The Historical Background of Islam. Last Episode. Since Islam embraces not only religion but also culture, the future of the faith will be very much dependent on the state of the nations in which it thrives today. With Arab nations prospering, this could turn out to be both a curse and a blessing to the Islamic faith. It may be good for its social growth, but its faith could be seriously compromised. Islam is a rapidly spreading religion for several reasons. It is the state religion of Moslem countries and this gives it a strong cultural and political base. It has the appeal of a universal message because of its simple creed and tenets. Anyone can enter the Ummah, the community of faithful Muslims, There are no racial barriers and thus it spreads quickly among the black communities of Africa, and more recently, of America. Its five doctrines and five pillars can be easily communicated. In the West it is making appeals to the universal brotherhood of man, world peace, temperance, and the uplifting of women (Boa,Cults,p. 56). The supremacy of Islam in the political and social (as well as religious) arenas is prefigured in the following quote from the Quran: Believers, have fear of Allah and stand with those who uphold the cause of truth. No cause have the people of Medina and the desert Arabs who dwell around them to forsake Allahs apostle or to jeopardize his life so as to safeguard their own; for they do not expose themselves to thirst or hunger or to any ordeal on account of the cause of Allah, nor do they stir a step which may provoke the unbelievers. Each loss they suffer at the enemys hands shall be counted as a good deed in the sight of Allah: He will not deny the righteous of their recompense. Each sum they give, be it small or large and each journey they undertake, shall be noted down, so that Allah may requite them for their noblest deeds. It is not right that all the faithful should go to war once. A band from each community should stay behind to instruct themselves in religion and admonish their men when they return, so that they may take heed. Believers, make war on the infidels who dwell around you. Deal courteously with them. Know that Allah is with the righteous (N.J Dawood, trans.,The Koran,London: Penguin Books, 1956, p.333). With 750 to 800 million now claiming the Muslim faith, Christians need to have an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15). The impact of Islam in world affairs is steadily on the upswing, and in order to present the gospel effectively, we must have a good background knowledge of Islam. Muslim countries presently (1) through OPEC have a great deal to say about world economy, (2) play a powerful role in the social stability (or instability) of various governments, (3) are the political focal point for numerous potentially serious situations for war and (4) are growing in their religious influence. Politically, economically, religiously and socially Islam affects the world on several fronts: Most important for the Christian is Islams spiritual impact, which has been great in recent years. To this Christians are called to respond in love, and with the truth, realizing Christ loves Muslims and desires them to come to salvation.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:48:38 +0000
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