Four ulamas (Islamic theologians) visited a community with a growing number of culturally Muslim Jesus followers. Having heard concerning reports, the ulamas decided to investigate.
Dowad*, the community’s leader and a new disciple of Jesus, brought them into the mosque where the local followers frequently study the Bible. There, one of the ulamas spotted a copy of the Injil (New Testament) in their language.
The ulama picked it up. “What is this?”
“This is what we study and follow!” Dowad answered.
“Don’t you study the Qur’an?”
“We can’t read the Qur’an,” Dowad responded, “but we can read and understand the Injil.”
The ulama read some verses. “This is different and very concerning!”
“What is so concerning?” Dowad asked. “Have you seen our community? Have you seen how many people worship, pray, and fast? Do you realize that in our community when one person is sick or dies the family doesn’t worry because everyone helps them? And do you realize that other communities come to us with their conflicts because our community helps make peace? Here. You can each take a copy of the Injil and read it. Then come back and talk to us.”
Praise God! Dowad has a firm foundation in Jesus, and he speaks with the authority Jesus gives his followers.
*pseudonym