Who Is This Allah?

[Star]

Shiloh:  You are so right.  Many Arabic Christians who come to North American refuse to use the name "allah" even when they are speaking Arabic.  The term "allah" may have come to mean "God" in the Arabic language, but only because fear and force had driven all other names and terminologies from the minds of those brought into bondage to this phony moon god.  The ancient term "Baal" is the proper name of a false, pagan god, and became the terminology for "God" in that region, but no true believer, regardless of dialect, would ever think to call Yaweh "Baal".  Same with "allah".

[Snowdoove]

Greetings~

re: Who is Allah?

Allah is the tittle given to the Muslim's god.

This god isn't the same G-D, YHVH, of the Jews, and Christians.

       

[blakcat74]

I remember after the 9/11 attacks when the main memorial was televised from the church in NY, there was a man speaking, don't remember who, but he had the people praying and said, "Dear God, Father of Jesus and Mohamed..."

WHEN I HEARD THAT, I STARTED TO CRINGE! :butbut:

B.

[Lanakila]

That is so beyond ecumenical isn't it? Wow, must have been the one organized by Oprah. My hubby as a Chaplain has to pray non-sectarian prayers when people are present by "no choice" of their own. In other words, at Battalion meetings, and ceremonies. He prays in the name of the Lord and does not mention Jesus, but of course God knows who he is talking to, and so do we, amen. There is a way to be non-sectarian and inoffensive to most (of course the atheist would still dislike it).

[Guest shilou]

Hi guys

The Muslims at the time also had their crusades against their own people. The Jihad for the Muslim god Allah has been going on since it's conception. Because of the way information is put out to the general public most things are misunderstood. How many times do you crinch when someone refers to the crusades done by the christians. Anyone who studies knows this was done under the rule of Charlemagne the great who was a devout Catholic and they were calling anyone including christians pagans. I'm just a regular person who has curiosity about things and goes looking for answers, but I'm always irritated when supposed scholars and journalists use the term christian in a general manner like this.

I tell Muslims to research their own origins if they truly want truth and to know the one true God. Like the pharisees of Christ's time many people are devoted to their religions not to God, and they sadly do not want to know the truth. But on the other hand christians do alot of this also. Most studied christians know the origins of Easter and Christmas and then continue to practice them and glaze it over. I can admit I have been one of them, this in fact is my first year of saying no. I had a hard time giving up my man made traditions. And it does not sit well with my family.

Many Muslims believe it or not are well versed in our false beliefs and that is what gets thrown up to me when I try to evangilize in that area. So now if it comes up again I can say yes I looked at it and have given it up. When I ask them to at least look it up, I have to be willing to apply the same guidelines to myself. By all appearances with them praying five times a day and participating in fasting and such they seem to be much more devoted then we are. I can see where they would get the impression we are not committed to the one we call God. Their nations are set up around the Koran, look at America what outward claim do we have that we are Godly? We call our Sunday the Sabbath. Most of us that are christians go to church and then head for the local eatery where God is not brought up in the conversation. Any Muslim that drove around in our country on a Sunday would see lake side bars packed to overflowing, people lounging on beaches drinking beer and playing with all their toys. Some of us carry a Bible in our cars but what is the percentage nation wide. I don't know a Muslim that doesn't have a Koran close by.

What I'm trying to say here is it is not just their fault they have this false idea of who we are. It is pretty hard to look around and see christian values here. Our children are walking around with their underware showing, colored hair, body piercings, and a complete disrespect for authority. Our young women are running around barely dressed, pornography is sold openly at any gas station or grocery store, our schools are completely anti-God. We have a large section of our country fighting for the right to kill unborn children. I met a girl recently from Belise, she said they get American soaps in her country, she didn't know until she got here that most of us work alot. Her entire conception of us was what she saw on those soaps. All these people are the ones in the public eye. Our media is sexual and our news is always killings, and all the trajadies that happen here. Mean while the christians are going to church, going to Bible study in basements and each others homes, and speaking to each other via the internet. We are not in the public eye. How do we change this I don't know. But I do know that while God is reading my heart the rest of the world is judging America by her actions and my heart is not in the lime light. Somehow I wish we could push forward and present a different picture. But that seems impossible at the present because we are not one nation united under God, we are getting more and more pagan all the time. And just pointing out that others don't know the real God or know life with Christ is not enough. That is only the first step, once we know that others are living with out Christ it is our job to introduce Him to them. The only way I can do this is to have my outward appearence testify to my inward beliefs. But we are not the majority and that is what others look at.

Muslims are the toughest crowd I have ever come up against. Mainly because their entire life is according to their book. The one big thing that does work with them is their own history of which most don't know. And they believe in the OT. My biggest victory in this area was connecting Mohamed's own story to Jeremiah. The Muslims think the Jews changed things around about Ishmael and Isaac. They never looked further to see where the trail led in the OT. By Mohomeds own testimony he is connected to the tribe of Kedar, which was prophesied by Jeremiah that they would have a change of gods which was no gods. I just tell them that God, the one true God knew ahead of time that Mohammed would come along and do this and He told us so. This usually gets them curious. To date no one has come back and said oh you were right, but it has to leave a question in their head. Once that door was open the Good Lord can take it from there.

Love in Yeshua

Shilou

[Catsmeow]

By all appearances with them praying five times a day and participating in fasting and such they seem to be much more devoted then we are. I can see where they would get the impression we are not committed to the one we call God.

Shilou, I worked in foreign missions in Indonesia and I lived, worked and ate among them.

Don't be fooled by outward appearances.

The fact is, the sin nature is alive and well and they are NOT more devoted than they appear.

Yes, there is the "call to prayer" at the mosques but they don't go 5 times a day. I doubt if anyone does. They have jobs and other things that preoccupy their time.

We'd hear the "call to prayer" all day long. They have somebody get on the PA system and sing their chants for a few minutes and then it comes on a few hours later. This goes on every day. But people just go on with their lives.

One lady who worked for me would get out her prayer cloth once a day and do her ritual. I didn't like it but I tolerated it.

I fired her when I discovered her stealing from me.

The Ramadan season is a so funny...this is supposed to be a time consecrated to holiness...but the fast is something I've had some laugh about to me in private. They just smile and say to me privately, "We go home and eat; we just don't eat in public".  It's an inside joke and everyone's in on it.

It's also the season of Fitri, *(their version of "Christmas" because they do the 'gift exchange' thing just like we do.)

That's when we're told to guard out purses and wallets because theft is the highest at Ramadan. And it is...I got ripped off myself.

So, while there is a "pretense" of holiness, sin is alive and well and no one appears to be getting any holier.

Not really sure who they're praying "to"  since it doesn't appear to be helping their "sinful" condition. The Ramadan season is the worst for theft and robbery.  

Just my own experience...having lived in a Muslim country.

[Guest shilou]

Cats you misunderstood what I said. I'm not fooled by it. I'm saying we could as a nation full of christians present a better outward appearance. I know an awful lot of christians that appear to not live a christian life style, you couldn't tell the difference between them and the next guy. When I ask is there any way a person who doesn't know you would be able to tell if your a christian they fall back on doesn't have to, God reads my heart. What I'm saying is we could discuss all day long how Muslims are living under a false system and so ok we know it. Now what do we do with that information, do we just say oh well I would hate to be them. Or are we now put in a position to shed some light to our brothers and sisters who are living in darkness? Also we have a lot of christians who want to say God is God no matter what you call Him, I call this a cop out. Muslims are looking at Americas obsession with material wealth, our youth and our media and saying yea right you know God. Sure and can I sell you some swamp land in Florida? I'm saying some of their thinking is directly connected to how we appear, which is really how we appear. We ourselves as christians are looking around at our fellow country men and women and being appalled at what is going on, so how do expect people who are not here to see us as our president says one nation under God? I'm saying instead of trying to tell them they are wrong and admit yes it looks bad but it's not the christians you are looking at. So now we know they do not know God. Let's take it a step past that and collectively come up with ideas that would help us help these people who are living in our own borders. Doesn't this knowledge also come with a responsibility?

Love in Yeshua

Shilou

[Star]

What most people don't know is that in most Arab Bibles (in fact I do not know of one that states otherwise), references to Isaac, and to Jews being the Chosen, are taken out and replaced with Ishmael, and Jews being the Chosen People.  I kid you not, when an Arab who has been exposed to that, converts, it is hard indeed for that brainswashing they've been raised with, to be broken, even among professing Christians.  And the deceit and lying!

I have found the best thing is to get an English Bible in the hands of one who has been raised Muslim, if that person can read and understand English.  They want to argue that Moses was Muslim, one woman was stuck on Joseph, I remember that one very well.  And getting them to say "God" in English, and getting away from the notion that they will be struck down dead if they don't say "allah".  

The Bible mentions (I believe in Corinthians) that those who focus on the outward and on legalism actually have more sins than those who focus on the inward. I apologize, I tried to find the verse and could not. Perhaps someone can help me.  But my point is that, whenever anyone does outward things in the name of religion, regardless of the particular religion, he/she feeds the flesh and not the spirit and sin will abound.

I point out all these things, not out of hatred for Muslims or Arabs or any group, but that we can all better know who we are witnessing to, and that we can know how to witness best.

[Catsmeow]

You make excellent points, Shilou...the truth is so simple, though. The fall of man has afflicted every thread of humanity, regardless of whether one is a professing Christian or a Muslim...the results of sin are the same.

The only difference between us and them is this: we're forgiven. Consequently, the sacrifice made {and accepted} for our sin has given us access to the Father.  

The only point I was making is that I've heard plenty of people say they {Muslims} really live their faith. Sadly, it's a show.

Even deeper than that...they see us and our materialism.   Yet, the rich Saudis and the oil fields make no appolgies for their wealth. People can always find fault when they want to.

If we stop and back away for a moment and just look at the big picture, the real problem {as you already know} is "sin".

The only answer to that is, "Jesus". Here's an excellent post:

But my point is that, whenever anyone does outward things in the name of religion, regardless of the particular religion, he/she feeds the flesh and not the spirit and sin will abound.

Quote by Star

This really nips it in the bud!

That's the point I was trying to make.

Then, Shilou...you make the point that we should be trying to

do more than discuss the problem; we should attempt to reach these people. I agree.

For the record, I have and some have come to Christ. I went to them in their own country and yes, it worked. It's risky.   You take your chances and count the costs. I'm still alive, though.

Here, I imagine you're safer than over there. At least, for the time being.

I think it's good to understand "where" people are before you knock on their door and say, "hey, can I have a minute of your time, Mr. Muslim?"

In missions you have to learn about the people...their culture, their customs and know a little about them. It does help to speak their language, of course. We need to understand people we approach with the gospel.

I believe the adage which says, "People don't care how much you know, till they know how much you care."

When you go out and love people where they're at, they tend to listen more readily. You allow the Holy Spirit to do His job in moving in their hearts.  

Yes, Shilou...it is good you are thinking along these lines -they need our witness. You're absolutely righton, Sis. I agree.

I just wanted to present the fact that they are just ordinary human beings, who need a Savior just as we do. They may appear "religious" but it's surface camouflage; nothing more.

[Star]

And, Cat, as a woman, don't you find you have to be more careful in attempting to reach Muslim men?    They have their own stigmas.  And sometimes, in trying to talk to Muslim women (not even about spiritual matters, but just trying to be friendly and neighbourly) their husbands will freak and forbid it, thinking that you want to "westernize" their women.

Just in trying to reach anyone, it pays to be led by the Holy Spirit first and foremost,and secondly, to learn what you can about the culture.  Sometimes the things that we don't even think of as witnessing, are the most powerful tools of all.