The Lord Jesus told His disciples: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14, NASB).
Interestingly, Muslims pray every day to be guided to the Straight Path: “Show us the straight path, the path upon whom thy has shown favor, not the path of those with whom you are angry, nor those who have gone astray. Amen” (Quran 1:6-7). Islamic commentaries, and statements made by the Islamic prophet himself, indicate it is Christians who have gone astray. According to the Islamic narrative, Christians went astray by erroneously elevating Jesus from a mortal prophet to the Divine Son of God.
Indeed, if Christians had not gone astray, then Islam as a religion would not be necessary. No later prophet would need to arise and start another religion. No subsequent scripture, such as the Qur’an, would be needed. All that would be needed would be to preach the Gospel, that Jesus died on the Cross for the sins of people and rose again. History indicates that Jesus’ disciples did exactly that.
I was raised Muslim myself. I know Muslims have a difficult time explaining when, where, or how Christians may have gone astray. Some Muslims believe Paul invented doctrines such as the Trinity. Others say the Bible has been corrupted. Yet these Islamic explanations tend to lack depth.
I have written a book for Muslims that probes deeply into this question. The title is: Whatever Happened to Christianity? A Tafsir (Commentary) for Muslim Scholars and Thinkers. The question is not whether Islam is a better religion than Christianity, or vice versa. Rather, the question is: when, where, or how might Christians have gone astray in their beliefs about Jesus Christ? It is a question upon which the existence and rationale for Islam rests.
I know that many Muslims are open-minded people with an intention to please the Almighty, whom they call Allah. I wrote this book as a resource for them. Hopefully, it will be a light to their path, the straight path.
Jesus did not ask for guidance to the straight path. Instead, He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus challenged His listeners while He walked the earth. He is challenging Muslims again today to consider their beliefs, their direction, and their eternal destiny.
Seventeen times per day, Muslims pray that Allah would keep them from going astray—in the way that Christians have gone astray. But have Christians gone astray? Dr. Farrokh addresses this crucial question in his book in order to help Muslims consider their beliefs and how that will impact their eternal destiny.