This blog was submitted by sister Azra from Macedonia, member of DM team since August. Engaging in dawah to Christians both face to face and online for a few years..
When giving dawah to Christians, we should always be careful about how we approach them. They, unlike atheists, are to be treated carefully as they are very sensitive when it comes to topics like the status of Jesus (alayhi salam) or the concept of Trinity. Therefore, when approaching them regarding such topics, one shall not only possess profound knowledge, but shall also be very tactful and perceptive.
Not long ago, I met a girl named Erin in one of the discussion groups. We started talking about Trinity and other related topics. What astounded me was that her approach, unlike many, was quiet, thoughtful and patient.
I invited her to a group from where she was previously removed. Messaging me in private, she inquired, “What does Qur’an say about the Messiah?” It was, undoubtedly, a golden chance, so I initiated a small chat, saying that no Muslim is a Muslim unless he or she believes in the existence of Jesus. Further, I assured her of the fact that we do believe in his miraculous birth by quoting Qur’an 3:45-49. I continued the discussion, telling her that we, as Muslims, do not believe that Messiah is God and for that purpose, I used Deuteronomy 6:4-9 that mentions that Allah, the Lord of all, is One. The Qur’an (5:72) says “They have certainly disbelieved who say “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O, Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.”
For similar references, I told her about the miracles Jesus performed, quoting from John 5:30 and Qur’an 3:9. Also, the conflict regarding the death of Jesus (alayhi salam) in the Bible was solved with the biblical verse where Jesus prays for salvation, backed up the Qur’anic verses 19:30-33…
Taking a step further, I went on with some questions of logic along with a discussion on some hacked verses of Bible that did not match at all with one another. Sadly, Erin did not agree with me. However, optimistically, I am strongly willing to continue my struggle because her behavior, implicitly, is a positive signal for me. Next up In sha Allah, I will discuss the second coming of Messiah with her, hoping that the ice inside her would thaw. I pray that Allah makes, for us both, a way out. May He guide Erin to the light encircling her existence from which, she is disillusioned as yet.
Ameen
– Team Dawah Motivation
Ma sha Allah
Well done
Many preachers start talking to non Muslims in a violent way although Allah Sobhanaho wa taa’la said in surat An-nahl
16:125)
[.. Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided…]
May Allah grant us wisdom and patience
To start a conversation with a christian shouldn’t we ask Jesus said he came for jews and he didn’t preach even to those gentiles whom he helped.Then let them ome with a sold proof that Jesus said I came for non jews as well.
Jzk Khayr for your comment. We can use wisdom and excellence in all our invitations to the worship of one true God. When it comes to engaging with Christians then of course there are many styles and means to initiate a meaningful conversation & discuss. One style is as you postulate, quoting a passage (S) in order for them to realise. The style I have taken and others have too is totally different. We don’t discuss biblical texts and avoid getting into a ‘textual Criticism’ discussion. Rather match and impress upon them the beautiful concept of mercy in Islam. Forgiveness in Islam. Jesus as the spiritual messenger of God & so on.
May Allah SWT reward you for your efforts