LESSON 43
PRACTICAL APPROACHESSome practical hints are necessary, whether for day to day interaction with Muslims or for discussions about religion:
1. Avoid offensive language, for instance, "Mohammadan" for Muslim, since that implies that Islam is Muhammad's invention, likewise "Muhammad says in the Qur'ān", when Muslims insist he is not the author. Similarly avoid offensive action, such as drinking alcoholic beverages in the midst of a group that would really take offense at that, or eating unnecessarily in front of them during the Ramadān fast, likewise talking to Muslims while they are at prayer or walking through the area set off for it.
2. Try to interact with love and concern for the other. Proof of this builds up trust on a human level, and is a good foundation for the many tests Muslim-Christian relations can go through.
3. Demand religious freedom for both Christians and Muslims. We should be very cooperative in assuring Muslims their genuine rights, although we cannot go along with excessive demands which give Islam a hegemonistic position in society and are prejudicial to Christian rights. If there have been good relations on a personal level, there is less likelihood of tension on such occasions. Nevertheless we must be as wise as serpents and as simple as doves. Sometimes a situation of good relations can be poisoned by outside money corrupting a very few people to play the jihād leader.
4. Make use of occasions to join Muslims in speaking and acting in favour of morality and social justice, with explicit reference to faith in God if possible. This action applies especially to leaders of both communities, but on other levels Muslims and Christians can discuss and make common cause on many social issues.
5. Don't hesitate to pray for or over Muslims in their needs, or to invite them to Christian ceremonies. In most places they are very receptive to Christian prayers for them, even when they are very Christian in content, and they often give testimony of their effectiveness. This is a step-stone towards greater mutual love and respect.
6. Greet Muslims on their feast days. The Vatican Council for Inter-religious Dialogue annually issues a letter at the end of Ramadān greeting Muslims world-wide. This is an example of what should also be done locally. It is also good to visit Muslim friends on their feast days.
7. Attend Muslim ceremonies, like weddings and naming ceremonies, if invited. These are more commonly in the home; it is more complicated for them to admit a Christian into the mosque, but do not refuse an invitation. During the various ceremonies one can join them in reciting the Fātiha (the first sūra of the Qur'ān) and say "Amen" to the prayers, but it is not advisable to do actual salāt with them or to join in the blessings of Muhammad.
8. Be prepared to explain Christian beliefs when the occasion presents itself. This can be a sharing of information, explaining a point, or giving a personal testimony. What should be avoided is an atmosphere of debate, because the other party will not be listening. The more private the occasion is, the better the chances of really listening and exchanging. In public people are concerned about what points they make and how they prove themselves as representatives of their religion on stage.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss words or actions that Muslims object to, and which Christians could avoid without compromising their faith.
- Discuss the problem of defending Muslim rights, while at the same time maintaining Christian rights.
- Discuss how Christians and Muslims can cooperate in promoting social welfare.
- Discuss various ways one can pray with Muslims or Christians and Muslims share in one another's religious observances.
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