Kinsmen of Abraham

KINSMEN OF ABRAHAM

By Rafique

CONTENTS

• Introduction .......................................................... 1
• The Historical Background of Islam ............ 2
• The Prophet of Islam .............................................. 4
• The Teachings and Practices of Islam .......... 8
• • A. The Teachings of Islam ................................ 8
  • 1. God (Allah) ............................................................ 8
    2. The Lord Jesus Christ ........................................ 9
    3. The Holy Bible ................................................... 11
    4. Judgment and the Future State ......................... 12
    5. Mohammed .......................................................... 13
  • B. The Practices of Islam ....................................... 13
  • 1. Belief ............................................................... 13
    2. Religious Practice .............................................. 13
• The Spread of Islam .................................................. 19
• The Arab Muslim World (Charts) .................. 24
• The Challenge of Islam ........................................... 26
• • A. Radio Broadcasts ............................................... 26
  • B. Correspondence and Literature ..................... 29
  • C. Personal Contacts ............................................... 31
  • D. Golden Rules ....................................................... 32
  • E. Ways to Help ....................................................... 33
• Helpful Sources of Information .......................... 35
• Epilogue ................................................................. 36

INTRODUCTION

Strange and sad as it may seem, it is nevertheless true that the majority of Abraham’s kinsmen are not Christians. In fact, they are not even nominal Christians. They hold a religion which at first glance appears to be similar to Christianity, but in reality is the farthest from it and most vehemently opposed to its cardinal teachings. This is the religion of Islam, whose adherents (called “Muslims”) now extend from China in the east to North America in the west, and from Russia in the north to the tip of Africa in the south. Islam is the only religion permitted to be practiced in some African and Asian countries, and the second most widespread religion in France, Belgium, Holland, and England. Magnificent mosques with their tall minarets are now found in practically all the large cities of the so-called “Christian” world.

A few decades ago the Western world gave little or no thought to the Muslim countries. Today the Muslims are among the key figures politically and economically. What is Islam, and how did it begin and spread? From where did its prophet get his information? What is our responsibility towards the Muslims, and how can we help to discharge it? As followers of Christ, we cannot ignore or feel indifferently about these important questions. This booklet is intended to be a simple, brief presentation for those who know little or nothing about Abraham’s kinsmen. Included at the end is a list of helpful sources of information recommended for those who wish to pursue this subject further.

Yours by His grace,
Rafique

THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ISLAM

Mohammed, the prophet of Islam, was born about 570 A.D. on the Arabian Peninsula in the present country of Saudi Arabia at Mecca, a city some forty miles (sixty kilometers) east of the Red Sea port of Jeddah. At that time, Mecca was a trade center which sent caravans to the neighboring countries, one of which was Syria to the north.

Mecca itself was in a bare and dry area, whose heat in the daytime was unbearable. There was a great contrast between the two classes of people inhabiting Mecca. One either belonged to upper-class Mecca and lived comfortably, maybe even luxuriously, or one was so poor that he could die of hunger. Many of the poor committed suicide in order to avoid the agonies of death from hunger.

We must not think that the people of Mecca were all ignorant, illiterate Bedouins—far from it. Mecca had a literary center (the Okaz Fair) where poets gathered to recite their beautiful poems and exchange information. The Arabic poetry of the pre-Islamic era is among the best ever written. The writings of Ali Ibn Abu Taleb, Mohammed’s first cousin (in whose father’s home Mohammed grew up as an orphan, and who later became Mohammed’s son-in-law, and later still became the fourth caliph, i.e., Mohammed’s successor) are an example of the high literary quality of that era.

Mecca was also the religious capital of Mohammed’s people. His tribe, the Quraish, was the ruling tribe and the most influential economically, politically, culturally, and religiously. The existing religions of Mecca had a significant influence in shaping Mohammed’s thinking. Both Acts 2 in the Bible and also secular history tell us that there were Jews in Arabia at that time. Although their main interest was in commerce, they often had religious discussions with the native people, who considered the Jews to be their cousins. There were also some Christians of the Ebionite sect. The Ebionite teachings denied the deity of Christ and His sacrificial death, but admitted His virgin birth and His sinless life. They relied upon “the Gospel according to the Hebrews,” which is a corruption of the Gospel of Matthew from which they removed many portions and added some of their own views. They also quoted portions from the Pentateuch. Their religion emphasized fasting, prayers, and almsgiving. They strongly denounced polytheism or any semblance of it.

Some of Mohammed’s relatives were among these Ebionite Christians who, though they were pious and devoted, were heretics doctrinally. Mohammed spent many hours and days in religious devotions with them in the cave of Harraa. Today some Muslims deny these facts concerning Mohammed’s relatives, even though they are recorded by several of their own early historians. At any rate, this information should not be used in a discussion with Muslims, as it will close the door of communication with them.

Another small heretical group, known as the Miriamites, claimed that the Trinity consisted of the Father (Allah), the Mother (Mary), and the Son (Jesus). Mohammed must have known that Christians did not believe in such a Trinity, as he was acquainted with many pastors and priests in Syria. Later, however, when many Christians refused to follow him, he accused them of this blasphemy.

Besides these minority groups, many Arabs acknowledged the existence of the true God, Allah, but worshiped many lesser deities. Multitudes of these idol worshippers came to Mecca to visit the venerated shrine Al Kaaba.

In neighboring countries at that time, Christianity was deteriorating. Sects such as the Nestorians appeared and were not resisted. Quibbling and even dissension were prevailing, and veneration of relics and images had almost replaced the original true and pure worship by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These factors, as well as many others which will be considered in the next chapter, had a great effect on the Arabian orphan who became the founder of Islam, namely Mohammed Ibn (son of) Abdullah, Ibn Abdel Muttaleb, Ibn Hashem, Ibn Abd Manaf, Ibn Qosay—Qosay being the father of the tribe of Quraish, the ruling tribe of Arabia.