The online version of "Reasoning from the Scriptures" has deleted the entry under "Conversation Stoppers" for when someone says "I'm a Muslim".
For the record, this is what has been removed:
*** rs pp. 23-24 How You Might Respond to Potential Conversation Stoppers ***
WHEN SOMEONE SAYS, ‘I’M A MUSLIM’
● A few points to have in mind are these: (1) The Koran is their principal “holy book.” Some will agree that the Bible is God’s Word, but they believe that it is superseded by the Koran. (2) They believe that there is only one true God. (3) They say that Jesus was one of the prophets, as was Muhammad, and that Muhammad (570-632 C.E.) was the Comforter foretold by Jesus. They believe Muhammad was the last and most important prophet. (4) They strongly believe that God has no son.
A common ground can sometimes be established in the following ways: (1) You might say: ‘I have come to discuss the Word of God with you. It tells about the problems of life that people like you and me experience and it shows us what the real solution is.’ Then discuss the Kingdom. (2) You could say: ‘I do not believe in Christendom’s Trinity. I worship the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth.’ (3) ‘Am I right that you believe that Jesus (or Moses) was a prophet? . . . Was he a true prophet? . . . Then what he said was from God and if other teachings do not agree with it, they must be from another source, is that not so?’ Then use statements made by Jesus (or Moses) as a basis for further discussion.
If they make strong assertions concerning their beliefs, it can be beneficial to ask them, tactfully, to show you the point in the Koran, sura (chapter) and verse. (Wait while they search for it.) When they are unable to find it, some give evidence of greater willingness to listen to what you show them in the Bible.
Possible topics for discussion: (1) After laying a foundation, as above, you may be able to point out what God said to Moses about His personal name. (Ex. 3:15; Deut. 6:4, 5) (2) Material in this book under the main headings “Fate” and “Suffering” can be used to help some to see that God is not responsible for the injustice and suffering they experience and that lasting relief will come by means of God’s Kingdom. (3) If you are asked about your view regarding the Comforter, you can point out how Jesus spoke of it, showing that it is not a person and that it would remind his disciples of all the things that Jesus had taught them, rather than introduce a new religion. (John 14:26, KJ, NW; Acts 1:8) (4) If the objection is raised that God cannot have a Son, you might endeavor to reason on the matter. God’s having a Son does not mean that he had sexual relations with a wife. But God is the Creator. Since he gives life to those that he creates, can he not refer to himself as their Father? He speaks of his very first creation as his Son. He calls the angels sons of God, and he refers to Adam as his son. Why? Because he gave them life. How did Mary conceive Jesus? Not by sexual relations with God but, as the Bible says, it was by means of holy spirit, the same active force that God used in creation.—Matt. 3:17; 16:16, 17; Luke 1:35.
The booklet The Time for True Submission to God can be a real aid to sincere Muslims in understanding God’s purpose.
