Helping Christian Children to Learn about Islam: Teaching about Islam through Qur'anic Stories

Abstract

In order that Christians responsibly discern Jesus' words, “You shall love your neighbor,” Christian education today should include learning about Muslims. And, particularly since the religious life of Muslims is at the root of their otherness, Christian children should learn more than the customs of Muslims' daily living. One educational method, for those who do not have natural contacts with Muslims, is an approach familiar to American Christian children - story-telling based on scripture, looking at characters in the Qur'an who are also in the Bible. Islam must be understood as a religion that emphasizes orthopraxis, right living through following God's will. Thus, Christian children can use the stories to talk appreciatively about both Islamic beliefs and practices. In the process, they can reflect on their own. The stories of Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and Moses and the Qur'anic material about God as Creator are appropriate to use. The storyteller needs to develop some specific purpose for each story-telling that will enable it to be a vehicle for learning about Islam. In the example of the story of Moses, the Islamic practice of saying “God willing” and “in God's name” can be related to the idea that it is God who guides human life. The Islamic parallel between Moses, who received God's law, and Muhammad, whose message is about how God wants people to live, can be explored.