Islam Expert: Christian Witnesses Must Listen, Learn, and Cultivate Trust to Reach Muslims
by Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
November 11, 2003
(AgapePress) - A former Muslim says it is vital for Christians to make concentrated efforts to build relationships with Muslims in order to tell them about God's free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
In Voices Behind the Veil: the World of Islam Through the Eyes of Women (Kregel Publications, 2003), editor Dr. Ergun Caner allows former and current Muslim women to tell what it is like to be female in an Islamic society. Caner says the religion of Islam often leaves adherents feeling tired, worn out and frustrated.
In the recently published book, Islamic women tell in their own words of lives marked by harsh and demeaning conditions in cultures where women are regarded primarily as property (See Related Article). Many have suffered for years, being denied basic human rights and educational opportunities -- even the opportunity to learn to read -- because of the teachings of Islam about a woman's purpose and place in society.
Proselytizing: More Than Preaching
Caner believes if Christians fail to educate themselves about Islamic culture and to do informed outreach to women oppressed under that culture, then the Church will be neglecting 800 million women who walk the planet.
"If we do not learn the life of a Muslim woman -- if we do not learn how to reach into the veil and see the person, the heartbeat beneath that veil -- in my mind, there's a lot of blood on our hands," he says.
Caner himself grew up in a Sunni Muslim home, converted to Christianity later in life, and now teaches theology and Church history at Liberty University's School of Religion in Lynchburg, Virginia. During his 17 years as a Christian pastor and scholar, he has written numerous books and spoken on apologetics, world religions, and theology all over the U.S. and the world.
As one who knows Muslim culture first hand and through study, Caner says Christians have genuine opportunities to witness to Muslims, especially those who have been wounded or oppressed under Islam.
Conversion Through Caring
Caner urges American Christians to make the effort to cultivate deep and caring relationships with Muslims. "To earn a hearing, I have to be a friend first ... anyone can do that," he says. He particularly encourages Christian women to do this, suggesting that each find ways to build her life into a Muslim woman's life, to "become her friend, and then be there when she is speaking."
The author points out the importance of building substantive relationships, not merely witnessing but also bearing the burdens and listening to the heart of a Muslim woman. "Be there when she is hurting," he advises, "because you will then, I promise, earn the hearing so that [she] will listen."
Caner says it can take as many as six or seven years to develop a friendship with a Muslim that will allow Christ to be shared openly and freely, but it is important for Christians to persist. He believes Christians must be open and relational, as well as educated and well prepared, in order to witness effectively to Muslims.
Dr. Ergun Caner has co-authored several books on Islam with his brother Emir Caner, including Out of the Crescent Shadows: Leading Muslim Women into the Light of Christ (New Hope Publishers, 2003), and Unveiling Islam: An Insider's Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs (Kregel, 2002).
