PERSONAL WORKBOOK
NO GOD BUT ONE
A FORMER MUSLIM INVESTIGATES THE EVIDENCE FOR ISLAM & CHRISTIANITY
ALLAH OR JESUS ?
NABEEL QURESHI, Author of THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SEEKING ALLAH, FINDING JESUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ... l
A WORD TO GROUP PARTICIPANTS ... ll
SESSION 1 QUESTIONS ... 1-2
SESSION 2 QUESTIONS ... 3-4
SESSION 3 QUESTIONS ... 5-6
SESSION 4 QUESTIONS ... 7-8
SESSION 5 QUESTIONS ... 9-10
SESSION 6 QUESTIONS ...11-12
SESSION 7 QUESTIONS ...13-14
SESSION 8 QUESTIONS ...15-16
SESSION 9 QUESTIONS ... 17
SESSION 10 QUESTIONS ...18-19
SESSION 11 QUESTIONS ... 20-21
SESSION 12 QUESTIONS ... 22
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 excellentanswers 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 God], 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 PARTICIPANTS
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 center on 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.
SESSION 1
QUESTION 1: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY?
Part 1: Sharia or the Gospel? Two Different Solutions
(read Preface and Chapters 1-4)
Preface
In his Preface Nabeel writes,"Both Islam and Christianity are monotheistic, believing there is'no God but one,' but they differ fundamentally on who that God is: Allah or Jesus." What are the four ways that the words "Allah" and "God" are used by Muslims and Christians that may cause some confusion"?
PART 1: SHARIA OR THE GOSPEL? TWO DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS
Chapter 1 "The Way to Life"
1. What are some surprising similarities between Islam and Christianity?
2. How would you describe "the way to life" in both Islam and Christianity? What was your initial reaction to these two different ways?
Chapter 2 "Comparing Sharia and the Gospel"
3. What is the concept of "prophet" in Islamand how is it different from that in Christianity?
4. What is the Islamic solution for the problem of the human condition and how does it compare to the Christian worldview and solution?
5. What are the Five Pillars of Islam that are the basic requirements of Sharia?
6."So important are the hadith that, after the Quran, they form the second rung of sharia." What are the hadith and how do they inform Islam?