have not explained this as I would have liked, I have been wanting to open a thread on this topic but havent got round to it yet.
May God be with you and guide u through. Aameen