NO GOD BUT ONE ( LEADER'S GUIDE )

 LEADER'S GUIDE 

NO GOD  

A FORMER MUSLIM INVESTIGATES THE 

BUT ONE 

EVIDENCE FOR ISLAM & CHRISTIANITY 

ALLAH OR JESUS ?

by NABEEL QURESHI 

     Author of 

THE NEW YORK TÍMES BESTSELLER SEEKING ALLAH, FINDING JESUS 

INTRODUCTION 

This workbook is designed to help individuals and groups facilitate thinking and discussions on one the most strategic conversations in the today's world. People hear and read many things about Islam in the popular media. Yet Christians in general know very little about the faith and practices of Islam. Nabeel A. Qureshi, a former Muslim and dedicated advocate for the Christian faith, presents excellent answers to the questions about the differences between these two world faiths. Nabeel writes, "It is my prayer that this book will reach many who are in the throes of their search [for Godl, and I pray it will lead them to the altar of the one true God. If that is you, know that I have prayed and shed tears for you, and that this book is written for you." 

This workbook is organized into twelve sessions. Each of these sessions -except sessions 9 and 12 - covers the material from three or four chapters. The questions in the guide are designed to focus on the main objective in each chapter.  

A WORD TO GROUP LEADERS 

SEVEN VITAL FEATURES FOR STIMULATING DISCUSSIONS 

The Necessary Conversation 

Congratulations, leader! You will be have a strategic voice in facilitating discussions on one of the most needed conversations in the Christian world. People hear and read many things about Islam in the popular media. Yet, Christians in general know very little about the faith and practices of Islam. Nabeel Qureshi will open your group's eyes to the history and ways of Islam. With this knowledge, Christians will engage Islamic friends, neighbors and co-workers with both godly compassion and insightful knowledge. 

The General Format 

The format of this No God but One: Allah or Jesus? Leader's Guide reflects the twelve parts of the book. You, the group leader will be prepared to facilitate twelve stimulating conversations based on the questions that provoke answers drawn from the group. Each of the sessions, except two - sessions 9 and 12 - is informed by three or four chapters. Allow at least one hour for the discussion of answers to the questions and personal reflections on what was learned. 

The Main Focus 

Nabeel Qureshi presents a lot of intriguing information about Islam and Christianity. To keep your group from getting information overload, the questions in the guide are designed to focus on the main objective in each chapter. To be a well-equipped leader, you are urged to read the assigned pages or chapters fr each session and answer the questions in order to keep the main focus in mind. You will find THE LEADER'S MAIN FOCUS SUMMARY at the end of the PARTICIPANT'S GUIDE. 

The Key Assumption 

As a leader, you understand that the core assumption is that the participants in your group have read the assigned chapters and answered the questions. The group's work before the meetings is crucial to transformative discussions during the meeting. Remind your group of their vital role in these life-changing conversations. 

The Group's Participation 

In group interaction, some members will be ready and eager to contribute. Others will be more reluctant. As leader, invite participation from each member of your group. Often times, the quiet member will offer insights that stimulate more eager and expansive conversation. Be sensitive to your group and ask the Holy Spirit to help you draw everyone into the discussions. Lead by example by communicating how what you have learned has influenced you. 

The Life and Death Reality 

Fellow Christians are dying over the truths presented in No God by One: Allah or Jesus?, and Sara Fatima's story is only one example. Encourage your group to pray for the Muslim world and for new Christians converted from Islam. Where prayer focuses, God's power falls on them. 

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR  GROUP DISCUSSIONS 

A Safe Place 

You are engaged in a strategic conversation about Islam and Christianity. In the context of extreme Islamic terrorism, keep your heart and mind focused on what will help Christians reach Muslims for Christ. Nabeel wants us to learn, not debate, tragic world events. Imagine a seeking Muslim in your group. How would you behave? Keep all discussions and reflections confidential. 

Respect is Vital 

Others in the group may not see things like you do. Give each person space to process what they are learning. With only an hour (or so) for your meeting, share your thoughts kindly and briefly, giving space for others to share as well 

Just Do It 

Your leader will expect you to read the assigned chapters and answer the discussion questions before your meetings. For maximum benefit from the book and this group, do the assignments. The group discussions centeron the valuable information that Nabeel presents. The questions are designed to get you into the book and prepared to discuss what you are learning. 

The Power of Reflection 

Take time to ponder what you read and learn. How does it change your perceptions of the Christian faith and the Muslim faith? How does what you learn help you pray for the conversion of Muslims to Jesus Christ? How might God want to use you in that endeavor? Reflect, also, on what others contribute to the group's growth. 

The Power of Community 

While you might be informed by reading No God but One: Allah or Jesus? alone, you will experience stimulating personal transformation in group discussions. Jesus meets us through his Body, our fellow believers. God seeks to use you to help others grow in the faith and God wants to use others to help you as well. Be willing to contribute to your group and be eager to listen and learn from your group. 

NO GOD BUT ONE: ALLAH OR JESUS? 

THE LEADER'S MAIN FOCUS SUMMARY 

Each of the twelve discussion sessions in the Participant's Workbook is based upon three to four chapters in No God but One: Allah or Jesus? This means that each group member will come to each session with a lot of information. You, as leader, must keep in mind the main objective of each part of the Nabeel's book. Without ignoring what each participant may contribute to the discussions, you will want to keep the main focus the main thing. 

The following "main focus summary" is provided to help you keep Nabeel's core ideas at the center of your group's discussions It provides key paragraphs that keep the main objective in mind. A participant may offer some comments about a secondary focus from the chapters read. You will want to help the participant connect that information to the main idea. For example, in discussing the Crusades, a participant may get bogged down trying to recite the history of the Crusades from both an Islamic and Christian point of view. The main point of Nabeel's whole discussion of the Crusades is that for Christians the Crusades were a defensive move, not a violently aggressive move against Muslims (contrary to popular opinion).