Going Up? Floor 14 - The Muslim Believer
Christian Discovers How a Single Word Makes All The Difference in the World
“Going Up?” is a light-hearted yet thought-provoking fictional series that explores encounters between a Christian (named Christian) and individuals with non-Christian worldviews. Set in an imaginary elevator, these brief but rmeaningful conversations dive into the “what” and “why” of each perspective, blending humor and seriousness to engage readers in exploring profound questions of faith, ethics, and purpose.
Introduction
As you enter the elevator, you notice a man in his late 40s wearing traditional Islamic dress, including a taqiyah (skullcap). He introduces himself as Dr. Ahmad Mahmoud, a professor of Islamic Studies at the local university. Noticing the Bible in your hand, he smiles politely and nods. There’s a moment of mutual recognition—two people of faith, albeit different faiths, sharing the confined space of an elevator. As the doors close, you sense an opportunity to discuss matters of eternal significance in the short ride ahead.
Worldview Overview
Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century CE, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah as the central purpose of human life. Islam is not just a religion; it is a comprehensive system of life that integrates spiritual, social, and political dimensions. Muslims believe in one God (Allah) and recognize Muhammad as the final prophet in a line that includes Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
Key beliefs and values include:
1. Tawhid: The absolute oneness of Allah. This core doctrine affirms that Allah is unique, indivisible, and incomparable, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
2. Prophethood: Muslims believe in all prophets sent by Allah, from Adam to Muhammad. Prophets are considered messengers of divine guidance, culminating in Muhammad, whose teachings complete the revelation of God’s will.
3. Holy Scripture: The Quran is regarded as the literal and unaltered word of Allah, guiding all aspects of life. Unlike Christianity which sees the Bible as the Word of God, followers of the Prophet see it as the words of God. Literally. Word that were dictated by Allah to Muhammed. Muslims also respect earlier scriptures, such as the Torah and the Gospel, though they believe these have been altered over time.
4. Angels and Jinn: Muslims believe in unseen beings created by Allah, including angels, who serve Allah, and jinn, who have free will and can choose to do good or evil.
5. Day of Judgment: Life is seen as a test, and all individuals will stand before Allah to be judged based on their faith and deeds. The afterlife includes paradise for the righteous and hell for the wicked.
6. Five Pillars of Islam: These acts of worship and devotion form the foundation of Muslim practice:
Shahada: Declaration of faith in Allah and Muhammad as His prophet.
Salah: Ritual prayer performed five times daily.
Zakat: Obligatory charity to support the needy.
Sawm: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for those who are able.
7. Sharia: Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith (sayings of Muhammad), guiding personal conduct, legal matters, and societal governance.
8. Ummah: The global Muslim community, united by faith and shared practices, emphasizing solidarity and collective responsibility.
Islam emphasizes both personal responsibility and collective harmony. Muslims strive to balance faith and good deeds, believing both are essential for salvation. Submission to Allah’s will is not limited to ritual acts of worship but extends to ethical behavior, justice, and social service.
While interpretations vary across cultures and schools of thought, these core principles form the foundation of the Islamic worldview, guiding millions of Muslims worldwide in their daily lives and relationships.
Dialogue
Dr. Mahmoud: (gesturing to your Bible) “A person of the Book, I see. It’s always refreshing to meet someone who values faith in this increasingly secular world.”
Christian: “Thank you. It’s wonderful to meet someone who shares a commitment to God, as well. (Pauses) My name is Christian and I see from your leadership at the Islamic Studies Center at the university you might be able to answer a question that came up at a bible study I led last week on Psalm 103.
Dr. Mahmoud: (nodding) “I know some of the Psalms, but not in detail. What question came up?”
Christian: “The psalm from David is one of my favorites. It describes God as compassionate, slow to anger, and full of love. Verse 13 is particularly striking: ‘As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.’
Calling God ‘Father’ is such a bold statement. It changes everything. What’’s your feeling about that word for God?”
Dr. Mahmoud: “That’s interesting. In Islam, we honor Allah’s mercy and compassion, but we don’t use the term ‘Father.’ It’s too personal and will reduce His majesty. Allah is the Creator and Sustainer, but He is far, far an above human relationships.”
Christian: “Interesting. It does seem intimate—but that’s a good thing! For us, Father not something we decided to call God—it’s His idea! It’s what He revealed about Himself. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Our Father in heaven.’ It isn’t a metaphor; it’s a fundamental claim about who God is and how He relates to us.
I’ve given it some thought, and I believe it’s one of the most significant words to describe Him: Father! It signifies that we’re His children, and as such, we’re also brothers and sisters.
Dr. Mahmoud: (thoughtfully) “Brothers and sisters under God? (A pause for silence) That’s a profound idea, but it’s not how we see Allah. In Islam, we are His servants, and our primary role is submission. We have over ninety-nines names for Allah—may Peace be upon Him—but we never say the word “Father”
We are not His Children. This idea would weaken and diminish his stature.
Christian: “With respect, Dr Mahmoud, it strengthens him. It actually magnifies His love. God as Father doesn’t negate His sovereignty—it transforms it. It means His authority is exercised with compassion, like a father guiding his children, not just a ruler enforcing the law. And it changes how we relate to one another. If God is Father, then every human being carries dignity and worth as someone in His image. That’s why Jesus teaches us to love even our enemies.”
Dr. Mahmoud: “It’s a powerful vision, but I must admit, it’s hard to grasp. In Islam, we emphasize justice and submission. Forgiveness is available, but only if there is sincere repentance and people prove their devotion. Mercy has to be balanced with accountability.”
Christian: “Mercy and accountability. Those two words don’t add up for me. One is not giving what is deserved. And the other is making sure it is deserved.
I know this elevator ride is going to come to a stop soon, so can I add one more idea to the mix? (Dr. Mahmoud nodded for Christian to proceed.) I’ve realized that all religions, particularly yours and mine, call humanity to seek God’s presence, to turn to Him for guidance and wisdom. (Dr. Mahmoud nods.)
Even King David wrote this: “God, you have said, seek my face.” That’s in Psalm 27:8, I think. (He nods again) So we could all agree on that. But what happens after that moment shapes everything. If we find God as a Father, it should change how we act and treat others. It shifts our outward posture from one of dominance to one of care—from a fist to a hand.”
Dr. Mahmoud: “A fist? What do you mean?”
Christian: “Let me explain. If we see God as Supreme Authority, our response to him will follow from that and we will reflect that idea. We will want to enforce the law, demand submission, and punish deviation—like a fist, clenched and forceful. But when we know God as Father, our actions take on the shape of an open hand. A hand lifts up, comforts, and offers before it demands. It builds relationships instead of breaking them.”
Dr. Mahmoud: (pausing) “And you think this difference could explain why some use violence in the name of religion?”
Christian: “I do. And I am sure it is more complicated than this, but without the warmth of God as Father, religious expression is transactional—too impersonal and focused on submission rather than intimacy. Justice over-shadows mercy. Conformity replaces nurture. Control substitutes for love.
Bottom line is this: I wonder how the world might look if more people knew God as a loving Father. Wouldn’t that change how they see themselves and others?”
Dr. Mahmoud: “Perhaps. But doesn’t your focusing on God as Father risk losing the balance of justice and authority? What prevents believers from taking His mercy for granted?”
Christian: “That’s where Jesus comes in. Jesus teaches and guides us in our life so that we don’t. And he gives us the Holy Spirit to remind us of what He spoke. It’s not about taking His mercy for granted; it’s about being transformed by His love.”
Dr. Mahmoud: (reflecting) “You’re giving me much to think about. I admit, the idea of God as Father is intriguing, even if it challenges what I’ve always believed. But I still wonder—how does this belief change society?”
Christian: “Just go with me on this—just a bit, I think. When God is Father, leaders serve rather than dominate. Compassion replaces control, and reconciliation takes precedence over retribution. It’s the difference between building with a hand and breaking with a fist.
Gospel Presentation
Christian: “This is the heart of the Gospel: God invites us to know Him as Father, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to God. We have received His grace. Period.
Conclusion
As the elevator reaches your floor, Dr. Mahmoud offers a warm handshake. “Thank you for this conversation. It’s rare to find someone willing to engage so thoughtfully.”
You smile. “Thank you as well. I hope we can continue this dialogue. There’s so much more to explore.”
As you step off, you reflect on the exchange. While differences remain, the conversation highlighted the radical and transformative nature of knowing God as Father. It’s a reminder that the Gospel not only reconciles us to God but also redefines how we interact with the world—with open hands instead of closed fists.
Next Time on “Going Up?”
Stay tuned for future episodes of Going Up? when Christian meets an environmentalist passionate about saving the planet, a Muslim exploring faith and tradition, an athlete driven by discipline and performance, a fashionista influencer navigating identity and self-expression, and even a porn star with a provocative take on freedom and morality.
Other encounters include a feminist advocating for equality, a scientist balancing reason and wonder, a skeptic challenging all assumptions, an artist pursuing beauty and meaning, and a tech entrepreneur envisioning a future shaped by innovation. Each conversation brings quick, thought-provoking exchanges about life’s biggest questions.
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found. The Anglican is the newsletter of LeaderWorks.