Defending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Sehemu ya 10: Pingamizi za Kawaida za Waislamu na Jinsi ya KuvijibuDefending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Unit 10: Common Muslim Objections and How to Answer Them

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Maneno yenu yawe siku zote kwa neema, yaliyotiwa munyu, mpate kujua jinsi iwapasavyo kumjibu kila mtu." (Wakolosai 4:6, SUV)"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)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza sehemu hii, unapaswa kuweza:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza njia ya upole, hatua kwa hatua, ya kusikiliza na kujibu pingamizi la Mwislamu.1. Describe a gracious, step-by-step way to listen to and answer a Muslim objection.

2. Kuonyesha kutoka kwenye Injili kwamba Yesu alidai kuwa Mungu kwa maneno yake na kwa matendo yake, hata bila maneno halisi "Mimi ni Mungu."2. Show from the Gospels that Jesus claimed to be God by His words and His actions, even without the exact phrase "I am God."

3. Kueleza kwa nini Paulo hakuvumbua Ukristo, kwa kutumia nyaraka zake mwenyewe na ushuhuda wa mitume wengine.3. Explain why Paul did not invent Christianity, using his own letters and the witness of the other apostles.

4. Kujibu madai kwamba Kumbukumbu la Torati 18:18 na vifungu vya Msaidizi (Paraklito) katika Yohana 14-16 vinamtabiri Muhammad.4. Answer the claim that Deuteronomy 18:18 and the Paraclete passages of John 14–16 foretell Muhammad.

5. Kueleza tofauti kati ya mkinzano wa kweli na tofauti ya maelezo, na kutoa mifano rahisi.5. Explain the difference between a real contradiction and a difference in detail, and give simple examples.

6. Kueleza Wakristo wanamaanisha nini, na hawamaanishi nini, wanapomwita Yesu Mwana wa Mungu, na kwa nini msamaha unahitaji dhabihu.6. Explain what Christians mean, and do not mean, when they call Jesus the Son of God, and why forgiveness requires a sacrifice.

Kabla ya Kujibu: Jinsi ya Kushughulikia PingamiziBefore We Answer: How to Handle an Objection

Waislamu wanaozungumza na Wakristo kuhusu imani mara nyingi huuliza maswali yale yale. Baadhi ya maswali haya hutoka kwenye masomo ya dhati. Mengine hutoka kwenye vipeperushi, mahubiri au video zilizotengenezwa kwa ajili ya dawa. Dawa ni neno la Kiarabu lenye maana ya "mwaliko"; ni kazi ya Kiislamu ya kuwaita watu waingie Uislamu. Waislamu wengi wamesikia hoja hizi tangu utotoni na wanaziamini kwa unyofu. Mchungaji hapaswi kushangazwa nazo, wala hapaswi kuziogopa.Muslims who talk about faith with Christians often raise the same questions. Some of these questions come from sincere study. Others come from pamphlets, sermons or videos made for dawah. Dawah is an Arabic word meaning "invitation"; it is the Islamic work of calling people to Islam. Many Muslims have heard these arguments since childhood and believe them honestly. A pastor should not be surprised by them, and he should not be afraid of them.

Katika sehemu zilizopita tulijifunza kuhusu uungu wa Yesu, Utatu, msalaba, ufufuo, na kutegemewa kwa Biblia. Sehemu hii inakusanya pingamizi sita ambazo Wakristo barani Afrika, Amerika ya Kusini na kwingineko huzisikia tena na tena. Kwa kila pingamizi tutaanza kwa kulieleza kwa haki, kama Mwislamu mwenye busara angelieleza. Kisha tutatoa jibu lililo wazi na la kibiblia.In earlier units we studied the deity of Jesus, the Trinity, the cross, the resurrection, and the reliability of the Bible. This unit gathers six objections that Christians in Africa, Latin America and elsewhere hear again and again. For each one we will first state the objection fairly, as a thoughtful Muslim would state it. Then we will give a clear and biblical answer.

Kabla hatujaangalia pingamizi hizo, tunahitaji njia. Jibu zuri lililotolewa kwa roho ya kiburi au hasira litaufunga moyo. Jibu rahisi lililotolewa kwa subira na heshima linaweza kuufungua. Wakolosai 4:6 inataka maneno "kwa neema, yaliyotiwa munyu." Neema maana yake ni wema. Munyu maana yake ni kwamba maneno yetu yana maudhui halisi na kweli ndani yake.Before we look at the objections, we need a method. A good answer given in a proud or angry spirit will close a heart. A simple answer given with patience and respect can open one. Colossians 4:6 asks for speech "with grace, seasoned with salt." Grace means kindness. Salt means that our words have real content and real truth in them.

Njia Rahisi kwa MazungumzoA Simple Method for Conversations

Hii ni njia unayoweza kuitumia kwa karibu kila pingamizi. Ina hatua tano.Here is a method you can use with almost any objection. It has five steps.

• Sikiliza. Mwache rafiki yako amalize. Usimkatize wala usitayarishe jibu lako wakati bado anaongea.• Listen. Let your friend finish. Do not interrupt or prepare your reply while he is still speaking.

• Uliza swali. Uliza, "Unamaanisha nini kwa hilo?" au "Umejifunza wapi jambo hili?" Maswali yanaonyesha heshima, na yanakusaidia kuelewa hoja halisi.• Ask a question. Ask, "What do you mean by that?" or "Where did you learn this?" Questions show respect, and they help you understand the real concern.

• Fafanua. Mara nyingi pingamizi hushambulia jambo ambalo Wakristo hawaliamini. Sema kwa upole Biblia inafundisha nini hasa.• Clarify. Often the objection attacks something Christians do not believe. Say kindly what the Bible actually teaches.

• Jibu. Toa ushahidi kutoka Maandiko na historia. Uwe mfupi. Hoja moja yenye nguvu ni bora kuliko kumi dhaifu.• Answer. Give the evidence from Scripture and history. Keep it short. One strong point is better than ten weak ones.

• Rudi kwa Yesu. Kila pingamizi ni nafasi ya kuzungumza kuhusu Yesu ni nani na amefanya nini. Mwalike rafiki yako asome Injili pamoja nawe.• Return to Jesus. Every objection is a chance to talk about who Jesus is and what He has done. Invite your friend to read a Gospel with you.

Pia ni haki kusema, "Sijui, lakini nitasoma na kukujibu baadaye." Unyofu hujenga uaminifu. Hakuna mchungaji anayejua kila kitu, na rafiki yako atakuheshimu zaidi usipojifanya kuwa unajua.It is also right to say, "I do not know, but I will study and come back to you." Honesty builds trust. No pastor knows everything, and your friend will respect you more if you do not pretend.

Anza na Nabii Tunayemkubali SoteBegin with the Prophet We Both Acknowledge

Dr. Cook huwafundisha wachungaji kuanza kwa swali rahisi: "Ikiwa unaamini kwamba Yesu alikuwa nabii aliyetumwa na Mungu, je, hatupaswi kusikiliza yale aliyosema?" Huu ni mwito wa heshima kwa jambo ambalo Waislamu tayari wanaliheshimu, kwa sababu wanamheshimu Yesu kama nabii. Nabii wa kweli husema kwa niaba ya Mungu. Ikiwa tunakubaliana kwamba Yesu alikuwa nabii wa Mungu, tuna sababu ya kusikiliza kwa makini yale aliyofundisha hasa. Swali linalofuata ni jinsi maneno yake yalivyohifadhiwa kwa uaminifu. Kwanza uliza kama rafiki yako anakubali kwamba maneno ya nabii wa kweli yanastahili kusikilizwa. Kisha mwalike asome pamoja nawe yale ambayo Injili zinaripoti kwamba Yesu alisema. Sasa mazungumzo yanamhusu Yesu, si kushinda ugomvi.Dr. Cook teaches pastors to open with a simple question: "If you believe Jesus was a prophet sent by God, shouldn't we listen to what He said?" This is a respectful appeal to something Muslims already honour, because they honour Jesus as a prophet. A true prophet speaks on God's behalf. If we agree that Jesus was God's prophet, we have a reason to listen carefully to what He actually taught. The next question is how reliably His words were preserved. First ask whether your friend agrees that a true prophet's words deserve attention. Then invite him to read with you what the Gospels report Jesus saying. Now the conversation is about Jesus, not about winning a quarrel.

Mwislamu mwenye busara anaweza kujibu, "Ndiyo, lakini Injili hizi si Injili halisi ya asili." (Injili ni Injili ambayo Kurani inasema Mungu alimpa Yesu.) Usiepuke hoja hii. Sema, "Hilo ni swali la haki kuhusu historia. Je, tunaweza kuangalia pamoja ushahidi wa vitabu hivi?" Sehemu ya 8 na ya 9 zinatoa sababu zinazowafanya Wakristo kuziamini Injili. Njia hii inafanya kazi tu tukisikia pingamizi na kulijibu, badala ya kujifanya halipo.A thoughtful Muslim may reply, "Yes, but these Gospels are not the original Injil." (The Injil is the Gospel that the Qur'an says God gave to Jesus.) Do not avoid this point. Say, "That is a fair question about history. Could we look at the evidence for these books together?" Units 8 and 9 give the reasons Christians trust the Gospels. This approach only works if we hear the objection and answer it, instead of pretending it is not there.

Kisha geukia yale ambayo Yesu mwenyewe alidai. Pingamizi zilizo hapa chini zinamwonyesha akisamehe dhambi, akitumia jina la Mungu na akisema juu ya umoja wake na Baba. Kifungu kimoja kinastahili uangalifu maalum. Yesu aliwauliza wanafunzi wake, "Nanyi mwasema mimi ni nani?" (Mathayo 16:15, SUV). Simoni Petro akajibu, "Wewe ndiwe Kristo, Mwana wa Mungu aliye hai" (Mathayo 16:16). Yesu hakumsahihisha. Alimwita mbarikiwa na kusema kwamba ukweli huu alifunuliwa na "Baba yangu aliye mbinguni" (Mathayo 16:17). Kuwa sahihi kuhusu nani alisema nini: Petro ndiye aliyetoa kuungama, na Yesu alikubali kuwa ni ufunuo kutoka kwa Mungu.Then turn to what Jesus Himself claimed. The objections below show Him forgiving sins, using the divine name and speaking of His oneness with the Father. One passage deserves special care. Jesus asked His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15, NKJV). Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus did not correct him. He called Peter blessed and said that this truth had been revealed to him by "My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). Be exact about who said what: Peter spoke the confession, and Jesus approved it as a revelation from God.

Usimalize mazungumzo kwa kauli mbiu. Someni pamoja kifungu kimoja kizima, na uliza wasikilizaji wa kwanza wangeelewa nini. Kisha mwulize rafiki yako kwa upole swali lile lile la kibinafsi alilowauliza Yesu wanafunzi wake: yeye mwenyewe anasema Yesu ni nani? Huo ni utetezi mzuri wa imani na huduma nzuri ya kichungaji.Do not end the conversation with a slogan. Read one whole passage together, and ask what its first hearers would have understood. Then gently ask your friend the same personal question Jesus asked His disciples: who does he say Jesus is? That is good apologetics and good pastoral care.

Pingamizi la 1: "Yesu Hakuwahi Kusema, 'Mimi Ni Mungu'"Objection 1: "Jesus Never Said, 'I Am God'"

Pingamizi hilo ni hivi. "Nionyeshe aya moja ambamo Yesu anasema, 'Mimi ni Mungu, niabuduni.' Huwezi, kwa sababu Yesu hakuwahi kusema hivyo. Alikuwa nabii, mtumishi wa Mungu, kama manabii wengine." Kurani inamwonyesha Yesu kuwa mjumbe na inakana kwamba yeye ni Mungu. Kurani 5:75 inasema, kwa maneno ya Pickthall, kwamba Masihi, mwana wa Maryamu, "hakuwa chochote ila mjumbe."The objection goes like this. "Show me one verse where Jesus says, 'I am God, worship me.' You cannot, because Jesus never said it. He was a prophet, a servant of God, like the other prophets." The Qur'an presents Jesus as a messenger and denies that He is divine. Qur'an 5:75 says, in Pickthall's words, that the Messiah, son of Mary, "was no other than a messenger."

Jibu zuri la kwanza ni swali. "Kama Yesu hakusema maneno hayo hasa, lakini alisema na kutenda mambo ambayo Mungu peke yake anaweza kusema na kutenda, hilo lingeonyesha nini?" Watu mara nyingi hujidhihirisha kwa yale wanayodai na wanayotenda, si kwa sentensi moja tu. Injili zinaonyesha Yesu akitoa madai mengi ya aina hiyo.A good first response is a question. "If Jesus did not say those exact words, but He said and did things that only God can say and do, what would that show?" People often reveal who they are by what they claim and what they do, not only by a single sentence. The Gospels show Jesus making many such claims.

Yale Yesu Aliyosema na KutendaWhat Jesus Said and Did

• Alisamehe dhambi. Katika Marko 2:5-10 Yesu alimwambia mtu aliyepooza kwamba dhambi zake zimesamehewa. Waalimu wa dini wakauliza, "Ni nani awezaye kusamehe dhambi, ila Mungu peke yake?" (Marko 2:7). Yesu hakuwasahihisha. Alimponya mtu huyo ili kuthibitisha kwamba ana mamlaka ya kusamehe.• He forgave sins. In Mark 2:5-10 Jesus told a paralyzed man that his sins were forgiven. The religious teachers asked, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2:7). Jesus did not correct them. He healed the man to prove that He had authority to forgive.

• Alidai jina la Mungu. Katika Yohana 8:58 Yesu alisema, "Kabla Ibrahimu hajakuwapo, Mimi nipo." Wasikilizaji walielewa kwamba anatumia jina ambalo Mungu alimfunulia Musa katika Kutoka 3:14, wakaokota mawe wamuue kwa kufuru.• He claimed the divine name. In John 8:58 Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." The listeners understood Him to be using the name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, and they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy.

• Alidai kiti cha enzi cha mbinguni. Kuhani mkuu alipomuuliza kama yeye ni Kristo, Mwana wa Mbarikiwa, Yesu alisema, "Mimi ndiye," akanena juu ya Mwana wa Adamu "akija na mawingu ya mbinguni" (Marko 14:62). Hili linaelekeza kwenye Danieli 7:13-14, ambapo mmoja aliye kama Mwana wa Adamu anapokea ufalme na kutumikiwa na watu wa mataifa yote. Kuhani mkuu alirarua mavazi yake na kuliita kufuru.• He claimed the throne of heaven. When the high priest asked if He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, Jesus said, "I am," and spoke of the Son of Man "coming with the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). This points to Daniel 7:13-14, where one like a Son of Man receives a kingdom and is served by all peoples. The high priest tore his clothes and called it blasphemy.

• Alikubali ibada. Tomaso alipomwona Yesu aliyefufuka, alisema, "Bwana wangu na Mungu wangu!" (Yohana 20:28). Yesu hakumkemea. Badala yake aliwabariki wale watakaoamini.• He accepted worship. When Thomas saw the risen Jesus, he said, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus did not rebuke him. Instead He blessed those who would believe.

• Alidai umoja na Baba. "Mimi na Baba tu umoja" (Yohana 10:30). Tena wasikilizaji wake wakaokota mawe, wakisema kwamba yeye, akiwa mwanadamu, anajifanya Mungu (Yohana 10:33).• He claimed unity with the Father. "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). Again His listeners took up stones, saying that He, being a man, made Himself God (John 10:33).

Qureshi alisema kwamba Injili ya Marko, ambayo Waislamu wengi hudhani inamwonyesha Yesu aliye mwanadamu tu, tayari inamwonyesha Yesu akidai kuwa Mwana wa Adamu wa kimungu wa Danieli 7. Hili ni muhimu, kwa sababu Marko mara nyingi huonekana kuwa Injili ya kwanza kabisa. Dai la uungu si nyongeza ya baadaye. Liko katika safu ya mwanzo kabisa ya kumbukumbu.Qureshi argued that the Gospel of Mark, which many Muslims think presents only a human Jesus, already shows Jesus claiming to be the divine Son of Man of Daniel 7. This is important, because Mark is often thought to be the earliest Gospel. The claim to deity is not a late addition. It is in the earliest layer of the record.

Kwa hiyo jibu la kweli ni hili. Yesu hakuhitaji kutumia msemo mmoja maalum. Adui zake walielewa madai yake waziwazi kabisa. Walimshtaki kwa kufuru hasa kwa sababu alisema na kutenda kama Mungu.So the honest answer is this. Jesus did not need to use one particular phrase. His enemies understood His claims very clearly. They accused Him of blasphemy precisely because He spoke and acted as God.

Pingamizi la 2: "Paulo Alivumbua Ukristo"Objection 2: "Paul Invented Christianity"

Waislamu wengi husema kwamba Yesu alifundisha imani safi ya Mungu mmoja na utii kwa sheria, lakini Paulo, ambaye hakutembea na Yesu wakati wa huduma yake, alibadilisha ujumbe. Kwa mtazamo huu, Paulo alivumbua mawazo ya uungu wa Kristo, msalaba kama dhabihu kwa ajili ya dhambi, na wokovu kwa neema. Waislamu wengine pia husema kwamba Barnaba ndiye aliyekuwa mfuasi wa kweli wa Yesu na kwamba Paulo alijitenga naye.Many Muslims say that Jesus taught pure monotheism and obedience to the law, but that Paul, who never walked with Jesus during His ministry, changed the message. According to this view, Paul invented the ideas of the deity of Christ, the cross as a sacrifice for sin, and salvation by grace. Some Muslims also say that Barnabas was the true follower of Jesus and that Paul broke away from him.

Kujibu Shtaka HiloAnswering the Charge

Kwanza, Paulo mwenyewe anasema kwamba hakuvumbua ujumbe wake. Katika 1 Wakorintho 15:3 anaandika, "Maana nalitoa kwenu, kwanza, yale yale niliyoyapokea mimi, ya kwamba Kristo alikufa kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu, sawasawa na maandiko." Alikuwa anapitisha yale yaliyokwisha fundishwa kabla yake. Wasomi wa mitazamo mbalimbali wanakubali kwamba kanuni hii ya imani ni ya zamani sana, ya miaka michache tu baada ya kusulubiwa.First, Paul himself says he did not invent his message. In 1 Corinthians 15:3 he writes, "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." He was passing on what was already taught before him. Scholars of many views agree that this creed is very early, from within a few years of the crucifixion.

Pili, mitume wengine walimkubali Paulo. Katika Wagalatia 2:9 Paulo anasema kwamba Yakobo, Kefa na Yohana "walinipa mimi na Barnaba mkono wa kuume wa ushirika." Angalia kwamba Barnaba alisimama na Paulo katika jambo hili. Katika 2 Petro 3:15-16 Petro anamwita Paulo "ndugu yetu mpenzi" na anaweka nyaraka zake pamoja na "maandiko mengine." Kama Paulo angeibadilisha imani, viongozi waliotembea na Yesu wangempinga. Badala yake walimkaribisha.Second, the other apostles accepted Paul. In Galatians 2:9 Paul says that James, Peter and John "gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship." Notice that Barnabas stood with Paul in this. In 2 Peter 3:15-16 Peter calls Paul "our beloved brother" and places his letters with "the rest of the Scriptures." If Paul had changed the faith, the leaders who had walked with Jesus would have opposed him. Instead they welcomed him.

Tatu, Injili zinafundisha Yesu yule yule ambaye Paulo alimhubiri, na Paulo hakuandika Injili. Marko anaandika kwamba Yesu alisema alikuja "kutoa roho yake iwe fidia ya wengi" (Marko 10:45). Mathayo, Marko, Luka na Yohana wote wanamwonyesha Yesu akisamehe dhambi, akifa, na akifufuka. Uungu wa Kristo na kifo chake cha kuokoa vinapatikana katika vyanzo visivyomtegemea Paulo.Third, the Gospels teach the same Jesus that Paul preached, and Paul did not write the Gospels. Mark records Jesus saying that He came "to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all present Jesus as forgiving sins, dying, and rising again. The deity of Christ and His saving death are found in sources that are independent of Paul.

Nne, baadhi ya Waislamu hutaja kitabu kiitwacho Injili ya Barnaba, kinachokubaliana na Uislamu na kusema kwamba Yuda alisulubiwa badala ya Yesu. Lakini hii si Injili ya kale. Nakala zake za zamani zaidi zinazojulikana ziko katika Kiitaliano na Kihispania, za karne ya kumi na sita hivi au baadaye, karne nyingi baada ya Yesu na hata baada ya Muhammad. Wasomi wengi Waislamu pia hawakitegemei. Hakiwezi kutuambia wafuasi wa kwanza wa Yesu waliamini nini.Fourth, some Muslims point to a book called the Gospel of Barnabas, which agrees with Islam and says that Judas was crucified in place of Jesus. But this is not an ancient Gospel. Its oldest known copies are in Italian and Spanish, from about the sixteenth century or later, many centuries after Jesus and even after Muhammad. Many Muslim scholars also do not rely on it. It cannot tell us what the first followers of Jesus believed.

Mwishowe, rafiki yako anaweza kupendezwa kujua kwamba Kurani yenyewe inawasifu wanafunzi wa Yesu. Kurani 3:52 na 61:14 inawaonyesha kuwa wasaidizi wa Mungu. Kurani 61:14 inaongeza, kwa muhtasari, kwamba Mungu aliwatia nguvu waumini dhidi ya adui zao hata wakashinda. Mkristo anaweza kuuliza kwa upole, "Kama wafuasi wa kweli wa Yesu walisaidiwa na Mungu na kushinda, kwa nini ujumbe wao upotee haraka hivyo kwa sababu ya Paulo?"Finally, a friend may be interested to know that the Qur'an itself praises the disciples of Jesus. Qur'an 3:52 and 61:14 present them as helpers of God. Qur'an 61:14 adds, in summary, that God strengthened the believers against their enemies so that they prevailed. A Christian may gently ask, "If the true followers of Jesus were helped by God and prevailed, why would their message be lost so quickly to Paul?"

Pingamizi la 3: "Muhammad Ametabiriwa katika Biblia"Objection 3: "Muhammad Is Foretold in the Bible"

Kurani inasema kwamba mjumbe, nabii asiyejua kusoma, anaelezwa katika Taurati na Injili walizo nazo Wayahudi na Wakristo (Kurani 7:157). Katika Kurani 61:6, Yesu anatangaza mjumbe atakayekuja baada yake "ambaye jina lake ni Aliyesifiwa," ambalo kwa Kiarabu ni Ahmad, jina linalohusiana na Muhammad. Kwa hiyo walimu Waislamu hutafuta katika Biblia unabii kuhusu Muhammad. Vifungu viwili hutumiwa mara nyingi zaidi.The Qur'an says that the messenger, the unlettered prophet, is described in the Torah and the Gospel that the Jews and Christians have (Qur'an 7:157). In Qur'an 61:6, Jesus announces a messenger coming after him "whose name is the Praised One," which in Arabic is Ahmad, a name related to Muhammad. So Muslim teachers search the Bible for prophecies of Muhammad. Two passages are used most often.

Kumbukumbu la Torati 18:18Deuteronomy 18:18

Mungu alimwambia Musa, "Nitawainulia nabii kama wewe, atokaye kati ya ndugu zao; nami nitatia maneno yangu kinywani mwake" (Kumbukumbu la Torati 18:18). Walimu Waislamu, akiwemo Ahmed Deedat katika vijitabu na mijadala yake maarufu, walihoji kwamba "ndugu zao" maana yake ni ndugu za Israeli, yaani wazao wa Ishmaeli, Waarabu. Walihoji pia kwamba Muhammad alifanana na Musa kwa sababu wote wawili walioa, waliongoza mataifa, walitoa sheria, na walikufa kifo cha kawaida.God told Moses, "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth" (Deuteronomy 18:18). Muslim teachers, including Ahmed Deedat in his well-known booklets and debates, argued that "their brethren" means the brothers of Israel, that is, the descendants of Ishmael, the Arabs. They also argued that Muhammad was like Moses because both married, both led nations, gave laws, and died naturally.

Muktadha unatoa jibu tofauti. Aya tatu kabla yake, Musa anasema Nabii atakuja "kati yako, katika ndugu zako" (Kumbukumbu la Torati 18:15). Anasema na Israeli. Katika Kumbukumbu la Torati 17:15, usemi huo huo unatumiwa kwa mfalme wa Israeli, ambaye lazima achaguliwe "kutoka kati ya ndugu zako," yaani Mwisraeli mwenzao na si mgeni. Kwa hiyo "ndugu" katika kitabu hiki maana yake ni Waisraeli wenzao.The context gives a different answer. Three verses earlier, Moses says the Prophet will come "from your midst, from your brethren" (Deuteronomy 18:15). He is speaking to Israel. In Deuteronomy 17:15, the same expression is used of the king of Israel, who must be chosen "from among your brethren," meaning a fellow Israelite and not a foreigner. So "brethren" in this book means fellow Israelites.

Mwisho wa Kumbukumbu la Torati pia unatuambia mfanano muhimu na Musa ni upi. Kumbukumbu la Torati 34:10-12 inasema hakuna nabii aliyetokea katika Israeli kama Musa, "ambaye BWANA alimjua uso kwa uso," pamoja na ishara na maajabu. Yesu alimjua Baba uso kwa uso (Yohana 1:18), alitenda ishara nyingi, na akaleta agano jipya kama Musa alivyoleta la kale. Mtume Petro alitumia Kumbukumbu la Torati 18 moja kwa moja kwa Yesu (Matendo 3:22-26). Kanisa la kwanza halikulazimika kubahatisha huyo Nabii ni nani.The end of Deuteronomy also tells us what the key likeness to Moses is. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 says no prophet arose in Israel like Moses, "whom the LORD knew face to face," with signs and wonders. Jesus knew the Father face to face (John 1:18), worked many signs, and brought a new covenant as Moses brought the old. The apostle Peter applied Deuteronomy 18 directly to Jesus (Acts 3:22-26). The early church did not have to guess who the Prophet was.

Msaidizi katika Yohana 14-16The Paraclete in John 14–16

Katika Yohana 14-16 Yesu aliahidi kutuma "Msaidizi mwingine." Neno la Kigiriki ni parakletos, lenye maana ya msaidizi, mfariji au wakili. Waandishi wengine Waislamu wanasema hili linamrejelea Muhammad. Wachache wanadai kwamba neno la asili lilikuwa periklytos, lenye maana ya "aliyesifiwa," ambalo lingelingana na jina Ahmad.In John 14–16 Jesus promised to send "another Helper." The Greek word is parakletos, which means a helper, comforter or advocate. Some Muslim writers say this refers to Muhammad. A few claim the original word was periklytos, meaning "praised one," which would match the name Ahmad.

Maandiko yenyewe yanajibu dai hili. Hakuna hati ya Kigiriki ya Yohana inayojulikana inayosoma periklytos. Hati zote zinasoma parakletos. Muhimu zaidi, Yesu anatuambia waziwazi Msaidizi ni nani. Ni "Roho wa kweli," na Yesu aliwaambia wanafunzi wake, "anakaa kwenu, naye atakuwa ndani yenu" (Yohana 14:17). Katika Yohana 14:26 Yesu anamwita "Roho Mtakatifu, ambaye Baba atamtuma kwa jina langu." Msaidizi angekuwa pamoja na wanafunzi milele (Yohana 14:16), angeishi ndani yao, na angekuja karibuni. Katika Matendo 1:5 Yesu alisema watabatizwa kwa Roho Mtakatifu "baada ya siku chache," na katika Matendo 2 Roho alishuka siku ya Pentekoste.The text itself answers this claim. There is no known Greek manuscript of John that reads periklytos. The manuscripts read parakletos. More importantly, Jesus tells us plainly who the Helper is. He is "the Spirit of truth," and Jesus told His disciples, "He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). In John 14:26 Jesus calls Him "the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name." The Helper would be with the disciples forever (John 14:16), would live inside them, and would come soon. In Acts 1:5 Jesus said they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit "not many days from now," and in Acts 2 the Spirit came at Pentecost.

Muhammad alizaliwa karibu miaka mia tano baada ya wanafunzi hao kufa. Hakuweza kuishi ndani yao. Pia alikuwa mtu wa mwili, si roho. Ahadi ya Msaidizi ilitimizwa siku ya Pentekoste, na bado inatimizwa ndani ya kila muumini leo.Muhammad was born about five hundred years after these disciples died. He could not live inside them. He was also a man of flesh, not a spirit. The promise of the Paraclete was fulfilled at Pentecost, and it is still fulfilled in every believer today.

Pingamizi la 4: "Biblia Inajipinga Yenyewe"Objection 4: "The Bible Contradicts Itself"

Waislamu wengine hukusanya orodha za mikinzano inayodhaniwa kuwa ya Biblia. Wanasema kwamba kitabu kutoka kwa Mungu kisingekuwa na mikinzano, kwa hiyo Biblia lazima ilibadilishwa. Pingamizi hili linahusiana na shtaka la tahrifu, dai kwamba Biblia imeharibiwa, tulilolisoma katika Sehemu ya 8.Some Muslims gather lists of supposed contradictions in the Bible. They say that a book from God would have no contradictions, so the Bible must have been changed. This objection is linked to the charge of tahrif, the claim that the Bible has been corrupted, which we studied in Unit 8.

Tofauti Si MkinzanoA Difference Is Not a Contradiction

Anza kwa kueleza mkinzano ni nini hasa. Kauli mbili zinakinzana tu kama zote haziwezi kuwa kweli kwa wakati mmoja na kwa maana ileile. "Mikinzano" mingi ni tofauti tu za maelezo, au njia mbalimbali za kusimulia tukio lilelile.Begin by explaining what a contradiction really is. Two statements contradict each other only if both cannot be true at the same time and in the same sense. Many "contradictions" are simply differences in detail, or different ways of telling the same event.

• Malaika kaburini. Mathayo 28:2-5 inamtaja malaika mmoja akisema. Luka 24:4 inataja watu wawili waliovaa mavazi yanayong'aa. Kama walikuwa wawili, bila shaka mmoja alikuwepo. Mathayo anamtaja tu yule aliyesema.• The angels at the tomb. Matthew 28:2-5 mentions one angel speaking. Luke 24:4 mentions two men in shining clothes. If there were two, there was certainly one. Matthew simply mentions the one who spoke.

• Kifo cha Yuda. Mathayo 27:5 inasema Yuda alijinyonga. Matendo 1:18 inasema alianguka kichwa chini na tumbo lake likapasuka. Yote mawili yanaweza kuwa kweli. Mwili uliotundikwa kwa muda unaweza kuanguka. Mwandishi mmoja anasimulia alivyokufa; mwingine anasimulia kilichotokea kwa mwili.• The death of Judas. Matthew 27:5 says Judas hanged himself. Acts 1:18 says he fell headlong and burst open. Both can be true. A body hanging for some time may fall. One writer tells how he died; the other tells what happened to the body.

• Idadi katika Samweli, Wafalme na Mambo ya Nyakati. Katika sehemu chache, idadi iliyo katika kitabu kimoja hutofautiana na ile ile katika kitabu kingine. Kwa mfano, 2 Samweli 10:18 inataja magari ya vita mia saba, na 1 Mambo ya Nyakati 19:18 elfu saba. Idadi ilikuwa rahisi kukosea wakati wa kunakili kwa mkono. Uchunguzi wa maandishi mara nyingi unaweza kueleza tofauti hizi. Hakuna hata moja inayobadilisha fundisho lolote kuhusu Mungu, dhambi au wokovu.• Numbers in Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. In a few places, a number in one book differs from the same number in another. For example, 2 Samuel 10:18 speaks of seven hundred chariots, and 1 Chronicles 19:18 of seven thousand. Numbers were easy to miscopy by hand. Textual study can often explain these differences. None of them changes any teaching about God, sin or salvation.

Mashahidi huru daima husimulia hadithi kwa maelezo tofauti. Kama mashahidi wanne mahakamani wangetumia maneno yaleyale kabisa, hakimu angeshuku kwamba walikubaliana juu ya hadithi ya uongo. Tofauti zilizo katika Injili ni alama ya ushuhuda wa kweli, si ya uharibifu.Independent witnesses always tell a story with different details. If four witnesses in a court used exactly the same words, the judge would suspect that they had agreed on a false story. The variety in the Gospels is a mark of honest testimony, not of corruption.

Pia ni haki, na inaweza kufanywa kwa upole, kusema kwamba wasomi Waislamu hutumia kanuni zilezile wanapoeleza tofauti ndani ya mapokeo yao wenyewe. Husoma kwa uangalifu, hutazama muktadha, na huuliza jinsi kauli mbili zinavyolingana. Tunaomba tu Biblia isomwe kwa haki ileile.It is also fair, and can be done gently, to note that Muslim scholars use the same principles when they explain differences within their own traditions. They read carefully, consider context, and ask how two statements fit together. We ask only that the Bible be read with the same fairness.

Pingamizi la 5: "Mungu Hawezi Kuwa na Mwana"Objection 5: "God Cannot Have a Son"

Pingamizi hili liko ndani sana ya moyo wa Mwislamu. Kurani 112 inasema, kwa maneno ya Pickthall, kwamba Allah "hazai wala hakuzaliwa." Kurani 6:101 inauliza Mungu angewezaje kuwa na mtoto wakati hana mke. Kwa Waislamu wengi, kumwita Yesu "Mwana wa Mungu" kunasikika kana kwamba Mungu alikuwa na uhusiano wa kimwili na mwanamke. Hili lingekuwa la kutisha na la kukosea heshima kwa muumini yeyote.This objection is very deep in the Muslim heart. Qur'an 112 says, in Pickthall's words, that Allah "begetteth not nor was begotten." Qur'an 6:101 asks how God could have a child when He has no consort, that is, no wife. To many Muslims, calling Jesus "Son of God" sounds as if God had a physical relationship with a woman. This would be shocking and offensive to any believer.

Yale Wakristo Wanayomaanisha na WasiyomaanishaWhat Christians Do and Do Not Mean

Hatua ya kwanza ni kufafanua. Wakristo wanakubali kabisa kwamba Mungu hakuchukua mke na hakuzaa mtoto kwa njia ya kimwili. Kama hilo ndilo ambalo Kurani inalikana, Wakristo nao wanalikana. Biblia haifundishi jambo kama hilo kamwe.The first step is to clarify. Christians agree completely that God did not take a wife and did not produce a child in a physical way. If that is what the Qur'an denies, Christians deny it too. The Bible never teaches such a thing.

"Mwana" katika Biblia anaeleza uhusiano na asili moja, si kuzaliwa kimwili. Hata katika Kiarabu, "mwana" inaweza kutumiwa bila maana ya kimwili. Kurani inatumia usemi ibn al-sabil, "mwana wa njia," kwa msafiri (kwa mfano, Kurani 2:177). Hakuna anayefikiri kwamba njia ilimzaa. Kwa njia hiyohiyo, jina "Mwana wa Mungu" linatuambia kwamba Yesu ana asili ileile ya Baba na ana uhusiano wa milele wa upendo naye. Wakati wa ubatizo wake Baba alisema, "Huyu ndiye Mwanangu, mpendwa wangu, ninayependezwa naye" (Mathayo 3:17)."Son" in the Bible describes a relationship and a shared nature, not biology. Even in Arabic, "son" can be used without a physical meaning. The Qur'an uses the phrase ibn al-sabil, "son of the road," for a traveller (for example, Qur'an 2:177). No one thinks the road gave birth to him. In the same way, the title "Son of God" tells us that Jesus shares the Father's nature and has an eternal relationship of love with Him. At His baptism the Father said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).

Mwana hakuanza kuwepo Bethlehemu. Yohana 1:1 inasema kwamba Neno alikuwa kwa Mungu na alikuwa Mungu, na Yohana 1:14 inasema kwamba Neno alifanyika mwili. Inafurahisha kwamba Kurani pia inamwita Yesu "neno" litokalo kwa Mungu (Kurani 4:171). Mkristo anaweza kuuliza, "Je, Mungu aliwahi kukosa neno lake?" Neno la Mungu ni la milele, na hivyo Mwana ni wa milele. Wakristo hawaongezi mungu wa pili kwa Mungu mmoja. Kama tulivyoona katika Sehemu ya 5, kuna Mungu mmoja katika Nafsi tatu, Baba, Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu.The Son did not begin to exist at Bethlehem. John 1:1 says that the Word was with God and was God, and John 1:14 says that the Word became flesh. Interestingly, the Qur'an also calls Jesus "a word" from God (Qur'an 4:171). A Christian may ask, "Was God ever without His word?" God's Word is eternal, and so the Son is eternal. Christians do not add a second god to the one God. As we saw in Unit 5, there is one God in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pingamizi la 6: "Mungu Anasamehe Bila Dhabihu"Objection 6: "God Forgives Without a Sacrifice"

Uislamu unafundisha kwamba Mungu ni mwenye rehema na husamehe amtakaye. Waislamu mara nyingi huuliza, "Kwa nini Mungu aitaji damu ili kusamehe? Nikimsamehe ndugu yangu, simwombi mtu yeyote afe. Na ni dhuluma kumwadhibu mtu asiye na hatia kwa dhambi za wengine." Kurani inafundisha kwamba hakuna nafsi itakayebeba mzigo wa nyingine (Kurani 6:164).Islam teaches that God is merciful and forgives whom He wills. Muslims often ask, "Why would God need blood to forgive? If I forgive my brother, I do not ask anyone to die. And it is unjust to punish an innocent man for the sins of others." The Qur'an teaches that no soul will carry the burden of another (Qur'an 6:164).

Rehema na Haki PamojaMercy and Justice Together

Wakristo wanakubali kwamba Mungu ni mwenye rehema. Swali ni jinsi Mungu mtakatifu anavyoweza kuwa mwenye rehema na mwenye haki kwa pamoja. Fikiria hakimu ambaye mwanawe mwenyewe analetwa mbele yake, ana hatia ya kosa kubwa. Kama hakimu akimwachilia tu kwa sababu anampenda, huyo si hakimu mwema. Haki inadai adhabu ilipwe. Katika injili, Mungu haipuuzi haki. Anaitimiza Yeye mwenyewe.Christians agree that God is merciful. The question is how a holy God can be both merciful and just. Imagine a judge whose own son is brought before him, guilty of a serious crime. If the judge simply lets him go because he loves him, he is not a good judge. Justice requires that the penalty be paid. In the gospel, God does not ignore justice. He satisfies it Himself.

Waebrania 9:22 inasema, "pasipo kumwagika damu hakuna msamaha." Warumi 3:26 inasema kwamba Mungu alifanya hivi "ili Yeye awe mwenye haki, na mwenye kumhesabia haki yeye aliye na imani ya Yesu." Msalaba si mtu wa tatu anayeadhibiwa kinyume cha mapenzi yake. Yesu ni Mungu Mwana, aliyejitoa kwa hiari (Yohana 10:18). Hakimu mwenyewe alilipa deni.Hebrews 9:22 says, "without shedding of blood there is no remission." Romans 3:26 says that God did this "that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." The cross is not a third party punished against his will. Jesus is God the Son, who gave Himself freely (John 10:18). The Judge Himself paid the debt.

Kurani pia ina picha ya mbadala. Katika hadithi ya mwana wa Ibrahimu, Kurani 37:107 inasema kwamba Mungu alimkomboa kwa dhabihu kuu. Waislamu duniani kote wanalikumbuka hili kila mwaka katika sikukuu ya Eid al-Adha, wanapochinja wanyama. Mkristo anaweza kuuliza kwa upole, "Kwa nini Mungu alitoa fidia kwa mwana wa Ibrahimu? Je, dhabihu hiyo inaweza kuelekeza kwenye dhabihu iliyo kuu zaidi?" Yohana Mbatizaji alimwita Yesu "Mwana-Kondoo wa Mungu aondoaye dhambi ya ulimwengu" (Yohana 1:29).The Qur'an also contains a picture of substitution. In the story of Abraham's son, Qur'an 37:107 says that God ransomed him with a great sacrifice. Muslims around the world remember this every year at the feast of Eid al-Adha, when animals are sacrificed. A Christian can kindly ask, "Why did God provide a ransom for Abraham's son? Could that sacrifice point to a greater one?" John the Baptist called Jesus "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

Mada hii pia inagusa moyo. Waislamu wengi wanasema hawawezi kujua kwa hakika kama Mungu atawasamehe siku ya Hukumu, kwa sababu hawajui kama matendo yao mema yatazidi yale mabaya. Injili inatoa uhakika. "Haya nimewaandikia ninyi mnaoamini jina la Mwana wa Mungu, mpate kujua ya kuwa mna uzima wa milele" (1 Yohana 5:13). Shiriki tumaini hili kwa upole. Ni habari njema, si hoja ya kushindana.This topic also touches the heart. Many Muslims say they cannot know for sure whether God will forgive them on the Day of Judgment, because they do not know whether their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. The gospel offers assurance. "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Share this hope gently. It is good news, not a debating point.

Hekima kwa MchungajiWisdom for the Pastor

Ushauri wa mwisho utawasaidia wachungaji kutumia majibu haya vizuri. Kwanza, usijaribu kushinda kila mjadala. Unaweza kushinda mjadala na kumpoteza rafiki. Lengo si ushindi bali mtu kumjua Kristo.Some final counsel will help pastors use these answers well. First, do not try to win every argument. You can win an argument and lose a friend. The goal is not victory but a person coming to know Christ.

Pili, kuwa na hekima kuhusu usalama. Katika sehemu fulani mjadala wa hadharani na Waislamu unaweza kuleta hasira au hatari. Mazungumzo ya faragha kati ya marafiki, nyumbani na wakati wa chakula, kwa kawaida ni ya hekima zaidi kuliko mashindano ya hadharani. Usimdhihaki kamwe Mtume wa Uislamu wala Kurani. Unaweza kutokubaliana kwa uthabiti huku ukionyesha heshima.Second, be wise about safety. In some places public debate with Muslims can cause anger or danger. Private conversations between friends, in homes and over meals, are usually wiser than public contests. Never mock the Prophet of Islam or the Qur'an. You can disagree firmly while showing respect.

Tatu, fundisha kanisa lako. Washiriki wa kanisa wanapojua majibu haya, hawatatikiswa watakaposikia pingamizi hizi kutoka kwa majirani, wafanyakazi wenzao au redioni. Pia watakuwa tayari kushiriki imani yao kwa ujasiri na upendo.Third, teach your congregation. When church members know these answers, they will not be shaken when they hear the objections from neighbours, co-workers or the radio. They will also be ready to share their faith with confidence and love.

Nne, ombea. Hadithi ya Qureshi inatukumbusha kwamba masomo, urafiki na maombi vilifanya kazi pamoja katika maisha yake. Hoja peke yake hazibadilishi mioyo. Roho Mtakatifu ndiye abadilishaye. Kazi yetu ni kusema kweli kwa neema na kumwachia Mungu matokeo.Fourth, pray. Qureshi's story reminds us that study, friendship and prayer worked together in his life. Arguments alone do not change hearts. The Holy Spirit does. Our task is to speak the truth with grace and leave the results to God.

MuhtasariSummary

Mazungumzo yenye matunda zaidi yanaweza kuanza kwa swali rahisi: kama Yesu alikuwa nabii wa kweli wa Mungu, je, hatupaswi kusikiliza yale aliyosema? Waislamu mara nyingi huuliza pingamizi zile zile dhidi ya imani ya Kikristo, na mchungaji anapaswa kuzijibu kwa neema na kweli. Sikiliza kwanza, uliza maswali, fafanua Wakristo wanaamini nini hasa, toa jibu fupi kutoka Maandiko na historia, kisha rudi kwa Yesu. Yesu alionyesha kuwa yeye ni Mungu kwa kusamehe dhambi, kudai jina la Mungu na kukubali ibada. Paulo alipitisha ujumbe aliopokea, na mitume walimkubali. Kumbukumbu la Torati 18 linaelekeza kwa Nabii Mwisraeli aliyetimizwa katika Yesu, na Msaidizi ni Roho Mtakatifu aliyekuja siku ya Pentekoste. Tofauti za maelezo si mikinzano. "Mwana wa Mungu" inasema juu ya uhusiano na asili, si kuzaliwa kimwili. Na msalabani Mungu ni mwenye haki na mwenye rehema, akitoa msamaha na uhakika kwa wote wanaoamini.The most fruitful conversation may begin with a simple question: if Jesus was a true prophet of God, should we not listen to what He said? Muslims often raise the same objections to the Christian faith, and a pastor should answer them with grace and truth. Listen first, ask questions, clarify what Christians really believe, give a short answer from Scripture and history, and return to Jesus. Jesus showed He was God by forgiving sins, claiming the divine name and accepting worship. Paul passed on a message he received, and the apostles accepted him. Deuteronomy 18 points to an Israelite Prophet fulfilled in Jesus, and the Paraclete is the Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost. Differences in detail are not contradictions. "Son of God" speaks of relationship and nature, not physical birth. And at the cross God is both just and merciful, offering forgiveness and assurance to all who believe.

Maswali ya KutafakariQuestions for Reflection

1. Ni pingamizi gani kati ya sita umezisikia mara nyingi zaidi katika jamii yako, na umewahi kuzijibu vipi huko nyuma?1. Which of the six objections have you heard most often in your community, and how have you answered it in the past?

2. Kwa nini kuuliza maswali mara nyingi kunasaidia zaidi kuliko kutoa jibu la haraka?2. Why is asking questions often more helpful than giving a quick reply?

3. Ungemweleza vipi rafiki yako Mwislamu, kwa maneno yako mwenyewe, Wakristo wanamaanisha nini kwa "Mwana wa Mungu"?3. How would you explain to a Muslim friend, in your own words, what Christians mean by "Son of God"?

4. Ni kifungu gani cha Injili ungekitumia kwanza kuonyesha kwamba Yesu alidai kuwa Mungu, na kwa nini?4. Which passage from the Gospels would you use first to show that Jesus claimed to be God, and why?

5. Unawezaje kuwaandaa washiriki wa kanisa lako kujibu pingamizi hizi kwa upole na heshima?5. How can you prepare the members of your church to answer these objections with gentleness and respect?

6. Andika mazungumzo mafupi yanayoanza, "Kama Yesu alikuwa nabii wa Mungu, je, hatupaswi kumsikiliza?", yakiwemo jibu la haki kwa pingamizi kwamba Injili zilibadilishwa.6. Write a short conversation that begins, "If Jesus was a prophet of God, shouldn't we listen to Him?", including a fair reply to the objection that the Gospels were changed.

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