What they never told you about Muslims

Image courtesy of arenapublica.com

The holy month of Ramadhan will commence this week as millions of muslims over the world will be involved in a peaceful time of prayer and fasting. Months prior, few muslims have known peace. ISIS spreads terror by the day, Al Shabaab continue to wage their war that has seen the world turn on muslims. The raid on muslims carried out in Eastleigh earlier this year made me cringe. The threat of terrorism is real but the retaliation in its aftermath has been controversial.

Muslims have been misunderstood and if I were to liken the world to high school status groups, Americans and Europe would be jocks, the cool group who like to set the agenda. Asians and Africans would be the nerds or geeks who sometimes get bullied or used by the jocks. Muslims would be the Goths, the crowd that others tend to avoid because of their distinct dressing, language, and culture.  They are people like us but  little effort has been made to understand them or relate to them with compassion beyond mere tolerance. After reading the book, The crescent through the eyes of the Cross by Dr Nabeel Jabbour, my viewpoint on muslims was altered in a big way. I had got it all wrong and my heart is filled with remorse. Therefore I pen this letter to any muslim out there and it reads:

Dear Muslim,

I admit for a long time I have been cold and distant to you. I have not bothered in the slightest to get to know you better. I have considered your mannerisms, language, dressing as peculiar. Interaction between us has been sporadic. We share a few interests like our love for football. I oft recall how I watch European football highlights on YouTube and the first links I view will feature games in Arabic commentary. In as much as I have no idea what a goal means in Arabic, I can feel the mutual passion we have for the beautiful game when the commentators exclaims incessantly after a goal has been scored. We love football; perhaps this will be what opens the line of communication between us. You can check out the videos below to get what I mean.

https://youtu.be/x56Hygt2d9M 

https://youtu.be/lnR__37JhQE 

I concede the fact that I have been woefully ignorant, ignorant of your legitimate grievances, ignorant of your struggles, ignorant of your need to be understood. I was made aware of this ignorance after I read the book and I see this ignorance perpetuated on a daily basis amongst my fellow brothers and sisters who follow Jesus. I had such a limited understanding of what you go through and I would just like to say a heartfelt sorry. We have mistreated you. We have wronged you. It is my hope that you will forgive us.

I used to think of you as one and the same but I realize they are distinct groups of muslims. They are cultural muslims who are not religious but were just born into muslim. They are Islamic muslims who are religious and adhere to the teachings of the Qur'an, some being moderate and open to other teachings and some being fundamentalists. Then there are the militant muslims, those who defend the muslim faith by means of armed conflict. They consist of both fundamentalists and fanatics. They are the ones involved in acts of terror. It's sad that I along with many others have presumed all of you to be fanatics and fundamentalists or fanatic sympathizers keen on fighting us. It is sad that we have lumped you into one group ignoring the liberal Islamic or cultural muslims who are open minded and some actually seek to know more about Christ. These group are peaceful and abhor the tactics used by ISIS and Al Shabaab.

The cultural and Islamic muslims who were moderate used to be majority and influenced militant muslims to lean towards moderation. With time there has been a paradigm shift, the militant muslims have been influencing cultural and Islamic muslims towards fanaticism with more people joining ISIS and Al Shabaab. This is a worrying trend. As I read the book, I am not surprised about this development, if I were a muslim I doubt I would react any different.

Lately terrorism has been on the up. ISIS is killing both Christians and Muslims. Al-Shabaab has been active as well especially in my country, Kenya. I would wonder why these terrorists were so keen on this battle. We have falsely believed that their motivation is just a jihad and the reward of getting virgins in heaven but I have discovered it is much more. In Kenya we have presumed that it is unemployed youth who have no hope for a future that are the main cause for the militia's rapid spread but we are wrong. Much to my surprise and shock, I have discovered that Christians have played a major role in birthing groups such as ISIS.

It started centuries ago during the Crusades of the 12^th and 13^th  centuries. Western Christian nations sent fleets of armies to invade your lands with the aim of forcing upon Muslims a Christian Jihad to clean up Jerusalem. It was believed that this Christian fanaticism is what has recreated the fanaticism of Islam today. I can see it today with the US Middle East Policy as the desire to impose US style democracy has been a catalyst to the rise of Islamic fundamentalists and fanatics.

Your people have a brotherhood. You call it Ummah, the solidarity of God’s people in Islam that unites you together in joy and pain so whenever an attack on muslims is carried out in Pakistan, Nigeria or Palestine you are one in grief and one in joy. Therefore I suppose you are one in disdain for Israel. You are one with Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq when you see them being bombed to submission.

The US ties with Israel have also acerbated matters. We always hear about the eternal conflict between Israel and Palestine and also the hostility among surrounding Arab nations towards Israel. We never do much about it. We ignore it pretty much. In fact we tend to side with Israel rather than agitate for peace.  I used to think Israel was innocent, Israel was the good guy but I realize they are also culpable as well. Once Hezbollah of Lebanon kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and launched rockets to Israel. Israel was outraged and rightly so but they retaliated in over-zealous fashion. Israel responded by not only attacking Hezbollah targets but laying siege to other parts of Lebanon in the process killing and wounding innocent civilians. It was too much and sadly the US Administration seemed to approve of those attacks. Some muslims hold the view that the US Administration thinks that the Middle East can be bombed into democracy. I would not want to believe this but should it be true then this is a grave injustice to the muslim world. It would make perfect sense why you despise America. You see them as hypocrites with double standards always parading themselves as a fighter of justice, always advocating for human rights  but openly siding with Israel when they meted out unjust attacks on Lebanon. These conflicts  are quite complex in nature but I see it is wrong to just view Israel as victims, the muslim world has also suffered as well, they too are grieving and you share their pain because of the Ummah wherever you are.

These double standards persist. A Jewish soldier who invades Palestine and kills Palestinians while occupying THEIR land is seen as a hero, whereas a Palestinian who tries to defend HIS land from invasion by use of his body is seen as a terrorist. The shocking thing is that we tend to side with Israel because we feel theologically close to them; after reading the book, I wonder why?

We believe that Jesus was born in Israel amongst the Jews but we tend to forget that the Jewish high priest regarded him as a blasphemer. It is the Jews that put him on the cross and bayed for his blood. A lot of Jews today do not recognize him as the Messiah as we do, so why do we feel theologically closer to Israel than Muslims, who in the Qur'an call him Isa and revere him. You believe that he was born of a virgin that he healed the blind, raised the dead and now is with God in heaven and will come back on the day of judgement as the sign of the hour. You respect him but a good number of Jews don't. Consequently, I actually don’t know why we feel closer to the Jews or Israel.

The 'them versus us' mentality has persisted and I sense your despair, I can see why you are so drawn towards fanaticism. You believe there is no separation between religion and state; they are one and Islam is such. Like us you were colonized by Western Nations, Britain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Germany who you view as Christian Nations. Under colonialism these nations depleted your resources under the pretext of introducing civilization and democracy. It isn't quite different from what is happening in the Middle East as American and European troops invade your lands.

The same western nations initiated sanctions that led to the death of about 870, 000 children as a result of a shortage of antibiotics and because of malnutrition during the gulf war between 1991 and 2003. My belated condolences, indeed you have suffered so much pain, I see why ISIS finds it easy to recruit young men. They have felt pain, anguish, and loss and with so little justice being done to address those past grievances they are seeking it via militant fanaticism.

Unfortunately some media outlets chose to use their freedom of expression to insult Islam. The Danish cartoons were derogatory as well as those of Charlie Hebdo. I believe that the manner in which journalists lost their lives during that attack in France was quite unfortunate. I believe you share those sentiments too. However, I believe it was wrong to demean Islam with such cartoons. I wouldn't like if it Jesus was depicted in that way.I sense your frustration with the world is building as you saw the widespread support for 'Je suis Charlie' but little support for the respect of Islam.

Our world is now a global village they say. We, Africans are embracing a lot of Western culture but some western culture has not been unanimously accepted. Immorality, sex, alcohol and rising toleration of the LGBTs has not entirely gained popularity in Africa; we cling to some of our values. I believe you do as well. After learning that in Islam there is no separation between religion and state, I understand why you are so resistant to Western Influence.

You believe Christianity to be a Western Religion and since you see don’t believe in the separation of state and religion, you believe that the US and Europe when they come as missionaries with Christianity, in the background you believe they come with politics, democracy, capitalism and these detestable values. I know you hold dear to your values of loyalty, courage, fear of God, passion for justice, honour and many more.  I understand your fear that these values will be eroded. It has happened in Africa. I see a lot of us trying to borrow from European culture, we mimic their dressing and have abandoned our African dress but of late at least Ankara print is gaining more prominence. You are right to feel scared that you will lose your dressing, your culture  amongst many other things.Your women fear this as well.

I have bought into the the misconceived notion that Islam undermines the woman. I used to think that the Hijab was a sign of bondage, of forceful submission to the man but then I learned otherwise. I got to learn that the revered prophet Muhammad had a wife, her name was Khadijah. She was considered the ‘mother of believers’. That’s a very lofty title. She must be respected and be a model for all muslim women to follow. I was stunned to learn what kind of woman she was.Khadijah was far from the servile, subdued woman that is often depicted of muslim women.

Before marrying Muhammad, Khadijah was a rich and independent widow. She had her own business and at one time in his youth Muhammad served as her employee. When it came to their marriage, she actually took the initiative and proposed to him!!!! Clearly, she was assertive and independent.  The mother of believers must clearly be the desired type of women her daughters strive to be and I should also mention that her real daughter, Fatima,  was a courageous woman who maintained a political role of opposition till her death, vocally challenging biased decisions. Like many other cultures, somewhere down the line, men altered customs and practices to favour them and subdue women but initially, by looking at Khadijah and Fatima, women  were empowered. In as much as there are cultural practices that burden women in Islam, I shouldn't state Islam as a religion that burdens women 100%. I also got to learn more of this when I discovered the significance of the Hijab and I was quite taken back.

I’ve been so familiar with this bondage narrative of the Hijab only to discover something totally different. Muslim women by wearing the hijab communicate the message that they are not cheap and sexually available. Western culture has encouraged liberal dressing mostly with the emphasis of depicting women as just sexual objects.

For Muslim women it is a challenge for them to convey their beauty. They desire to have their beauty manifested in the face and should spring from inside their personality. Their outward beauty should be reflected by their character and not sensuality.

Wow. I see that as very modest. Too often women today are forced by media to be sexy so as to be seen as powerful, they are pressurized to wear revealing clothes whereas  muslims are not inclined to this perception and use the hijab to communicate that message.  They go against the norm of seducing men with their dressing, instead opting to attract them with their personality, character. I have mad respect for them.

Friend, I have had a very warped understanding of your religion. I have wrongly thought that since Muhammad was the central figure in Islam and Jesus is the central figure in our faith; I should hence make comparisons between them. I have also believed that the Bible and the Qur'an were also comparable because they are both holy books. These comparisons have been incorrect. I  believe that Christ is the eternal, uncreated word of God while you believe that the Qur'an is the eternal, uncreated word of God not Muhammad. Hence you equate Christ to the Qur'an and not Muhammad. Who then is the equivalent of Muhammad and what would the bible compare to. I don’t have those answers as yet and now i feel compelled to study the Qur'an as fervently as the bible  to get more. I'm embarrassed I haven't read the Qur'an as much while you have been open-minded to read the bible. Please bare with me, in time I will read it and get to know more of your beliefs so that I can bridge the gap between us.

I will do this because I know that God loves you dear muslim. I believe he cares for muslims because your lineage can be traced back all the way to Ishmael, son of Abraham (Ibrahim). In the bible it is clearly stated that God chose to save Ishmael from death and that he was concerned for him, that he would make him into a nation (Genesis 21:12-20). I know if he was concerned for the father of the Muslim nation, he must be concerned for his sons and daughters as well.

Friend, this letter is threatening to become a dossier. It has exceeded my usual word count. I doubt I will ever write as much. I have learnt so much and I have so much more to learn. It is my hope that I will gain a further understanding so that I may communicate the love God has for you in days to come. For now, It is imperative that while you fast and pray during Ramadhan that I at least pray for you, if not able to fast.  You are under so much pressure to join ISIS and the like. You have so many grievances that need to be addressed. My prayer is that God will protect you, bless you and reveal himself to you and correct past and present injustices.

God be with you.

Asalamu Alaykum!

Yours Sincerely,

Kenneth Minishi.

P.S. To my brother and sister in Christ reading this along with anyone else, My reference material for this post was  The Crescent through the eyes of the Cross by Dr Nabeel T. Jabbour. Please look for the book and read it, it was pretty insightful.  Other helpful material include

1. A Muslim’s heart by Dr Edward J. Hoskins

2. Unshackled & Growing: Muslims and Christians on the Journey to Freedom by Dr Nabeel T Jabbour

3. Why Women convert to Islam by Rosemary Sookhdeo

4. Breaking Through the Barriers: Leading Muslims to Christ by Rosemary Sookhdeo

5. Unveiled: A Christian Study Guide to Islam by UK: Barnabas Fund

6. Facing the Muslim Challenge: A Handbook for Christian- Muslim Apologetics by John Gilchrist.

7. The Challenge of Islam to the Church and Its Mission by Patrick Sookhdeo

8. http:// www.answering-islam.org

We were called to spread the gospel to all nations in Matthew 28:19, the muslim nation included. Seek first to understand them before you try to have them understand you.

Lessons learnt from Arsenal

Photo Credit: www.arsenal.com

In seasons past, Arsenal have overwhelmingly underachieved. Their star had plummeted to mediocre levels. They no longer won trophies but prided in finishing fourth much to the dismay of their long-suffering fans.

At first it was enjoyable for Manutd fans like myself, but over time it became sad. The days of kati ya Manu na Arsenali were a distant memory. The high-profile clash had lost its glamour. It was no longer a question of who was better but by how much would Utd win.

The Gunners were easy on the eye against smaller teams but against Utd, Chelsea, Man city, Stoke they capitulated ever so meekly. They would be frustrating to watch at times. You could tell that simply from watching Arsene Wenger kicking or throwing a water bottle for the umpteenth time. Fans longed for the Arsenal of old, the title contender, the feared opposition, the team to beat; and it seemed that we would never get a glimpse of that team  with Wenger still in charge. All that changed last year against Hull City.

Arsenal were in a cup final at last. Their previous final had ended in crushing heartbreak against Birmingham in the Carling Cup, a team they were expected to dismantle. Surely lighting couldn’t strike twice. Trust Arsenal to disprove the pre-match expectations. After a frenetic start to the game, barely 3 minutes in and James Chester had put Hull one up. Unbelievably, five minutes later it was 2-0, with Curtis Davies finishing from close range. The Gunners were clearly rattled and it could have been 3 had Kieran Gibbs not cleared the ball of the line. It looked for all the world they would choke yet again at the final hurdle but alas, Arsenal had reformed. A stunning strike from Santi Cazorla reduced the arrears going into the break. They came back fighting in the second half and eventually equalized through Koscielny before Aaron Ramsey scored the decisive goal in extra time to end their nine year trophy drought. It was a relief. Had they lost, Wenger surely would have been on his way out and Mourinho’s ‘specialist in failure' jibe would have been vindicated. The win would ultimately provide the springboard for more change and success the following season.

For one, the summer transfer window did not involve the loss of yet another key player.  Sure they lost their captain as usual in Vermaelen but his absence was not felt because he was so used to being....well....absent. Arsene then did something unlike Arsene by actually spending money!!!

He splurged the cash to acquire the services of Alexis Sanchez and the Chilean certainly proved it was money well spent bagging a hatful of goals , undoubtedly Arsenal’s player of the season.

After the FA CUP final win, the psychological deficiencies that had dogged Arsenal in the past were eradicated. No longer did they fear the big teams. There was a win at Old Trafford for the first time since Kenya gained independence. Then incredulously, they beat Man city at the Etihad while keeping the citizens quiet. They ditched their silky football for a more solid, defensive approach that caught many pundits by surprise. They would have registered a double over Liverpool had it not been for Martin Skrtel's late header.

Then who could fail to notice that come the end of April, when trail blazers Chelsea came calling at the Emirates, Arsenal were the only team with a realistic chance of catching them. It has been customary for the gunners to be chasing fourth place at this point in the season but this time they were trying to catch the league leaders. Eventually they would finish the season 3^rd and automatically qualify for the Champions League for once, handing Manutd their only silverware of the season in the process; fourth place.

Lastly, they won a trophy, AGAIN!!! Mourinho must be livid. They didn’t just win but won convincingly, and could have racked up a cricket score line were it not for Shay Given in the Villa goal. What was telling was the stunning goal of Alexis. Previously, the Gunners preferred walking the ball into the net and leaving such strikes to Rosicky but their approach has changed. You just have to remember some of the goals of last season. Chamberlain against Monaco, Giroud against Utd, Alexis against Southampton, Wilshere against West brom and off course, Ramsey against Galatasaray have seen the gunners deploy a ‘shoot on sight’ mentality which has reaped dividends.

The change has been phenomenal and indeed was long overdue.   I thought it would require a 5th place finish or a new man at the helm, but Arsenal have proved otherwise. As much as change is inevitable in people I wonder why we refuse to believe a person is capable of change especially from wrong doing. We would rather think that they are  incorrigible,  incapable of turning over a new leaf but like Arsenal have shown; people  do change and like the Bible has illustrated, God is at the centre of it.

Change in some people may be termed a miracle but when you really encounter Christ, no matter who you are, change is imminent. When Christ is accepted as one’s saviour and allowed to reign as Lord; a good change is a natural consequence. Take a look at the following biblical characters.

Zacchaeus was the tax collector who swindled people,  he met Jesus and became the tax-collector who paid people back 4 times over. The Samaritan woman  known to be in the news for the wrong  reasons  became the woman telling the right news  the whole town longed to hear. She was no longer the amorous woman who hid from people but the bold witness telling people about Jesus.

Peter was the fearful disciple, who denied Jesus 3 times but after receiving the Spirit of Jesus, he openly defied men who had arrested  him previously, boldly saying  he preferred to obey God rather than men.(Acts 5:29). Jesus had changed him from fearful to courageous.

Who can forget Paul. He hated Jesus, he opposed the gospel  and he despised the apostles so much that he actually thought he was doing God a favour by killing them. He encounters Jesus and is changed to one who loves Jesus and preaches his name even if it meant  flogging or stoning. He cared  for the apostles abundantly and prison didn’t deter him from showing that concern and affection in his letters to them. He had come to the point of saying, “To live is Christ and to die is gain,”(Philippians 1:21) and humbly admitting that he was the worst of all sinners, whom Christ saved to serve as an example of God’s unlimited patience.(1 Timothy 1:15)

All these people proved that nobody was beyond salvation. Nobody was beyond the change brought by Jesus. Swindler, adulterer, liar, murderer were all saved. So too can prostitute, drug addict, alcoholic, thief and so many others be changed. Some people live in shame and guilt, haunted by the past sins but don’t know of God’s grace.  He forgives if you confess. Whereas the devil knows your name and calls you by your sin,  God knows your sin, and calls you by your name.  Jesus cares for you and me, showing it on the cross by offering himself as an atoning sacrifice to pave they way for change as children of God if only we would accept him.

Don’t look down on that brother or sister who is struggling with sin.  Don’t judge them because they sin differently.Don't resign them to a doomed fate. Jesus changed people who were worse off and he can produce a similar change in them.