Defending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Sehemu ya 12: Kuwahudumia Waislamu na Kuwatunza WaliogeukaDefending the Christian Faith in Conversation with Islam — Unit 12: Ministering to Muslims and Caring for Converts

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Mwenendeni kwa hekima kwa watu wa nje, mkiukomboa wakati. Maneno yenu yawe siku zote na neema, yakikolezwa kwa chumvi, mpate kujua jinsi iwapasavyo kumjibu kila mtu." (Wakolosai 4:5-6, SUV)"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:5-6, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

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

1. Kueleza kwa nini urafiki, ukarimu na subira ndivyo mazingira ya kawaida ya kushiriki injili na Waislamu.1. Explain why friendship, hospitality and patience are the normal setting for sharing the gospel with Muslims.

2. Kueleza njia za vitendo za kusoma Biblia pamoja na rafiki Mwislamu na kujibu maswali kwa upole.2. Describe practical ways to read the Bible together with a Muslim friend and to answer questions with gentleness.

3. Kutambua gharama na hatari ambazo Mwislamu anayemgeukia Kristo anaweza kukabili, na kuzijibu kwa busara.3. Identify the costs and dangers that a Muslim who turns to Christ may face, and respond wisely to them.

4. Kuweka mpango wa kuwafundisha wanafunzi wa Yesu, kuwalinda na kuwapokea waliogeuka katika maisha ya kanisa.4. Outline a plan for discipling, protecting and receiving converts into the life of the church.

5. Kuandaa mpango rahisi wa kulifundisha na kulijenga kanisa lako mwenyewe, ukitumia yale uliyojifunza katika kozi hii yote.5. Prepare a simple plan to equip your own congregation, using what you have learned in this whole course.

Kutoka kwa Majibu Hadi kwa WatuFrom Answers to People

Kwa sehemu kumi na moja tumesoma hoja. Tumeangalia asili ya Uislamu, Kurani na hadithi, utambulisho wa Yesu, Utatu, msalaba, ufufuo, madai kwamba Biblia imepotoshwa, kuaminika kwa Agano Jipya, pingamizi za kawaida, na hali halisi ya Uislamu barani Afrika. Yote haya yana umuhimu. Mchungaji lazima awe na uwezo wa "kutoa jibu" kwa tumaini lililo ndani yake (1 Petro 3:15). Lakini hoja si lengo. Lengo ni kwamba watu halisi, walioumbwa kwa mfano wa Mungu na wanaopendwa naye, wamjue Yesu Kristo kuwa Bwana na Mwokozi.For eleven units we have studied arguments. We have looked at the origins of Islam, the Qur'an and the hadith, the identity of Jesus, the Trinity, the cross, the resurrection, the claim that the Bible has been corrupted, the reliability of the New Testament, common objections, and the realities of Islam in Africa. All of this matters. A pastor must be able to "give a defense" for the hope that is in him (1 Peter 3:15). But arguments are not the goal. The goal is that real people, made in the image of God and loved by Him, come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Waislamu si miradi wala wapinzani. Ni majirani, wafanyakazi wenzetu, wanafunzi wenzetu, wauzaji dukani, na wakati mwingine wanafamilia wetu. Waislamu wengi wanaomwamini Kristo hawafanyi hivyo kwa sababu walishindwa katika mjadala mmoja. Wanamwamini kwa sababu Mkristo alimpenda, alimwombea, alifungua Maandiko pamoja naye, na akakaa naye kwa miezi au miaka. Ushahidi mzuri huondoa vikwazo; upendo na kazi ya Roho Mtakatifu hufungua moyo.Muslims are not projects or opponents. They are neighbours, coworkers, classmates, shopkeepers and sometimes members of our own families. Most Muslims who come to faith in Christ do not do so because they lost a single debate. They come because a Christian loved them, prayed for them, opened the Scriptures with them, and stayed with them over months or years. Sound evidence clears away obstacles; love and the work of the Holy Spirit open the heart.

Sehemu hii ya mwisho kwa hiyo ni ya vitendo. Inauliza maswali matatu. Tunawahudumiaje Waislamu katika maisha ya kila siku? Tunawatunzaje wale wanaomgeukia Kristo, mara nyingi kwa gharama kubwa? Na tunawezeshaje makanisa yetu ili huduma hii isimtegemee mchungaji peke yake?This final unit is therefore practical. It asks three questions. How do we minister to Muslims in daily life? How do we care for those who turn to Christ, often at great cost? And how do we equip our congregations so that this ministry does not rest on the pastor alone?

Utume Ni Kushawishi, Si KulazimishaThe Mission Is to Persuade, Not to Compel

Kazi yetu ya kwanza si kuushinda Uislamu kama wazo. Ni kutoa ushuhuda wa kweli juu ya Kristo mbele ya watu halisi. Yesu alifundisha, alijibu maswali, aliwapenda adui zake na akaiachia matokeo kwa Mungu. Aliwaambia wanafunzi wake wafanye watu kuwa wanafunzi kwa kuwabatiza na kuwafundisha (Mathayo 28:19-20). Kwa hiyo kanisa halina amri ya kuwalazimisha watu wasiotaka kuamini kwa nguvu za kijeshi, vitisho au aibu ya hadharani. Pale Wakristo katika historia walipotumia nguvu katika mambo ya imani, ni lazima tukubali kwamba huo ulikuwa kushindwa kufuata mfano wa Bwana, si njia ya kurudiwa.Our first task is not to defeat Islam as an idea. It is to bear truthful witness to Christ before real people. Jesus taught, answered questions, loved His enemies and left the results to God. He told His disciples to make disciples by baptizing and teaching (Matthew 28:19-20). So the church has no command to force faith on unwilling people by military power, threats or public shame. Where Christians in history used force in matters of faith, we must admit it as a failure to follow the Lord's example, not a method to repeat.

Kama tulivyoona katika Sehemu ya 4, kanisa la Kristo linasonga mbele dhidi ya malango ya kuzimu (Mathayo 16:18), lakini silaha zake ni injili, sala, kweli, dhabihu na upendo.As we saw in Unit 4, Christ's church advances against the gates of Hades (Matthew 16:18), but its weapons are the gospel, prayer, truth, sacrifice and love.

Wanafunzi wanapaswa kumaliza kozi hii wakijua tofauti kati ya kueleza imani yao na kushinda mabishano, kati ya msimamo thabiti na uadui, na kati ya ujasiri na uzembe. Ushuhuda wenye nguvu zaidi huunganisha ungamo wazi la Yesu ni nani na maisha yanayoonyesha tabia yake.Students should finish this course knowing the difference between explaining their faith and winning an argument, between firm conviction and hostility, and between courage and recklessness. The strongest testimony joins a clear confession of who Jesus is with a life that shows His character.

Kuwahudumia Waislamu katika Maisha ya Kila SikuMinistering to Muslims in Daily Life

Urafiki Ndio Mazingira ya KawaidaFriendship Is the Normal Setting

Bwana Yesu alikula pamoja na watu ambao wengine waliwaepuka (Luka 15:1-2). Alizungumza na mwanamke Msamaria kisimani, akivuka mipaka ya dini, jinsia na historia (Yohana 4:7-26). Urafiki huipa injili mahali pa kusikilizwa. Mwislamu anayejua kwamba unamjali atasikiliza kweli ngumu ambazo angezikataa kutoka kwa mgeni.The Lord Jesus ate with people whom others avoided (Luke 15:1-2). He spoke with a Samaritan woman at a well, crossing lines of religion, gender and history (John 4:7-26). Friendship gives the gospel a setting where it can be heard. A Muslim who knows that you care for him will listen to hard truths that he would reject from a stranger.

Hadithi ya Nabeel Qureshi, tuliyokutana nayo katika Sehemu ya 1, inaonyesha jambo hili. Alipokuwa mwanafunzi katika Chuo Kikuu cha Old Dominion alikutana na David Wood, Mkristo. Urafiki wao ulijumuisha miaka ya mjadala wa wazi na wa kirafiki. Walitofautiana vikali, lakini walibaki marafiki. Ndani ya urafiki huo Qureshi alichunguza ushahidi wa kusulubiwa, kufufuka na uungu wa Kristo, na pia vyanzo kuhusu Muhammad na Kurani. Ukweli ulisemwa ndani ya uhusiano wa kuaminiana.The story of Nabeel Qureshi, which we met in Unit 1, shows this. As a student at Old Dominion University he met David Wood, a Christian. Their friendship included years of honest and friendly debate. They disagreed strongly, but they remained friends. Within that friendship Qureshi examined the evidence for the crucifixion, the resurrection and the deity of Christ, and also the sources on Muhammad and the Qur'an. Truth was spoken inside a relationship of trust.

Urafiki lazima uwe wa kweli. Tukimfanya Mwislamu rafiki ili tu kushinda hoja, atahisi hivyo. Tunamfanya rafiki kwa sababu Mungu anampenda na kwa sababu sisi tunampenda. Tunapaswa kuwa tayari kubaki marafiki zake hata kama hatakuwa Mkristo kamwe.Friendship must be sincere. If we befriend a Muslim only to win an argument, he will sense it. We befriend him because God loves him and because we love him. We should be willing to remain his friend even if he never becomes a Christian.

Ukarimu kwa HeshimaHospitality With Respect

Ukarimu unathaminiwa sana katika tamaduni za Kiislamu, na pia ni wajibu wa Mkristo (Warumi 12:13; Waebrania 13:2). Kumkaribisha Mwislamu nyumbani kwako, au kukubali mwaliko wake, hujenga uaminifu haraka. Adabu chache rahisi zinaonyesha heshima:Hospitality is highly valued in Muslim cultures, and it is also a Christian duty (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2). Inviting a Muslim into your home, or accepting his invitation, builds trust quickly. A few simple courtesies show respect:

• Mpe mgeni wako chakula anachoweza kula. Waislamu wengi hawali nyama ya nguruwe wala hawanywi pombe, na wengi hula tu nyama iliyo halali (inayoruhusiwa na sheria ya Kiislamu).• Serve food your guest can eat. Most Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol, and many eat only meat that is halal (permitted under Islamic law).

• Vaa na tenda kwa staha. Katika jamii nyingi ni busara kwa wanaume kujenga urafiki na wanaume, na wanawake na wanawake.• Dress and behave modestly. In many communities it is wise for men to build friendships with men and women with women.

• Itendee Biblia yako kwa heshima inayoonekana. Waislamu hushika Kurani kwa heshima kubwa, na Biblia iliyoachwa sakafuni inaweza kuonyesha kwamba Wakristo hawaliheshimu Neno la Mungu.• Treat your Bible with visible respect. Muslims handle the Qur'an with great reverence, and a Bible left on the floor may suggest that Christians do not honour God's Word.

• Fahamu kalenda ya Kiislamu. Wakati wa Ramadhani, mwezi wa kufunga, epuka kula mbele ya rafiki anayefunga, na fikiria kumwalika ashiriki mlo wa jioni unaofungua saumu.• Be aware of the Muslim calendar. During Ramadan, the month of fasting, avoid eating in front of a friend who is fasting, and consider inviting him to share the evening meal that breaks the fast.

• Kubali mialiko ya matukio ya familia pale dhamiri yako inaporuhusu, kama harusi au sherehe ya mwisho wa Ramadhani, bila kushiriki katika matendo ya ibada.• Accept invitations to family events when your conscience allows, such as weddings or the celebration at the end of Ramadan, while not taking part in acts of worship.

Mambo haya si kuafikiana na imani. Ni upendo ule ule uliomfanya Paulo kuwa "vitu vyote kwa watu wote, ili kwa njia zote niwaokoe baadhi yao" (1 Wakorintho 9:22, SUV).These are not compromises of the faith. They are the same kind of love that led Paul to become "all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Kusoma Biblia PamojaReading the Bible Together

Chombo chenye nguvu zaidi katika huduma kwa Waislamu ni Biblia yenyewe. Waislamu wengi hawajawahi kusoma Injili, ingawa Kurani inazungumza juu ya Injili iliyopewa Yesu na inawaambia Wakristo wahukumu kwa hiyo (Kurani 5:47, tuliyoisoma katika Sehemu ya 8). Hili linatoa mwanzo wa asili: "Kitabu chako kinazungumza juu ya Injili. Je, ungependa kuisoma pamoja nami?"The most powerful tool in ministry to Muslims is the Bible itself. Many Muslims have never read the Gospels, even though the Qur'an speaks of the Injil (Gospel) given to Jesus and tells Christians to judge by it (Qur'an 5:47, which we studied in Unit 8). This gives a natural opening: "Your book speaks of the Gospel. Would you like to read it with me?"

Mwongozo rahisi fulani husaidia:Some simple guidelines help:

• Anza na Injili, hasa Luka au Mathayo. Rafiki Mwislamu atazitambua majina kama Maria, Zakaria, Yohana na Yesu.• Begin with the Gospels, especially Luke or Matthew. A Muslim friend will recognise names such as Mary, Zechariah, John and Jesus.

• Soma vifungu vifupi na uulize maswali rahisi: Hii inafundisha nini kuhusu Mungu? Inafundisha nini kuhusu watu? Yesu anasema au anafanya nini? Mimi nitafanya nini kuhusu hili?• Read short passages and ask simple questions: What does this teach about God? What does it teach about people? What does Jesus say or do? What will I do with this?

• Acha andiko lisemee. Usikimbilie kubishana. Maswali yanayotokana na andiko lenyewe mara nyingi ndiyo ambayo Roho Mtakatifu anayatumia.• Let the text speak. Do not rush to argue. Questions that arise from the text itself are often the ones the Holy Spirit is using.

• Mpe rafiki yako nakala yake mwenyewe ya Injili au Agano Jipya katika lugha ya moyo wake, kama ni salama kwake kuiweka.• Give your friend his own copy of a Gospel or New Testament in his heart language, if it is safe for him to keep it.

• Ombeni kabla na baada ya kusoma, na muulize kama angependa umwombee jambo lolote maishani mwake, kwa jina la Yesu.• Pray before and after reading, and ask whether he would like you to pray for any need in his life, in the name of Jesus.

Vifungu vinavyowagusa Waislamu mara nyingi ni pamoja na mfano wa mwana mpotevu (Luka 15:11-32), kuponywa kwa mwenye kupooza ambaye Yesu alimsamehe dhambi zake (Marko 2:1-12), Mahubiri ya Mlimani (Mathayo 5-7), na habari za msalaba na kaburi tupu. Waislamu wengi wanatamani uhakika wa upendo wa Mungu na msamaha wake. Injili zinaonyesha Baba anayekimbia kumlaki mwanawe anayerudi.Passages that often speak to Muslims include the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the healing of the paralysed man whose sins Jesus forgave (Mark 2:1-12), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and the accounts of the cross and the empty tomb. Many Muslims long for assurance of God's love and forgiveness. The Gospels show a Father who runs to meet His returning son.

Kujibu kwa UpoleAnswering With Gentleness

Maswali uliyojifunza katika kozi hii yatajitokeza: Je, Yesu ni Mungu? Je, alisulubiwa kweli? Je, Biblia imebadilishwa? Yatakapojitokeza, tumia ushahidi uliojifunza, lakini kumbuka maneno ya Paulo: "mtumwa wa Bwana haimpasi kushindana; bali ni lazima awe mpole kwa watu wote, awezaye kufundisha, avumilivu" (2 Timotheo 2:24, SUV). Mstari wetu mkuu unaongeza kwamba maneno yetu yawe "na neema, yakikolezwa kwa chumvi."The questions you have studied in this course will come up: Is Jesus God? Was He really crucified? Has the Bible been changed? When they do, use the evidence you have learned, but remember Paul's words: "a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient" (2 Timothy 2:24). Our key verse adds that our speech should be "with grace, seasoned with salt."

Kurani yenyewe inasema, "msibishane na Watu wa Kitabu isipokuwa kwa njia iliyo bora" (Kurani 29:46). Waislamu wengi watamheshimu Mkristo aliye mtulivu, mwenye ufahamu na mwema. Tabia chache za vitendo:The Qur'an itself says, "argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better" (Qur'an 29:46). Many Muslims will respect a Christian who is calm, informed and kind. Some practical habits:

• Sikiliza kwanza. Muulize rafiki yako anaamini nini na kwa nini. Eleza mtazamo wake kwa haki kabla ya kuujibu.• Listen first. Ask your friend what he believes and why. Describe his view fairly before you answer it.

• Jibu swali lililoulizwa. Usimwagie kila kitu unachojua.• Answer the question that was asked. Do not unload everything you know.

• Kubali unapokuwa hujui jibu. Ahidi kusoma na kurudi kwenye jambo hilo.• Admit when you do not know an answer. Promise to study and return to the subject.

• Weka mkazo kwa Yesu Kristo: yeye ni nani, alichofanya msalabani, na kwamba alifufuka kutoka kwa wafu.• Keep the focus on Jesus Christ: who He is, what He did on the cross, and that He rose from the dead.

• Usimdhihaki kamwe Muhammad, Kurani wala desturi za Kiislamu. Unaweza kusema wazi kwamba hukubaliani, na kwa nini, bila matusi.• Never mock Muhammad, the Qur'an or Muslim practices. You may say clearly that you disagree, and why, without insult.

• Shiriki ushuhuda wako mwenyewe. Maelezo binafsi ya jinsi Kristo alivyokusamehe na kukubadilisha hayawezi kupingwa kwa hoja.• Share your own testimony. A personal account of how Christ has forgiven and changed you cannot be argued away.

Kumbuka pia kwamba Mungu anafanya kazi zaidi ya maneno yetu. Qureshi alimwomba Mungu amwonyeshe kweli, na alieleza ndoto alizoamini Mungu alizitumia katika safari yake. Waliogeuka wengi kutoka Uislamu husimulia hadithi zinazofanana. Hatupaswi kutafuta ndoto kwa ajili ya marafiki zetu, lakini tunapaswa kuomba, na kuwa tayari kufungua Maandiko Mungu anapogusa moyo wa mtu.Remember also that God is at work beyond our words. Qureshi prayed that God would show him the truth, and he described dreams that he believed God used in his journey. Many converts from Islam tell similar stories. We should not seek dreams for our friends, but we should pray, and we should be ready to open the Scriptures when God stirs someone's heart.

Gharama ya Kumfuata KristoThe Cost of Following Christ

Mwislamu anapoanza kumwamini Yesu, rafiki Mkristo lazima awe mwaminifu kuhusu gharama. Bwana mwenyewe alionya kwamba kumfuata kungeweza kugawa familia: "adui za mtu watakuwa watu wa nyumbani mwake" (Mathayo 10:36, SUV). Pia aliahidi kwamba wale wanaoacha jamaa zao kwa ajili yake watapokea mengi zaidi katika familia yake, "pamoja na adhabu" (Marko 10:29-30, SUV).When a Muslim begins to believe in Jesus, the Christian friend must be honest about the cost. The Lord Himself warned that following Him could divide families: "a man's enemies will be those of his own household" (Matthew 10:36). He also promised that those who leave family for His sake will receive far more in His family, "with persecutions" (Mark 10:29-30).

Kwa Nini Kuacha Uislamu Kuna Gharama Kubwa HivyoWhy Leaving Islam Is So Costly

Katika Uislamu, imani, familia na jamii vimeunganika kwa karibu. Kuacha Uislamu mara nyingi huonekana si kama mabadiliko ya imani tu bali kama usaliti wa wazazi na watu wa mtu. Shule nyingi za kale za sheria ya Kiislamu zilichukulia kuacha Uislamu (uasi wa dini, kwa Kiarabu ridda) kuwa kosa linalostahili kifo. Leo Waislamu wengi wanakataa fundisho hilo, na katika nchi nyingi serikali haitekelezi. Lakini mahali pengine sheria dhidi ya uasi wa dini au kukufuru bado zipo, na mahali pengi zaidi shinikizo kali huja kutoka kwa familia na majirani.In Islam, faith, family and community are closely joined. To leave Islam is often seen not only as a change of belief but as a betrayal of one's parents and people. Many classical schools of Islamic law treated leaving Islam (apostasy, Arabic ridda) as a crime deserving death. Today many Muslims reject that teaching, and in most countries the state does not enforce it. But in some places laws against apostasy or blasphemy remain, and in many more places the strongest pressure comes from family and neighbours.

Aliyegeuka anaweza kukabili baadhi ya mambo haya:A convert may face some of the following:

• Kutengwa na wazazi na ndugu, au kupoteza urithi.• Being disowned by parents and relatives, or losing an inheritance.

• Kupoteza kazi, biashara au nafasi shuleni.• Loss of a job, a business or a place in school.

• Shinikizo la kuachana na mke au mume, au kupoteza mawasiliano na watoto wake.• Pressure to divorce, or the loss of contact with one's children.

• Vitisho, kipigo au, mahali pengine, hatari ya kifo.• Threats, beatings or, in some places, the danger of death.

• Upweke, kwa sababu marafiki wa zamani huondoka na Wakristo wanaweza kuchelewa kumwamini.• Loneliness, because old friends withdraw and Christians may be slow to trust.

Hadithi ya Qureshi mwenyewe inaonyesha gharama ya kihisia. Alikuwa Mkristo karibu mwaka 2005, na uamuzi huo uliumiza sana uhusiano wake na familia yake ya Kiislamu yenye upendo, ambayo aliipenda. Uzoefu wake unatukumbusha kwamba hata pasipo hatari ya kimwili, maumivu ya familia iliyovunjika yanaweza kuwa makubwa sana.Qureshi's own story illustrates the emotional cost. He became a Christian around 2005, and the decision deeply wounded his relationship with his devoted Muslim family, whom he loved. His experience reminds us that even where there is no physical danger, the pain of a broken family can be very great.

Kujibu kwa Busara HatariResponding Wisely to Danger

Bwana aliwaambia wanafunzi wake wawe "na busara kama nyoka, na wapole kama hua" (Mathayo 10:16, SUV). Busara haimkani Kristo, lakini haialiki hatari isiyo ya lazima. Mchungaji anayemsaidia muumini mpya anapaswa kufikiri kwa makini pamoja naye:The Lord told His disciples to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Wisdom does not deny Christ, but it does not invite needless danger either. A pastor helping a new believer should think carefully with him:

• Ni nani anayejua tayari kuhusu imani yake, na ni nani anayehitaji kujua? Waumini wengine lazima waambie familia zao mapema; wengine wanahitaji muda wa kukua kabla ya kuweza kuhimili mwitikio.• Who already knows of his faith, and who needs to know? Some believers must tell their families soon; others need time to grow before they can bear the reaction.

• Je, ni salama kwake kuweka Biblia nyumbani, au kuonekana kanisani? Katika mazingira fulani, kukutana majumbani au katika vikundi vidogo kunaweza kuwa busara kwa kipindi fulani.• Is it safe for him to keep a Bible at home, or to be seen at church? In some settings, meeting in homes or in small groups may be wiser for a season.

• Akitishwa, aende wapi? Makanisa yanapaswa kupanga mapema kuhusu mahali salama, familia zinazoaminika na, pale inapohitajika, ulinzi halali kutoka kwa mamlaka.• If he is threatened, where can he go? Churches should think ahead about safe places, trusted families and, where needed, lawful protection from the authorities.

• Anawezaje kuwaheshimu wazazi wake (Kutoka 20:12) huku akibaki mwaminifu kwa Kristo? Aliyegeuka anayeendelea kuionyesha familia yake upendo, heshima na msaada hutoa ushuhuda wenye nguvu.• How can he honour his parents (Exodus 20:12) while remaining faithful to Christ? A convert who continues to show love, respect and help to his family gives a powerful witness.

Makanisa hutofautiana katika jinsi yanavyoshughulikia wakati na mazingira ya ubatizo kwa waliogeuka katika mahali pa hatari. Ubatizo ni ungamo linaloonekana la Kristo, na haupaswi kamwe kuchukuliwa kwa wepesi au kukataliwa. Wakati huohuo, viongozi wanapaswa kuomba, kutafuta ushauri na kuzingatia usalama na ukomavu wa muumini, badala ya kumharakisha mtu kwenye hatua ambayo bado hajaielewa.Churches differ in how they handle the timing and setting of baptism for converts in dangerous places. Baptism is a visible confession of Christ, and it should never be treated lightly or denied. At the same time, leaders should pray, seek counsel and consider the believer's safety and maturity, rather than rushing anyone into a step he does not yet understand.

Zaidi ya yote, jumuiya ya Kikristo haipaswi kamwe kujibu shinikizo kwa kulipiza kisasi. Kama tulivyoona katika Sehemu ya 11, tunajibu uadui kwa sala, subira na matendo mema (Warumi 12:17-21). "Ikiwezekana, kwa upande wenu, mkae na amani na watu wote" (Warumi 12:18, SUV).Above all, the Christian community must never respond to pressure with revenge. As we saw in Unit 11, we answer hostility with prayer, patience and good works (Romans 12:17-21). "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18).

Ubatizo: Ungamo la Utii la GharamaBaptism: A Costly Confession of Allegiance

Dr. Cook amesisitiza kwamba ubatizo katika Agano Jipya haukuwa desturi ya binafsi isiyo na madhara. Kumkiri Kristo hadharani kungeweza kuleta kukataliwa, kupoteza kazi, kifungo au mabaya zaidi. Mahali pengi leo, Mwislamu anayemwamini Kristo bado anaweza kukabili hatari kubwa ya kijamii au ya kisheria. Kwa hiyo busara ya mchungaji ina umuhimu mkubwa. Fundisha kwa makini, eleza maana ya kumfuata Kristo hadharani, na uuchukulie usalama kwa uzito. Ubatizo ni ukiri unaoonekana wa utii kwa Kristo aliyesulubiwa na kufufuka; katika mazingira ya hatari, wakati wake, mahali pake na mashahidi wake vinapaswa kuchaguliwa kwa uangalifu. Usimshinikize kamwe aliyegeuka kufanya onyesho la hadharani lisilo salama au ushuhuda wa kusisimua kwa ajili ya hadhira.Dr. Cook has emphasized that baptism in the New Testament was not a harmless private formality. To confess Christ openly could bring rejection, loss of work, prison or worse. In many places today, a Muslim who comes to faith in Christ may still face serious social or legal danger. So the pastor's judgment matters greatly. Teach carefully, explain what it means to follow Christ openly, and take safety seriously. Baptism is a visible confession of allegiance to the crucified and risen Christ; in dangerous settings, its time, place and witnesses should be chosen with care. Never pressure a convert into an unsafe public display or a dramatic testimony for the sake of an audience.

Ubatizo unatangaza muungano na Kristo katika kifo chake na ufufuo wake: "tulizikwa pamoja naye kwa ubatizo huu wa mauti yake," ili "sisi nasi tuende katika upya wa uzima" (Warumi 6:4, SUV). Ni zaidi ya sherehe ya kuosha. Ni tangazo la utii kwa Mwokozi aliyesulubiwa na kufufuka.Baptism announces union with Christ in His death and resurrection: "we were buried with Him through baptism into death," so that "we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4, NKJV). It is more than a ceremony of washing. It is a declaration of allegiance to the crucified and risen Saviour.

Fundisha ubatizo kwa furaha na uzito. Usichanganye busara na aibu, wala ujasiri na kujianika bila sababu. Kanisa linapaswa kuwa tayari kutoa urafiki, utunzaji wa vitendo na familia ya kanisa ya kudumu kwa waliogeuka ambao huenda wakapoteza mahusiano mengine. Ufuasi si ushindi wa haraka dhidi ya dini nyingine, bali ni maisha mazima ya kumfuata Yesu.Teach baptism with joy and seriousness. Do not confuse wisdom with shame, or courage with needless exposure. The congregation should be ready to offer friendship, practical care and a lasting church family to converts who may lose other relationships. Discipleship is not a quick victory over another religion but a whole life of following Jesus.

Kuwafundisha na Kuwapokea WaliogeukaDiscipling and Receiving Converts

Kuwapokea KanisaniReceiving Them Into the Church

Baada ya Sauli wa Tarso kugeuka, wanafunzi wa Yerusalemu "wote wakamwogopa, wasiamini kwamba yeye ni mwanafunzi" (Matendo 9:26, SUV). Barnaba alimchukua, akamleta kwa mitume, na akaeleza jinsi alivyokutana na Bwana (Matendo 9:27). Waliogeuka kutoka Uislamu mara nyingi wanahitaji Barnaba.After Saul of Tarsus was converted, the disciples in Jerusalem "were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple" (Acts 9:26). Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and told how he had met the Lord (Acts 9:27). Converts from Islam often need a Barnabas.

Tahadhari fulani ina busara. Mara chache mtu anaweza kujifanya amegeuka ili kupata habari au kuleta madhara. Lakini shaka isigeuke kukataliwa. Tatizo la kawaida si kuamini kupita kiasi bali ukaribisho mdogo. Kanisa linaweza kuwa na hekima kwa kumruhusu kiongozi mkomavu atembee kwa karibu na muumini mpya, akimfahamu kwa muda, huku kanisa zima likionyesha uchangamfu na kumkubali.Some caution is reasonable. In rare cases a person may pretend to be a convert in order to gain information or cause harm. But suspicion should not become rejection. The usual problem is not too much trust but too little welcome. A church can be wise by letting a mature leader walk closely with the new believer, getting to know him over time, while the whole congregation shows warmth and acceptance.

Kanisa lazima liwe familia mpya ya aliyegeuka. Ikiwa amepoteza wazazi, ndugu na marafiki, Wakristo wanapaswa kufungua nyumba zao, kushiriki milo, kusherehekea sikukuu pamoja naye na kusimama naye wakati wa mahitaji. Pale aliyegeuka amepoteza kazi, kanisa linaweza kumsaidia kupata ajira au kujifunza ufundi, huku likiepuka aina ya msaada ambayo ingefanya watu wadhani alilipwa ili kugeuka.The church must become the convert's new family. If he has lost parents, brothers and friends, Christians should open their homes, share meals, celebrate holidays with him and stand with him in times of need. Where a convert has lost work, the church may help him find employment or learn a trade, while avoiding the kind of support that would make people suspect he was paid to convert.

Kufundisha Mambo ya MsingiDiscipling in the Basics

Aliyegeuka kutoka Uislamu tayari anamwamini Mungu mmoja, manabii, hukumu na sala. Hata hivyo sasa lazima ajifunze kuyaelewa mambo haya katika nuru ya Kristo. Kuwafundisha wanafunzi kunapaswa kuwa binafsi, kwa subira na kwa msingi wa Maandiko. Muumini mkomavu wa jinsia ile ile akutane naye mara kwa mara. Mada muhimu ni pamoja na:A convert from Islam already believes in one God, in prophets, in judgment and in prayer. Yet he must now learn to understand these things in the light of Christ. Discipleship should be personal, patient and based on Scripture. A mature believer of the same sex should meet with him regularly. Important topics include:

• Uhakika wa wokovu kwa neema kwa njia ya imani katika Kristo, si kwa matendo (Waefeso 2:8-9). Waliogeuka wengi walifundishwa kwamba hakuna awezaye kuwa na uhakika wa pepo; wanahitaji kusikia kwamba kazi iliyokamilika ya Kristo msalabani inatosha (Yohana 19:30; 1 Yohana 5:13).• Assurance of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Many converts were taught that no one can be sure of paradise; they need to hear that Christ's finished work on the cross is enough (John 19:30; 1 John 5:13).

• Kumwomba Mungu kama Baba, kwa jina la Yesu, kutoka moyoni na kwa maneno yake mwenyewe, si tu kwa nyakati zilizowekwa na kwa fomula zilizowekwa.• Prayer to God as Father, in Jesus' name, from the heart and in one's own words, not only at fixed times and in set forms.

• Uungu wa Kristo na Utatu, vikipitiwa polepole na kwa Maandiko, kwa kuwa haya ndiyo mafundisho ambayo alifundishwa kuyakataa (Sehemu ya 4 na 5).• The deity of Christ and the Trinity, reviewed slowly and with Scripture, since these were the very doctrines he was taught to reject (Units 4 and 5).

• Kuaminika kwa Biblia, ili aisome kwa uhakika (Sehemu ya 8 na 9).• The reliability of the Bible, so that he can read it with confidence (Units 8 and 9).

• Msamaha kwa wale wanaompinga, wakiwemo familia yake mwenyewe (Mathayo 5:44).• Forgiveness toward those who oppose him, including his own family (Matthew 5:44).

• Vita vya kiroho, hasa kwa wale wanaotoka katika Uislamu wa kienyeji na waliowahi kutumia hirizi au kuomba msaada kwa pepo (Sehemu ya 11). Wanapaswa kuyakana mambo hayo na kutumaini ushindi wa Kristo (Wakolosai 2:15).• The spiritual battle, especially for those who come from folk Islam and once used charms or sought help from spirits (Unit 11). They should renounce these things and trust in Christ's victory (Colossians 2:15).

Kuwasaidia Waliogeuka Kukua na KutumikaHelping Converts Grow and Serve

Aliyegeuka hapaswi kuchukuliwa milele kama mgeni au kama kombe la ushindi. Epuka kumweka muumini mpya jukwaani hadharani mapema mno kusimulia hadithi yake; hili linaweza kumhatarisha na kulisha kiburi. Badala yake, msaidie akue taratibu, apate karama zake na atumike katika mwili wa Kristo. Kwa wakati, waliogeuka wengi huwa mashahidi wenye ufanisi zaidi kwa Waislamu, kwa sababu wanaelewa ulimwengu wote mbili na wanajua maswali kutoka ndani.A convert should not be treated forever as a guest or a trophy. Avoid putting a new believer on a public stage too soon to tell his story; this can endanger him and feed pride. Instead, help him grow steadily, find his gifts and serve in the body of Christ. In time, many converts become the most effective witnesses to Muslims, because they understand both worlds and know the questions from the inside.

Kulijenga KanisaEquipping the Congregation

Mchungaji Hayuko Peke YakeThe Pastor Is Not Alone

Mwanafunzi aliyeomba kozi hii alitaka wachungaji wenye uwezo wa kulijenga makanisa yao wenyewe. Paulo aliandika kwamba Kristo aliwapa wachungaji na waalimu "kwa kusudi la kuwakamilisha watakatifu, hata kazi ya huduma" (Waefeso 4:11-12, SUV). Mchungaji hawezi kufanya urafiki na kila Mwislamu katika mji wake, lakini kanisa lililofunzwa linaweza kuwafikia wengi.The student who asked for this course wanted ministers able to equip their own congregations. Paul wrote that Christ gave pastors and teachers "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:11-12). A pastor cannot befriend every Muslim in his town, but a trained congregation can reach many.

Mpango Rahisi kwa Kanisa LakoA Simple Plan for Your Church

Huu ni mfano unaoweza kuubadilisha kulingana na mazingira yako:Here is a pattern you can adapt to your setting:

• Ombeni kwanza. Liongoze kanisa lako kuomba mara kwa mara na kwa majina kwa ajili ya majirani Waislamu, bila uchungu wala hofu.• Pray first. Lead your church to pray regularly and by name for Muslim neighbours, without bitterness or fear.

• Fundisheni mambo ya msingi. Ukitumia kozi hii, fundisha mfululizo wa masomo juu ya yale Waislamu wanayoamini na juu ya majibu makuu ya Kikristo: uungu wa Kristo, Utatu, msalaba, ufufuo na kuaminika kwa Biblia.• Teach the basics. Using this course, teach a series of lessons on what Muslims believe and on the core Christian answers: the deity of Christ, the Trinity, the cross, the resurrection and the reliability of the Bible.

• Funzeni kikundi kidogo. Chagua waumini wakomavu na wapole walio tayari kujenga urafiki, kusoma Biblia na Waislamu na kusaidia kuwatunza waliogeuka.• Train a small team. Choose mature, gentle believers who are willing to build friendships, read the Bible with Muslims and help care for converts.

• Fanyeni mazoezi ya mazungumzo. Waache washiriki wafanye mazoezi ya kujibu maswali ya kawaida, kama "Je, Yesu alisema 'Mimi ni Mungu'?" au "Je, Biblia haikubadilishwa?", kwa utulivu na heshima.• Practise conversations. Let members practise answering common questions, such as "Did Jesus say 'I am God'?" or "Hasn't the Bible been changed?", in a calm and respectful way.

• Jiandaeni kupokea waliogeuka. Kubalianeni kama viongozi jinsi mtakavyowakaribisha, kuwalinda na kuwafundisha wanaomgeukia Kristo, kabla uhitaji haujatokea.• Prepare to receive converts. Agree as leaders on how you will welcome, protect and disciple those who turn to Christ, before the need arises.

• Onyesheni mfano wa sauti sahihi. Kataza dhihaka dhidi ya Waislamu katika mahubiri na mazungumzo. Sema kweli kuhusu Uislamu, lakini daima kwa neema.• Model the right tone. Forbid mockery of Muslims in sermons and conversation. Speak truthfully about Islam, but always with grace.

Kupitia Kozi NzimaReviewing the Whole Course

Sehemu hii ya mwisho inakusanya kozi nzima katika picha moja. Ulijifunza kwa nini wachungaji lazima waelewe Uislamu na jinsi ya kusimama kwa upole wa 1 Petro 3:15 (Sehemu ya 1). Ulisoma asili ya Uislamu na vyanzo kuhusu Muhammad (Sehemu ya 2), na Kurani na hadithi (Sehemu ya 3). Ulilinganisha Isa katika Kurani na Kristo katika Injili (Sehemu ya 4), na ukajibu shtaka la shirki, dhambi ya kumshirikisha Mungu na wengine (Sehemu ya 5). Ulichunguza ushahidi wa kusulubiwa (Sehemu ya 6) na kufufuka (Sehemu ya 7). Ulijibu dai la tahrif, upotoshaji wa Biblia (Sehemu ya 8), na ukaona nguvu ya hati-mkono za Agano Jipya (Sehemu ya 9). Ulijifunza kujibu pingamizi za kawaida (Sehemu ya 10) na kuelewa Uislamu wa kienyeji na uenezi barani Afrika (Sehemu ya 11). Sasa umejifunza jinsi ya kubeba yote haya katika urafiki, ukarimu na utunzaji wa waumini wapya.This capstone unit gathers the whole course into one picture. You learned why pastors must understand Islam and how to stand with the gentleness of 1 Peter 3:15 (Unit 1). You studied the origins of Islam and the sources on Muhammad (Unit 2), and the Qur'an and hadith (Unit 3). You compared Isa in the Qur'an with Christ in the Gospels (Unit 4), and answered the charge of shirk, the sin of associating partners with God (Unit 5). You examined the evidence for the crucifixion (Unit 6) and the resurrection (Unit 7). You answered the claim of tahrif, the corruption of the Bible (Unit 8), and saw the strength of the New Testament manuscripts (Unit 9). You learned to answer common objections (Unit 10) and to understand folk Islam and outreach in Africa (Unit 11). Now you have learned how to carry all of this into friendship, hospitality and the care of new believers.

MuhtasariSummary

Hoja ni muhimu, lakini zinatumikia lengo la ndani zaidi: kwamba Waislamu wamjue Yesu Kristo. Urafiki, ukarimu na subira ndivyo mazingira ya kawaida ya ushuhuda huu, kama hadithi ya Nabeel Qureshi na David Wood inavyoonyesha. Kusoma Injili pamoja huliacha Neno la Mungu lisemee, na majibu ya upole, yanayotolewa kwa neema, huondoa vikwazo. Wakristo lazima wawe waaminifu kuhusu gharama wanayokabili waliogeuka, ambayo yaweza kujumuisha kukataliwa na familia, kupoteza kazi na hata hatari ya kifo, na lazima wajibu kwa busara badala ya kulipiza kisasi. Kanisa lazima liwapokee waliogeuka kama familia mpya, liwafundishe kwa subira katika uhakika, sala na mafundisho sahihi, na liwasaidie kukua na kutumika. Mwishowe, mchungaji lazima alijenge kanisa zima kuomba, kuelewa Uislamu, kujibu maswali na kuwakaribisha wanaomgeukia Kristo. Yesu ni zaidi ya nabii; Yeye ni Kristo, Mwana wa Mungu aliye hai, na wale wanaomkiri lazima wafuate tabia yake pamoja na maneno yake. Ubatizo ni ungamo la furaha na wakati mwingine la gharama la utii kwa Kristo; walinde waliogeuka badala ya kuwashinikiza kwenye umaarufu usio salama.Arguments are important, but they serve a deeper goal: that Muslims come to know Jesus Christ. Friendship, hospitality and patience are the normal setting for this witness, as the story of Nabeel Qureshi and David Wood shows. Reading the Gospels together lets the Word of God speak, and gentle answers, given with grace, remove obstacles. Christians must be honest about the cost converts face, which may include rejection by family, loss of work and even danger to life, and must respond with wisdom rather than revenge. The church must receive converts as a new family, disciple them patiently in assurance, prayer and sound doctrine, and help them grow and serve. Finally, the pastor must equip the whole congregation to pray, to understand Islam, to answer questions and to welcome those who turn to Christ. Jesus is more than a prophet; He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and those who confess Him must follow His character as well as His words. Baptism is a joyful and sometimes costly confession of allegiance to Christ; protect converts rather than pressuring them into unsafe publicity.

Maswali ya KutafakariQuestions for Reflection

1. Je, una urafiki wa kweli na Mwislamu? Kama huna, ni hatua gani ya kwanza unayoweza kuchukua mwezi huu?1. Do you have a genuine friendship with a Muslim? If not, what first step could you take this month?

2. Ni kifungu gani cha Injili ungechagua kusoma kwanza na rafiki Mwislamu, na kwa nini?2. Which Gospel passage would you choose to read first with a Muslim friend, and why?

3. Katika mazingira yako, ni hatari gani Mwislamu angekabili kama angekuwa Mkristo, na kanisa lako limejiandaaje kusaidia?3. In your setting, what dangers would a Muslim face if he became a Christian, and how is your church prepared to help?

4. Kanisa lako linawezaje kuwa familia ya kweli kwa aliyegeuka ambaye amepoteza familia yake mwenyewe?4. How could your congregation become a true family to a convert who has lost his own family?

5. Ni hatua gani tatu kutoka sehemu hii utakazochukua ili kulijenga kanisa lako kwa huduma kati ya Waislamu?5. What three steps from this unit will you take to equip your church for ministry among Muslims?

6. Kusanyiko linawezaje kumlinda na kumfundisha muumini mpya mwenye asili ya Kiislamu huku likikataa kumshinikiza au kutumia aina yoyote ya nguvu?6. How can a congregation protect and disciple a new believer from a Muslim background while refusing to pressure him or to use any form of force?

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