Educating non-muslims about Islam

[proudislam]

The recent activity in US Congress should raise alarms in the Muslim brotherhood. I am so disgusted with the politicians in America trying to make this a religious issue, when its clearly a race issue.

I see a strong need to educate the masses (and the politicians) here. Do you think we need a grassroot movement to hold a debate between Dr Zakir Naik and Congressman Peter King?

I am starting a poll on my website, please help spread the word around, and see if we can garner support: blog.proudislam.com

Allah Hafiz

PS: If any brother or sister would like to contribute to my blog, please email me

 

[Ummu Sufyaan]

To be honest, im not entirely sure what you are referring to. But if im understanding this correctly, i think a good way to give dawah to non-Muslims is to have a blog or website or something of this nature where your message will reach out to them and via this "media" just refute claims against Islam and Muslims in attempt to lift the misinformation they may have received. just skim though the media and analyze what is being said and clarify/counter the issues for them. I would make this project a type where its not arguing with them or "fighting" them back or anything, but just a genuine, kindhearted message intend to make their hearts lenient and remove the doubts they have about Islam in a clear and honest way. If you do something like this, i advise that you be knowledgeable as well because you are presenting Islam and its important to get this correct because it may cause even more confusion for them if they receive more misinformation.

I was thinking about this the other day and figured that they are just genuinely ignorant about some matters concerning Islam and Muslims just simply because of the wrong things they have been taught/heard...so its a good thing if someone could clarify matters for them.

 

[Fivesolas]

As a non-muslim, and a Christian, I can tell you this. I have reached out to two Islamic centers and the Muslim Student Association in my area. I have received no replies from the Islamic centers and do have a student willing to meet with me from the MSA. Any change you want to see happen will happen in the context of real relationships. Blogs and website are nice, but it cannot replace a real relationship with a person.

My suggestion? Be willing to actually get to know some non-muslims and be willing to let them get to know you. As long as there is a disconnect then people will form opinions and hold perceptions that may not be based in truth.

 

[Little_Lion]

As a non-muslim, and a Christian, I can tell you this. I have reached out to two Islamic centers and the Muslim Student Association in my area. I have received no replies from the Islamic centers and do have a student willing to meet with me from the MSA. Any change you want to see happen will happen in the context of real relationships. Blogs and website are nice, but it cannot replace a real relationship with a person.

My suggestion? Be willing to actually get to know some non-muslims and be willing to let them get to know you. As long as there is a disconnect then people will form opinions and hold perceptions that may not be based in truth.

Yes, yes, yes, and MORE YES. And just the same for the other way around. One of the best ways a person can educate another about their faith is just by being the best example of it they can be! And that's very hard to do on paper, or on a computer monitor.

A wise Christian once told me, "a lot more is said with a smile than a pamphlet". Over twenty years later I still remember him and agree whole-heartedly.

 

[YusufNoor]

The recent activity in US Congress should raise alarms in the Muslim brotherhood. I am so disgusted with the politicians in America trying to make this a religious issue, when its clearly a race issue.

I see a strong need to educate the masses (and the politicians) here. Do you think we need a grassroot movement to hold a debate between Dr Zakir Naik and Congressman Peter King?

I am starting a poll on my website, please help spread the word around, and see if we can garner support: blog.proudislam.com

Allah Hafiz

PS: If any brother or sister would like to contribute to my blog, please email me

i don't see Dr Naik as a person to "diffuse situations." on the other hand, King is so full of sh*t that ANY dialogue with him seems useless. i also see many, not all, of the evangelicals here are as full of crap as King.

as for a grass movement? a good idea would be for Muslims to practice Islam instead of the assibiyyah and jahilliyah that is usually front and center.

as for ideas for prominent Muslims that would be ideal for interacting with the mass media:

the Mufti from Zimbabwe , Ismail ibn Musa Menk would top MY list as an ideal spokesperson.

other candidates, in my opinion:

Dr Bilal Philips, along with Menk, would be a top choice. a notch below would be Dr Bashar Shala and maybe Kammal El Mekki.

i'm tending to agree more and more with Br Yusuf Estes in that "debate" is futile, especially when "Christian Crusaders" aren't listening anyway and are so brainwashed with "lies of Christianity" that it serves little purpose. [not that these punks can't use a good slap down]

presenting Islam at it's best is a better value and Mufti Menk shines in this area. and mentioning Br Estes, he continues to advance as a English speaking rep.

if people treat us like we suck, it's cuz we do...

not as much as those evangelicals though...

:wa:

 

[Fivesolas]

i don't see Dr Naik as a person to "diffuse situations." on the other hand, King is so full of sh*t that ANY dialogue with him seems useless. i also see many, not all, of the evangelicals here are as full of crap as King.

as for a grass movement? a good idea would be for Muslims to practice Islam instead of the assibiyyah and jahilliyah that is usually front and center.

as for ideas for prominent Muslims that would be ideal for interacting with the mass media:

the Mufti from Zimbabwe , Ismail ibn Musa Menk would top MY list as an ideal spokesperson.

other candidates, in my opinion:

Dr Bilal Philips, along with Menk, would be a top choice. a notch below would be Dr Bashar Shala and maybe Kammal El Mekki.

i'm tending to agree more and more with Br Yusuf Estes in that "debate" is futile, especially when "Christian Crusaders" aren't listening anyway and are so brainwashed with "lies of Christianity" that it serves little purpose. [not that these punks can't use a good slap down]

presenting Islam at it's best is a better value and Mufti Menk shines in this area. and mentioning Br Estes, he continues to advance as a English speaking rep.

if people treat us like we suck, it's cuz we do...

not as much as those evangelicals though...

:wa:

It is this kind of rhetoric that fuels the people you think have misunderstandings of Islam and Muslims. As a non-Muslim, I read nothing but hostility in this. Am I going to make categorical judgements about Islam and all Muslims from this? No. But some do. Don't give them this kind of fuel.

My advice...

 

[Ummu Sufyaan]

^how did you interpret it as hostility?

 

[Fivesolas]

^how did you interpret it as hostility?

Ummu,

There isn't much interpretation needed. lol Consider the following statements of yours:

i also see many, not all, of the evangelicals here are as full of crap as King.

and

especially when "Christian Crusaders" aren't listening anyway and are so brainwashed with "lies of Christianity" that it serves little purpose.

and

if people treat us like we suck, it's cuz we do...
not as much as those evangelicals though

So, I am to understand from you with regard to non-muslims and especially evangelicals that:

1. I am full of crap
2. I am a crusader who is brainwashed by the lies of Christianity
3. I suck

Tell me, how is that NOT hostile. lol

If you want to change the way Muslims are viewed, this is not the way to begin my friend. If the improper understanding of Muslims is the overgeneralization that every Muslims wants to do harm to non-muslims, then what is needed is not by telling non-muslims that they suck, are full of crap, and are brainwashed. What is needed to is to live a life of peace, and cry as loudly as others against the acts of violence that are perpetrated in the name of Islam.

And I will practice what I am preaching here myself. History shows that the Roman Catholic Church murdered millions of non-muslims and muslims in their history in the name of Christianity. I protest them in every possible manner to be, as they claim, the Vicar of Christ, or the representation of Christ on earth. If they depict anything by their actions it is that of Antichrist than of Christ.

When people are afraid, in any nation, they can do some real stupid things. I don't want my fellow Americans or elected officials making laws and policy out of fear. Rather, I want them to base their decisions on truth. If it is true that there are groups within the United States that are conspiring against this nation and planning attacks on it, be it from those who say they are Muslims, or other groups, then I EXPECT my government to investigate and prosecute those people. It is their duty as a government to provide for the defense of the people.

I would expect every Muslim to agree with this. I hardly believe that anyone in the USA, be they Muslim or not, want to see acts of violence carried out in our cities and towns.

Do I recognize that there is prejudice and bigotry against Muslims in the United States? Of course there is. Do you know that in my desire to share the Gospel with Muslims in my community that those who know me are afraid for me? Do you realize they think that I am putting my life in danger? Am I ???? Is that fear based out of truth? I expect not.

I would like to build relationships with the Muslim community in my town. I want to invite the leaders and members of the Muslim community to my home and share a meal with them. I want their children to play to play with my children in peace. I want to sit with the men of the Muslim community and share a cup of tea and discuss and debate the things we see discussed and debated here on this forum. I would like to invite them to visit our church and see what it is we do, and join us for our fellowship meal after the service. Perhaps then those who think we might be practicing Gospel Magic will get a better understanding. lol

I would like to be invited to a Mosque. I wish the Islamic leaders in two Islamic centers in my city would have responded to me. I am hoping that I can build a friendship with a member of the local university MSA chapter, and maybe this opens a door for discussions with the MSA.

What are you doing to building relationships with non-muslims?

 

[Salafi1407]

This is a tough one, how do you tell someone that the religion or lifestyle they and their forefathers have been following their whole lives is incorrect and they should follow the religion and lifestyle we are following because we are the only ones that are correct. How do you say all that without coming across arrogant or ignorant?

 

[Ummu Sufyaan]

Ummu,

There isn't much interpretation needed. lol Consider the following statements of yours:[...]

umm, i didnt post that :hmm:

So, I am to understand from you with regard to non-muslims and especially evangelicals that:

1. I am full of crap
2. I am a crusader who is brainwashed by the lies of Christianity
3. I suck

Tell me, how is that NOT hostile. lol

what? serious come on dude, dont isolate statements. well for starters, becuase he said some, not all lol...i think the part you quoted

i.e if people treat us like we suck, it's cuz we do...
not as much as those evangelicals though

could be read with what came before it...i.e the "some." and he didn't say non-Muslims he specified evangelical Christians. you seem to be reading things that aren't there. i dont know about you, but im not a fan of drama queens.

and also, he has said that Muslims suck as-well and criticized some our speakers. so its not really fair what you say....you should read the whole post.

What are you doing to building relationships with non-muslims?

thats between me and allah. but thank you for your insight, i shall take it on board god willing.

 

[YusufNoor]

Ummu,


1. I am full of crap
2. I am a crusader who is brainwashed by the lies of Christianity
3. I suck

Finally, you write something truthful!

Tell me, how is that NOT hostile. lol

you don't like truth?

If you want to change the way Muslims are viewed, this is not the way to begin my friend. If the improper understanding of Muslims is the overgeneralization that every Muslims wants to do harm to non-muslims, then what is needed is not by telling non-muslims that they suck, are full of crap, and are brainwashed. What is needed to is to live a life of peace, and cry as loudly as others against the acts of violence that are perpetrated in the name of Islam.

i'm speaking about Christian evangelicals, Christian "Zionists," so to speak. you know, they claim it's OK for the US to invade Afghanistan and kill thousands of people in order to resume poppy production. who is speaking out against that?

Iraq is invaded and tens and tens of thousands are killed in order to find the weapons of mass destruction that the US GAVE to Saddam so he could kill Iranians and Khurds. no peep from you about that either...


And I will practice what I am preaching here myself. History shows that the Roman Catholic Church murdered millions of non-muslims and muslims in their history in the name of Christianity. I protest them in every possible manner to be, as they claim, the Vicar of Christ, or the representation of Christ on earth. If they depict anything by their actions it is that of Antichrist than of Christ.

History shows that "Christians" have murdered and killed MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of human beings. this leads credence to the thought that "Christians" are anti-Christ!

When people are afraid, in any nation, they can do some real stupid things. I don't want my fellow Americans or elected officials making laws and policy out of fear. Rather, I want them to base their decisions on truth. If it is true that there are groups within the United States that are conspiring against this nation and planning attacks on it, be it from those who say they are Muslims, or other groups, then I EXPECT my government to investigate and prosecute those people. It is their duty as a government to provide for the defense of the people.

then why weren't Wolfowitz, Cheney, Jeb Bush, GW Bush, Condi Rice, Rumsfeld ever indicted for 9-11?

I would expect every Muslim to agree with this. I hardly believe that anyone in the USA, be they Muslim or not, want to see acts of violence carried out in our cities and towns.

i think most Muslims would like to see Wolfowitz, Cheney, Jeb Bush, GW Bush, Condi Rice, Rumsfeld prosecuted.

Do I recognize that there is prejudice and bigotry against Muslims in the United States? Of course there is. Do you know that in my desire to share the Gospel with Muslims in my community that those who know me are afraid for me? Do you realize they think that I am putting my life in danger? Am I ???? Is that fear based out of truth? I expect not.

and there it is!

I would like to build relationships with the Muslim community in my town. I want to invite the leaders and members of the Muslim community to my home and share a meal with them. I want their children to play to play with my children in peace. I want to sit with the men of the Muslim community and share a cup of tea and discuss and debate the things we see discussed and debated here on this forum. I would like to invite them to visit our church and see what it is we do, and join us for our fellowship meal after the service. Perhaps then those who think we might be practicing Gospel Magic will get a better understanding. lol

i would advises Muslims against meeting with your type.

I would like to be invited to a Mosque. I wish the Islamic leaders in two Islamic centers in my city would have responded to me. I am hoping that I can build a friendship with a member of the local university MSA chapter, and maybe this opens a door for discussions with the MSA.

NO ONE is stopping anyone from visiting a Mosque. you just walk in..

What are you doing to building relationships with non-muslims?

Do I recognize that there is prejudice and bigotry against Muslims in the United States? Of course there is. Do you know that in my desire to share the Gospel with Muslims in my community that those who know me are afraid for me?

here is your problem, we don't need or have any desire for you to share your gospel! we are MONOTHEISTS, we KNOW Christianity is a false religion. we have NO QUESTION on the matter! you CANNOT understand this and if you began to understand it, you would either have to hide the TRUTH or become Muslim.

you don't want to "accept" Muslims, you want to "convert" them. THAT is why Christians have murdered and killed millions and millions of other human beings, because the INSIST that others think the same as them!

so if you find me hostile to murder, deceit, idolatry, paganism and polytheism, YES, i am hostile to shaytan and his works that you help perpetrate. most Muslims are.

Fascism NEEDS an enemy. last century it was the Jews and then the Cold War, this one it's Muslims. the PROBLEM is Fascism. Christian Zionists are being used by the Corporate Nations to further the growth of the UN and the World Bank and a One World Government. if you weren't blinded by false dogma you could see it. you only care about spreading False gospel and trying to "prove" it's not false. THAT is why you can't see.

there are some professing to be Muslims that attempt to hijack Islam and harm others. THEY are being used by the SAME FASCISTS to provide that so badly needed "enemy of the state." they exist, but not in the proportion they are made out to.

MY RESPONSE, whilst also aimed at a larger part of the problem, was also AGAINST the OPs idea of using Dr Naik! you were so busy in "convert mode" that you ignored it AND i said "WE suck" BEFORE i said the same about evangelicals.

i'm sure you have not a clue who Mufti Menk is, but you didn't bother to research it either. your "convert mode" requires knee-jerk responses to many issues. imagine if every Muslim you met, only wanted to meet you so he could make your 9 year old daughter his 3rd wife! WHAT would be the point of dialogue from your point of view?

eh?

 

[Muhaba]

when i turn the radio on, it is filled with music, although i live in a muslim country. the same is the case with tv. Most of the time they have unislamic programs, movies, etc. while the kafirs use their radio stations, tv channels and the internet to spread their way of life, the muslims also do the same - spreading the Western kafir way of life. most people even try their hardest to be like westerners, in dress and way of life. if the muslims used their tv, radio, internet websites, newspapers, magazines, etc to spread the islamic way of life, it would have an effect on the nonmuslims. if muslims were proud of they mode of dress and islamic lifestyle insted of being ashamed of it, then that would affect the kafirs and the kafirs would've seen the true image of islam. so the kafirs being ignorant of the ismaic lifestyle is the muslims own fault.

 

[Aztec-Revert19]

Respect is a two way street. I understand what the brother was trying to say (in the above post), but to an Evangelical Christian that would definitely come off as hateful and prejudiced.

How can we debate them? Hmmm... Even if we "win", you know that the news channels will only post things either out of context, or not at all. The best we can do is to be friends with the Non Muslims. I do that, my family is non Muslim (my cousin also converted though, Masha'Allah )

Just think of it this way. You may feel that what they believe is a lie, but how would you feel if they said something like, "Not all, but a lot of Muslims are full of crap like..." or "Especially when Muslim Jihadists are not listening anyways and are so full 'Of the lies of Islam' that it serves little purpose." Or "If people treat us like we suck, it is because we do. Not as much as those Muslims though." That feels hurtful to me if someone were to say that about us, though to them it would at first glance seem perfectly fine. We need to place ourselves in their shoes.

 

[Fivesolas]

Respect is a two way street. I understand what the brother was trying to say (in the above post), but to an Evangelical Christian that would definitely come off as hateful and prejudiced.

How can we debate them? Hmmm... Even if we "win", you know that the news channels will only post things either out of context, or not at all. The best we can do is to be friends with the Non Muslims. I do that, my family is non Muslim (my cousin also converted though, Masha'Allah )

Just think of it this way. You may feel that what they believe is a lie, but how would you feel if they said something like, "Not all, but a lot of Muslims are full of crap like..." or "Especially when Muslim Jihadists are not listening anyways and are so full 'Of the lies of Islam' that it serves little purpose." Or "If people treat us like we suck, it is because we do. Not as much as those Muslims though." That feels hurtful to me if someone were to say that about us, though to them it would at first glance seem perfectly fine. We need to place ourselves in their shoes.

Thank you for understanding the point I was trying to get accross.

 

[Fivesolas]

Yusuf,

Since you chose to further your hostility, I will just "walk away" and turn the other cheek. There are far more reasonable men and women on the boards.

 

[Tyrion]

Do you think we need a grassroot movement to hold a debate between Dr Zakir Naik and Congressman Peter King?

Uhmm... I really don't think Zakir Naik or his colleagues would be the right people to engage in any kind of debate with these men... i'm not even sure a debate would be of any benefit to anyone, but if someone were to do it, it should be an American. Zakir Naik, as far as I know, isn't even a trained scholar, and from what I've heard from his talks/debates, he's not qualified to really be debating about social problems or the intricacies of Islam... It's important that any dialog that takes place be done by someone who is from this country and is familiar with it's culture/society/policies/history/issues, as well as someone who is trained in Islam... People like Hamza Yusuf, Suhaib Webb, or even Muslim Professors from our Universities would be far more qualified for something like this...

But the general idea of educating the masses isn't a bad one, but neither is it new. We've had and continue to have lectures on Islam here in America, but the problem is getting people to come and listen... Perhaps it's more important for the Muslims in general to try harder to reach out to the rest of the country. As others have mentioned, more effort to open the doors of our masaajid to the community could be a start. Being active in our cities/communities is also a good chance for us to teach other about Islam through example, and we can also try and make more (and promote) events that can familiarize the public on the Muslim position on certain issues, etc...

 

[Little_Lion]

I hope I don't derail the thread and if I do I apologize in advance, but if someone could offer some insight . . . this Dr. Naik, I got the idea that he is more of an Islamic "personality" for lack of a better term, than a trained scholar? I've never watched any of his shows, but I've seen ads on Peace.TV with him in them and quite frankly, they're creepy; they look as if he is putting himself in the position of Allah to solve people's problems. I only just read that he founded Peace.TV, and that rather weirds me out, as I do like a lot of their programming, especially for children.

 

[Tyrion]

this Dr. Naik, I got the idea that he is more of an Islamic "personality" for lack of a better term, than a trained scholar?

Yeah, as I pointed out in the post above yours, I feel as if he tends to speak out of line sometimes since he isn't qualified to be answering some of the questions that he answers... Just my opinion though...

 

[Aztec-Revert19]

Thank you for understanding the point I was trying to get accross.

No problem

 

[Ummu Sufyaan]

i think by default we already get to know non- Muslims such as them being our neighbors and co-workers and co-students and so on... so dawah is really easy already becuase you can give dawah in an indirect way....like not annoy your neighbors unnecessarily.

but the above that i mentioned, is concerned with giving dawah thorough ones actions but giving dawah through ones speech/being in direct contact is important as-well. but what goes hand-in-hand with this, is that its really important that we know what we are talking about when giving dawah and speaking to non-Muslims as 1) you dont want to give them the wrong knowledge and 2) unfortunately there are some sicko's [(sorry, i have to advise-and i know someone who has had this happen to them)] who will take advantage of a Muslim who doesn't have knowledge about their deen and may try confuse them in some matters that the Muslim may not be strong in...they dont usually target people who they know wont listen to them. some people will to try to invent lies against our deen as to deceive and trick us...

now the point of this is NOT to oppress non-Muslims and be suspicious of them, rather it is to remind the Muslim to be knowledge so that your faith remains strong in not falling to the deceit of some people who may have ill intentions.

most non-Muslims who are interested in Islam i personally find are courteous but just a reminder to ensure that your heart is strong as being in presence of someone is much more persuasive then trying to get some message across indirectly...that's why some people like to be "friends" with you becuase they know that they can deceive you easier that way...may Allah protect us...