In many Muslim households and business locations owned by Muslims, there is a photograph of the Kaaba. The Kaaba is the cube-shaped structure located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the central location of Islamic devotion. Every mosque in the world is built so that the direction of the Kaaba is clearly indicated and so that Muslims face the Kaaba when performing their ritual prayers at the mosque.
Several years ago I visited Haji Talib in his home. The title haji is reserved for those Muslims who have traveled to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage required by Islamic religious law and ideology.
When I visited Haji Talib in his home there was an unusually large photograph of the Kaaba and the mosque complex surrounding the Kaaba in the living room. It was so large that it covered most of the wall. The imposing photograph leaned out from the wall in order in order to have enough space to clear the ceiling and hang on the wall. It was obvious that Haji Talib was serious about his devotion to Islam and Mohammed.
Over the years, I’ve kept up with Haji Talib. One of his relatives became a follower of Christ many years ago. Haji Talib began visiting a Christian church at the invitation of his Christian relative. His experience at the Church, which is attended by many former Muslims who are now Christians, gave him the opportunity to see how Christians relate to one another compared to how devout Muslims relate to one another.
Haji Talib experienced kindness and acceptance by the Christians, even though he was a devote Muslim. The Christians talked to him about their faith in Christ. Haji’s relative continued to talk to him about Christ and brought him to church as often as possible.
Now I’ve receive word that Haji Talib himself has become a follower of Christ! The large photograph of the Kaaba still is in his living room. Haji is facing pressure from his family. I suspect that as the Holy Spirit guides Haji Talib, that the photograph of the Kaaba will be taken down and discarded. Haji’s family will see the peace and love of Christ in him and several more will become followers of Christ.
Please join with me in praying for Haji Talib and his Christian relative. They are the first fruits of new life in Christ for this large extended family of Muslims. They are piercing spiritual barriers within the Muslim community by living the life of Christ among the people.
