The True Face of Islam (Part 1)
I’m aware that the content of this article may be controversial, and certainly perceived as politically incorrect. At the outset, I want to stress that I have nothing against the Muslim people themselves. Do not misunderstand me; please hear me clearly. I love the Muslim people. I grieve for them because they have fallen prey to a grave deception. They need Jesus as much as I do. We must always remember that our struggle is not against men. (Ephesians 6:12)
The Muslims are precious to God, yet they are demonically deceived and believe a lie. We as Christians are called to love them and pray for them. We must pray that the Lord would reveal to them the great deception behind Islam, and that they would see the truth, embracing their Savior, Jesus Christ.
What I write today, I write not out of any hatred, scorn, or contempt for the Muslims. On the contrary, I write all this out of compassion to see them not only saved for all eternity, but also liberated in this world by the power of Christ.
September 11, 2001 changed the United States – and the world – forever. Our nation will never be the same. The tragedy brought to the forefront of our national consciousness a threat that has been growing since the days of the Islamic revolution in Iran in the late 1970’s. The horrors of militant Islam have arrived on our doorstep.
Islam currently controls or influences more than 50 countries in the world. Many of its most ardent adherents want to subjugate not just those 50 nations, but the remaining nations of the world as well.
To be sons of Issachar as we enter the 21st century, we as Christians must have an accurate understanding of Islam – its origins, ambitions, and strategies. To understand our time and to know what to do, we must fully grasp the nature of the spiritual battle looming before us.
Islam claims more than a billion adherents worldwide today. That is 20% of the world’s population! Three hundred million Arab Muslims comprise about 25% of the world’s total Muslim population. Muslims comprise 35% of all currently unreached peoples, yet only 4% of the Church’s missionary force is directed toward Muslim peoples.
Islam on the Rise
Instead of being evangelized, Muslims are evangelizing. Saudi Arabia has given, and continues to give, millions of dollars to promote Islam in the United States and throughout the non-Islamic world. The state of New Mexico is the site of the first completely Islamic community in America, “Dar al Islam.” The orthodox Sunni Muslims of that community intend to evangelize the United States. Muslims have constructed more than 500 Islamic centers in America to serve as beachheads for “evangelism.”
Already, Muslims outnumber Episcopalians in the U.S. In Great Britain, more than 300 Anglican churches have been closed and then converted into mosques. Many Muslims believe the United Kingdom will become the first Muslim country in Europe. Al-Islam, an Islamic magazine in Germany, has reported that Muslims believe Europe, the cradle of the Reformation and the modern missions movement, will become Muslim within the next generation.
Clearly, it is imperative that we as Christians understand the true face of Islam. As a starting point, let us first examine the “pillars of Islam.” We will then briefly survey the origins and history of the religion.
The Pillars of Islam
- The creed, or shahadah. During prayers as well as many other times throughout the day, Muslims repeat the creed, “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.”
- Prayer, or salat. Muslims are obliged to pray toward Mecca five times a day (at dawn, right after midday, two hours before sunset, right after sunset, and two hours after sunset).
- Giving of Alms, or zakat. Muslims are required to give the equivalent of 2.5% of their gross income to the poor.
- Fasting, or saum. The most important Muslim fast takes place each year throughout the month of Ramadan. Muslims are supposed to fast from food, water, and sex from sunrise to sunset.
- Pilgrimage, or hadj. Every adult Muslim should, if at all possible, journey to Mecca once during his lifetime if he is mentally and physically healthy and able to provide for his family during his absence.
- Holy war, or jihad. Many Muslims also consider jihad to be a sixth pillar of Islam.
