Ministry in a Pluralistic Context - Day 6

We discussed about Islam today, its three major sects, the Sunni, Shi'ite and Sufi. The Sufi sect is quite interesting -- they are the mystics of the Islam religion. Their thoughts and activity as a result of their belief can be quite beautiful.

Ruth showed me this poem written by a 7th century Sufi:

If I worship you in fear of Hell, burn me in it
If I worship you in hope of Paradise, exclude me from it
But If I worship You for your own Being,
don't withhold from me your everlasting beauty
~ Rabiah Al-Adawiyah

Now, isn't that so beautiful?

pearlie

Comments

  1. DaveSunday, August 02, 2009

    Consider how common it is in our evangelistic approach to motivate people to believe in Christianity due to fear of hell :)

    Fear of hell is one motivation but it cannot be the only nor the primary motive. Love God with all our being because God is who He is - thats the great commandment that sums up the entire law

    ReplyDelete
  2. kc bobMonday, August 03, 2009

    I liked it Pearlie.. speaks to our motives.

    ReplyDelete
  3. pearlieMonday, August 03, 2009

    Hi Dave,
    In a dialogue, it is the last thing to bring up :) but I must say I hv done it before when I was very very young!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. pearlieMonday, August 03, 2009

    Bob,
    The thoughts and writings of the Sufi is not unlike ours :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. BKTuesday, August 04, 2009

    pearlie, just to say i'm really enjoying this series!

    ReplyDelete
  6. pearlieTuesday, August 04, 2009

    Good to know that BK,
    I was being succinct though, but glad you enjoyed it nonetheless :)

    ReplyDelete

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