Praying for Muslims

Among the more disturbing news items of the last week are the reports of anti-Islamic violence in Birmingham, and in London, allegedly organised by the English Defence League, and the Stop the Islamification of Europe organisation.

One can understand some of the concerns of those who were involved in these demonstrations. I am certainly not happy at the number of mosques that are being built in the UK; or about the apparent unwillingness of the UK authorities to deal firmly and decisively with those from among the Islamic communities who spout their own form of extremism, and encourage militancy among Muslim youth. It doesn’t help to be informed that a sizeable portion of taxpayers’ money is being claimed, as benefits, by these very people! I am totally against the ‘legalisation’ of Islamic Sharia courts within the UK; I have my own concerns that so many (and not only Muslims) seem to see the UK as a ‘soft touch’ and pass through a number of other countries in order to seek asylum here. Sadly, it seems that, to a certain element within British society, this makes all Muslims some sort of enemy.

Yet, however we might think of the Muslim population of these islands, I am not (and am unlikely ever to be!) convinced that violence is the answer. I think that it was Abraham Lincoln who stated that the best way to defeat an enemy was to make him your friend! Certainly Jesus taught that we should love our enemies (Matt.5:43 ff); and Paul exhorts the believers in 1st century Rome: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.” (Rom.12:20).

One example of this ‘alternative method’ may be seen in the town of Luton, England, where some 10% of the population is Muslim. The vast majority live in one particular area that has been identified as one of most needy in England. One local group if Christians work with women and young children, out of a love for those for whom Christ died – and their work (that isn’t mentioned on the national news programmes!) is bearing fruit as Muslims voluntarily turn to Christians for advice and help.

The Islamic month of Ramadan, when devout (and even not-so-devout) Muslims fast during the hours of daylight, is drawing to a close. One organisation provides a prayer guide for that month, and also shares some testimonies. “The love of God is particularly poignant for Muslims who may have been suppressed by other Muslims. One Shi’a man was attracted by the truth that ‘God loves all people’ and that he was personally loved and protected by God. Similarly, a West African was surprised by God’s love ‘for all people of all races, including enemies.’ His experience in Islam convinced him that Arab Muslims are racist towards Black Africans. Sadly, he described Islam as a ‘tool used by Arabs to oppress non-Arabs’.”

May those of us who claim to be followers/disciples of Jesus be at the forefront in displaying His love to all who need it, that many more may come to a saving knowledge of Him Whom to know is true life.