Sharing the gospel with Muslims in any context - with practical examples
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Sharing the gospel with Muslims in any context - with practical examples: On calloflove.org, Call of Love Ministries outlines actionable strategies and cultural guidelines for Christians seeking to share their faith with Muslim acquaintances. The article highlights practical recommendations, such as respecting traditional gender boundaries, accommodating dietary needs, and using everyday conversations to naturally introduce biblical topics. It concludes by emphasizing that intentional relationship-building and cultural awareness allow believers to share the Christian message effectively across various personal and professional settings. "God forbid that I should travel with anybody a quarter of an hour without speaking of Christ to them." George Whitefield, English Anglican preacher, 1714-1770
What a powerful quote that emphasizes an imminent obedience to the Great Commission. As Christ-followers, we should always be on the lookout for opportunities, just as Whitefield used to do, to speak about Christ and share the gospel with others.
Some of us are more likely to share the gospel boldly when we are more prepared! To help you be prepared, we have created an easy outline of topics and tips to use when sharing the gospel with a Muslim in any part of your life.
General tips for sharing the gospel with Muslims
There are certain things every Christ-follower should know before sharing the gospel with a Muslim. These tips are insights into the culture of Islam that will help open the door for the Good News to reach a Muslim.
Share the gospel with the same gender as you
Cross-gender relationships are very sensitive in most Muslim cultures and communities. Men and women are not supposed to have close friendships unless they are family members. To respect this, Christian women should reach out to Muslim women, and Christian men should reach out to Muslim men.
If there’s food involved, make sure it fits the Islamic diet
One of the quickest ways to derail a coffee trip or family dinner is not having any dietary options that your Muslim guests can eat. Make sure there is always something halal available for your Muslim friend!
Dress modestly and respectfully
Modest clothing is core in Muslim culture, so it is always better to lean more conservative in any clothing choices. This is especially true for summer outings, like hikes or time at the pool. Muslim friends and guests will be watching how you dress as a Christ-follower to see if you rely on Western culture for inspiration.
How to share the gospel with your Muslim neighbor
A Muslim neighbor on your street is a perfect application for this quote we read earlier from George Whitefield. We can rewrite the quote to say instead:
God forbid that I should walk past my neighbor’s home without speaking of Christ to them.
Living near a Muslim neighbor gives opportunities to forge a true friendship and relationship with them, where you can follow up with them and continuously pray for and minister to them.
Questions to ask your Muslim neighbor
How is your family doing? (Take their answer and dive deeper about their family members)
Have you been to the park down the street? (Great opportunity to take a walk in nature and talk)
Are you working on any projects around the yard or house I could help you with?
I would be honored to pray for you. What is something in your life that you’d like prayer for?
Tips on sharing the love of Christ with a Muslim neighbor
Invite your Muslim neighbor (and their family) over for coffee or tea – Hospitality is a huge gift in Muslim cultures
When they share personal details with you, remember them and follow up on it
Do not be afraid to tell them that you are a Christ-follower early in your friendship – it is better to be honest and straightforward than try to get closer to them without telling them
How to share the gospel with a Muslim Uber/Lyft driver
Even if you don’t live near Muslims or work with Muslims, you may likely get the opportunity to have a Muslim rideshare driver! Once again, we think of the Great Commission and Whitefield’s exhortation:
God forbid that I should ride even 5 minutes with someone without speaking of Christ to them.
Questions to ask your Muslim driver
How long have you lived in this city? Does your family live here with you?
If they are an immigrant: How long have you lived here? Where are you from?
(Once they have shared that they are Muslim) I have actually been learning a bit about Islam. Can you tell me why you’re a Muslim?
I am a Christ-follower, and I would be honored to pray over you. Is there anything I can be praying for you?
Do you mind if I tell you why I’m a Christian/how I became a Christian?
Tips on sharing the love of Christ with a Muslim driver
Look into their eyes and thank them warmly – sadly, many people can go an entire drive without making eye contact with their drivers
It is helpful to carry a small New Testament with you to be ready to share with others, or share a Bible app with them
When you have a short window to share the gospel, take advantage of every minute! Muslims are more open to direct conversations about religion than most Westerners
How to share the gospel with a Muslim cashier or store associate
Some of us may assume that we can only share the gospel with others if we have formed a friendship or relationship with them! But this is not the case. Every opportunity, no matter how short, is a good time to tell someone about Christ.
God forbid that I should talk for 5 minutes with someone without speaking of Christ to them.
Questions to ask a Muslim cashier
How is your day going? (It’s surprising what some people will share when you ask!)
I am a Christ-follower, and I feel led to pray for you. Is there anything you would like prayer for?
Tips to share the gospel with a Muslim cashier
Pay attention to how busy they are at work – interrupting a stressed-out person is not an open door for the gospel
If you frequent the same store, see if you can check in with them over time and get to know them better
Carry a small Bible with you to hand out! (A Call of Love partner gave a Muslim worker a Bible once, and she was so grateful!)
Read for more tips here: Can you really share the Gospel with a Muslim you just met? A ministry to Muslims explains
How to share the gospel with Muslim parents at your child’s school
If your child goes to a school or sports program with Muslim classmates, then there is an opportunity to share the gospel with their family!
Questions to ask a Muslim parent at your child’s school
How long have you been living in this school district? What neighborhood?
Why did you choose this school?
What are your thoughts on (insert anything current happening in the school)? Be curious and open to hearing and sharing
Let’s set up a play date! What kind of food does your child eat? I want to make sure to have something for them.
Tips for sharing the gospel with a Muslim parent or family at your child’s school
Family events at your church are a great opportunity to invite Muslim friends to join!
Mothers should invest in Muslim moms, and Christian dads should reach out to the Muslim dads
Be sure to have conversations with your children if they have Muslim friends so they are equipped with Biblical truths
How to share the gospel with your Muslim coworker
A constant relationship with a Muslim coworker opens many opportunities for you to pour Christ’s love into them and have open conversations with them.
God forbid that I should share an office space with someone without speaking of Christ to them.
Questions to ask a Muslim coworker
I noticed you praying at certain times during work. What is prayer like for you? (Be prepared to talk about your personal prayer life!)
If it is a Muslim woman wearing a hijab: How long have you worn a hijab? What does it mean to you in your religion?
How long have you been a Muslim?
Tips for sharing the gospel with a Muslim coworker
Most Muslims are not afraid of direct conversations, so even if it is uncomfortable, it is important to step out of your comfort zone!
Invite them to something outside of work so you can enjoy more relaxed conversations without the work pressure
Sharing the gospel with Muslims
There are so many reasons why Christians need to be more proactive in sharing the gospel with Muslims. Every opportunity should be used to faithfully obey the Great Commission!
If you struggle with the motivation to share the gospel, learn more about why this is so important here: Why Is Evangelism To Muslims So Important? How To Start Reaching Muslims With The Gospel Today
Prayer
Dear Lord, please give me wisdom and let me speak your words. Please give me wisdom in my timing and approach; let me follow your lead. Please give me courage to speak, and help me not to give up. Most of all, help me to remember that my job is to plant the seeds, and to trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest. In Jesus' name, Amen.
