The Drayton Christian Reformed Church hosted a mini seminar open to all community members that took an in-depth look at the Islam faith.
“In an era of growing tensions between religious communities, the rise of ISIS, the attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, and other conflicts around the world, there is a need for honest dialogue between Muslim and Christian faith communities,” said Rev. Greg Sinclair, guest speaker.
Sinclair is a pastor and missionary who is passionate about engaging with Muslims in local communities. He is the ministry leader for Salaam 2.0, a ministry of Christian Reformed World Missions that helps churches engage with their Muslim neighbours in four urban centers in Canada: Montreal, Toronto/Hamilton, Calgary and Edmonton. Sinclair is based in the Hamilton area.
Sinclair shared information from his seminar titled, Islam 101- Loving our Muslim Neighbours .
Many people of the Islam faith live around in the regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Despite all the media coverage of ISIS in recent months, Sinclair said that only a tiny percentage of the Muslim population is involved with the ISIS movement.
Sinclair explained three different sources instruct Muslims in the Islamic faith. The Quran, considered the eternal work of Allah, exists in heaven in Arabic and is not authentic if translated into another language, is organized in the longest to the shortest chapters and Jesus’ birth is found in Sura 19. The Hadith is a collection of traditions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that contains nine volumes. The Sahih Al-Bukhari is one of the most authoritative volumes. Biographical writings about the life of Muhammad are contained in the Sira.
Muslims say Allah has given writings in the Quran, Torah, Psalms and Gospels, and sent prophets, the last one being Muhammad. Muslims believe Allah, considered to be compassionate and merciful, will judge all human beings on a future judgement day.
According to religious history, Muhammad is thought to have lived from 570-632 AD. He encouraged the people to destroy their idols and focus on one god, Allah. After fleeing to Medina in 622 AD he became a statesman and a warrior. The ridiculed and persecuted prophet was thought to be illiterate.
Sinclair explained the five pillars of the faith are confession (shahada), prayer (salat), fasting (sawm), alms giving (zakat) and Hajj.
Prayer is done five times per day with fasting exercised especially during the month of Ramadam, from sun up to sun down. Besides food and drink, fasting includes no sex and no swallowing of saliva. Alms (2.5%) are given to the cause of Allah, which is to help the poor (Sunni).
A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca allows for forgiveness of all sins up to that point and a Muslim gains respect for completing the journey.
Muslim people believe we are all Muslim and will revert back to being Muslim. Many Muslims enjoy talking about their faith and say Islam is a religion of peace. Muslim people often do not speak out against other Muslims.
“The best way to connect with your Muslim neighbours is to accept, learn and develop relationships. Be a good neighbour, learn about Islam and how to be an effective witness to the Gospel and seek out friendships with your neighbours,” Sinclair said.
He suggested everyone should, “Visit a mosque and don’t forget to take off your shoes. Let them know that you are a guest and a Christian. Fridays are the best days to go. “Lend a helping hand to your Muslim neighbours … Basically, let them know that we love them.”
More information on the Christian Reformed World Missions is available online, by email crwm@crcna.org or by calling 1-800-730-3490.
