The Muslim Next Door
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11 and President Bush's declaration of war on Iraq a year ago this March, curiosity and confusion among Americans about the religion of Islam has reached an all-time high.
Yet for Muslim-turned-Christian brothers Ergun and Emir Caner, this challenging period comes with treasured opportunities. Throughout the past three years, these American-raised Turkish brothers, who teach at separate Baptist seminaries and have coauthored two books on Islam, have spoken at churches, conferences, and universities nationwide about their Muslim upbringing and conversion to Christianity. Their hope is to win Muslims to Christ and to share how Christians can lovingly yet courageously present the gospel to their Muslim coworkers, neighbors, and friends.
"We've seen Muslims reconsider their faith in ways we've never experienced before," Emir says. "They're confused with what the Qur'an says about jihad, and how they're supposed to interpret it. Because of this, I truly believe this is the most open opportunity we've had to share Christ with Muslims in the past century."
According to Emir, more than 34,000 Americans convert to Islam each year. "Because many are marrying Muslim men, 80 percent of these converts are women."
Yet because traditional Muslim beliefs about the separation of men and women still influence many Muslim families, the Caners believe Christian women hold the exclusive opportunity of reaching Muslim women with the gospel.
TCW recently spoke with Emir and Ergun to find out how we can reach out to the growing number of Muslim women in our communities.
What misconceptions do wehave about Muslim women?
Emir: One is that a Muslim woman isn't approachable. A Christian sees a Muslim woman wearing her traditional attire and thinks, I can't speak to her; she's too different. Some Christians also believe that since Islam traditionally is a male-dominated religion, a woman either won't want to speak about her religion or isn't knowledgeable about Islam. But the reality is, a Muslim may be quite open to sharing what her faith means to her.
Ergun: Muslim women also can have misconceptions about American women. Some feel Americans hate them or believe all Muslims desire war. They're cautious of Christianity because they associate it closely with Western culture. They see women on television wearing revealing clothes or sleeping around, and believe all Christians act this way. It's important for Christian women to establish friendships to break down these stereotypes.
How do American Muslims differ from those in the Middle East?
Emir: Many Muslim women come to America not only to run away from political oppression, but from spiritual oppression. They don't want to follow the traditional ways of Islam. They see America as a place where they can keep the core of their faith and modify what they perceive as unnecessary legalism. That's why many American Muslim women don't wear the burqa, veil, or headscarf, or why some talk to men directly. They're arguing for a feminist interpretation of the Qur'an.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2004, March/April, Vol. 26, Issue 2, Page 44
Related Topics:
Islam, Muslims, Muslims, evangelism and, Outreach, Qur'an, Women
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Safiyyah
Greetings of Peace: This article saddens me. It is deplorable that Christian women would befriends us as our sisters, only to have the intention of converting us. This is spiritual treachery. Christians, Jews, and Muslims are all "People of the Book". We basically believe the same thing. Muslims know well of Jesus. Many Christians also come to Islam after reading what the Quran and God Himself tells us about his Messenger, Jesus. It is also deplorable that the two apostates from Islam decided to write a book for Muslim women. Also to take advantage of the vulnerability and sweetness of the female heart. Why didn't they write a book for Muslim men? They know the answer. Their book wouldn't be received in the same way. I have many Christian women friends, some who are ordained pastors. They respect me and I respect them. We do not try to convert each other.
Bull
This is a load of crap and bunch of propaganda.
saher
ergun and emir, former muslims, now brothers in Christ have really given an insight into what are the insecurities in muslim people regarding us and our insecurities regarding them. but we shouldn't let this come in our way to lead these people to the truth of God and the amazing work of His salvation. continue winning souls for Christ and keep up the good work. God Bless you both abundantly.Amen
Tracy Pace
our everyday life is a daily witness for God whatever our faith- if we are simply following religion or the 'yeast' of a particular leader that is when we stray even within our faiths away from God and towards evil. God sanctions no wrongful actions! Great idea to reach out to people of all faiths, accept and love everyone, that is what being a Christian means. If God shines in us that is true proselytism for our faith.
Nadine
What an awesome article! I never thought about witnessing to a Muslim woman...I guess I felt that they would not be open to listening to what my faith entailed, or that they would even want to be friends with a non-muslim. This article has given me courage, and a desire, to reach Muslim woman for Christ. Thank you for posting this eye opening article.
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