Islam and Christianity have coexisted in Africa for many years. African Muslims and Christians share kinship ties, languages and citizenship and have often lived together in peace. Yet today new forces threaten this harmony. Clashes between Christians and Muslims have become common in places like Sudan, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Why?
John Azumah sets out to answer this question and many others in this introduction to Islam. He writes as someone who knows Islam as the faith of many of his friends and relatives. This is no demonising polemic, but rather an introduction to Muslim history and theology, rooted in the work of Muslim scholars. As a Christian theologian, Azumah identifies some of the major differences between Christianity and Islam, and shows how these can lead to conflict. When addressing contentious issues such as the introduction of Shari'ah law in parts of Nigeria, Azumah presents the view from both sides and lays the grounds for reasoned debate, rather than inflammatory rhetoric.
My Neighbour's Faith: Islam Explained for Christians is required reading for all who seek to understand and reach out to their Muslim neighbours.
