FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE APPEAL OF ISLAM AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR A CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY APPROACH

A REFLECTION ON BIBLICAL FAITHFULNESS AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

Abstract

Understanding the factors that make Islam meaningful to its adherents is relevant to the development of a Christian missionary approach that combines biblical faithfulness and cultural sensitivity. This article analyzes religious, communal, familial, identity-related, moral, and cultural elements associated with the appeal of Islam, understood not only as a doctrinal system but also as a worldview and a way of life. The study adopts a qualitative, bibliographic, and descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on academic, theological, and missiological literature on Islamic faith and Christian witness among Muslims. It discusses the foundations of Islam, the discipline of the Five Pillars, belonging to the ummah, the continuity of family traditions, moral guidance, and the main points of convergence and divergence between Christianity and Islam. The article concludes that missionary practice should not be limited to doctrinal refutation, but should combine the centrality of Jesus Christ and the integrity of the gospel with relationship-building, hospitality, listening, contextual knowledge, careful contextualization, discipleship, holistic care, and respect for religious freedom.