A Christian Guide to the Qur'an: Building Bridges in Muslim Evangelism

by Raouf Ghattas, Carol B. Ghattas, Um Daoud

In order to understand and minister to Muslims, Christians must first understand the Qur'an. This guide for Christians explains the central messages of the Qur'an in simple terms and illustrates how knowledge of Islam's sacred text can aid evangelism and religious understanding. In A Christian Guide to the Qur'an, Raouf and Carol Ghattas have created a tool that can build bridges of understanding between Christians and Muslims. Drawing upon their years of experience working in Muslim cultures and their extensive knowledge of Islam, the authors outline the worldview set forth in the Qur'an with a focus on evangelism. The authors also helpfully provide a glossary of Arabic terms and three appendices detailing important dates in Islam, biblical names found in the Qur'an, and biblical references in the Qur'an.

Genres: Islam, Christian

448 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2009

Reviews

[Lori]

This is turning out to be a very good, but not quite complete reference work.

[Beejai Richardson]

This is a book that is meant to be used, not merely read. Through the use of similarities and contrasts, Ghattas looks for connections that can be made between the Quran and the Bible. So if someone is merely reading through it cover to cover, it is little more than a waste of time. At the very least, one should read it in conjunction with the Qur'an. This way the reader can see the actual Ayahs (verses) that Ghattas is referring to. Best case scenario, a Christian agrees to read through the Qur'an as well as the Bible together with a Muslim friend over coffee (or tea here in Turkiye) one Surah (chapter) per meeting. Then, before their encounter, this book is examined to see what connections Ghattas recommends. I don't necessarily agree with all the points Ghattas makes. A Muslim friend would disagree with even more of them. But the point isn't to convince, it is to begin conversations. And for that purpose, this book is worth a purchase.

[Matt Adams]

The purpose of the book was to provide bridges between the Qur'an and the Bible. However, the authors were unfair in their arguments, often setting up straw man cases that I cannot imagine any thinking Muslim to hold. Additionally, the authors merely pointed to the Bible with each bridge instead of dedicating any of their writing to WHY the Bible should not be automatically discounted by Muslims as "corrupted." Nevertheless, some of the bridges brought up good points and there is much information that can be used to help foster good discussions with Muslims.

[Carol Ghattas]

This is a one-of-a-kind guide for Christians who want to know more about the Qur'an and be able to use it to build bridges of witness to Muslims. It is a valuable resource given it's many helpful indexes.

[Ronda Pierce]

Wanting to understand more of my friend's faith

[Krista Dominguez]

Provided no context of what the Muslim interpretation of the passages are. Too many straw-man arguments. 2 stars for attempting to bridge the gap into a Christian context.