Barriers Between Muslims and the Christian Faith, Part 1

Even when Muslims are dissatisfied with their Islamic faith, what keeps them from considering Christianity and turning to Jesus? 

Does the history of Western colonialism create a barrier? Perhaps resentment of American dominance or the ongoing conflicts between East and West?  

Not at all. Christian apologist Brother Rachid – himself raised Muslim in Morocco – recently spoke in his TV program "Let’s Be Clear" about the barriers for Muslims to ever choose to follow Jesus. We've condensed his message here:

Muslims consider their religion to be the only truth. Other religions, especially Christianity and Judaism, are distorted and invalid. They are shirk (or “polytheism”). Not only is Islam the true religion, but it should be imposed on everyone else, whether they like it or not.  

I’ve never heard a Muslim say, “I will not convert to Christianity because America invaded Iraq” or "because churches in the West are aligned with Israel and against the Palestinians.” 

No, the reasons to reject Christianity exist in Islam itself: 

• the idea of monotheism versus polytheism

• the different views of the nature of God and the character of Christ  

• the belief that Christians have changed, distorted, their holy book 

Muslims learn these things when they are young, so their objections are part of their DNA. This was true for me personally before I became a Christian, and I’ve heard them repeated by hundreds or even thousands of Muslims who have since converted to Christianity.  

The first reason for rejection, even deep-rooted hatred, of Christianity is this idea of shirk, or polytheism, which is considered idolatry. A Muslim knows that all sins are forgiven except idolatry. Kill. Steal. Engage in terrorism. Do whatever — God will forgive you. In the Islamic world, an atheist is more acceptable than a convert to Christianity. Why?  

Jesus was born of a virgin, so Muslims believe that Christians worship three gods: God, His companion Mary, and their son Christ. So in their eyes, the one who converts to Christianity commits polytheism. 

That's why many of our families used to tell us: “I hope you have done any other misfortune but become a Christian.”  

Christians must explain that their faith is not polytheistic. In His origin, Christ is the same as God. This idea is a major obstacle for a Muslim, and I have shared it in other episodes of "Let’s Be Clear."  

The second reason, related to the first, is tied to the nature of God and the character of Christ. Muslims believe that Jesus is the son of Mary but only a messenger, only a human being — not God incarnate. 

This is a major hindrance, as Christians in the East have not been able to clearly explain the Trinity to Islamic communities. Yet one wonderful evidence lies in what the Qur’an itself says about Jesus. In three different passages, Jesus is referred to as a word from God — and no other prophet has been thus described. Here is one example: 

“O Mary! Behold, God gives you good news of a word from Him, who shall become known as the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary . . .” (Quran 3:45). 

Read our next blog post to learn the third reason that Muslims face such a high barrier to consider following Jesus.