Reference Guide
Basic facts and links for Christians seeking to
minister to Muslims.

And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice;
and there will be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:16


Islam means "Way of Submission"

In reality, Islam is very much the creation of just one man: Muhammad. Born in 569 AD, he eventually declared himself to be the true Prophet of Allah. Muhammad cites both the Old Testament and New Testament in both the Quran ("readings") and Sunnah ("traditions"). Yet, he also included much that was simply an adaptation of Arabian culture and pagan beliefs of his time. Compared to the Holy Bible, which was penned by dozens of authors over a period of 2 millennia, accepting the writings of a single man is questionable for obvious reasons. In fact, often what Muhammad wrote were "revelations" that conveniently allowed him to change the nature of Islam to suit his personal, political ambitions.

Answering Islam has more information on Muhammad.

What Do Muslims Believe?

The Quran (also Koran) is the primary body of scripture for Muslims. Christians seeking to minister the Gospel to Muslims must realize that the Quran teaches many things radically opposed to fundamental Christian doctrine. Compare the following verses from the Quran with what the Holy Bible says.

God's relationship with Jesus Christ:

Quran: "God (Allah) 'And exalted be the Majesty of our Lord, He has taken neither a wife, nor a son (or offspring or children)."Q72:3

Holy Bible: "And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'"Mt. 3:17

Quran & the Holy Bible

Islamic World View

Westerners-especially Americans-need to remember some fundamental differences in the world view held by the majority of Muslims. First relates to the political structure found in Muslim nations. There is no such thing as the First Amendment in countries such as Saudia Arabia, Iran, Yemen or the great majority of countries with Islamic governments. Not only is there no separation of church and state, but the two are often one and the same. Understanding this can help to see why so many Muslims consider America to be an evil nation. Politics& Islam

Islamic Glossary

  • Allah-God of Islam
  • Ayatollah-Caretaker of the office of imam until the return of the 12th Caliph, who disappeared in 878 AD
  • Fatwah-Proclamation by Islamic leader concerning behavior or interpretation of the Quran. Thought by some to be a direct instruction from Allah.
  • Imam- Among Shi'ites, a leader descended from Muhammad (caliph). Also the title used for men who lead prayer and worship.
  • Haj-Pilgrimmage to Mecca required of all Muslims to demonstrate faithfulness.
  • Infidel-Anyone who is not a Muslim.
  • Jihad-Holy war against those who oppress the poor and helpless, or any infidels who defame Muhammad or Allah.
  • Mecca-Holiest city in Islam. Muslims must make haj to Mecca at least once.
  • Medina-Birthplace of Muhammad. Second most sacred city in Islam..
  • Mosque-Islamic place of worship and teaching.
  • Muhammad-Self-proclaimed Prophet of Allah.. Writer of the Quran and Sura.
  • Mujahideen-Holy warrior who's ultimate goal is often to die in jihad in order to assure his place in Paradise.
  • Mullah-Islamic cleric/teacher.
  • Muslim-"One who submits" to Allah.
  • Quran (Koran)- "Readings" primary scripture of Islam.
  • Sura (Sunnah)- "Traditions" additional writings of and about Muhammad.

Islamic Terrorists
Christians need to understand that the only way a Muslim can guarantee entrance into Paradise is to die as a martyr in jihad. This is why it is so easy for terrorist leaders such as Osama bin'Laden to convince their followers to make suicidal attacks against their targets.

Sutam Al-Suqami
Sutam Al-Suqami,
suspected al-Qaeda agent.
Died aboard American Airlines
flight #11.

More on Islamic Terrorists.

Islam 'by the numbers'

Current number of Muslims worldwide: 1.3 billion
Percentage of Muslims who belong to terrorist groups: <0.001%
Muslims in America: 4 million
Number of predominately Islamic nations: 48
Number of nations with governments based on Islamic laws: 21
Number of Islamic nations in which open preaching of the Gospel to Muslims is permitted: 0
Number of wives traditionally permitted by the Quran: 4
Number of husbands: 1
Average life expectancy of a Muslim woman in the US: 77 years.
Average life expectancy of a woman in Afghanistan: 44 years.

More statistics.

Clothing and Culture

The various garments normally associated with Muslims are not specifically mandated by the Quran, but rather are based on the native culture. Turbans, kufis (caps), naqib (veil), burka (head to toe garment for women) and other garments are dictated as much by the climate and cultural tradition as any religious law. While Islamic governments promote modesty, not all require the degree of covering that the Taliban or Saudi Arabia do. Turkey, in fact, has outlawed the wearing of the naqib because they feel it gives other nations and peoples the impression that they are a "backward" people.

More on Islamic culture.

This site was created as a resource for those who receive Francis Frangipane's Weekly Message and/or visit the In Christ's Image website. The intent is not to disparage Muslims, but to provide some information so that Christians might have a clearer understanding of Islam and Muslims. Our specific hope is that you will realize that only a very small percentage of Muslims encourage terrorism directly, and that they all are in need of salvation which comes only through Jesus Christ. To learn more about me personally or to contact me, please visit ELEOS, the "parent" site of this one.