You Call It Evangelism?

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Every now and then, some Muslim intellectuals cannot help but admire the actions of Christians, especially during the Christmas season. They do that in spite of Islamic hypersensitivity, that any Christian manifestation of good will to all people, is interpreted as an attempt to “evangelize.” On 26 December, 2006, Elaph online published an article with this title, “You Call It Evangelism? Then, What a Beautiful Evangelism It Is!” Rather than add any comments, I would share with you this Anglicized version of this article.
“When I was a very young boy, my parents would not allow me to congratulate Christians during the Christmas season. They claimed that it was kufr and heresy to offer such greetings. When I grew up, the prohibition continued; however, I decided to disregard it. I was not convinced at all that to congratulate a person for a day he considers sacred, should be regarded as against any religion. On the contrary, I believe that it must be of the very essence of any religion to congratulate others during their own festivals. More than that, it would be even better to participate in their joyful celebrations. This is why I would like to congratulate Christians all over the world, and greet them during this Christmas, and wish them a Happy New Year. I would like also to greet all Muslims and congratulate them on the occasion of the blessed ‘Eed al-Adha.
It is noteworthy that this year, both Christmas and ‘Eed al-Adha happen to occur during the same time! What a wonderful occasion if we got closer to one another!

“I say this, having read yesterday in the newspaper “7 Days”, which is published in Dubai, about an Italian clergyman who has been living in the Emirates for more than three decades. He is planning to have a big celebration at a church in an area known as Jabal Ali, in Dubai. He is inviting around 4,000 workers from Dubai, who do not have any relatives. He wants them all to feel like one family; so he is planning to give them a festive meal. Buses have been chartered to bring them to the church.

“The interesting thing about Father Eugene, (the name of this Italian clergyman,) is that the invitation is open to all people, Christians as well as to followers of other religions, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, pagans, etc.

“I respect Father Eugene, and appreciate very much what he has done. As to anyone who regards his initiative as “evangelism” and similar to a ghoul ready to devour us; my answer is he must be a beautiful ghoul that seeks to create love among people, regardless of their color, religion, or sect.

“Now look at us Muslims. A Sunni will never greet a Shi’ite, nor seek to get close to him, nor would invite him to his home, whatever the occasion may be. We Muslims would never invite Christians to share with us our festivities, at our mosques or religious centers. God is exclusively ours!

“So, let’s learn a lesson from Father Eugene who says that God is for all kinds of people and that the church is God’s household. Therefore, Christmas is more than a religious occasion. During this festive season, no one should remain hungry, deprived, or lonely, regardless of his faith. Should Father Eugene’s act be considered as “evangelism,” let us Muslims emulate him, and “evangelize” in the same way; rather than call others kafirs, or even cut their heads off!

“Happy New Year to all of you: Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.”