I was talking with my pastor, Eugene Cho, recently and he asked me what I thought about joining Muslims for prayer, especially during Ramadan. Apparently, Brian McLaren was getting some intense fire on the Blogosphere for joining Muslims during Ramadan for prayer. [Two helpful links to give more context: “Driscoll: McLaren’s Ramadan Fasting Observance is “Insane at Best” and “Muslims Find new Ramadan fast Partners: Christians”].
The point for me on whether to pray with Muslims or only for them is this–If I retain my identity as a Christ follower, why not join Muslims for prayer during Ramadan? Or any time? The criticism from some is that by doing so we send the wrong message. We are compromising the Gospel they say. I don’t get it. Did Jesus compromise his identity or his message by hanging out with the tax gatherers and sinners? Who is my model when I go to the mosque, Jesus or these contrary voices? What is the wrong message being sent by being with those we seek to love and serve–as Christians?
My objective when I go to the mosque is to be like Christ and to just be a friend and good neighbor. I’m clear that I follow Jesus and my identity is intact. I engage Muslims on their terms, seek to deal with their issues, concerns and questions, not mine. As evangelicals we are too often guilty of getting our words straight, our doctrine correct and we want to deliver our message without engaging life. It’s ridiculous.
During my last visit to the mosque, I gave a gift to my Imam friend and stayed late to participate in their prayers. It was a profound time. I was impacted by the deep pathos with which my friends were seeking God’s mercy and favor. Their supplications sounded very much like the Psalms of lament. As I was leaving the mosque, the Imam took me aside to ask for advice. He was a little troubled by some aggressive Christians who came to his mosque the week before to do some “evangelism.” Some of his people were traumatized by the experience. I’m sure these people had a “praise report” back in their church, but the flavor they left in the mosque was anything but sweet. I’ve come to learn that for Muslims, the Mosque has a distinctive spiritual function. It is the place which rekindles the Muslim’s spirituality, and which provides a sense of sanctity, calmness, and inner peace. That is something we should respect as we join them and learn from them.
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 2 Cor. 2:14.
