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The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence

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How to meet a critical need: sharing the gospel with Muslims

There are over three million Muslims living in the United States today. Soon, if not already, you will have Muslim neighbors and coworkers. Does the thought of reaching out to them with the gospel make you nervous? How can you effectively communicate the good news with such large theological differences? The Gospel for Muslims can help make sharing your faith easier than you think.

Thabiti Anyabwile, who is himself a convert from Islam to Christianity, instructs you in ways to discuss the good news of Christ with your neighbors and friends. The Gospel for Muslims allows you to focus on the people rather than the religious system. Meant for the average Christian, it is not an exhaustive apologetic or comparative study of Christianity and Islam. Rather, it compellingly stirs confidence in the gospel, equipping you with the basics necessary to communicate clearly, boldly, and winsomely.

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First published March 17, 2010

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About the author

Thabiti M. Anyabwile

35 books90 followers
Thabiti Anyabwile (MS, North Carolina State University) is a pastor at Anacostia River Church in southeast Washington, DC. He serves as a council member of the Gospel Coalition, is a lead writer for 9Marks Ministries, and regularly blogs at The Front Porch and Pure Church. He and his wife, Kristie, have three children.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Taylor Aristizabal .
5 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2020
Quick and easy read for those looking for a starting point in understanding basic theology of Islam and how to engage Muslims in gospel centered conversations. Thabati uses his own experiences as a Muslim and gospel truths in engaging in good conversations with Muslims and loving them well.
Profile Image for soph.connects.the.dots.
128 reviews80 followers
May 10, 2019
Thabiti Anyabwile: "Who is Jesus? Jesus is the Lamb slain--and resurrected!"
...
Thabiti is a former Muslim who became a Christian later in his life. He shares his testimony through these pages as to why he did that and what the gospel truly means.
Profile Image for Daniel.
25 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2012
With the Muslim population exploding all over the planet, Thabiti Anyabwile’s book “The Gospel for Muslims” is a must read for those who have been saved by and desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Unlike many books comparing and contrasting Islam and Christianity “The Gospel for Muslims” is not a book of apologetics that simply seeks to answer the claims of Islam and defend the claims of Christianity. Instead Thabiti’s focus is encouraging the Christian to have confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ showing that it is the gospel that has the power to save lost sinner regardless of the belief system that is holding them in darkness. To that end this book is more a book about the Gospel than a book about Islam.

The book itself is divided into two parts. Part one focuses on the expounding the gospel while showing how the Muslim individual may react based on their belief. The good news in talking to a Muslim is that very rarely will the Christian find it difficult to bring up the topic of “Who is Jesus”. From there the conversation will go to who God says He is in His Word (The Quran accepts as inspired the books of the law, the Psalms and the Gospels), man’s problem (To the Muslim all sin isn’t necessarily a big problem), Jesus’ sacrifice and the required response.

Part two is dedicated to encouraging a right mindset and attitude when witnessing. The chapters focus on being filled with the Holy Spirit, trusting in the Bible, being hospitable (very important in the Muslim culture), using the local church and being willing to suffer. The final chapter looks at the unique challenges of the African-American Muslim culture.

Over all, Thabiti does a good job at reminding the reader that the goal of the Christian is not to win arguments or debates with their Muslim friends, but to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Profile Image for Becky.
6,191 reviews303 followers
October 25, 2017
This book is written to remind Christians of an important, basic truth: "As a Christian, you already know everything you need to know to effectively share the good news of Jesus Christ with Muslim people. The same message that saves us—the gospel—is the message that will eternally save our Muslim neighbors and friends. In my experience, Christians know the gospel. They simply lack confidence in its power. This book is a call to place our confidence in the message that contains God’s power to save all who believe (Rom. 1:16). We don’t need new techniques for sharing the faith. We need confidence in the gospel in our evangelism to Muslims."

The book serves as a refresher course on the gospel--what it is. And it also serves as a refresher course on evangelism--how to share the gospel.

In part one, key gospel topics are covered: God, humanity, Jesus, repentance, and faith. These topics are presented from a Christian and a Muslim perspective. The goal isn't just to show the contrasts between two faiths, but to help readers better explain the gospel in ways that are meaningful.

In part two, the focus shifts from the gospel to evangelism. The book isn't a theoretical discussion of abstract ideas. It's an appeal to readers to get out there and to evangelize. The book seeks to be practical and helpful. Several chapters focus on hospitality and how important it is for families and churches to be hospitable.

I definitely enjoyed reading this one. I found it a great read. It takes an intimidating subject and makes it less intimidating perhaps. This one is PACKED with information. And it's passionately written.
Profile Image for Ethan Marstella.
132 reviews5 followers
December 25, 2017
Thabiti doesn’t offer us just another list of arguments to make us an apologetics master, but instead offers up the Gospel as the only necessary power to show Jesus to our Muslim friends. A solid and encouraging book that addresses the truth of the cross and specific ways we can share these truths in ways that show care and understanding, while discussing important questions and doubts that come from an Islamic worldview. A helpful book on evangelism, in general, when sharing with people of all faith backgrounds.
79 reviews
June 8, 2025
great little intro to sharing faith with muslims. quick intro to islamic beliefs, brief apologetic section addressing questions, then pastoral sections covering approach to evangelism with muslims, overcoming fear, and enduring suffering. helpful emphasis that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes and therefore we don’t need to change it or do anything crazy new or innovative to the gospel in order to convince muslims.

good stuff.
Profile Image for Caroline.
90 reviews15 followers
May 25, 2023
This was such a clear and concise overview of some of the basics and differentiations to be made when communicating the gospel with our Muslim friends, neighbors, and coworkers. And some helpful ways to engage and interact with them! Read in one sitting bc it’s short, would def recommend esp part 1.
Profile Image for JT Reagor.
38 reviews14 followers
February 10, 2022
An excellently well balanced perspective on evangelism toward a specific audience. Efficiently discusses potential points for miscommunication then empowers the reader with the gospel they already know. Good stuff.
Profile Image for Hannah.
76 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2023
good introduction to the topic
Profile Image for Katie.
99 reviews
May 1, 2018
Made it to page 78, and have yet to find anything truly practical in how to talk with Muslims about the truths of Christianity.
111 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2018
Thabiti Anyabwile writes a very engaging text that is personal in origins and encouraging in its results. Anyabwile keeps the reader focus on the fact that the Gospel is the Gospel no matter the person. He did inform me of some facts about Islam that I was not aware of that I believe makes sharing the Gospel with Muslim friends and neighbors straightforward. I never knew the Koran states the Torah, the Psalms of David, and the Gospels are divine texts. Anyabwile cites the Sera for every statement he makes concerning Islam. Due to this book, I want to renew relationships I have had with Islamic neighbors that have moved. Great book.
Profile Image for Ronie.
Author 67 books1,248 followers
May 14, 2010
IN our ever-changing world, we should be constantly educating ourselves. And this book should be at the top of everyone's reading list. Understanding the faith and beliefs of Muslims is important, but this book also shows parallels with the Christian Bible. Amazing! It's a small book with a big impact!
Profile Image for Clint Adams.
31 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2018
***DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FOR FREE FROM MOODY PUBLISHERS TO REVIEW***

Thabiti Anyabwile’s The Gospel For Muslims: An Encouragement To Share Christ With Confidence (copyright 2010) represents the third book I have reviewed for Moody Publishers. J. Mack Stiles writes the book’s foreword, explaining why he has been waiting for this book (pp. 9-11). Afterwards, in a section titled “Why This Book?”, Anyabwile explains this book’s organization and purpose (pp. 13-15). He then gives his testimony in the following section titled, “The Triumph Of The Gospel In A Muslim’s Life” (pp. 17-22). In that section, he makes a very important point; he states that “any Muslim desiring to be consistent and intellectually honest had to come to grips with the teaching of the Bible” (p. 20). He gives specific Quran references that call people to “judge the truth using the Bible” (p. 20). Anyabwile elaborates on this a bit further in the “body” section of his book. This section has two parts: one is “The Gospel” (consisting of five chapters) and the other is “As You Witness” (consisting of six chapters). It should be noted that at the end of each chapter, Anyabwile gives at least two “things to remember” to help summarize the chapter. This is effective for the sake of clarity, comprehension and readability.

In part 1, Anyabwile explains the Gospel (pp. 25-89). He uses the first two chapters to talk about God and sin (pp. 25-52). He uses an effective illustration to show the futility of not knowing God for who He really is (pp. 31-32). Anyabwile also does not hold back in his description of sin (p. 52). Specifically, he does not sugarcoat it by calling it a mistake, weakness, mess or the like. Instead, he recognizes it as “rebellion against God”, among other things (p. 52). After two good chapters on the person of Jesus Christ (pp. 53-75), Anyabwile uses a chapter to discuss repentance and faith, two key ingredients in a born-again believer (pp. 77-89). While the chapter overall has solid information, Anyabwile seemingly places much emphasis on the person’s making a decision for Christ (pp. 79-80). Anyabwile describes faith as follows:

Like repentance, faith involves the entire person — his or her mind, emotions and will. Faith is knowing the truth about Jesus Christ and what He has done for our salvation, accepting those facts with a joyful heart, and making a personal decision to trust Jesus to save you. The person who has faith or believes in Jesus Christ depends on Jesus to deliver him or her from the judgment of God against sin. Their confidence is in Jesus and not themselves for eternal life.

While it is true that born-again believers trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ instead of themselves for eternal life, this concept of “making a personal decision” seemingly reeks of synergism. After all, Anyabwile calls repentance, like faith, something that involves the entire person. Repentance, however, is a gift from God (2 Timothy 2:25; Romans 3:20, 6:23). Furthermore, faith is more than just mere head knowledge (Hebrews 11:1-40; Romans 10:1-21). Obviously, Anyabwile could have written this section a bit better.

In part two, Anyabwile focuses on the practicality of witnessing (pp. 93-166). After a chapter about being filled with the Spirit (pp. 93-104), Anyabwile gives excellent material on the importance of trusting the Bible (pp. 105-116). He then writes solid chapters on being hospitable, using the local church and suffering for the name (pp. 117-158). He concludes the part with a chapter titled “The Good News For African-American Muslims” (pp. 159-166). In his book conclusion, he both recaps his testimony and urges the reader to “joyfully tell the good news” (pp. 167-168).

CONCLUSION

Aside from the one thing I noted regarding Anyabwile’s description of repentance and faith, this is a solid book. Anyabwile makes some good points in all his chapters. Furthermore, he gives good and practical ways for Christians to better evangelize Muslims. While it is not the best book I have read about witnessing to Muslims, it is still a good resource that I would recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about how to witness to Muslims.
Profile Image for Kate Hendrick.
104 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2018
What I really liked about this book was the scope. This book was not meant to be a comprehensive apologetics course; it was meant to encourage Christians to share the truths of Christianity. I think Anyabwile did an excellent job staying within this scope and focusing on relationships and confidence as evangelists. This book had a decent balance of Scriptural references, reflections, and practical applications, and I felt like he made some very good points.

That being said, despite this book claiming to be one for Christians, there were some misrepresentations of Christian belief. These ranged from misleading point to outright heresy. Though the content had a good balance, I felt like the organization was a little weak. Sometimes, it felt like he didn't finish a thought, especially when it came to relaying personal experiences.

As a Catholic, something that was really off to me was his references to Christian unity. He seemed much more focused on the connection to the local church than to the universal Church. Though the local church certainly has its place, a conversation about unity that doesn't look into the whole body of Christ just falls flat.

I was disappointed I didn't like this book more. I think it had a lot of potential both in scope and even with some of the content. Unfortunately, the misinformation really discredited what Anyabwile was trying to say.

While I think there were some decent parts, I cannot recommend this book.

However, if you are interested in reading other books that talk about Islam, I have two recommendations.

The first is Islam by Andrew Bieszad from Catholic Answers' 20 Answers series. He answers some basic questions about Islam and dissects them from a Christian perspective.

The second is Stranger No More by Annahita Parsan. It is a memoir of a Muslim woman and her discovery of Jesus through some harrowing experiences.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ethan.
Author 5 books44 followers
December 22, 2024
Many Christians find themselves not very prepared to be able to have good discussions with their Muslim neighbors.

Thabiti Anyabwile sets forth his encouragement and insights in The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ With Confidence (galley received as part of early review program).

The author was raised Muslim and converted to Christianity; he also has himself spoken of Christ with many Muslims, as attested throughout the book.

In the first half of the book the author explored the dogmatic and doctrinal aspects of speaking with Muslims. He addressed the similarities and differences between the Christian and Muslim conceptions of God, Jesus, sin, faith, repentance, and the Bible, and the internal contradictions of the Muslim position in terms of each.

The second half of the book provides more guidance about method and framework, and would be as true in terms of witnessing regarding Jesus to anyone as to someone of the Muslim faith: heeding the promptings of the Spirit; affirming the Bible and its accuracy; the value of hospitality and how to be truly hospitable; involvement of the local congregation; why and how Christians might suffer for the Name of Jesus. The author concluded by addressing how to converse with Black Muslims in America and a final message to encourage all in their witness for Christ.

The author converted to a form of Calvinism and this becomes quite apparent in his emphasis on the matters of sin, justice, and penal substitutionary atonement. Yet there remain many good thoughts and forms of encouragement regarding effectively testifying about the Lord Jesus Christ among Muslims.
Profile Image for Shaun Lee.
191 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2018
The book was easy to read and novice readers would find no trouble going the material. The target audience is an American one, and specifically African American (as seen from Chapter 11's The good news for African American Muslims). I felt that the illustrations and personal accounts sometimes did not serve to explain the substantive that the author was trying to bring across. It is however not the most engaging of titles, and if I did not have to sieve out information for a world religions seminary course, I doubt I would have wanted to read it from cover to cover. There was a lone flash of brilliance, whereby 61-2, whereby Anyabwile quoted from C. S. Lewis ("Jesus is liar, lunatic or Lord") to substantiate that accepting Jesus as a “good moral teacher” or as a prophet, only to then reject his prophecy and teachings about himself is not an honest position to take. With Moody's 2018 reprint of the original 2010 title, it is a pity that some updating or additions were not made.

I received this book from Moody Publishers Newsroom for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
282 reviews
December 21, 2020
I believe Thabiti achieved what he hoped and prayed for and more through this book.

My heart was refreshed with the simple power of the Gospel. I was moved toward gratitude and joy to the Lord for my own salvation. I was emboldened and encouraged to share the Gospel and my life - with Muslims and with all far from Jesus. I was moved toward love and compassion for my Muslim neighbor. I was challenged to love and convicted of both my selfishness and my fear. I gained insight into the unintentional roadblocks Christians can erect in their endeavor to share the Gospel. And, unsuspectingly, I was moved by Thabiti's general posture of humility, love, concern, and desire for God to be glorified.

Books like this further deepen my faith in Christ - from their content, sure, but more so just by the fact that they were written. Why would this guy take time to write such a book? His whole heart here is that Christians would be helped, Muslims would be loved, and Jesus would get glory.
Profile Image for Leon McNair.
110 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2020
The Gospel For Muslims


Discussions between Christians and Muslims can inadvertently become heated. Both passionate, both sincere in their belief. This small book is not focused on an apologetic approach but rather an evangelistic one, which is rather refreshing to read. The author, a former Muslim, drives the point that Christians should be confident in the Gospels to bring Muslims to Jesus Christ. Debates can sometimes be too focused on the legal, morals and philosophical aspects of Christian belief and doctrine that we somewhat forget to drive at the heart the salvation from our sins through Jesus.
The book also covers why these two faiths are radically different from each other. What's in a name? A Christian and a Muslim would answer differently in relation to how they view God.
Profile Image for Jóhan Djurholm.
27 reviews10 followers
July 31, 2019
This is a great book for anyone who wants to get encouraged inregards evangelizing to muslims.

The book states what some of the main differences are between Islam and christianity and focuses on what christians believe and how we could share this with muslims.

If you are looking for an in-depth book about Islam, then this is not it. I would recommend "What every Christian needs to know about Islam" by James White or "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus". However, if you don't want to have a in-depth study of Islam, but want to get some good practical advice and encouragement about sharing the gospel to muslims, then I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jacob.
91 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2020
Honestly, this book isn’t only for evangelism as it relates to Muslims. It’s largely helpful advice for evangelism in general. Perhaps the most helpful section - aside from the specific advice about Islam, Islamic culture, the Quran, and how to share the Gospel with those particular nuances in mind - was on suffering and our theology of suffering. This book is succinct and practical. Useful for any believer, whether focused on evangelism in general or specifically with Muslim background people.

One editorial point: in a couple of places I noticed some repeated sentences. Not sure if that was sidebars/bubble quotes accidentally copied into the text or a miss in the editing process. It wasn’t terribly distracting, but it was obvious.
16 reviews
June 15, 2019
That was an amazing book! Thabiti clearly explained the Gospel in the first half of the book and in the second half he dealt with loopholes and bridges we can find to initiate conversations with Muslims and he talked about cultural differences which we ought to keep in mind to build good friendships with them. I liked the way he emphasized the trustworthiness of Scriptures and importance of being gentle and hospitable to strangers!

Highly recommend it to every Christian!
Profile Image for Kyli Longhenry .
7 reviews
May 29, 2023
This was an excellent book. The author gave practical ways to share the Gospel of Jesus with followers of Islam, as well as explain some of the thoughts and reasonings of our Muslim friends. The author used his knowledge as someone who used to be Muslim, to help explain how to effectively share the Good News with them. This book is easy to read and packed full of wisdom on how to approach this subject. This book is definitely a 5 star book.
Profile Image for Shannon Whitehead.
146 reviews41 followers
July 16, 2018
This book is a great resource with clear writing on a complex subject. Thabiti writes in a gracious, inviting tone and dives into many aspects of evangelism and Christian hospitality. The "encouragement to share Christ with confidence" part is covered but the "for Muslims" part I found a tiny bit lacking. The "same God" argument is unpacked as well as a few rebuttals that Christians can expect and counter. I realize that this was intended to be an overview and not a deep dive into apologetics, but I believe it would've served the reader even better to have more details. Excellent book on the topic overall.

*This review is based on a free digital advance copy provided by the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Nathanael Camp.
84 reviews
April 14, 2022
“This is why this book was written: to encourage ordinary Christians in the extraordinary power of the gospel.”

I appreciate the author’s focus on gospel truth, rather than the detailed argumentations that apologetics tend to bring. Though apologetics are important, this short book reminds people that ultimately, the power and truth of the gospel matters most when it comes to evangelism.
Profile Image for John Ragon.
4 reviews
June 5, 2019
Balanced and passionate Gospel engagement

The author does a fantastic job interacting with the Muslim faith through his personal experiences and knowledge of the Bible. I recommend this to anyone seeking to better love Muslims and point them towards the gospel of Jesus.
Profile Image for Dónal Walsh.
45 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2018
A good intro to main differences between Islam and Christianity
Profile Image for Ethan Munger.
8 reviews
February 20, 2020
I’d recommend this book and “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” with any christian with a Muslim friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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