Defending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Sehemu ya 1: Kwa Nini Wachungaji Wanapaswa Kuelewa UislamuDefending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Unit 1: Why Pastors Must Understand Islam

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Bali mtakaseni Kristo, aliye Bwana, mioyoni mwenu; mkawe tayari siku zote kumjibu kila mtu awaulizaye habari za tumaini lililomo ndani yenu; lakini kwa upole na hofu" (1 Petro 3:15, SUV)"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza sura hii, unapaswa kuwa na uwezo wa:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza kwa maneno rahisi imani na ibada za msingi za Uislamu, kama Mwislamu angezitambua.1. Explain in simple words the basic beliefs and practices of Islam, as a Muslim would recognize them.

2. Kufafanua maneno muhimu: Uislamu, Mwislamu, Allah, Kurani, sura, aya, dawa na apolojetiki.2. Define the key terms Islam, Muslim, Allah, Qur'an, sura, ayah, dawah and apologetics.

3. Kueleza kwa nini Uislamu ni changamoto muhimu kwa makanisa barani Afrika, Amerika ya Kusini na ulimwenguni kote.3. Describe why Islam is an important challenge for churches in Africa, Latin America and the wider world.

4. Kueleza sehemu nne za mwenendo unaofundishwa katika 1 Petro 3:15.4. Explain the four parts of the posture taught in 1 Peter 3:15.

5. Kutofautisha apolojetiki yenye neema na ugomvi au kushambulia watu.5. Tell the difference between gracious apologetics and quarrelling or attacking people.

6. Kufupisha hadithi ya Nabeel Qureshi na kutaja mafunzo yake kwa wachungaji.6. Summarize the story of Nabeel Qureshi and name the lessons it teaches pastors.

UtanguliziIntroduction

Mchungaji katika mji unaokua wa Afrika Magharibi anafungua mlango wake asubuhi moja. Kijana mmoja wa kanisa lake yupo hapo. Ana wasiwasi. Kazini, rafiki yake Mwislamu amemwambia kwamba Biblia imebadilishwa, kwamba Yesu hakudai kamwe kuwa Mungu, na kwamba Yesu hakufa kweli msalabani. Kijana huyo hajui jinsi ya kujibu. Anamuuliza mchungaji wake, "Je, ni kweli?"A pastor in a growing town in West Africa opens his door one morning. A young man from his church is there. He is troubled. At work, a Muslim friend told him that the Bible has been changed, that Jesus never claimed to be God, and that Jesus did not really die on the cross. The young man does not know how to answer. He asks his pastor, "Is it true?"

Hali kama hii hutokea kila siku barani Afrika, Amerika ya Kusini na sehemu nyingi nyingine. Baadhi ya wachungaji huogopa. Wengine hukasirika. Wengine husema, "Kuwa na imani tu, na usisikilize." Lakini kijana huyo anahitaji zaidi ya hayo. Anahitaji mchungaji anayeelewa rafiki yake anaamini nini, anayejua ushahidi wa imani ya Kikristo, na anayeweza kumwonyesha jinsi ya kujibu kwa kweli na kwa upendo. Kozi hii imeandikwa ili ikusaidie kuwa mchungaji wa aina hiyo.Situations like this happen every day in Africa, in Latin America and in many other places. Some pastors feel afraid. Some get angry. Some say, "Just have faith and do not listen." But the young man needs more than that. He needs a pastor who understands what his friend believes, who knows the evidence for the Christian faith, and who can show him how to answer with truth and with love. This course is written to help you become that kind of pastor.

Katika sura hii ya kwanza tunaweka msingi. Tutatazama kwa ufupi kile Waislamu wanachoamini. Tutafikiria kwa nini Uislamu ni changamoto kubwa kwa kanisa leo. Kisha tutajifunza mtazamo ambao Mungu anaamuru katika 1 Petro 3:15. Mwishowe, tutaangalia maisha ya Nabeel Qureshi, Mwislamu mcha Mungu aliyekuwa mfuasi wa Yesu, kama kisa cha kufungulia kozi nzima.In this first unit we lay the foundation. We will look briefly at what Muslims believe. We will consider why Islam is a serious challenge for the church today. Then we will study the attitude that God commands in 1 Peter 3:15. Finally, we will look at the life of Nabeel Qureshi, a devout Muslim who became a follower of Jesus, as an opening case for the whole course.

Uislamu kwa Ufupi: Kile Waislamu WanachoaminiIslam in Brief: What Muslims Believe

Kabla ya kujibu imani yoyote, ni lazima tuielewe kwa haki. Kanuni nzuri ni hii: eleza Uislamu kwa njia ambayo Mwislamu mwenye ufahamu angesema, "Ndiyo, hicho ndicho tunachoamini." Tukishambulia imani ambayo Waislamu hawaishikilii, tunapoteza heshima yao na tunashindwa kuwasaidia. Uaminifu ni sehemu ya ushuhuda wetu.Before we answer any belief, we must understand it fairly. A good rule is this: describe Islam in a way that an informed Muslim would say, "Yes, that is what we believe." If we attack a belief that Muslims do not hold, we lose their respect and we fail to help them. Honesty is part of our witness.

Uislamu unafundisha kwamba kuna Mungu mmoja, aliyeumba vitu vyote, atakayewahukumu watu wote Siku ya Mwisho, na aliyewatuma manabii kuuongoza wanadamu. Waislamu wanaamini kwamba nabii wa mwisho na mkuu kuliko wote ni Muhammad, aliyeishi Arabia katika karne ya saba baada ya Kristo. Wanaamini kwamba Mungu alimfunulia Muhammad Kurani kupitia malaika Jibril kwa muda wa miaka ishirini na mitatu hivi. Waislamu wanawaheshimu watu wengi tunaowajua kutoka katika Biblia, kama Adamu, Nuhu, Ibrahimu, Musa, Daudi na Yesu, ambaye Kurani anamwita Isa.Islam teaches that there is one God, who created all things, who will judge all people on the Last Day, and who has sent prophets to guide humanity. Muslims believe that the last and greatest of these prophets was Muhammad, who lived in Arabia in the seventh century after Christ. They believe that God revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over about twenty-three years. Muslims honour many figures we know from the Bible, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus, whom the Qur'an calls Isa.

Maneno muhimuKey words

Haya ni maneno utakayokutana nayo mara nyingi katika kozi hii. Yajifunze vizuri, kwa maana yatakusaidia kuwaelewa majirani zako Waislamu na kusema kwa usahihi.Here are some words you will meet often in this course. Learn them well, because they will help you understand your Muslim neighbours and speak accurately.

• Uislamu ni neno la Kiarabu linalomaanisha "kujisalimisha," yaani kujisalimisha kwa Mungu.• Islam is an Arabic word that means "submission," that is, submission to God.

• Mwislamu maana yake ni "yule anayejisalimisha" kwa Mungu. Ni jina la mfuasi wa Uislamu.• Muslim means "one who submits" to God. It is the name for a follower of Islam.

• Allah ni neno la Kiarabu la Mungu. Wakristo wanaozungumza Kiarabu pia hulitumia kwa Mungu katika Biblia na sala zao.• Allah is the Arabic word for God. Arabic-speaking Christians also use it for God in their Bibles and prayers.

• Kurani maana yake ni "usomaji." Ni kitabu kitakatifu cha Uislamu, ambacho Waislamu wanaamini ni usemi wenyewe wa Mungu.• Qur'an means "recitation." It is the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe is the very speech of God.

• Sura ni sura ya Kurani. Kuna sura 114.• A sura is a chapter of the Qur'an. There are 114 suras.

• Aya ni mstari wa Kurani. Tunaandika marejeo kama sura:aya, kwa hiyo Kurani 4:157 ina maana sura ya 4, aya ya 157.• An ayah is a verse of the Qur'an. We write references as sura:ayah, so Qur'an 4:157 means sura 4, ayah 157.

• Dawa maana yake ni "mwaliko." Ni juhudi ya Waislamu ya kuwaalika wengine wakubali Uislamu.• Dawah means "invitation." It is the Muslim effort to invite others to accept Islam.

• Apolojetiki inatokana na neno la Kigiriki apologia, "utetezi." Ni kazi ya kueleza na kutetea imani ya Kikristo kwa sababu zenye msingi.• Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, "a defense." It is the work of explaining and defending the Christian faith with reasons.

Nguzo TanoThe Five Pillars

Waislamu wengi hueleza ibada zao za msingi kwa wajibu tano, ambazo mara nyingi huitwa Nguzo Tano za Uislamu. Zinaongoza maisha ya kila siku ya Mwislamu mwaminifu, na kuzijua kutakusaidia kuwaelewa majirani zako.Most Muslims describe their basic practice with five duties, often called the Five Pillars of Islam. They shape the daily life of a faithful Muslim, and knowing them will help you understand your neighbours.

• Shahada (kukiri): "Hakuna mungu ila Mungu, na Muhammad ni mjumbe wa Mungu."• The confession (shahada): "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God."

• Sala (salat): sala rasmi mara tano kila siku, kuelekea Makka.• Prayer (salat): formal prayer five times each day, facing Mecca.

• Zaka (zakat): zawadi ya lazima kwa maskini na wahitaji.• Giving (zakat): a required gift to the poor and needy.

• Saumu (sawm): kutokula wala kunywa tangu alfajiri hadi machweo katika mwezi wa Ramadhani.• Fasting (sawm): no food or drink from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.

• Hija (hajj): safari ya kwenda Makka angalau mara moja maishani, kwa wale wanaoweza.• Pilgrimage (hajj): a journey to Mecca at least once in life, for those who are able.

Waislamu wengi ni wakweli, wanaomba, na wana maadili mazito. Wanamwogopa Mungu na wanataka kumpendeza. Tunapaswa kuuheshimu unyofu huu. Hata hivyo, unyofu si sawa na ukweli. Swali kuu kati ya Wakristo na Waislamu si kama watu ni wanyofu, bali Yesu Kristo ni nani hasa, na kama Mungu amesema kweli katika Biblia.Many Muslims are sincere, prayerful and morally serious. They fear God and want to please Him. We should respect this sincerity. Yet sincerity is not the same as truth. The central question between Christians and Muslims is not whether people are sincere, but who Jesus Christ really is, and whether God has truly spoken in the Bible.

Changamoto Barani Afrika na UlimwenguniThe Challenge in Africa and the World

Uislamu ni dini ya pili kwa ukubwa duniani. Karibu watu bilioni mbili ni Waislamu. Upo katika kila bara, na unaongezeka. Wakristo na Waislamu kwa pamoja ni zaidi ya nusu ya watu wote duniani. Kwa sababu hii peke yake, hakuna mchungaji anayeweza kuupuuza Uislamu.Islam is the second-largest religion in the world. Nearly two billion people are Muslims. It is present on every continent, and it is growing. Christians and Muslims together make up more than half of the world's population. For this reason alone, no pastor can ignore Islam.

Barani AfrikaIn Africa

Afrika ni mojawapo ya mahali pakuu ambapo Ukristo na Uislamu hukutana. Afrika Kaskazini kwa kiasi kikubwa ni ya Waislamu. Kote katika Sahel, eneo pana kusini mwa Jangwa la Sahara, na kando ya pwani ya Afrika Mashariki, Uislamu umekuwapo kwa karne nyingi. Katika nchi kadhaa, kama Nigeria, wakazi wamegawanyika kati ya jamii kubwa za Wakristo na Waislamu. Wakristo wengi wa Afrika wana ndugu, majirani, wanafunzi wenzao na wafanyakazi wenzao Waislamu.Africa is one of the main meeting places of Christianity and Islam. North Africa is mostly Muslim. Across the Sahel, the wide region south of the Sahara Desert, and along the coast of East Africa, Islam has been present for many centuries. In several nations, such as Nigeria, the population is divided between large Christian and Muslim communities. Many African Christians have Muslim relatives, neighbours, classmates and co-workers.

Katika sehemu kama hizo Wakristo na Waislamu mara nyingi huishi pamoja kwa amani, hufanya biashara pamoja, na husaidiana wakati wa shida. Lakini pia kuna shinikizo. Baadhi ya makundi ya Waislamu hufanya dawa yenye fedha nyingi, kwa vitabu, redio, video na mijadala ya hadharani. Baadhi ya vijana Wakristo husikia hoja dhidi ya Biblia kwa mara ya kwanza na hawana jibu. Katika baadhi ya maeneo Wakristo hukumbana na ubaguzi au hata ghasia. Wachungaji lazima wawaandae watu wao kwa hali hizi zote.In such places Christians and Muslims often live side by side in peace, buy and sell together, and help one another in times of need. But there are also pressures. Some Muslim groups carry out well-funded dawah, with literature, radio, video and public debates. Some young Christians hear arguments against the Bible for the first time and have no answer. In some regions Christians face discrimination or even violence. Pastors must prepare their people for all of these realities.

Amerika ya Kusini na kwinginekoIn Latin America and elsewhere

Katika Amerika ya Kusini idadi ya Waislamu ni ndogo zaidi, lakini wapo katika miji mingi, na wanaongezeka kwa uhamiaji na kwa watu kuingia katika Uislamu. Vifaa vya dawa ya Kiislamu sasa vipo kwa Kihispania na Kireno, na vingi vinashirikiwa kwenye mtandao wa intaneti na mitandao ya kijamii. Kijana wa Meksiko, Brazil au Ajentina anaweza kutazama video ya mjadala dhidi ya Ukristo kwenye simu yake usiku wa leo. Katika Ulaya, Amerika Kaskazini na Asia, hali ni ileile. Swali "Nimjibuje Mwislamu?" si tena kwa wamisionari peke yao. Ni swali kwa kila kanisa.In Latin America the Muslim population is much smaller, but it is present in many cities, and it is growing through immigration and through conversion. Islamic outreach material now exists in Spanish and Portuguese, and much of it is shared on the internet and social media. A young person in Mexico, Brazil or Argentina can watch a debate video against Christianity on his phone tonight. In Europe, North America and Asia, the same is true. The question "How do I answer a Muslim?" is no longer only for missionaries. It is a question for every congregation.

Tofauti Inayoongoza Kozi HiiThe Distinction That Governs This Course

Mchungaji Mkristo lazima aweze kutofautisha kile alichofundisha mwanzilishi wa dini na yote ambayo wafuasi wake wa baadaye wamefanya. Wakristo wamefanya mambo ya ukatili. Wamewatesa wale waliowapinga, na wengine wamebeba msalaba kama bendera vitani. Matendo hayo hayapaswi kufichwa wala kutetewa. Lakini ili kujua kama kweli yalikuwa ya Kikristo, lazima tuulize kama yalitii amri za Yesu na kufuata mfano wake. Haki hiyohiyo inatumika tunaposoma Uislamu. Lazima tutenganishe maneno ya Muhammad mwenyewe na mwenendo alioripotiwa kuwa nao, na matendo ya watawala wa baadaye, serikali na Waislamu wa leo.A Christian pastor must be able to tell the difference between what the founder of a religion taught and everything his later followers have done. Christians have done cruel things. They have persecuted those who disagreed with them, and some have even carried the cross as a banner in war. Those actions must not be hidden or excused. But to know whether they were truly Christian, we must ask whether they obeyed the commands of Jesus and followed His example. The same fairness applies when we study Islam. We must separate Muhammad's own words and reported conduct from the actions of later rulers, governments and Muslims today.

Kwa hiyo swali kuu la kozi hii si, "Jamii ipi ya kidini imefanya makosa machache zaidi katika historia?" Ni hili: "Yesu alifundisha nini hasa, na mfano wa Muhammad unalinganaje?" Isaya anamwita mtawala aliyeahidiwa "Mkuu wa amani" (Isaya 9:6, SUV). Yesu aliwafundisha wafuasi wake kuwapenda adui zao (Mathayo 5:44). Alipokamatwa alimwambia Petro airudishe upanga wake (Mathayo 26:52), na mbele ya Pilato alisema, "Ufalme wangu ungekuwa wa ulimwengu huu, watumishi wangu wangepigana" (Yohana 18:36, SUV). Aliwatuma wanafunzi wake kufanya watu kuwa wanafunzi kwa kufundisha na kubatiza (Mathayo 28:19-20). Hii haimaanishi kwamba Wakristo hawawezi kamwe kujilinda, wala kwamba kila swali gumu kuhusu serikali na vita limejibiwa. Inamaanisha kwamba kuwalazimisha watu wamfuate hakukuwa kamwe njia ya Yesu ya kufanya wanafunzi.So the main question of this course is not, "Which religious community has done fewer wrongs in history?" It is, "What did Jesus actually teach, and how does the example of Muhammad compare?" Isaiah calls the promised ruler the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV). Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44). At His arrest He told Peter to put away his sword (Matthew 26:52), and before Pilate He said, "If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight" (John 18:36, NKJV). He sent His disciples to make disciples by teaching and baptizing (Matthew 28:19-20). This does not mean that Christians may never defend themselves, or that every hard question about government and war is answered. It means that forcing people to follow Him was never Jesus' way of making disciples.

Kozi hii ina msimamo wa Kikristo ulio wazi, lakini uaminifu wa mchungaji lazima uwe wazi kama msimamo wake. Tunapaswa kuweza kueleza imani ya Kiislamu kwa maneno ambayo Mwislamu mwenye fikra angeyatambua kabla hatujaikosoa. Kusudi letu si kuwaaibisha jirani zetu. Ni kuwaandaa wachungaji kusema kweli kuhusu Kristo, kujibu changamoto kwa ujasiri, na kutumikia kwa uaminifu.This course is clearly Christian in its convictions, but the pastor's honesty must be as plain as his convictions. We should be able to explain a Muslim belief in words a thoughtful Muslim would recognize before we criticize it. Our purpose is not to shame our neighbours. It is to prepare pastors to tell the truth about Christ, to answer challenges with courage, and to serve faithfully.

Kwa Nini Mchungaji Lazima Awe TayariWhy the Pastor Must Be Ready

Mchungaji ni mchungaji wa kondoo. Mchungaji huilisha mifugo, na pia huilinda. Paulo aliwaambia wazee wa Efeso, "Jiangalieni nafsi zenu, na lile kundi lote" (Matendo 20:28, SUV). Sehemu ya kulilinda kundi ni kuwasaidia waumini waielewe imani yao vizuri hata wasitikiswe na kila hoja mpya.The pastor is a shepherd. A shepherd feeds the flock, and he also protects it. Paul told the elders at Ephesus to "take heed to yourselves and to all the flock" (Acts 20:28, NKJV). Part of protecting the flock is helping believers to understand their faith well enough that they are not shaken by every new argument.

Kuna sababu kadhaa kwa nini wachungaji wanapaswa kuelewa Uislamu:There are several reasons why pastors must understand Islam:

• Kuwalinda waumini. Washiriki wa kanisa, hasa vijana, watasikia hoja za Kiislamu dhidi ya Biblia na dhidi ya Yesu. Wanahitaji majibu yaliyo wazi na ya kweli.• To protect believers. Church members, especially young people, will hear Islamic arguments against the Bible and against Jesus. They need clear, honest answers.

• Kuwafikia Waislamu kwa injili. Waislamu ni watu ambao Kristo alikufa kwa ajili yao. Hatuwezi kushiriki injili vizuri na watu ambao hatuelewi imani yao.• To reach Muslims with the gospel. Muslims are people for whom Christ died. We cannot share the gospel well with people whose beliefs we do not understand.

• Kutambua madai ya uongo. Baadhi ya madai yanayotolewa kuhusu Biblia, kuhusu Yesu na kuhusu historia si ya kweli kamwe. Mchungaji aliyejiandaa anaweza kuyatambua na kueleza kwa nini.• To recognize false claims. Some claims made about the Bible, about Jesus and about history are simply not true. A prepared pastor can recognize them and explain why.

• Kuepuka makosa yetu wenyewe. Wakati mwingine Wakristo husema mambo kuhusu Uislamu yasiyo ya haki au yasiyo ya kweli. Kujifunza kwa uangalifu hutuweka waaminifu.• To avoid our own errors. Christians sometimes say things about Islam that are unfair or untrue. Careful study keeps us honest.

• Kulifundisha kanisa. Mchungaji hawezi kuwapo katika kila mazungumzo. Lazima awafunze watu wake wajibu wenyewe.• To equip the congregation. The pastor cannot be present in every conversation. He must train his people to answer for themselves.

Yuda aliandika kwamba waumini wanapaswa "kuishindania imani waliyopewa watakatifu mara moja tu" (Yuda 3, SUV). Kushindania kwa bidii hakumaanishi kupigana kwa ngumi au kwa matusi. Maana yake ni kufanya kazi kwa bidii, kwa juhudi nzito, ili injili ibaki ya kweli na wazi. Hiyo ndiyo kazi ya kozi hii.Jude wrote that believers should "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3, NKJV). To contend earnestly does not mean to fight with fists or with insults. It means to work hard, with serious effort, to keep the gospel true and clear. That is the work of this course.

Mwenendo wa 1 Petro 3:15The Posture of 1 Peter 3:15

Mstari wetu mkuu uliandikwa na mtume Petro kwa Wakristo waliokuwa wachache waliotawanyika katika ulimwengu wa Kirumi. Walikabili shaka na mateso kutoka kwa majirani zao. Petro hakuwaambia wafiche imani yao, wala hakuwaambia wapige kisasi. Aliwapa mwenendo, namna ya kusimama mbele ya ulimwengu. Mstari huu una sehemu nne, na kila moja ni muhimu katika mazungumzo yetu na Waislamu.Our key verse was written by the apostle Peter to Christians who were scattered minorities in the Roman world. They faced suspicion and suffering from their neighbours. Peter did not tell them to hide their faith, and he did not tell them to fight back. He gave them a posture, a way of standing before the world. This verse has four parts, and each one matters for our conversations with Muslims.

Mtakaseni Kristo kuwa Bwana moyoni mwenuSanctify Christ as Lord in your heart

Petro anaanza na moyo, si kinywa. "Kumtakasa" Bwana maana yake ni kumtenga kuwa mtakatifu, kumheshimu kuwa Bwana juu ya yote. Kabla hatujamjibu mtu yeyote, mioyo yetu wenyewe lazima iwe imetolewa kikamilifu kwa Kristo. Apolojetiki haianzi na hoja za ujanja. Inaanzia katika ibada. Mchungaji anayeomba, anayempenda Bwana, na anayeitumaini Maandiko ataongea kwa ujasiri wa utulivu ambao hakuna hoja inayoweza kuununua.Peter begins with the heart, not the mouth. To "sanctify" the Lord means to set Him apart as holy, to honour Him as Lord above all. Before we answer anyone, our own hearts must be fully given to Christ. Apologetics does not begin with clever arguments. It begins with worship. A pastor who prays, who loves the Lord, and who trusts the Scriptures will speak with a quiet confidence that no argument can buy.

Muwe tayari siku zoteAlways be ready

Petro anasema "muwe tayari siku zote." Hii inamaanisha maandalizi. Hatujui ni lini jirani, mwanafunzi au dereva wa teksi ataleta swali. Wakati wa kujifunza ni kabla swali halijaja. Kozi hii itakupa maarifa unayohitaji, lakini ni lazima pia uyafanye yako mwenyewe kwa kusoma, kuomba na kujizoeza.Peter says "always be ready." This means preparation. We do not know when a neighbour, a student or a taxi driver will ask a question. The time to study is before the question comes. This course will give you the knowledge you need, but you must also make it your own through reading, prayer and practice.

Toeni sababu ya tumainiGive a reason for the hope

Petro anatumia neno la Kigiriki apologia, "utetezi," neno ambalo kutoka kwake tunapata "apolojetiki." Katika ulimwengu wa Petro lingeweza kueleza jibu lenye sababu ambalo mtu alitoa mahakamani. Imani yetu si ya kipofu. Inategemea matukio halisi katika historia: maisha, kifo na ufufuo wa Yesu Kristo. Tunaitwa kutoa sababu, ushahidi na maelezo. Angalia pia kwamba Petro anasema "tumaini lililomo ndani yenu." Lengo letu si kushinda hoja tu, bali kuwaelekeza watu kwenye tumaini hai tulilo nalo katika Kristo.Peter uses the Greek word apologia, "a defense," the word from which we get "apologetics." In Peter's world it could describe the reasoned answer a person gave in a court. Our faith is not blind. It rests on real events in history: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are called to give reasons, evidence and explanation. Notice also that Peter speaks of "the hope that is in you." Our goal is not only to win an argument but to point people to the living hope we have in Christ.

Kwa upole na hofuWith meekness and fear

Mwishowe, Petro anasema kwamba jibu letu lazima litolewe "kwa upole na hofu." Upole ni unyenyekevu, nguvu iliyo chini ya udhibiti. Hofu hapa ina maana ya kumcha Mungu na kumheshimu mtu tunayesema naye. Tunaweza kuwa thabiti kabisa kuhusu ukweli na bado tuwe wapole katika namna tunayosema. Paulo alifundisha vivyo hivyo: "Maneno yenu yawe na neema siku zote, yakikolezwa kwa chumvi, mpate kujua jinsi ya kumjibu kila mtu" (Wakolosai 4:6, SUV). Jibu kali, hata likiwa la kweli, mara nyingi hufunga mlango ambao Mungu alitaka kuufungua.Finally, Peter says that our answer must be given "with meekness and fear." Meekness is gentleness, strength under control. Fear here means reverence toward God and respect toward the person we speak with. We may be completely firm about the truth and still be gentle in the way we speak. Paul taught the same: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6, NKJV). A harsh answer, even if it is true, often closes a door that God wanted to open.

Apolojetiki Ni Nini na Si NiniWhat Apologetics Is and Is Not

Baadhi ya waumini hufikiri kwamba kuitetea imani ni kushinda mijadala na kumfanya mtu mwingine aonekane mpumbavu. Hiyo si picha ya Biblia. Paulo aliandika kwamba "mtumwa wa Bwana haimpasi kuwa mtu wa kushindana; bali kuwa mpole kwa watu wote, mwenye kufundisha, avumilivu" (2 Timotheo 2:24, SUV). Apolojetiki ya Kikristo ni thabiti kuhusu ukweli na ni ya upole kwa watu.Some believers think that defending the faith means winning debates and making the other person look foolish. That is not the biblical picture. Paul wrote that "a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient" (2 Timothy 2:24, NKJV). Christian apologetics is firm about truth and gentle with people.

Apolojetiki katika kozi hii ni:Apologetics in this course is:

• Kueleza waziwazi Biblia inafundisha nini kuhusu Mungu, Yesu na wokovu.• Explaining clearly what the Bible teaches about God, Jesus and salvation.

• Kuonyesha, kwa ushahidi wa historia na Maandiko, mahali ambapo madai ya Kiislamu yana makosa.• Showing, with evidence from history and Scripture, where Islamic claims are mistaken.

• Kujibu maswali kwa uaminifu, na kukiri tusipojua jambo fulani.• Answering questions honestly, and admitting when we do not know something.

• Kuwatendea Waislamu kama watu walioumbwa kwa mfano wa Mungu, kwa heshima na staha.• Treating Muslims as people made in the image of God, with dignity and respect.

Apolojetiki katika kozi hii si:Apologetics in this course is not:

• Kumdhihaki Nabii wa Uislamu, Kurani au watu Waislamu.• Mocking the Prophet of Islam, the Qur'an or Muslim people.

• Kueneza uvumi, chuku au hadithi za uongo kuhusu Uislamu.• Spreading rumours, exaggerations or false stories about Islam.

• Kuchochea hasira, chuki au ghasia dhidi ya mtu yeyote.• Stirring up anger, hatred or violence against anyone.

• Kuona mazungumzo kama vita vya kushinda badala ya mtu wa kumpenda.• Treating a conversation as a battle to win rather than a person to love.

Inashangaza kwamba Kurani yenyewe huwaambia Waislamu, "Wala msibishane na Watu wa Kitabu isipokuwa kwa njia iliyo bora zaidi" (Kurani 29:46, Pickthall). Maneno "Watu wa Kitabu" yanarejea Wayahudi na Wakristo. Waislamu wengi wanathamini mazungumzo yenye heshima. Tunaposema kwa neema, mara nyingi tunagundua kwamba marafiki zetu Waislamu wako tayari kuzungumza juu ya maswali ya ndani kabisa ya maisha.Interestingly, the Qur'an itself tells Muslims, "And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better" (Qur'an 29:46, Pickthall). The phrase "People of the Scripture" refers to Jews and Christians. Many Muslims value respectful discussion. When we speak with grace, we often find that our Muslim friends are willing to talk about the deepest questions of life.

Wakristo wameitembea njia hii kabla yetu. Samuel Zwemer, mmisionari Mmarekani aliyetumikia miaka mingi Arabia na Misri, alitumia maisha yake kujifunza Uislamu na kuwashirikisha Waislamu habari za Kristo, na alilihimiza kanisa liwapende Waislamu vya kutosha hata liwaelewe. Tunasimama katika mlolongo mrefu wa waumini ambao wamejaribu kusema kweli kwa subira.Christians have walked this road before us. Samuel Zwemer, an American missionary who served many years in Arabia and Egypt, spent his life studying Islam and sharing Christ with Muslims, and he urged the church to love Muslims enough to understand them. We stand in a long line of believers who have tried to speak truth with patience.

Kisa cha Kufungulia: Nabeel QureshiAn Opening Case: Nabeel Qureshi

Ili kuona jinsi ukweli na upendo vinavyofanya kazi pamoja, tutaangalia maisha ya Nabeel Qureshi. Hadithi yake itarudi mara nyingi katika kozi hii, kwa sababu maswali aliyoyachunguza ndiyo maswali tutakayojifunza.To see how truth and love work together, we will look at the life of Nabeel Qureshi. His story will return many times in this course, because the questions he studied are the same questions we will study.

Nabeel Qureshi alizaliwa mwaka 1983 nchini Marekani kwa wazazi Waislamu wacha Mungu wenye asili ya Pakistani. Familia yake ilikuwa ya Ahmadiyya, harakati iliyoanza India katika karne ya kumi na tisa. Waislamu wengine wengi hawakubali Ahmadiyya kuwa sehemu ya Uislamu wa kawaida, lakini familia ya Nabeel iliishikilia imani yake kwa moyo wote. Baba yake alikuwa afisa katika Jeshi la Wanamaji la Marekani. Nabeel alikua akimpenda Mungu, akiomba, na akijifunza kuutetea Uislamu dhidi ya madai ya Kikristo.Nabeel Qureshi was born in 1983 in the United States to devout Muslim parents of Pakistani background. His family belonged to the Ahmadiyya, a movement that began in India in the nineteenth century. Many other Muslims do not accept the Ahmadiyya as part of mainstream Islam, but Nabeel's family held their faith with deep devotion. His father was an officer in the United States Navy. Nabeel grew up loving God, praying, and learning to defend Islam against Christian claims.

Akiwa mwanafunzi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Old Dominion huko Virginia, Nabeel alikutana na Mkristo aitwaye David Wood. Wawili hao wakawa marafiki wa karibu, na miaka mingi ya mijadala ya kirafiki ikaanza kati yao. Walibishana kuhusu Biblia, kuhusu Yesu, na kuhusu Muhammad. Katika yote hayo waliendelea kuwa marafiki na kuaminiana. Urafiki wao ulifanya mazungumzo ya kweli yawezekane.As a student at Old Dominion University in Virginia, Nabeel met a Christian named David Wood. The two became close friends, and years of friendly debate began between them. They argued about the Bible, about Jesus, and about Muhammad. Through it all they remained friends and trusted one another. Their friendship made honest discussion possible.

Qureshi alianza kuchunguza ushahidi kwa uangalifu. Alichunguza hoja ya kihistoria ya kusulubiwa kwa Yesu, ya kufufuka kwake kutoka kwa wafu, na ya madai yake ya kuwa Mungu. Pia alichunguza vyanzo vya awali kuhusu Muhammad na kuhusu Kurani. Qureshi alihoji kwamba ushahidi wa kihistoria wa kifo na ufufuo wa Yesu ulikuwa na nguvu, na kwamba madai ya Kristo hayangeweza kuwekwa kando tu. Wakati huohuo, uchunguzi wake ulimletea maswali mazito kuhusu vyanzo vya Kiislamu.Qureshi set out to examine the evidence carefully. He studied the historical case for the crucifixion of Jesus, for His resurrection from the dead, and for His claims to be divine. He also examined the early sources about Muhammad and about the Qur'an. Qureshi argued that the historical evidence for the death and resurrection of Jesus was strong, and that the claims of Christ could not simply be set aside. At the same time, his study raised serious questions for him about the Islamic sources.

Ushahidi peke yake haukulimaliza jambo hilo kwake. Nabeel aliomba na kumwomba Mungu amwonyeshe ukweli. Alieleza ndoto alizoamini Mungu alizitumia kumwongoza. Karibu mwaka 2005 alimkabidhi Yesu Kristo maisha yake kama Bwana na Mungu. Uamuzi huo ulikuja kwa gharama kubwa binafsi. Ulisababisha maumivu makubwa katika uhusiano wake na familia yake, ambayo aliipenda sana.The evidence alone did not settle the matter for him. Nabeel prayed and asked God to show him the truth. He described dreams that he believed God used to guide him. Around 2005 he gave his life to Jesus Christ as Lord and God. The decision came at great personal cost. It caused deep pain in his relationship with his family, whom he loved dearly.

Nabeel alikuwa daktari wa tiba. Baadaye alitoa maisha yake kusema na kuandika kuhusu Uislamu na Ukristo, daima kwa heshima kwa Waislamu na kwa upendo kwa familia yake. Mwaka 2016 aligunduliwa na saratani ya tumbo, na alikufa mnamo Septemba 2017 akiwa na umri wa miaka 34. Ingawa maisha yake yalikuwa mafupi, ushuhuda wake umewatia moyo Wakristo wengi na umewafanya Waislamu wengi wafikirie madai ya Kristo.Nabeel became a medical doctor. Later he gave his life to speaking and writing about Islam and Christianity, always with respect for Muslims and with love for his family. In 2016 he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and he died in September 2017 at the age of 34. Though his life was short, his testimony has encouraged many Christians and has led many Muslims to consider the claims of Christ.

Tunayojifunza kutoka katika hadithi yakeWhat we learn from his story

Hadithi ya Qureshi inafundisha mafunzo kadhaa kwa wachungaji wanaotaka kuwafikia Waislamu:Qureshi's story teaches several lessons for pastors who want to engage Muslims:

• Urafiki hufungua mlango. Miaka mingi ya urafiki wa subira ilifanya iwezekane kujadili maswali magumu kwa uaminifu.• Friendship opens the door. Years of patient friendship made it possible for hard questions to be discussed honestly.

• Ushahidi ni muhimu. Ukweli wa kihistoria kuhusu Yesu, hasa kifo chake na ufufuo wake, ulikuwa wa kati katika safari ya Qureshi.• Evidence matters. The historical facts about Jesus, especially His death and resurrection, were central in Qureshi's journey.

• Mungu huwavuta watu kwake. Hoja hazitoshi. Maombi na kazi ya Mungu ni muhimu sana.• God draws people to Himself. Arguments are not enough. Prayer and the work of God are essential.

• Gharama ni halisi. Waislamu wanaomfuata Kristo wanaweza kupoteza familia, jamii, kazi au hata usalama. Kanisa lazima liwe tayari kuwapenda na kuwasaidia.• The cost is real. Muslims who follow Christ may lose family, community, work or even safety. The church must be ready to love and support them.

• Waislamu wanyofu wanastahili heshima. Familia ya Qureshi walikuwa watu wacha Mungu na wenye upendo, si maadui. Tunapaswa kusema juu ya Waislamu kama alivyofanya yeye, kwa heshima.• Sincere Muslims deserve respect. Qureshi's family were devout and loving people, not enemies. We must speak about Muslims as he did, with honour.

Ukitaka kusoma zaidi, Qureshi aliandika vitabu kadhaa vinavyopendekezwa kusomwa katika kozi hii: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus (2014), Answering Jihad (2016) na No God but One: Allah or Jesus? (2016).If you wish to read further, Qureshi wrote several books that are recommended reading for this course: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus (2014), Answering Jihad (2016) and No God but One: Allah or Jesus? (2016).

Kusema Kweli kwa UsalamaSpeaking Truth Safely

Wanafunzi wengi wa kozi hii wanaishi wakiwa wachache miongoni mwa Waislamu, au katika maeneo ambako mvutano wa kidini ni mkubwa. Usalama wako na usalama wa watu wako ni muhimu. Yesu alisema, "Angalieni, mimi nawatuma ninyi kama kondoo kati ya mbwa-mwitu; basi, iweni na busara kama nyoka, na wapole kama hua" (Mathayo 10:16, SUV). Busara si woga. Ni kujua lini, wapi na jinsi ya kusema.Many students of this course live as a minority among Muslims, or in areas where religious tension is high. Your safety and the safety of your people matter. Jesus said, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16, NKJV). Wisdom is not cowardice. It is knowing when, where and how to speak.

Miongozo michache ya vitendo itasaidia. Sema binafsi na marafiki badala ya kushambulia Uislamu mahali pa hadharani. Epuka kila kitu ambacho kinaweza kuonekana kuwa tusi kwa Nabii wa Uislamu au Kurani. Usishiriki vifaa ambavyo hujavikagua. Jua sheria na hali ya mahali unapoishi. Kamwe usijibu shinikizo au ghasia kwa ghasia. Paulo aliandika, "Ikiwezekana, kwa upande wenu, iweni na amani na watu wote" (Warumi 12:18, SUV). Bwana wetu mwenyewe, alipotukanwa, "hakujibu kwa matukano" (1 Petro 2:23, SUV).Some practical guidelines will help. Speak personally with friends rather than attacking Islam in public places. Avoid anything that could be seen as an insult to the Prophet of Islam or the Qur'an. Do not share material you have not checked. Know the laws and the local situation where you live. Never answer pressure or violence with violence. Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18, NKJV). Our Lord Himself, when He was insulted, "did not revile in return" (1 Peter 2:23, NKJV).

Njia Iliyo Mbele katika Kozi HiiThe Road Ahead in This Course

Kozi hii ina sura kumi na mbili. Katika sura zijazo tutajifunza asili ya Uislamu na maisha ya Muhammad, Kurani na Hadithi, na mtazamo wa Kiislamu kuhusu Yesu ukilinganishwa na Kristo wa Injili. Tutaeleza Utatu na kujibu shtaka kwamba Wakristo wanaabudu miungu watatu. Tutaangalia ushahidi wa kusulubiwa na kufufuka. Tutachunguza madai kwamba Biblia imeharibiwa na ushahidi wa kuaminika kwa Agano Jipya. Tutajibu pingamizi za kawaida za Waislamu, tutazingatia Uislamu wa kienyeji na ushuhuda wa Kikristo barani Afrika, na tutamalizia na huduma ya vitendo kwa Waislamu na utunzaji wa wale wanaomjia Kristo.This course has twelve units. In the coming units we will study the origins of Islam and the life of Muhammad, the Qur'an and the Hadith, and the Islamic view of Jesus compared with the Christ of the Gospels. We will explain the Trinity and answer the charge that Christians worship three gods. We will look at the evidence for the crucifixion and the resurrection. We will examine the claim that the Bible has been corrupted and the evidence for the reliability of the New Testament. We will answer common Muslim objections, consider folk Islam and Christian witness in Africa, and finish with practical ministry to Muslims and care for those who come to Christ.

Kila sura itafuata mtindo uleule ulioona hapa: kwanza elewa kwa haki, kisha jibu kwa Maandiko na ushahidi, na sema daima kwa upole na hofu.Each unit will follow the same pattern you have seen here: first understand fairly, then answer with Scripture and evidence, and always speak with meekness and fear.

MuhtasariSummary

Uislamu ni dini ya pili kwa ukubwa duniani, ikiwa na wafuasi karibu bilioni mbili, na ni uwepo mkubwa barani Afrika na unaokua Amerika ya Kusini. Tutamhukumu kila mwanzilishi kwa maneno na mfano wake mwenyewe, wala hatutayatetea makosa yaliyofanywa na Wakristo kwa jina la Kristo. Waislamu wanaamini katika Mungu mmoja, katika manabii, katika Kurani kama ufunuo wa mwisho wa Mungu kupitia Muhammad, na katika Siku ya Mwisho, na wanatekeleza Nguzo Tano. Wachungaji lazima waelewe Uislamu ili kuwalinda watu wao, kuwafikia Waislamu kwa injili, kutambua madai ya uongo, kuepuka makosa yao wenyewe na kuyaandaa makanisa yao. 1 Petro 3:15 inatoa mwenendo: mheshimu Kristo kuwa Bwana moyoni, uwe tayari siku zote, toa utetezi wenye sababu wa tumaini letu, na ufanye hivyo kwa upole na hofu. Apolojetiki ya Biblia ni thabiti kuhusu ukweli na ni ya upole kwa watu. Maisha ya Nabeel Qureshi yanaonyesha jinsi urafiki, ushahidi, maombi na kazi ya Mungu vilivyokutana pamoja, na yanatukumbusha gharama halisi wanayokabili waongofu wengi.Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with nearly two billion followers, and it is a major presence in Africa and a growing one in Latin America. We will judge each founder by his own words and example, and we will not excuse wrongs done by Christians in Christ's name. Muslims believe in one God, in the prophets, in the Qur'an as God's final revelation through Muhammad, and in the Last Day, and they practise the Five Pillars. Pastors must understand Islam in order to protect their people, reach Muslims with the gospel, recognize false claims, avoid their own errors and equip their congregations. First Peter 3:15 gives the posture: honour Christ as Lord in the heart, always be ready, give a reasoned defense of our hope, and do it with meekness and fear. Biblical apologetics is firm about truth and gentle with people. The life of Nabeel Qureshi shows how friendship, evidence, prayer and the work of God came together, and it reminds us of the real cost many converts face.

Maswali ya KutafakariQuestions for Reflection

1. Je, wewe au mtu fulani katika kanisa lako amekumbana na swali kutoka kwa Mwislamu ambalo hukuweza kulijibu? Lilikuwa swali gani, na ulijisikiaje?1. Have you or someone in your church faced a question from a Muslim that you could not answer? What was it, and how did you feel?

2. Kwa nini ni muhimu kueleza Uislamu kwa njia ambayo Mwislamu mwenye ufahamu angeitambua?2. Why is it important to describe Islam in a way that an informed Muslim would recognize?

3. Ni sehemu gani kati ya nne za 1 Petro 3:15 ambayo ni ngumu zaidi kwako, na kwa nini?3. Which of the four parts of 1 Peter 3:15 is most difficult for you, and why?

4. Urafiki kati ya Nabeel Qureshi na David Wood unakufundisha nini kuhusu kuwashuhudia Waislamu?4. What does the friendship between Nabeel Qureshi and David Wood teach you about witness to Muslims?

5. Katika mji au eneo lako, inamaanisha nini kuwa "na busara kama nyoka, na wapole kama hua" unapozungumza na Waislamu?5. In your own town or region, what does it mean to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" when speaking with Muslims?

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