The Koran for Christians
Understanding Islam and Muslims
by
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This work is an effort to prepare us Christians to understand Islam and moderate Muslims and to interact positively with them, and to witness to them if that is appropriate.
If we who are not Muslims are to understand Islam and Muslims, then we need to understand the Qur’an or the Koran. Arabic is the language of the Koran and of Arabs, but Arabic is not the language of the 80% of Muslims who are not Arabs. Islam means submitting and Muslim means one who submits. Jihad means struggle – an individual’s internal struggle against impure motivations and manifest behavior, but often translated (incorrectly according to some Muslims) as holy war against all infidels or people of all faiths except Islam, or of no faith.
We read much about militant Muslims and violent or external jihad, probably because that makes good news for the media, but most Muslims are moderate, especially the 80% that are not Arab. Moderate Muslims are the ones that we are likely to encounter and the ones to whom we should be prepared to witness – neighbors, coworkers, or university students, and jihad for them is an internal struggle to achieve via good works a chance to reach paradise.
The Koran and the Bible have similarities and differences. These are of significance if we are to understand the Muslim and the Arab worlds. Here I give a brief study of the Koran to show parallels between it and the Bible, to aid the reader if he or she is not familiar with the realization that they are similar in some regards, especially the Old Testament of the Bible. The Koran acknowledges Jesus, but considers him just a great teacher and messenger or prophet of Allah just like Muhammad, not as equal to God and not the only way to God. It does acknowledge that Jesus was conceived by the spoken word of Allah(God) and had no human father. It acknowledges that Jesus died and was resurrected by God (Allah).
Much can be learned about Muslims and Islam in a short time by learning about the Five Pillars of Islam and the Articles of faith of Islam, which are described.
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About the Book
If non Muslims are to understand Islam, then they must first understand the Qur’an—or Koran. The Koran is written in Arabic, but over 80% of Muslims are non-Arabic speakers. Islam means submission. Iihad means struggle, an individual’s internal struggle against impure motivations and manifest behavior. Jihad is often translated—incorrectly according to some Muslims—as holy war against all infidels or people of all faiths except Islam.
The Koran for Christians seeks to help Christians further their understanding of Islam and moderate Muslims, and foster more positive interactions between the two faiths.
Much can be learned about Islam in a short time by understanding the Five Pillars of Islam, the Articles of Faith, and other basic tenets of a belief system held by millions.
About the Author
The photo on the front cover of this book is of the Jame’asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei, an Islamic Nation. The photo on the back cover of this book is of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.