How can I best witness to Muslims?

TL;DR:

Witnessing to Muslims starts with genuine relationships, heartfelt hospitality, and persistent prayer, which creates natural openings to share Jesus’ love. We can best witness to Muslims by showing God’s love and clearly expressing the gospel compared to Islamic teachings.

what does the bible say?

Witnessing to Muslims requires combining genuine relationships, cultural sensitivity, and persistent prayer to open hearts to the gospel. Both Christians and Muslims are monotheistic (Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 1:1), which provides a natural starting point for conversation. Christians can clarify that God is one yet revealed in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—addressing common misunderstandings about the Trinity (Matthew 28:19; John 10:30). Highlighting the Bible as God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1) and explaining that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16) contrasts clearly with Islam’s works-based approach. Focusing on Jesus’ divinity, His death on the cross, and His resurrection (John 10:30; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) distinguishes the Christian message from the Qur’an’s view of Him as merely a prophet. Culturally, hospitality and relationship-building—such as sharing meals or celebrating together—create natural opportunities for meaningful discussions (Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 3:15). Finally, any effort to witness must be rooted in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:6-7), trusting God to guide conversations and draw hearts toward Himself while demonstrating His love.

from the old testament

Theologically, both Muslims and Christians are monotheistic (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5).
While Allah is defined differently in the Qur’an than in the Bible, building on the shared idea of one Creator of all things can be helpful in communicating the gospel message to Muslims (Genesis 1:1; see also Colossians 1:16).

from the new testament

Christians do not worship three gods, as Muslims often teach (John 10:30; John 14:9). When witnessing to Muslims, it is important to note that the Bible teaches God is one, though expressed in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The Bible’s validity is another point of connection when witnessing to Muslims (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Though Muslims do not accept the Bible as the only inspired Word of God, the Qur’an refers to the Bible as a holy book or great book (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:44). Offering a free New Testament (especially in the person’s native language) or inviting a Muslim to talk about the teachings of the Injils (Gospels) can open the door to sharing what the Bible says about Jesus and salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
A key component of witnessing to Muslims is communicating salvation through God’s grace apart from works. The Qur'an teaches that a Muslim's good deeds must outweigh his or her bad deeds to be in paradise (Sura 11:114). The Bible teaches eternal life comes by faith alone: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The Qur'an offers no assurance of paradise to the Muslim. In contrast, Christianity teaches that all who trust in Jesus as the Son of God can have eternal life: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). First John 5:13 adds, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." Romans 8:37-39 makes clear nothing can separate a believer from Jesus Christ.
The Qur'an mentions Jesus as one of many prophets, and includes His virgin birth and miracles. Yet in the Qur'an there is no mention of Jesus dying on the cross, meaning there is also no account of His resurrection from the dead. By contrast, the Gospels provide additional and different information about Jesus many Muslims have not heard. He is more than a prophet and claimed to be one with God (John 10:30). Jesus taught that He was divine (John 8:58) and was called God (John 1:1).
Finally, prayer is essential in any attempt to witness to Muslims. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), knowing God will work according to His perfect will to bring many to faith in Christ, including those from Muslim backgrounds.

implications for today

Muslims are often very devout in their religious beliefs and offer several theological connections Christians can use to share the gospel message. Certain cultural practices can also be helpful when communicating Christianity.

Since hospitality is highly valued in Muslim culture, building relationships is foundational when witnessing to them. Inviting a Muslim friend or family to share a meal, celebrating special occasions together, or participating in community activities can open natural doors for meaningful conversation about faith. By showing genuine care and interest in their lives, we create a context where discussions about God’s love and salvation can occur more naturally (Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 3:15).

When sharing the gospel, focus on theological connections that Muslims can relate to, such as the belief in one Creator. Emphasizing that God is one, yet revealed in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—helps clarify the Christian perspective (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19). Introducing the Bible as God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:1) and explaining how it reveals Jesus as the Son of God who provides eternal life by grace (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9) creates an opportunity to contrast this with Islamic teachings that emphasize works-based salvation.

Prayer must undergird every effort to witness. Asking God to guide conversations, open hearts, and give wisdom ensures that we rely on Him rather than our own abilities (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Focusing on the uniqueness of Jesus—His divinity, His death on the cross, and His resurrection—provides clarity about the gospel (John 10:30; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). By combining relationship-building, theological clarity, and prayer, we can effectively share the hope of Christ with Muslims while demonstrating God’s love.

understand

Building relationships with Muslims through hospitality – shared meals, celebrations, and engagement in community—create natural opportunities for gospel conversations.
When witnessing to Muslims, believers can highlight theological connections with Christianity and clarify misconceptions about who Jesus is. .
Believers should pray continually, asking God to guide hearts and conversations and relying on Him to draw Muslims to Christ.

reflect

How can you intentionally build genuine relationships with Muslims in your life to create natural opportunities to share Jesus’ love?
In what ways can you practice hospitality or cultural sensitivity that would open doors for meaningful gospel conversations?
Why is it important for you to rely on prayer when sharing your faith, trusting God to guide hearts and conversations?

engage

How can we encourage each other to combine relationship-building, cultural understanding, and prayer when witnessing to Muslims?
How can we thoughtfully explain the differences between Christianity and Islam, especially about Jesus and salvation?
How can we use shared theological connections, like belief in one Creator, to create meaningful discussions about God’s truth, love, and grace?