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JOURNEY INTO ISLAM

An Attempt to Awaken Christians in Africa
By Frederic Ntedika Mvumbi, O.P
ISBN 9966-08-319-7; 176 pages; Publication 2008; price: US$

About the Book

This book gives much attention to the usual but necessary questions Christians ask about the Muslim way of life. The first section, designed in a question-response format, is an overview of Islam. It responds to some key questions Christians pose wherever and whenever they discuss Islam. These questions concern Muslim daily life and matters not well-known to Christians and which often fall prey to adulteration and misunderstanding. Most basic questions are answered on the basis of the most popular sources of the Islamic community, namely the Qur’an (the Islamic Holy Book) and the Hadith (the tradition of Muhammad and his companions).

The second and third sections are theological investigations on God in Islam and Jesus in the Qur’an. They introduce the reader to Islamic monotheism as well as to Islamic Christology, particularly as presented in the Qur’an. After dispensing with preliminary discussions of a few key questions, the author highlights the background of the Islamic doctrine on One God and Jesus, examines what the Qur’an says about the subject and proposes some implications on the life of Muslims.

The fourth section is a concise summary of Islam as we view it today’s Africa. Since the Islam we meet today in Africa has substantially changed, especially in its missionary character, the author analyzes the religion’s vitality, which continues to affect and attract Africans of all social strata. The author also reflects on the differences found within Islam in the five African sub-regions, pinpoints key characteristics of Islam in Africa and its influences urbi et orbi. This is aimed at outlining general and specific guidelines for fruitful interfaith dialogue.

The fifth section proceeds from the second. It tackles an important point that seems to discourage those involved in interfaith dialogue. The section is somewhat an appraisal and inquiry into the difficulties experienced by commissions for interfaith dialogue, especially those of the Catholic Church. It talks about identifying a central figure within Islam who could speak officially and authoritatively in the name of the entire Muslim community or the majority. The lack of such authority constitutes an obstacle to dialogue because there is nobody to give directions or define policies to accompany, not only those directly involved in dialoguing, but perhaps more important, the faithful.

The sixth section proposes a methodology that could be employed by preachers, clerics and pastors, particularly those living in Christian-Muslim areas. As mentioned in section two, Africa – a territory of one faith, namely African traditional religions – has increasingly become a Christian-Muslim continent.

The final section reviews the teachings of the Catholic Church on matters related to non-Christians religions and interfaith dialogue. Since the Catholic Church remains one and universal, i.e. all Local Churches are in communion with Rome, the author considers it highly important to listen to the Magisterium through selected key texts that have been issued for the education of Catholics and indeed all People of God. The author is keenly aware of the numerous, sometimes-confusing opinions of some members of the Catholic Church. These should not be considered binding but as pronouncements emanating from reflection and investigation. They should not distract from the direction set by the Church authority.

The author is a neutral and critical observer who discusses and presents various features of Islam to African Christians with unparalleled simplicity, clarity, comprehensiveness and objectivity. By highlighting selected features of the study of Islam, the he seeks to awaken African Christians and equip them with objective knowledge of Islam. He invites them to participate actively in the on-going Christian-Muslim dialogue because forestalling religious conflict and working for peace in Africa are not optional activities; they are mandatory.

Contents

Foreword
General Introduction

Section 1

ISLAM: AN OVERVIEW
Basic Questions and Responses
The Starting Point
Inside Islam
Christianity and the Muslims
Bibliography

Section 2

MONOTHEISM IN THE QUR’AN
Introduction
Historical Background
Monotheism in the Qur’an
Some Implications of Islamic Monotheism
Conclusion
Bibliography

Section 3

QUR’ANIC CHRISTOLOGY
Introduction
The Origin of Jesus
Some Qur’ânic Names of Jesus
The Works of Jesus
Qur’ânic Perspective of Jesus’ Death           
Trinity in the Qur’an
Summary
Bibliography

Section 4

ISLAM IN AFRICA TODAY: SOME OBSERVATIONS
Introduction
Islamization or Arabization of Africa?
Islamic Reform
Major Characteristics of Islam in Africa
From Reform to Islamism/Fundamentalism in Africa
Is Islam in Africa Influenced from Outside?  
Is Islam Growing in Africa?
Towards Fruitful Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Africa
Bibliography

Section 5

SHADES OF LEADERSHIP IN EARLY ISLAM
Introduction
Leadership, Quid?
The Concept of ‘Hudan’ (Right Guidance) in the Qur’an
Muhammad, Leader of the Umma
Leadership after the Rashidun Period           
Conclusion
Bibliography

Section 6

PREACHING WITH ISLAM IN MIND
Finding New Instruments for Dialogue in Africa
Aquinas’ Contribution
Reasons for Such an Approach
Conclusion
Bibliography   

Section 7

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SPEAKS ON
CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE
What Does Christian-Muslim Dialogue Mean?
Vatican II Pronouncements on Islam and
Christian-Muslim Dialogue    
Bibliography