Communio Messianica Position on Islam
Background
Communio Messianica (CM) is a response to the significant phenomenon of Muslims embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This movement has led to the rapid growth of large communities of believers from a Muslim background (known as Muslim Background Believers (MBBs)) throughout the Muslim world and among Muslim immigrants in the West.
It is essential to recognize that Islam is not a “faith” in the traditional Western sense; rather, it is an all-encompassing system that includes socio-religious, socio-political, socio-economic, socio-educational, legislative, judiciary, and militaristic aspects, all claimed to be divinely inspired and articulated through various doctrines of Islamic Shariah. The following doctrines are particularly significant for our discussion:
Doctrine of the Muslimhood of all humans, known as “Fitrah”: This doctrine asserts that ALL humans are born Muslims, tracing back to Adam and Eve. Non-Muslims are seen as violating this principle and may face various actions from Muslim authorities.
Doctrine of the Supremacy of Islam and Muslims over all other beliefs and their adherents.
Doctrine of “Fitnah” (dissent from Islam): This doctrine applies to all non-Muslims, especially those who revert to other religions after embracing Islam. The severity of this doctrine is highlighted by the claim that Fitnah is worse than killing, with calls for the execution of such individuals.
Doctrine of the Apostasy of converts: This doctrine, an extension of Fitnah, applies to Muslims who convert to other faiths, labeling them as reverts (Murtads) and subjecting them to the death penalty.
Doctrine of Allegiance to Muslims and enmity towards non-Muslims: Muslims are instructed to assist fellow Muslims while expressing hostility towards non-Muslims.
Doctrine that “Islam is a religion and government”: This doctrine emphasizes the absence of separation between religious and governmental authority.
Doctrine of “Dhimmitude” towards “People of the Book” (Jews and Christians): This doctrine imposes strict regulations on Christians and Jews, including the imposition of the Jizyah (poll tax), while allowing them rights to worship in their places of worship (churches or synagogues).
Classification of the human race: Humans are categorized into Muslims, People of the Book, and others, with “the rest” having no rights.
Classification of Muslims: This includes prioritizing the Ulama’ over others, granting men authority over women, and prioritizing slaves over women.
Doctrine of territorial division: Territories are divided into the abode of Islam, abode of war, and abode of temporary peace (Sulh).
Spread of Islam in the abodes of war and Sulh through various means: (a) Da’wa (invitation to Islam), (b) Hijra (migration of Muslims), and (c) Jihad (various forms, including military and non-military).
Impact on Muslim-Background Believers
The doctrines of Fitnah and apostasy have a direct impact on MBBs. Consequently, MBBs face severe persecution in Muslim-majority countries where Shariah is either the state religion or the final authority in legislative and judicial matters. The implications include:
Personal safety: MBBs may face prosecution, imprisonment, or even capital punishment. They also encounter societal and familial persecution, leading some to live in secrecy, either alone or in clandestine congregations. If discovered, these home groups face severe repercussions.
Tensions with existing Christian communities: In many Muslim-majority countries, churches risk legal action for harboring or adopting MBBs as members.
Violation of basic human rights: Despite being signatories to the 1948 UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights, many Muslim-majority countries violate the rights of MBBs and national Christian communities. A Christian, whether an MBB or otherwise, can be prosecuted for merely sharing their faith with a Muslim, teaching about Islam, inviting a Muslim to church, or distributing a copy of the Bible.
CM Position on Islam
While the majority of Muslim-majority countries have not fully implemented the Islamic doctrines mentioned above, there is little indication that they intend to evolve towards the standards of modern secular societies. In fact, there is a growing movement for the resurgence of Islam in Europe, the USA, Latin America, Australia, and beyond. Thankfully, MBBs in these regions experience the blessings of religious liberty; however, they remain concerned about potential future consequences as Islamic influence in non-Muslim countries strengthens.
Thus, CM adopts the following position regarding Islam:
All Islamic doctrines mentioned above, along with many others, are rejected outright.
All aspects of Islam that discriminate against MBBs, natural Christians, and secular individuals are to be fully rejected.
Recommendations
To address these issues, CM recommends the following actions:
Global bodies such as the UN must insist that all aspects of the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights be enforced by Muslim-majority countries.
All apostasy laws should be nullified, and those currently imprisoned or otherwise punished should be released.
Citizens of Muslim-majority countries must have the right to choose their religion, convert, or identify as secular.
Personal identification documents should not list one’s religion or belief system.
There must be a separation between religion and politics; all elections should be conducted without regard to religious affiliation.