CPTnet
July 3, 2004

IRAQ REFLECTION: "Islam is Peace, Love and Mercy"

by Sheila Provencher

Fred Phelps is a Christian minister. He takes certain interpretations of
Scripture very seriously. Rev. Phelps is so vehemently anti-homosexual that
he and his followers picketed Matthew Shepherd's funeral, holding signs
proclaiming that Matthew was in Hell.

How would most Christians feel if people worldwide thought that this man
represented the prototype of Christianity? Speaking as a Christian, I would
plead with non-Christians to believe that Fred Phelps' actions are the
OPPOSITE of what Christianity is all about.

This is how countless Muslims feel about the actions of the Al Qaeda
radicals who do things like behead hostages, assassinate leaders, and
terrorize entire populations. My Muslim friends are horrified by the actions
of such militants. "These people are not Muslims," they say. "What they do
is the OPPOSITE of what Islam is all about."

Last week while the CPT Iraq team was traveling on the road between Abu
Ghraib prison and Baghdad, we saw a sign painted on the wall of a village:
"Islam is Peace, Love, and Mercy. In God We Believe." The people of that
village are trying to send a clear message of what Islam is about. They even
took the time to paint it in English so foreigners like us would understand.

Reading such a message and experiencing it for oneself are two different
things. There are many great ways for Christians to find out firsthand what
Islam is all about. Here is one suggestion: visit a local mosque. Most
likely, the community will welcome you with open arms. Make friends with
people, invite them for supper. The intention to convert need not be a part
of such sharing, from either side. Simply trust in the One God whom we both
worship. Try it, and see where that trust leads you.