What do I say???

[Flower25]

It's been with me for a while...We are really good friends with our neighbours and we visit and cook each other meals often, We've known them since 2005 so nearly 3 years. They have 2 children one who is 2 and the other a boy of the age of 5, the parents have chosen to send their son off to a private Christian School, fine... But, sometimes when we are at their house or they are at ours the 5 year old whom i've known since the age of 2 and a half says things like "if you don't eat, Jesus will not cook you any more food" or Jesus makes it rain.. Today I asked him who made the sky and who made the trees, he was confused because last time I let him know that I didn't believe that Jesus died on the cross, so again he replied Jesus, then quickly after said God because he knew what i was referring to.. I let him know about eating Pork that it wasn't good for the health and explained that in 'Kid' detail.. But when he said that Jesus will not make food because you don't eat the left overs, his mother quickly jumped at the opportunity to say "Yes, that's true". This really hurt me in a way not because yes our family is attached to the neighbours, but because also I want him to know the truth about what is and who is Allah swt, I remember once saying adan in his ear when he was young, but i'm really scared that he grows up in confusion..

What should I say or what can I explain that will be straight foward. Also his mother is now aware of what I say to him, which makes it awkward for me to tell him the truth in private...

Help???

[Flower25]

For all who are wondering..our neighbours are from Lebanon and the mother is Christian the Father Catholic...so just being precise.

[filsahara]

Unfortunately I am going to have to be blunt: Everyone has their own religion, the choice is theirs whether they want to accept Allah or Jesus (or any other religious figure for that matter). Although your intentions are pure, it is important to remember that your neighbors are most likely very intent on raising their children Christian, and in order to maintain friendly relations with them, you should respect that. This is said, of course, with all do respect from a fellow Muslim and lover of our peaceful Islam. I completely understand your utmost want to save your neighbors children, and lead them down the straight path to Islam. However, it is simply not a feasible thought to convert everyone to Islam. Part of Islam is accepting others and their right to their own religion, making sure to respect each individual and their on thoughts. Although this may be a quite liberal way of looking at Islam, I believe that in your case it is very important to take into consideration this interpretation.
Another thing is that the children you are talking to are far too young to decide on their own what religion they want to live under. In the future inshallah, they may find that Islam is for them, and begin to worship as a Muslim. Until that time comes, I do not think it fair to impose your personal beliefs on a child so young--even with the best of intentions. Once again, this is said without an ounce of hostility, as I understand where you are coming from.
In short, I believe that even though your neighbors may bring religion into the conversation, you should strive to keep your conversations "secular" if you will, as to avoid potential arguments and confrontations. If they begin to really bother and offend you with their comments, simply tell them and leave it at that. Remind them that you are Muslim and do not share the same belief system with them, yet still respect their right to their own religion.
I wish you the best of luck sister, and I hope that this gave you an alternate perspective on the matter.

[Flower25]

salam filsahara

I have been waiting for someone to reply to this post. It has made me see things a little differently then I first thought. I have decided to pray for them instead, to be directed from Allah the all mighty, only He knows what is inside our hearts.
Thanx sis

[filsahara]

I believe you are doing the right thing sister, mashallah

[Cheba_Mami]

For all who are wondering..our neighbours are from Lebanon and the mother is Christian the Father Catholic...so just being precise.

Dear Flower25, i understand form your point of view that you want to help your neighbours by leading them- or at least the child -to Islam. For you Islam is the one and only straight way to God. But do notice for a Christian the one and only true way to God is that through Jesus. I understand your feelings but they are very very sure this is the best for the child. For a kid it is good to know all sorts or religions exist and all of them think to have found the one and only true way. So if you tell the child of Islam, that is not wrong, but you have to make sure whether the parents like it or not.

A true Christian must undertstand, and never forget, that it was not Jesus who made all things but it is God. Jesus often prays to God. It is written in the Bible. If you ever read about Christianity you will find it is not a bad religion on its own. There are unfortunately too many fake Christians in the world who do carry the name and still do wrong.

We -all good people- are related, we are brothers and sisters. Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or whatever. if you believe, all is created by God. Never fight each other for what is the right way. Right is what makes you do good in the world.

Scientists often do not believe in God because it is not testable there is no proof.

I hope my answer helped you a bit. Do not feel guitly towards the parents of your neighbour, you want to do right but also do not regard Christianity as a fake religion, for Christians it is the one and only truth.

good luck.
ChM.

[Bent_Bladi]

i think the best form of da3wa is to be a good example. the kid will see how you are and by himself he'll make his own decision. Prayer is the best thing though