Adventures In Witnessing Vol. 10- How to Witness to a Muslim

When I first started street evangelism I found it difficult to witness to Muslims. I would bring up Jesus at the beginning of the conversation and get blindsided with many objections to what Christians believe about Jesus. They would speak with passion about their Islamic Jesus.

Here’s some effective ways I’ve learned to engage with Muslims. I start by asking a few questions; “If you don’t mind me asking, where are you from?” “How long have you lived in America?” “Welcome to America, do you have a spiritual background?” “If you died tonight and Allah asked you, “Why should I let you live in paradise?”, what would your answer be to Allah?” The most common response is usually about how they have tried to be a good Muslim through prayer and acts of service. When I asked them if they are 100 percent sure they are going to Heaven, they are never certain, they see it as 50/50 hoping Allah will be merciful. This is a good place to share an analogy about God’s grace. I like to use this illustration by Ray Comfort.

A criminal, standing before a judge, has been given a choice of 'life in jail' or a 'million dollar fine'. The criminal doesn't have the money so his only option is prison. Unexpectedly, a stranger walks into the courtroom, hands a million dollars to the judge and says "I love this person and will pay the price for his crime." The judge is satisfied with the payment and the criminal is set free.

This is a picture of what Jesus has done for us, by paying the price for all the ways we have broken God's law. Some Muslims will object and say "everyone most pay the price for their own sins." I tell them “that’s how great God loves us that He would sacrifice Himself for us.”

Most Muslims have objections to the deity of Jesus and the trinity. They will say, “Jesus never said “I am God worship Me.””
Here’s a good question in response to this objection. “If I or another human being walked up to you and said 'I am God worship me' what would your response be?” Almost everyone's response is “you are crazy” so why would Jesus make a statement like that knowing how people would respond? However, who can offer eternal life except God alone? Who can forgive sins except God alone? Who can answer prayers except God alone?  Jesus offers eternal life, has the power to forgive sins and answers prayers. (Ref. John 10:28, Luke 5:24 & John 14:13-14)

By His own words Jesus makes statements that only God can make.

Matt Slick has a good way to explain the Trinity by looking at the concept of Time. Time is only made complete by The Past, The Present & The Future, three in one.

For a more detailed look at the deity of Jesus look at ‘Adventures In Witnessing Volume Five.'
      
Muslims may also ask, “If Jesus is God, how can God die? Why did He pray to Himself? Why did He say “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?”
God did the most loving act imaginable. He took on the form of a man to experience human life first hand. Jesus taught us how to have a relationship with God by praying to and worshiping the Father. He was tempted like us but did not sin. His human flesh died but was raised on the third day. His spirit never died. While on the cross Jesus cries out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” because He was pointing people to the messianic prophecy of Psalm 22 which describes His crucifixion experience. He demonstrated His love for us by paying the price for our sins.

The Quran says that the Law (Torah) and the Gospel of Jesus is the truth and that no one can alter the words of Allah. (Ref. Sura 3:3-4, Sura 5:68, Sura 10:94, Sura 6:34 & Sura 18:27)

The Law and the Gospel of Jesus testify that we have all broken the commandments of God. Thankfully, in His mercy He provided a way for us to be forgiven. Admit you have sinned against Him. Believe that God sent His Son Jesus to die as a sacrifice for your sin and raised Him from the dead on the third day. Confess Jesus as Lord and get baptized. Commit your life to Jesus and have eternal life with God.
 
I have had some great conversations with Muslims and have been complimented by them for the way I conduct myself in the midst of our differences.  

This should be enough info to get you started but if you want more advice go to www.answering-islam.org