Allahu Akbar. A simple phrase that many in the Western world only know as the death cry of a Jihadist bent on destruction. A phrase that has been stereotyped and associated with evil. A phrase that means, “God is great.” Living here in Ethiopia, I hear the melodies and maladies of the nearby mosque several times a day. I hear “Allahu Akbar” repeatedly as Islamic prayers are offered up. I am not writing this to start a debate over who is right or who is wrong. I do not believe that such debates/arguments are beneficial for Christians to be involved in because they only portray Christians as an ‘us vs. them’ religion. Christianity is so much more than that; it is a relationship between a living God and His creation, a relationship that is powerful and life changing. My God needs no defense; He simply needs me to love as He loves, to serve as He served, to act as He acts. I do not believe that to be Christian is to be religious; it is to follow Jesus. As I listen to the words “Allahu Akbar” from my home in Addis Ababa I wonder how Arab Christians say, “God is great”. I wonder if they say “Allahu Akbar.” Taken at face value, there is no truer phrase in existence. I find myself thinking, “If only they knew. If only they knew my Jesus. If only they experienced the incredible power of Holy Spirit.” I am not going to quibble about who is saying what to whom. I am not going to make petty arguments about what deity the prayer is being offered to. God is great, all the time, so I say it: Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 18:54:56 +0000
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