40 Questions About Islam

by Matthew Bennett

Overview

A much anticipated new addition to the very popular and practical book series that answers real questions on key topics in contemporary Christianity

Islam is one of the most significant forces shaping the world today, but most Christians are confused about its key beliefs and practices. Many wonder about the apparent similarities and obvious differences between Christianity and Islam, and want to reach out to Muslim friends or neighbors with the gospel but don’t know where to begin. Having spent several years living in North Africa and the Middle East, missions professor Matthew Bennett guides readers through Islam’s key tenants and provides answers to critical questions, such as:
•Who was Muhammad and what was his message?
•Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?
•What are the differences between the Qur’an and the Bible?
•What is shariah law?
•What is the Islamic view of salvation?
•What happens in the mosque?
•Is Islam inherently misogynistic?
•Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?
•How should a Christian share the gospel with Muslims?
•Helpful summaries at the end of each chapter encapsulate important information, followed by discussion questions useful for personal or small-group study. Whether you want to understand Islam better or reach Muslims for Christ, 40 Questions on Islam is an indispensable primer and reference book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825476112
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	03/31/2020
Series:	40 Questions Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Matthew Bennett is assistant professor of missions and theology at Cedarville University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction 11

Abbreviations 15

Part 1 The Traditional History of Islam

1 Where Did Islam Come From? 19

2 Who Was Muhammad and What Was His Message? 27

3 Why Are Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem So Important to Islam? 35

4 How Did the Religion of Islam Develop? 41

5 What Is the Difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims? 49

6 What Other Expressions of Islam Exist? 55

Part 2 The Sources of Authority for Islam

7 What Is the Qur'an? 65

8 What Is the Sunnah? 73

9 Which Is More Influential: The Qur'an or the Sunnah? 79

10 What Is Sharia Law? 85

11 What Is the Role of the Clerics? 93

12 What Is the Role of the Family? 99

Part 3 The Theology of Islam

13 What Are the Five Pillars of Islam? 107

14 What Are the Six Articles of Faith for Islam? 113

15 What Is the Islamic View of Creation? 121

16 What Is the Islamic View of Sin? 129

17 What Is the Islamic View of Salvation? 135

18 What Is the Islamic View of the End Times? 141

Part 4 The Practice of Islam

19 What Happens hi the Mosque? 151

20 How Do Muslims Observe Marriage, Birth, and Death? 157

21 What Are the Important Festivals in Islam? 165

22 Are Women Required to Wear a Veil (hijab) in Islam? 171

23 What Does Islam Teach about Holy War (jihad)? 177

24 Is Islamidst Violence a Valid Expression of Islam? 185

Part 5 The Qur'an and the Bible

25 Does the Qur'an Overlap with the Bible? 195

26 What Are the Differences between the Qur'an and the Bible? 201

27 What Does the Qur'an Teach about Jews and Christians? 207

28 What Does Islam Teach about the Bible? 213

29 What Does the Qur'an Teach about Abraham? 219

30 Is 'Isa in the Qur'an the Same Person as Jesus in the Bible? 227

Part 6 The Development of Contemporary Critical Scholarship

31 Is Mecca Really the Birthplace of Islam? 235

32 Is the Original Qur'an an Arabic Text? 241

33 What Can We Actually Know about Muhammad? 247

34 What Does Islam Teach about Women? 253

Part 7 The Christian Gospel and the Followers of Islam

35 Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God? 261

36 What Are Some Common Objections to Christianity Made by Muslims? 267

37 Is the Gospel Incompatible with Islam? 273

38 How Should a Christian Use Islamic Texts? 279

39 How Should a Christian Share the Gospel with Muslims? 285

40 How Can One Develop a Love for Muslims? 291

Glossary of Select Arabic Terms 297

Select Bibliography 299

Bible and Qur'an Index 301

Editorial Reviews

"In an age when far too many Christians don't recognize the clear differences between Christianity and Islam, Matthew Bennett has done us all a great service by writing this accessible, well-researched, and comprehensive volume exploring the complex ideologies of Islam through the framework of 40 questions. Exploring the theology, practice, writings, and mission of Islam, Bennett frames our understanding of this growing religion in such a way that it properly equips readers to take the Christian gospel to their Muslim neighbors."

Dustin W. Benge

With the rise of Islam around the world, now is the time for Christians to become more conversant and more committed to gospel conversations with Muslims. I have had the unique privilege of observing Dr. Bennett engage Muslims in person about the critical differences between Christianity and Islam. 40 Questions About Islam is the work of scholar-practitioner who is committed to loving and sharing the gospel with Muslims around the world. This book helps equip Christians to converse with their Muslim neighbors, co-workers, and friends about the truth.

Paul Akin

Matthew Aaron Bennett is a careful scholar, thorough researcher, and thoughtful missiologist. His discussion of Islam does not merely develop from a host of books anyone may read, but rather from his many years of experience in loving and connecting with Muslims. With a great joy, I welcome the publication of his 40 Questions About Islam.

Ayman S. Ibrahim

40 Questions About Islam is the best one-stop introduction to Islam written by an evangelical Christian. In it, Matthew Bennett provides concise and reliable answers to the most important questions people have about Islam and Muslims, encouraging Christians all the while to relate lovingly, respectfully, and evangelistically to their Muslim neighbors. Recommended highly and without reservation.

Bruce Riley Ashford