Surprising Fact: A Muslim Prayer Room in the Methodist Hospital Houston

Here’s another example of our migrating religious culture witnessed firsthand. Yesterday, I went to visit members currently in one of the many hospitals at the Houston Medical Center. While on the first floor in the Methodist Hospital between the Fondren and Dunn elevators, I noticed a small sign posted on a door which read, “Muslim Prayer Room.” I meant to take a picture and unfortunately didn’t think about it even as I passed by the entrance to this prayer room a second time. Actually, I should have looked inside. But, what struck me about all this was a Muslim Prayer Room located inside a Methodist Hospital. Do you find that odd? In fact, it was located off a prominent thoroughfare – a high traffic corridor. Actually, I find it alarming.

How does a Christian organization (at least in name) with a statue of the healing Christ in the atrium locate a Muslim Prayer Room just around the corner? How can the Methodist Church allow a Muslim Prayer Room within its walls? Some may call it ecumenical? Others may call it politically correct? Even more may deem it as a practice in tolerance. I call it shameful. Christians ought to have a higher regard for their faith than to permit a false religion within its dwelling. The struggle is far too great! Why allow false god worshippers altar space within your courts? Here’s the problem. When you allow false god worship within the confines of a Christian organization, you’re setting a precedence which negates your ability to take a stand for truth. You legitimize a false following by placating space to their cause. With each step down this slippery slope of compromise, you open the door to greater depravity.

I wish the Methodist Hospital System would take notice of their roots. Scripture is very clear about the worship of other gods. “You shall have no other gods before Me,” says God. In other words, you shall have no other gods in front of Him, along side of Him, or behind Him. God alone occupies our sole adoration. Let us hold unswervingly to our faith. Do not allow false god worshippers to set up altars among the spaces claimed for Christ. Judgment comes upon those who falter and to those who do not take a stand. Israel learned the hard way by allowing the worshippers of pagan gods to set up shrines within her boundaries. We must not make the same mistake. When you compromise on faith, you set yourself up for destruction. Christ claiming organizations ought to practice better sense and demonstrate better judgment in my opinion. Let us be people who take a stand!

30 thoughts on “Surprising Fact: A Muslim Prayer Room in the Methodist Hospital Houston

  1. Anonymous

    Since when did it become illegal to practice your religion? There is a Muslim prayer room in the hospital because there must obviously be a need. It has nothing to do with Methodist being a Christian organization. Are we all going to go to hell because of this?
    (short answer: no)

  2. Brad Hoffmann

    Hey Anonymous, thanks for the comment. As always, appreciate opinions. Please note, I didn’t say it was “illegal” to practice religion. That’s not the take on the post. You are right, there is a need for a Muslim Prayer Center from the Muslim’s perspective. There are nearly 350,000 Muslims in the greater Houston area. A Muslim Middle East family gave a very large donation to the Methodist Hospital for center. This story has everything to do with a Christian organization allowing a false (pagan) religion within its walls. It is contrary to our faith (the Christian faith) to promote non-Christian activity within the boundaries of our influence. I do doubt the authenticity of one’s faith who promotes, hosts, and even encourages the practice of false faith. In Christianity, there is only one way to God – it is through Jesus Christ. To believe anything other than this truth is to claim the Bible as false and Jesus as a liar. I don’t believe that if you think the Bible to be false and Jesus to be a liar you can actually be a follower of Christ, a Christian, or know an eternity in heaven. Short answer: a Christian institution has no business promoting or supporting a false (pagan) faith. It’s wrong regardless of the denominational label.

  3. premed

    Hello, I just happened to stumble across your blog here and I have to say as a Muslim, it’s disappointing. Disappointing because what you have said about Muslims and Islam is not true and because of the fact that I would hope that my fellow Christian friends would be more tolerant of others faiths, even if you don’t practice it.

    Muslims do not believe in a false God. We believe in the same God worshiped by all of the Prophets sent by God, starting with Adam as we believe, through Abraham, Moses, Jesus and finally the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all), just to name a few. We believe in the oneness of God and worship Him without any partner. As a Muslim, by the way, we love and respect Jesus. (case in point, please check out this site: http://www.muslimslovejesus.com). So it is untrue to say that Muslims are pagans, because we are not. The word Muslim means one who submits to the will of God. So we believe and worship the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of Heavens and the Earth.

    Also, regarding the issue of the prayer room in the hospital, I commended the hospital for installing the room, accommodating (which I believe is the right word here) Muslim patients, family members who may find solace in prayer as they go through a difficult time. You may not agree, but I think this can go very far in promoting good relations between Muslims and Christians, which is so needed I believe, especially during these times. I think it’s pretty sad when you say, “I doubt the authenticity of one’s faith who promotes, hosts and even encourages the practice of false faith.” Isn’t that actually an American principle? The freedom of religion? Does that mean that the founding fathers lacked in their own faith by allowing religions other than Christianity to be practiced in the U.S.? Doesn’t this quality make American unique and stronger than other nations, that it allows this freedom? When you come to a point where you faith is being measured on how much you allow or tolerate the practice of other faiths, I think it’s a sad state of affairs, just my thoughts. I think that tolerance of all faiths, in the very least allowing faiths to practice their religion in peace is a very important allowance, and something that Islam actually advocates for and stands for (although contrary to what is seen today, which is baseless in Islam, Islam has a long history of allowing other faiths to peacefully co-exist in Muslim-majority lands. Spain is a perfect example, where Muslims ruled for 800 years and during their rule, Christian and Jews minorities flourished.)

    Thus, my main points are please do not be quick to judge or say what Islam. I highly encourage you to check out the following sites about Islam:
    whyislam.org
    gainpeace.com
    thedeenshow.com
    islam-guide.com
    islamtomorrow.com
    sultan.org
    islamicbulletin.com

    I also work in a outreach dept. at my local mosque, and I’d be more than happy to provide you with more info if you’d like. I encourage you to learn more about Islam before being quick to say something that it is not.
    Thank you.

  4. Brad Hoffmann

    Hey Premed,
    I appreciate the comments and the time you took to pen your thoughts. It’s okay to disagree. I know the Islamic and Christian faiths are most incompatible. Tolerance is a very grey area. I would state that in recent history, Christians have been and are more tolerant than the Islamist. I don’t think tolerance is a wise discussion for a Muslim. In fact, for a Muslim to suggest or promote a discussion on religious freedom is hypocritical at best. You cannot be a good Muslim and be tolerant of the Christian faith.

    Even though you may be a Muslim, it’s essential that you do some historical homework on your faith. Your prophet Muhammad both chose and created Allah from among a pagan pool of gods – verifiable fact. Muhammad is neither a prophet of God and nor is Allah a god.

    While Muslims have recently begun a campaign to hoodwink Christians regarding Jesus, Islam does not believe Jesus to be the only begotten Son of God, nor do they believe Him to be Messiah, Savior, and Lord. You can name Jesus among your prophets, but unless you proclaim Him to be God’s Son (deity), you’ve missed the mark. Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God; to say so only indicates severe ignorance on the matter.

    I understand your passion and your work to provide Muslim propaganda to the less educated American or theologically unschooled. The websites you’ve named, I’ve seen. I’ve read significantly on Islam. I’ve research your faith, its origin, and more than familiar with your tactics, strategy, and beliefs. If you are really willing to investigate the truth about Jesus Christ, I’d enjoy and opportunity to talk and share.
    In regards to the Muslim Prayer Center at the Methodist Hospital, I see it as a very slippery slope for Christians. This is not an argument of tolerance or politics, but of purity of faith. There’s a Muslim Prayer Center at M.D. Anderson, which I don’t have a concern with a non-Christian institution providing space for various faith groups. I do have a concern with a Christian organization establishing space dedicated to pagan religions in their building as I’ve stated in the original post. Just a note: I’ve yet to hear a Christian Prayer Center in a Muslim Hospital.

    I’m serious about a real Jesus dialogue if you’re interested.

  5. premed

    Hello,

    I am more than happy to engage in a dialogue with you in regards to Islam and it’s view of Jesus. I hope that the discussion can take on a intellectual and respectful tone, otherwise I’d rather not engage. Thank you.

  6. Brad Hoffmann

    I’m more than happy to dialogue about Islam and its view of Jesus. I would only ask in return your willingness to respectfully dialogue about Christianity and its view of Jesus.

  7. premed

    Agreed.
    Just wanted to quickly address a few points you raised in your last post.

    Islam and Christianity are in fact faiths that share many similarities, for example, the belief in one God, the belief in prophets or messengers sent by God to convey same message, to worship God, among others. We also believe in Jesus (peace be upon him), that he was born of the Virgin Mary, that he performed miracles, that he is the Messiah promised to the Semitic tribes, and that he will one day return (i.e. his second coming). The Quran tells the beautifully relates the story of Jesus and his mother Mary in the chapter 19 of the Quran called Mary. If you have time, I want to point you to a doc. aired in the U.K a few years ago about Jesus in Islam: http://vimeo.com/994474.

    So the similarities and shared roots (that Muslims, Christians and Jews are all the children of Abraham, father of monotheism) are there. And yes, a good Muslim can be tolerant of other faiths. In fact it is inherent in the Islamic faith and tradition. One clear example: in the Quran, ch. 2, v. 256: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error…”. And as I mentioned before the example of the rule of Spain by Muslims is good example of how Muslim minorities were well treated and flourished under Muslim rule (let me also point you to this video which is from a 60 minutes TV report which I also personally watched when it aired, highlighting this history of tolerance in Islam, which does admittedly stand in contrast to the actions of a few today who have simply lost touch with the true message of Islam: http://bit.ly/kT9TGS). Also, please refer to Quran, ch. 49:13. This verse also exemplifies the view of Islam toward people of different faiths and background. If you would like to copy of the English translation of the Quran, I can send you one.

    In regards to Muhammad (peace be upon him), we as you know believe that he is the final prophet to receive revelation with the same message that all the prophets received and conveyed, that is to worship God, or Allah. Muslims do not worship Muhammad, they only worship God, or Allah. Allah is the Arabic word for God. It’s important to note that when Arab Christians say God, they say Allah, because that is the word for God in Arabic. This is analogous when Spanish-speakers, for example, say God, they say “Dios” or that the French say “Dieu”. Thus this is a matter of linguistics; Allah it is simply the Arabic word for God.

    Just wanted to address these few points. Thank you.

  8. Brad Hoffmann

    Hey,

    There’s a lot in your reply and I’d like to take point by point so nothing gets lost in the conversation. I would appreciate elaboration on a couple of points brought forth in your reply. Would you more fully explain your phrase, “Messiah promised to the Semitic tribes.” Also, would you more fully describe your “belief” about Jesus?

  9. premed

    Sure. The Quran mentions Jesus as the Messiah, or in Arabic, al-maseeh. The word MASEEH in Arabic refers to the word MASAH, which means to rub, so named because of his ability to cure people’s sickness with the touch of his hand.

    It can also mean the anointed one, meaning one who has been rubbed with oil.

    As Muslims, we believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) was a Prophet of God sent to the Children of Israel (or more specifically the descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, another prophet believed in Islam and Christianity), as was prophesied in previous scripture.

    Other aspects of our belief about Jesus (pbuh):
    – as I mentioned before, he was born immaculately of the Virgin Mary. The Quran describes his birth as follows:
    “Behold!” the angels said: “O Mary! Allah has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. Behold! the angels said: “O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and he shall be of the righteous.” She said: “My Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?” He said: “Even so; Allah creates what He wills. When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is.” (Qur’an 3:42, 45-47)

    – He was sinless and lived a righteous life

    – He performed many miracles, including speaking as a baby to the people who accused his mother Mary of adultery after his birth (as Muslims believe is his first miracle), cured the sick and blew life into clay birds which became live, as referred in the following Quranic verse:

    “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by Allah’s permission. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I bring the dead to life by Allah’s permission…” (Qur’an 3:49)

    – Jesus [pbuh], as well as all the other prophets, was sent to confirm the belief in one God, as mentioned before, the children of Israel. This is referred to in the Qur’an where Jesus [pbuh] is reported as saying that he came, “…to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.” (Qur’an 3:50)

    – Another belief is that Jesus (pbuh) received revelations from God, in the form of the Gospel or Injeel in Arabic (in its original form).

  10. Brad Hoffmann

    Thanks!

    Okay, so the word Messiah perhaps from your position would be better translated as healer – taking the context to “rub”? Is that a correct definition?

    Also, I was interested in an earlier statement that was made in reference to Jesus’ return. For a Muslim, what is the purpose of Jesus’ return (ie: second coming)? What necessitates His return? In what form and for what purpose would He return?

    You also reference Muslims believe Jesus to be sinless. What do you mean by sinless? What is the significance of this “sinless” nature or this “righteous” nature? Is this unique to just Jesus or a condition of all the prophets of Islam? Can a Muslim be sinless? If so, how is this achieved? I’m attempting to clarify your position on “sinless” and “righteous”.

    You make reference to a “Gospel” or “revelation” that Jesus received. What is the Gospel (revelation) that Jesus received for the Muslim? What is your definition of the original form?

  11. premed

    Yes, that would be they meaning of the title Messiah conferred to Jesus (peace be upon him, now pbuh) in the Quran.

    As for Jesus’ (pbuh) second return, the purpose is to restore justice in the world and to defeat maseeh al-dajjal or the false messiah (a.k.a. the Anti-Christ). His return is also one of the signs of the Day of Judgment i.e. the end of the world. He will return in human form.

    Jesus (pbuh) as all of the prophets of God were sinless in that they did not commit sin deliberately or with will, although they were human, they did commit mistakes, (such as forgetfulness for example) but not sin. In Islam, prophets are at a high level in their faith and worship unlike any human that have lived. So they did not commit sin, although they were completely human. So we (Muslims and all other peoples for that matter) are more prone to commit sin, do commit sin, but not prophets of God.

    The injeel (Arabic name for Gospel) is the scripture given to Jesus (pbuh), and is one of the four holy books believed in Islam revealed by Allah (God) to certain prophets (Tawat or Torah to Moses, Zabur or Psalms to David, i.e. Injeel or Gospel to Jesus, and the Qur’an to Muhammad, peace be upon them all).
    The word injeel comes from the Greek word which means ‘the good news’. However, Muslims believe that the original injeel given to Jesus was corrupted over time. The gospel seen today in the Bible (Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, for example) contain fragments of Jesus’ (pbuh) message but has mostly been lost and corrupted over time. So they are are not in their original form.

  12. Brad Hoffmann

    Thanks. So, if I’m reading you right, Jesus and the prophets were sinless in the sense they did not commit willful sin or acts of commission, but they were susceptible to acts of omission. These would be sinless, but not perfect. In other words, Islam teaches Jesus was sinless, but not perfect?

    So when you state the Gospel you are referring to a revelation given by Allah directly to Jesus? You state the gospel was given to Jesus, why do Muslims believe the gospel in the Bible to be corrupt or lost? What justification is presented to corroborate this belief? Where or when did this gospel given to Jesus originate from and why was it not available to the early Christian Church?

    So, what exactly is the Day of Judgment for the Muslim? What happens?

  13. premed

    Hello,

    To your first question regarding Jesus and all other prophets as sinless, that is correct.

    To your question about the Gospel, yes it is revelation from God to Jesus (pbuh). It was given to his people (the Children of Israel) during his time (to your question of when it was revealed) As far as the belief that the original teachings of Jesus as lost or corrupted, as far as justification, it is very well known that the Bible is not in its original form, as there are many different versions of the Bible and in addition the Bible contains many contradictions within it. Even Christian scholars concede that the Bible was compiled, written many years after Jesus (pbuh).

    As far as the Day of Judgement, this is another of one of the tenets of the Islamic faith, to believe in the day of Judgement, which is basically when we all will be held accountable for what we did in this life. Those who believed in God and lived good, righteous lives will go to heaven, those who disbelieved in God or rejected faith in God will go to Hell.

  14. Brad Hoffmann

    Thanks!

    In your last response, you stated that “those who believed in God and lived good, righteous lives will go to heaven…” For you, as Muslim, what does it mean to “believe” in God and the live good and righteously?

    In an earlier reply, you note similarities between Muslims and Christians in reference to a belief in one God. I do agree that Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship “one” – we are all monotheists. A couple of thoughts and questions here. Who is the “one” God of Islam? Where did Allah come from – originate? In contrast, most groups labeled Christian are referred to as Trinitarians. (If you would like for me to elaborate on the Trinity for clarification, I can). How do Muslims reconcile this difference between the God of Islam and the God of Christianity?

  15. premed

    The concept of God in Islam is basically that Muslims believe in the oneness of God and that God is Unique, that He is the Almighty, the sole Creator and Sustainer of the Heavens and the Earth and because of this, we worship Him and Him alone, without partners.

    As to the question, “Who is Allah” and where did He originate, let me reiterate that Allah is the Arabic word for God. The word comes from “Allah” comes from the Arabic word elah meaning ‘a God’ or something that is worshipped. The name “Allah” is synonymous with the word God. It is a matter of linguistics, just as for example in Spanish the word for God is “Dios” or in German “Gott” or French “Dieu”. These are not different Gods. These words all refer to God, just said in a different language.

    The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked by his contemporaries about Allah (God). The answer came directly from God Himself in the form of a short chapter of the Quran that is considered the essence of the Unity of God or the motto of monotheism:

    Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him. [Al-Quran 112:1-4]

    For a more complete explanation of the concept of God in Islam, please see this brief article: http://www.whyislam.org/index.php/order-form/#.

    In is also interesting to note that when Jesus (pbuh) said God in his language of Aramaic, he also said Allah. Have you ever seen the movie, “The Passion of the Christ”? In the film, when the actor playing Jesus says God, he says Allah. The movie of course has subtitles, so if you have it, please watch and see what word Jesus uses when he says God.

    So because of the Muslim concept of God as Unique, Absolute, Infinite, concepts such as the Trinity for example, are not accepted, because it gives divinity to the Jesus (pbuh) who was human and from the Islamic concept, God is Unique and Infinite comparable to nothing, he is not creation, he is the Creator. We believe in the unity of God its most profound sense. This concept of the Unity of God (or Tawheed, in Arabic) is the central theme and message of the Qur’an.
    The opposite of Tawheed is expressed by the Arabic term Shirk (polytheism), derived from the root Sh-r-k which conveys the notion of “sharing” or “partnerships.” The word Sharik (plural shurakaa) means “partner” or “associate.” It encompasses far more than the more blatant forms of idolatry and denial of Allah’s Unity. The term Shirk means associating partners with Allah, and the related term mushrik is applied to someone guilty of such polytheistic association.

  16. Brad Hoffmann

    I understand the linguistic explanation regarding the translation – that’s kind of a given. Yet when a word in a particular language is translated “God” – there is potential for a different meaning or understanding that is more than just simply semantics. For example, you used the word “Messiah” in reference to Jesus. You translated it from an Arabic word meaning “to rub.” In the Hebrew, Messiah (mashiach) means the “anointed one.” While you have two words translated Messiah – the meanings are very different. Using that same application to God, when one refers to God it can mean any number of things – depending on the individual, movement, or culture.

    When Christians talk about a Triune God they are referring to one God. We believe God is one. Yet, the eternal triune God reveals Himself to us a Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. Islam’s concept of God does not incorporate the Trinity. To do so would require a belief in the deity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I’m not attempting to be combative here, but the God of Islam and the God of Christianity are very different – not remotely the same. While some may claim similarities, the distinctions are significant. Would you not agree?

    When I asked about the origin of Allah, I was inquiry about something deeper than semantics and I’m sorry I didn’t clarify that requests. There are many notable scholars who believe the term Allah predates Muslim tradition. It is merely a phrase translated God and was chosen from among the many pagan deities in Mecca at the time of Muhammad. I’m sure you know of the Moon God origin theory. It is believe by many, Muhammad “reinvented” this God as the one true God. How do you a Muslim approach these accounts?

    Again, I hope that I am coming across as respectful; I’m interested in your perspective. By the way, I viewed your Why Islam site. Oh, and before I forget, the reference to the movie quote is all Hollywood – writers and the like take great literary license when scripting. I’ve seen the movie. ☺

  17. premed

    Appreciate your response. Yes, the belief in the trinity is the difference between Christians and Muslims, and that’s why Allah says in the Quran, addressing the Christians “Don’t say three, God is one.” Historically, the trinity only became official doctrine of the church three hundred years after Christ, at the council of Nicea. Even at that time it was controversial, and many believe it was adopted because of the triune nature of the Roman god Mithras, to make the transition for Romans easier to Christianity.

    Yes, the word Allah predates Prophet Muhammad, because all Prophets worshipped Allah. In Aramaic, the word Allah is also used for God. Aramaic was the language Jesus is reported to have spoken. http://www.atour.com/cgi-bin/dictionary.cgi?string=God&Search_Field=Meaning&VTI-GROUP=0

    Basically, the Christian belief about God and our belief about God are different, yes, but we are not referring to different Gods. We both believe in a Singular Divine Being that is the Creator of all that has ever existed, but the Islamic concept about the nature of that divine being is different from the Christian concept.

    The myth of Muhammad worshipping a moon-god is something that was introduced by Robert Morey in the 1980’s. He has even written books against the Eastern Orthodox church, and is somewhat of a controversial figure even amongst Christians. When you address Muslims with this fallacy of a moon-good they will probably have a good laugh at the foolishness of the notion.

    One “proof” that is presented that Muslims worship a moon-god is that the crescent is an icon of Islam, and is on many Muslim flags, and adorns minarets and domes worldwide. The crescent was a historically adopted icon, because it was the symbol of the Ottoman empire, that ruled the Islamic world for many centuries. It has NO religious significance whatsoever.

  18. Brad Hoffmann

    Just a point of clarification on Nicaea – The term Trinity does not originate with the church leaders present at the council, it was a doctrine widely accepted by the church, but merely affirmed. In addition, the widely accepted belief that Jesus is the pre-existent Son of God (His deity) was affirmed at Nicaea too. Though the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, the doctrine of the Trinity has its roots even in the words of Jesus. Jesus’ commission to His church was to go and make disciples – baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism while believed to be sacramental by some, my tradition holds it to be symbolic. It symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The symbolic act of obedience is a demonstration of identification in the Three-in-One: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (not Mary as some propose).

    While word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, It is a position developed out the understanding of full counsel of God’s Word – The Bible. When one understands the whole counsel of Scripture, it’s a unique and obvious doctrine. Additionally, the word Trinity appears in early church writings much earlier – at minimum a 150 years before Nicaea.

    Regarding the moon-god theory, Robert Morey is not the originator of that theory – just a radical proponent. Numerous scholars believe – as has been printed – that Islam finds its God from among the many pagan deities in Mecca on that day. Allah is not an unusual name for god though it was not a proper name for God – though familiar to inhabitants of Mecca during Muhammad’s day. There’s too much historical evidence to this point – not just one man with one agenda. While Muslims may scoff at this notion, it’s a serious question that needs to be answered and one Islam has yet to seriously refute to a non-Islamic audience.

    In terms of Jesus using the term Allah to refer to God, it is highly unlikely. Jesus was a Jew – which required a proper respect and address for the name of God. We find no proof in early church writings that Jesus referred to Allah as God. Allah is not an accepted Jewish address for God, neither is it an accepted Christian address for God.

    Let me switch gears here for a moment and ask a philosophical question. Why is it important (or is it) for Islam to find and promote common ground or common identification with Judaism or Christianity? What is the purpose? It appears to be more of a western methodology rather than eastern in origin.

  19. premed

    Affirmation would only occur about something in which there was doubt. If the concept of trinity had been such a fundamental foundation of christian doctrine, it wouldn’t have needed such affirmation, and that three hundred years after Christ. My understanding is that even after the declaration at Nicea, it was controversial, to a point that there were many naysayers, mainly Unitarians (UNI meaning one, not trinatarian) otherwise known as Arians, who were persecuted for not adopting the Trinity.

    The issue of the moon-god is seriously not part of Islam, and if you were to research Islam properly you would find that to be the evident truth.

    Even Arab Christians use the word Allah to describe God, and if you were to open a bible in Arabic you would see that.
    Why do we talk about common ground? Because quite simply there IS common ground. More than many people think.

    Our belief in Adam and Eve being the first humans. Story of Abraham in Genesis about leaving Ishmael and Hagar in the desert. Story of the Exodus of Moses and the Israelites. Illness of Job. Story of Sodom and Gomorrah and the people of Lot. Virgin birth of Jesus. Jesus’ miracles. Story of Joseph. These and many other things are found to be in common with Christian belief.

    The fact that Ishmael was descended from Abraham, and Muhammad from the progeny of Ishmael (read Genesis, where many times the Bible says that from Ishmael will be born a great nation), this shows the connection between all three faiths. In fact Muhammad used to refer to Jesus as his cousin.

    Hopefully this will open up your mind to research more about Islam.

    As as a personal invitation to you, if you are ever in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area, please feel free to stop by the Islamic Center of Irving. We would be more than happy to host you. Thank you.

  20. Brad Hoffmann

    Hey,

    Just because someone seeks to affirm something doesn’t presuppose there’s great disagreement about out issue. Affirmation is a powerful tool in consensus building. In terms of the Unitarian Church, in the strict sense of the Christian definition, they cannot be labeled as Christian – though they themselves claim such. Most Christian scholars consider them heretics and a cult. I did significant research on the Unitarian Church during my masters work.

    I have to say, I’m a bit taken back by the tone – as if writing me off. For the record, I’ve done extensive research into Islam. I’ve read the Qur’an, I’ve researched many books, databases, websites, and continue to devote time every day to read the latest news regarding Islam as an active learner. I have an earned doctorate, am a published author, and an active researcher. I have several friends who are ex-Muslims. One of which, his dad attempted to kill him when he discovered he’d converted to Christianity. It’s verifiable fact.

    Most of the questions I’ve asked you, I’ve known the answers. I wanted to know if you were actually willing to dialogue or simply provide the standard pitch or rhetoric as a member of an outreach team. I have earnestly tried to approach this discussion with respect. You originally bashed my post claiming I was intolerant. My impression is that you appear willing to engage me when I agree with you, but intolerant when I disagree with you. I think it’s okay to agree to disagree, which will be the case on many positions between Islam and Christianity. It’s as if you want me to be tolerant of your position, but unwilling to be tolerant of mine. Tolerance works both ways. It’s as if you want me to accept your faith as equal and valid as mine, yet you are unwilling to do so in return. Is that true? Additionally, you propose that I need to learn more about Islam, I can propose you would benefit greatly by learning more about Christianity.

    My question about common ground is sincere? What is the purpose of common ground? Once common ground is established, what’s the goal? Is it to proselytize? Is it mutual support and encouragement? Mutual tolerance?

    I’m still interested in talking and appreciate your candor. If you so choose to cease the conversation, I offer the same invitation to you. If you are ever in the Houston area, look me up. By the way, if I stop by in Irving, who do I ask for?

  21. premed

    Your response is appreciated. I was originally drawn to your post, by accident after a web search, to respond due to the comments you made about Islam as a “false (pagan) religion.” This assertion is simply not true. My goal from the beginning was to inform you about what is Islam truly is, motivated by the erroneous statements that you made. I felt compelled to address your points and inform you about Islam, due to that fact that you had clearly been misinformed. You may think yourself to be informed about Islam, but the sources you have drawn from are not good ones. That’s great that you’ve at least attempted to learn about Islam, but I also encourage you make the effort to get to know more Muslims and speak with them to learn more. If I wanted to go to learn about Christianity as you suggested, I would of course go speak with a Christian. That only makes sense. I guarantee that you will have a more accurate image of about Islam and Muslims than what you have received. You are clearly willing to dialogue with myself online, so I suggest you do the same in person with Muslims in your locality, or here in Irving if you ever find yourself here. You and members of your congregation are welcome; our doors are open to you.

    Furthermore, you’ve made statements such as “You cannot be a good Muslim and be tolerant of the Christian faith”. Well I’ve attempted at least to explain to you that this is not the case. Our religion calls for it (see Quran 2:256) and the actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad call for it (see vid http://bit.ly/kT9TGS). In fact, the Qur’an gives special status to Christians and Jews, calling them ahl al-kittab or “People of the Book”. There is a respect that we as Muslims must have for practitioners of the Christian and Jewish faiths, because it is recognized that the received the message of belief in one God through the prophets sent to their peoples, and the same message we believe as Muslims was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
    You also said that that Muslims “missed the mark” because we do not believe Jesus to be divine. Well, I choose to look at it that Islam is the only other faith that recognizes that Jesus as a messenger from God, which he was born miraculously of a virgin, that he performed miracles. Jews must miss the mark then, because Jews do not recognize Jesus as a messiah or a messenger of God for that matter, yet there seems to be a great relationship Christians have with Jews. Why can’t the same be with Christians and Muslims?

    As stated before, Islam and Christianity do share some of the same beliefs. From my view, I hope it can lead to better understanding and mutual respect and tolerance. And hopefully remove some of the misconceptions and negative perceptions many have about Islam. Dialoguing is the best way to do that. I feel this is so needed, esp. in today’s times. There is so much misinformation about Islam. As a Muslim, and as an American, I feel I have an obligation to inform and hopefully help to stop some of the misinformation out there, and the just plain fear that many of my fellow Americans have about Islam and Muslims.

    So I hope that I’ve answered your questions and I am willing to dialogue and inform further.
    I am in the outreach dept. at Islamic Center of Irving. You can email me at outreach@irvingmasjid.org (I would rather not put my name out open forum on the Internet, if you don’t mind, but if you email me, I will be more than willing to contact you). Thank you.

    P.S. If I may and as is my habit to to so, I’d like to point you to a few sites where you can hopefully gain a different perspective of Islam and Muslims–

    http://myfellowamerican.us/
    http://vimeo.com/14121737

  22. Brad Hoffmann

    I too appreciate your response.

    We have an old saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” It is very hard to reconcile the statement “People of the Book” (which I am familiar with), special status, and respect in light of many of the global occurrences today. Did you read the USA Today report on the Delta and Saudi Airlines Partnership? Christians and Jews are not permitted to bring their sacred writings with them when they travel? Is this respect, special status, or tolerance? I don’t mean this disrespectfully; it’s a valid question. Nearly everyday there are reports (valid) of violence against Christians by Muslim perpetrators in North Africa, Middle East, and Europe. I could make a long list of the reports in the last sixty days. Christians in Muslim dominated countries or regions are fleeing for their safety, for economic relief, and to escape the burden of prejudice. This isn’t make-believe or conjured up notions, it’s real stuff.

    How does an American Muslim reconcile this with their faith? I hear you saying one thing, yet I view Islam exampling another. I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t see it demonstrated in your faith. In our faith we call it hypocritical – saying one thing and doing another.

    Help me to understand…

  23. premed

    Are these questions that you are ready know the answers to, but wanted to see my response?

    In any case, simply but, these actions that you are referring to, if true, are not Islamic or in any way condoned by Islam. Actually, regarding the Delta Airlines article, I saw this article as well; please check it out: http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/delta/0018657

    I think it’s also important to understand that just because someone commits an act, even claiming that it is in the name of Islam, doesn’t mean that it has anything to do with Islam. Please judge the religion of Islam based on what the religion says, not on the actions of the people who claim to follow it. There are people who may claim to be doing something in the name of Islam, but in fact their actions have no basis in Islam whatsoever. Islam, for example does not condone terrorism or the killing of innocents in anyway whatsoever. Period. And Muslims have been condemning these acts of terror time and again, but it doesn’t usually make the front page of newspapers and TV reports. Please see the following example:
    http://www.isna.net/Interfaith/pages/UP-Fatwa.aspx
    In actuality, the vast majority of Muslims around the world are peaceful and peace-loving people. But of course if one relies the media (TV, internet, newspapers) for a picture of what Islam is and who Muslims are, yes, considering the number of negative stories there are, I can understand how someone could draw a certain conclusion. You have about an estimated 99.9% of Muslims living everyday normal lives: wakeup, go to work, support their families, striving to reach their full potential just like any other person and it’s the fringe misguided, minority (less than 1%) that gets all of the attention. Muslims are just like regular people. We have our bad apples too. If anyone is doing any act of terrorism or violence, I don’t care what they claim to be, it’s wrong and un-Islamic and I and Muslims stand firm in condemning it.
    It would be unfair for me to judge all Christians and Christianity, for example, based on the actions of David Koresh, or Jim Jones, or any by anyone with a Christian background who commits a heinous crime. Anyone can quickly tell you these individuals were seriously misguided, they don’t in any way represent Christians or Christianity. Well, that’s exactly what happens with Muslims. Like I said before, if a Christian (or basically non-Muslim) commits a crime, his religion is never mentioned. But if it’s a Muslim—doesn’t matter what it was, we’ll know if he/she is a Muslim.
    This underscores the very important need for non-Muslims to meet and get to know Muslims personally whenever the opportunity presents itself. When this is done, one will see a new perspective of Islam and Muslims that is not often (to be honest, really not at all) portrayed in the media.
    I don’t know if you had the chance, but please check out these websites—
    http://www.groundzerodialogue.org/
    myfellowamerican.us
    I also highly encourage you to watch the film, Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think”, available at the “ground zero” website above.
    Again, these sites change the narrative, and present, I argue, a more accurate portrayal of Islam and Muslims.

  24. Brad Hoffmann

    Here’s a distinction about the negative press. I think a reason “the Muslim factor” gets played in the press so often has to do with the intent of the action. For example, an individual’s religious background is identified because one’s actions are done in the name of Allah, promoting one’s faith, or hindering the faith of another. When you indentify your faith as a reason for your actions, it’s going to get some press.

    I give you the fact there was some miscommunication on the Delta Airlines deal. Though Delta was quick to skirt the issue with their vagueness. But, my point about Delta had to do with the prohibition of religious items. I’m interested in Saudi Arabia. Let me as you a question. In your opinion, is Saudi a good example of a nation influenced by Islam? If so, as a Christian, I would have some serious concerns about religious tolerance and freedom of expression. For example, on the Delta Airlines website and I quote, “Saudi Arabia does not allow non-Islamic religious articles within its borders.” That’s pretty strong stuff.

    Another interesting factor that’s happening in the holy land is the emigration of Christians to other regions due to oppression. This is verifiable census data – not this researcher’s impression. The number one definer of oppression – is termed “Muslim oppression.” Christians are fearful for their safety and cannot co-equally exist and thrive in an Islamic influenced culture. Now neither of us currently live in the region, I can only report the data pertinent to the exit polls.

    These individuals who live in Saudi and the holy lands that call themselves Muslims are Muslim – are they not? What are you thoughts?

    By the way, I did email your outreach address so you’d have my email. Hope you got it.

  25. Brad Hoffmann

    So, how would you respond to my previous reply about the perceived oppression of Christians and a lack of tolerance thereof in Islamic influenced cultures?

  26. premed

    Hello,

    To your comment about the press and the “Muslim factor”, I think there has to be a distinction made between what one claims to be doing in the name of Islam and what Islam actually says. For example, the Quran states:

    “Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely…” (The Qur’an, 5:32)

    So Islamically it is wrong to kill innocents, as the above verse says.
    But of course, most media reports do not spend time examining what Islam says vs. the actions of the person. Once this is known, it is clear that the actions is a deviance from Islam, not apart of Islam.

    For Saudi Arabia, it is wrong and un-Islamic for this or any regime/government to restrict or deny religious freedom. So as long as they are doing that, there actions are not Islamic.
    For the story regarding Christian persecution, once again Islamically, religious persecution is wrong. But I have not previously heard about this “Christian persecution from Muslim oppression” and tried to find stories online in regards to this, but could not find any independent media outlets covering it. But as we all know there is much turmoil in that part of the world, due to occupation and a 60+ year conflict, under which Christians and Muslims are suffering. I seriously doubt the Christians are going through “Muslim oppression” and that it is supposedly the number one reason for their emigration to other regions. Both Palestinian Christians and Muslims stand together in their opposition to the occupation, as they are both suffering under it.

    In summary, any kind of religious persecution and oppression is not allowed or santioned in Islam.

  27. Brad Hoffmann

    Qur’an 5:32, “Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.”

    I know this passage is often used to support a “peace” position or respect for human life in Islam. Yet, this use of this passage appears to create more questions than answers, in my opinion. For example:

    Who are the “innocents” as you reference in your remarks?

    How is one determined innocent or guilty? What is the litmus test?

    This passage does not condemn all killing, but permits the killing of the killer or the killing of the corrupt.

    What is the definition of the corrupt?

    Here’s perhaps is the broader question. If in fact, as you state, Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance, why do we not hear more reactionary statements from Islamic leaders in America or around the globe condemning intolerance, oppression, terrorism, and killings. Public relations wise, if you heard leading Islamic leaders fervently condemning these behaviors, people might give Islam a second look or chance. But, the message is conspicuously absent from the media. Why is that?

  28. premed

    Hello,

    This verse means that if one unjustly and unlawfully kills a person (i.e. murder) it is as if he has taken the life of all humanity, and if one saves a life, it is like saving the life of all humanity. So it reinforces the belief that unlawful killing, or murder, is wrong in Islam and to respect the sanctity of human life. The innocents in my reply refers to innocent people who are killed or murdered.

    As far as Muslim leaders condemning terrorism, please see this site, http://www.muhajabah.com/otherscondemn.php, where you will find just some of the many condemnations made be leaders in the Muslim world. Thus the question you posed is a good one, one which I also would like to know the answer to as well!

  29. Abdulrahim

    I just want to underline one thing:
    It is not because of the methodist hospital is very open mind to allaow muslims to hold their prayers inside the hospital BUT because they medical center has a lot of muslims working their as the leading staff and faculty so they offer this room to avoid seeing muslims praying anywhere they want so they may affect others.
    tho other thing IS that there is a lot of muslim patients in the medical center need their worship to be respected as others.

  30. Prayer bead

    Muslim Prayer Beads is dedicated to helping you find Muslim Prayer beads Online. Not only in Islam, but in many other religions prayer beads have played an important role

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