Islam On The Offensive

A religion claiming more than half a billion adherents is bound to exert a powerful influence. The influence of Islam has been steadily increasing in recent years, not only in areas where it has been traditionally established, but in countries where it had not formerly been represented.

Islam was of course cradled in the Middle East where it has flourished for thirteen centuries. In recent years, however, vigorous political and military' movements by various Muslim groups have commanded wide attention. The Sunni Muslims form a large majority and are represented politically by the more moderate Arab leaders. The Shi'ites broke away from the dominant Sunnis in the 7th century and bitter rivalry still persists. Only 20% of the world's Muslims belong to the Shi'ites- "42 million of them are in Iran where they make up 92% of the population". Ayatollah Khomeini's success in deposing the Shah of Iran gave the Shi'ite movement a sense of power which has led to unrest among Shi'ites in other parts of the Middle East.

A spirit of "fundamentalist revolution" pervades the Shi'ite movement, inspiring extreme elements among them to take violent action against all whom they regard as their oppressors - whether western countries or Arab moderates, whether Jewish or nominally Christian. To Shi'ite extremists "committing terrorism is like achieving manhood... everyone is scrambling to be the most militant". Young men and women are prepared to expend their own lives in driving vehicles loaded with explosives against chosen targets. The dramatic hijacking of an American Jumbo Jet last June was the work of such extremists, in this instance to publicize their grievance that many Shi'ites were being detained in Israel in breach of international law.

In Lebanon about 40% of the population are Shi'ite Muslims but they were for many years an underprivileged group. During the 1960s their status was improved through the work of a Shi'ite cleric from the holy city of Qom in Iran. A charismatic preacher and able administrator, he organized the Lebanese Shi'ites to pressurize the Beirut government for improved hospitals, schools and other benefits. In 1975 he established a Shi'ite militia called "Amal", the Arabic word for "hope". So the Shi'ites gained a place of political and military power in Lebanon. The majority is led by the relatively moderate Nabih Bern who was prominent in negotiating the release of the American hostages after the hijacking of the TWA aircraft last summer. More extreme factions have been organized in close alliance with the Shi'ites of Iran, notably the fundamentalist group called Islamic Amal and the clerical group called Hazballah (party of God). The political and military' activities of all these groups in Lebanon illustrate the forward surge of Islam in a modern offensive to gain power and influence in the Middle East.

There has also been a quieter but persistent offensive by Islam among western nations over the past few decades. Immigrants of Muslim persuasion have settled in large numbers in various parts of western Europe. They practise their own faith within their ethnic groups. Wealthy Arab sponsors have funded the promotion of Islam in these western areas. They provide money for building mosques and Academies of Islamic Studies. Missionary tours are undertaken by well educated representatives who lecture on aspects of the Muslim faith.

Last July a poster on a hoarding in Manchester, UK, featured the picture of a senior Muslim teacher, smiling benignly. The message, of the poster included the following.

WAS CHRIST CRUCIFIED?

Learn the real truth from the Bible.

Did Jesus survive the Cross?

Was Jesus saved by God?

Bring your own Bible with you.

All denominations and faiths welcomed.

All questions answered.

This advertisement illustrates the fact that at the heart of the message of Islam is bold contradiction of the basic truth of the gospel that "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried; and that He hath been raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3,4).

There's a widespread tendency today to compare Islam with the Christian faith, emphasizing certain parallels and blurring the fundamental differences. But Islam is a religion which denies the Deity and atoning work of the Lord Jesus. He is patronized as one among many great religious teachers. He is denied the unique place given Him in Scripture as the eternal Son of God, the One in whom alone salvation is found, the Name above every name.

"Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples" wrote the prophet Isaiah, as he looked to the spiritual gloom of the time of the end. Every advance of Islam today contributes to the deepening of the darkness tomorrow!

unknown | Nov 1985
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