Open Letter to my Muslim Friend #3--What is the Straight Path--the true "sirat-al-mustaqim"?

My Dear Muslim Friend,

Recently I read a fascinating passage in the Qur'an, al-Hujurat 49:13: "Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! The noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct."

According to this ayat, Allah wants us to get to know one another and, together, to be noble and just in our conduct. In another Surah, az-Zukhruf 43:63, 63 we read: "When Jesus came with clear proofs of Allah's sovereignty, he said: I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which you differ. So keep your duty to Allah, and obey Me. Lo! Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him. This is a right path."

This passage says to us that we have the same Lord and our duty to Allah is to worship Him and to obey Jesus. This is the right path. In al-Fatihah we read, "Show us the straight path." This is the "sirat-al-mustaqim. But have you ever wondered, "What us this straight path?"

The prophet, nabi Dauda, declares, "Teach me your way O Lord; lead me on the straight path." (Zabur, Psalm 27:11 and 25:4). Again Dauda says, "The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight path for them." (Zabur, Proverbs 11:5 and 4:11).

Nabi Dauda says that this "straight path" is the path of life (Psalm 16:11); the path of righteousness (Psalm 23:3) and the path of peace (Injil, Luke 1:79).

The prophet Isaiah spoke of one who was to come and to prepare the way for Isa al-Masih. He said, "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God'...The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (Zabur, Isaiah 40:3-5)

Who was this voice in the desert? And who was the one to come after him who is called "Lord" (Rabb)? In the Qur'an there is the story of Yahya. Read Surah al-'Imran 3:39f;  at-Taubah 9:7f and an-Anbiya 21:89, 90.

Nearly seven hundred years after the prophet Isaiah spoke of the one to come, this word of Alla was fulfilled. It is written in the Injil, "In those days John the Baptizer came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.' This is He who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him." (Injil, Matthew 3:1-3).

But who is this one called "Lord"? Prophet Yahya went on to say, "After me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry." (Injil, Matthew 3:11). And again he says, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me." (Injil, John 1:15)  The very next day Yahya saw Jesus (Isa al-Masih) coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'

The prophet Yahya was preparing the way for Jesus, Isa al-Masi. Isa is the one who is called "Lord" (Rabb).

One day Isa was teaching his followers. Here is what he said to them. "Enter through the mnarrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.".  (Injil, Matthew 7:13-14).

I do not want to walk on that wide road that leads to destruction. As it is written in al-Fatihah, "the path of those who go astray". (Surah al-Fatihah 1:7)  I want to pass through "the small gate and walk on that narrow road that leads to life".  But, where shall we find that path, that straight way?

Isa al-Masih says, "I am the gate: whoever enters through me will be saved." (Injil, John 10:9). Again he says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." (Injil, John 14:6).

My friend, come walk with Isa al-Masi. He alone is the straight path--Allah's true sirat-al-mustaqim.

Sincerely yours,

Khalilullah Brusu

Open Letter to a Muslim Friend #2--What is the Qur'an's Testimony Concerning the Bible--"al-Kitab al-Moqaddis"?

Dear Friend,

In our recent conversation you suggested, as do many Muslims, that the Bible has been changed, altered or falsified? This is a charge not only against the integrity of the Tawrat, the Zabur and the Injil, but is in contradiction to the testimony of the Qur'an itself. Muhammad (pbuh), as is recorded in the Qur'an, acknowledges the divine and unaltered "Book", the Bible. Many ayats from the Qur'an could be cited, but I limit myself to just a few of those.

1. The Qur'an calls Jews and Christians "people of the book" (ahl al-kitab) and those who have received the Scriptures.

          "Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to an agreement between us and you: that we shall worship      none but Allah, and that we will ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for Lords beside Allah. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered." (al-Imran 3:64)

2. The Qur'an says that the Old Testament (Tawrat and Zabur) and the New Testament (Injil) are true Scriptures which God revealed to His people.

          "Lo! We did reveal the Torah, wherein is guidance and light, by which the Prophets who surrendered judged the Jews and the rabbis and the priests by such of Allah's Scripture as they were bidden to observe, and thereunto were they witnesses. So fear not mankind, but fear Me. And barter not my revelations for a little gain. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed: such are disbelievers."  (al-Ma'ida 5:44)

          "And we verily gave Moses the guidance, and We caused the Children of Israel to inherit the Scripture."  (al-Ghafir 40:53)

          "Lo! We inspire thee as We inspired Noah and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah, and Aaron and Solomon and as We imparted unto David the Psalms."  (an-Nisa' 4:163)

          "And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was revealed before him, and We bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was revealed before it in the Torah--a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off evil. Let the People of the Gospel judge by that which Allah hath revealed therein. Whoso judgeth not by that which Allah hath revealed, such are evil-livers." (al-Mai'da 5:46, 47)

3.  The Qur'an says that the words of Allah, the biblical Scriptures, are unchangeable.

          "And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee of the Scriptures of thy Lord. There is none who can change His words, and thou will find no refuge besides Him." (al-Kahf 18:27)

4.  The Qur'an says that it was given to confirm  the previous Scriptures and to guard them.

          "He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture with truth, confirming that which was revealed before it; even as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel; aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite the wrong." (al-'Imran 3:3-4)

          "And this Qur'an is not such as could ever be invented in despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which was revealed before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for mankind--Therein is no doubt--from the Lord of the Worlds." (Yunis 10:37)

5.  The Qur'an exhorts all Muslims to believe in the biblical Scriptures.

          "The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and so do the believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers--We make no distinction between any of His messengers--and they say: We hear, and we obey. Grant us thy forgiveness, our Lord."  (al-Baqara 2:285)

          "O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the Scripture He hath revealed unto His messenger, and the Scriptures which He revealed aforetime. Whoso disbelieveth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers and the Last Day, he verily hath wandered far astray." (an-Nisa' 4:136)

6.  The Qur'an says to Muslims that if they have any questions about Allah and the true, straight path, they should ask of those who have the previous Scriptures.

          "And if thou (Muhammad) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those who read the Scripture (that was) before thee."  (Yunis 10:94)

          "And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in a way that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender." (an-'Ankabut 29:46)

There, my friend, is the testimony of the Qur'an to the authenticity and truthfulness of the previous Scriptures. We must graciously and honestly conclude that the previous Scriptures have never been altered, falsified or corrupted before or during the lifetime of Muhammad. Perhaps one suggests that these Scriptures then were changed after Muhammad's time. But sincerely, is such an accusation reasonable and supported? If we accept this accusation, then we must also condemn the Qur'an and make Allah to be a liar!  Why so?  Because, as we have read, the Qur'an was given as a "confirmation" and as a "guardian" or "protector" of the previous Scripture.  Has the Qur'an therefore failed in its task?  What do you think of the ayats which say, "There can be no change to the words of Allah" (Yunis 10:64) and "no one can modify the words of Allah" (an-An'am 6:34) ?

The testimony of the Qur'an is that the Bible is authentic and accurate, without change or alteration. You have a responsibility, as a sincere Muslim, to read and understand these Scriptures. We wish to help you in this pilgrimage towards truth and an eternal life. May Allah guide you towards the straight path.

Sincerely,
Khalilullah Brusu

Open Letter to Muslim Friend#1 The True Muslim

The True Muslim

The Qur’an reveals that the true religion of God is Islam and that whoever prefers a religion other than Islam, will not be accepted by Allah (Surah 3 Al-Imran, vs. 84,85) This is true because the word “Islam” signifies a capitulation or submission to God the Creator.

It is likewise written in the Qur’an:

                “Lo! Those who believe (in that which was revealed unto you, Muhammad) and those who

are Jews, and Christians, and Sabaeans—whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does right—surely their reward is with their Lord, and there shall be no fear come upon them and neither shall they grieve.”  (Surah 2 Al-Baqarah, v.62)

The groups mentioned in the preceding verses were not called Muslims, however their religion was accepted. This curious and interesting situation provokes serious reflection.

What truly is the significance of the word, “Muslim”? Does “Muslim” only designate those who are followers of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam? Did true Islam begin with Muhammad? Let’s consider the following points and verses of the Qur’an to help us in responding to these questions.

1.       Abraham was a Muslim.   The Qur’an clearly says: “Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian. He was entirely submitted to Allah.” (Surah 3 Al-Imran, v. 67)  Yet Abraham lived long before the time of Muhammad.

2.       The Disciples of Jesus were Muslims.  Again the Qur’an says:  “And when I inspired the disciples (apostles) saying, Believe in Me and My messenger, they said: We believe and we bear witness that we have surrendered unto You. (i.e. we are Muslims) “   Surah 5 Al-Maidah, v.111)

Incredible! Like Abraham, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims, even though they too had lived long before the time of Muhammad.

3.       Certain contemporaries of Muhammad were called Muslims. Again in the Qur’an we read:  “Those unto whom We gave the Scripture before it (i.e.the Qur’an), they believe in it. And when it is recited unto them they say: We believe in it. Lo, even before it we were of those who surrender unto Him.”  (Surah 28 Al-Qasas, vs. 52, 53)

These last words, “we were submitted/surrendered to Him” assume simply that they were Muslims even before the Qur’an’s coming.

4.       Muhammad was destined to become a Muslim. We read in Surah 27 Al-Nami, that Muhammad was “commanded to be one of those who surrender unto Him”.  Surah 10 Yunus (Jonah), v.72 says the same thing.  The Qur’an speaks of Muhammad, even before he put his faith in God. It says:  “You did not know what the Scripture was, nor what Faith was.” (Surah 42 Ash-Shura, v. 52)

While Muhammad was still an unbeliever, when he did not yet know the Book nor have faith in God, the “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians) had the Book and believed on God. These people declared to Muhammad that they were Muslims long before he ever came to them with his message. His message was nothing new.   And according to Surah 27:91-92, Muhammad was required to join himself to this already existing Muslim group.

5.       The title “Islam” is not new.  Some have translated the word “Muslim” in the preceding verses as “submitted to Allah” or “surrendered to Allah”, using the word as a verb and not as a noun. But this is not accurate. In Surah 22 Al-Hajj, v. 78, we read:  “the faith of your father Abraham is yours. And He has named you Muslims of old time and in this (Scripture)”.  In other words, this verse shows how Allah was calling all believers “Muslims” before the arrival of the Qur’an as well as in the Qur’an.

It stands out therefore from these Qur’anic verses that Abraham was a man fully submitted to God and was therefore called a “Muslim:’ that the disciples of Jesus were also identified as “Muslims” and God is their witness. The People of the Book and contemporaries of Muhammad were also called “Muslims” before him. Clearly this indicates that those who were believers in God were called “Muslims”, and not merely those that were followers of Muhammad.

The Qur’an continues to declare that “those to whom We gave the Book before the Qur’an” were spoken to be, in a unique way, true believers.:

“Lo, even before It (i.e. the Qur’an) we were of those who surrender unto Him. They will be given their reward twice over, because they are steadfast and repel evil with good and spend rightly that which we have provided for them. And when they hear vanity, they withdraw from it and say: Unto us our works and unto you your works. Peace be unto you. We do not desire to be among the ignorant.”. (Surah 28 Al-Qasa, vs. 54, 55)

Incidentally however, to a particular group of people, “the disciples of Jesus”, the Qur’an testifies that they will be accorded a double salary or recompense. Wouldn’t you want to belong to this people? To live in harmony with the followers of Jesus?

Consider one more thing--the Qur’an reveals that only the disciples of Jesus will remain until the final day of the Resurrection. Listen to what God was saying to Jesus:

“O Jesus! Lo, I am gathering you and causing you to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing you of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow you above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me you will all return, and I shall judge between you concerning  that in which you differ.” (Surah 3 Al-Imran, v.55)

According to this verse God promises that He will establish the followers of Jesus over and above all unbelievers; that he will stand by or support the followers of Jesus until the Day of Resurrection.

From the time of Jesus, during the time of Muhammad,  generation after generation until the final day, the Day or Resurrection, those who follow Jesus will not only continue to exist, but will have preeminence over all non-believers.

My friend, what an honor, what good fortune to be among these true Muslims. Yes, the true Muslim is he that believes on God and is a follower of Jesus. We, the believers, the People of the Book (Ahl u’l Kitab) invite you to join the community of the true and faithful Muslims of God.

Fraternally,

Khalilullah Brusu

Muslims and Christians at the Table

The image of sharing good news around a table has not always been used to describe the historic encounter of Christians and Muslims. Their first meeting took place on the battlefields of the Crusades. 

Among both Muslims and Christians a trail of bitterness has left its indelible stain. Misunderstandings and media stereotypes have cast clouds of confusion. 

Bruce and Carolyn Pinke bring over twenty years of experience of living and working cross-culturally throughout West Africa and Europe. “Muslims and Christians at the Table,” a seminar and ministry approach, suggests another path, a journey of understanding.
  
Did You Know? 

•   More than 7 million Muslims live in North America?

• There are nearly 150,000 Muslims living in the Twin Cities?

• There are more than 100 mosques in the Twin Cities?

• Minneapolis has the largest Somali population in the USA?

• Minneapolis is the future site of a 300,000 sq. ft. $48 million Muslim youth Center—to be the nation’s largest mosque

Mosaic Ministries exists to mobilize and equip Christians to effectively share their faith with Muslim neighbors, and to open up respectful avenues of communication. 

They can be contacted at Bruce and Carolyn Pinke (612) 521-9237.