General Conference on Moslem Work by J. L. Shaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 22, 1911

General Conference on Moslem Work

By J. L. Shaw

J. L. SHAW

The second world’s conference to consider work among the Moslems was held January 23-28 at Lucknow, a historic stronghold of Mohammedanism in North India. A large delegation of missionaries of different societies, operating in various parts of the Moslem world, was in attendance. One man from Inland China was eighty-one days in reaching the coast, and a month or six weeks by boat from there to the conference.

It was a privilege to see and listen to men who have spent many years in direct work for Mohammedans in countries like Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, Persia, Arabia, India, and China. Those presenting papers at the conference had given much study to the history and literature of Islam, and were able to give a comprehensive survey of the present relations of Christianity to Mohammedanism. In large letters over the rostrum was the motto: “Not by Might, nor by Any Arm, but My Spirit.” This was significant of the attitude of the conference toward that monstrous movement of the false prophet which has gone from one continent to another, making converts by force of arms. A detailed account of the political conditions which obtain in various countries where Mohammedanism is strong, presented a powerful argument for immediate and rapid advance.

Arabia, the cradle of Islam, is being opened with railroads. The people long to learn, and schools are called for. Christians and Mohammedans are granted equality of rights. Soldiers are not compelled to be Moslems, and a much more healthy tone is manifest in public affairs. It was urged that a mission station should be opened at Jiddah on the Red Sea,—the only port on the west side of Arabia, and the door of entrance to Mecca, the sacred city of Islam. It was thought by some that the occupation of this port would be even more important than that of Mecca itself, as it is more in touch with the outside world. A Christian hotel was suggested, the chief aim of which would be to afford accommodations for Moslems, many of whom are put to death for their money by fellow Mohammedans. Multitudes pass through Jiddah annually from Africa, India, and the East, on pilgrimages to Mecca. Such an undertaking would need to be very carefully operated, and would necessarily assume the character of a business enterprise more than of a mission.

In India, where there are sixty-three million Mohammedans, political influences have brought in new conditions. Extended privileges by the government have greatly influenced Mohammedans, and they are showing more loyalty to British rule. They are now in a better condition than ever to make their wants known, and to protect their religion. The All India Moslem League is working continuously to unify all sects of Mohammedans, both Sunnites and Shiahs. In North India the league is conducting schools for the people, so that even the very poor may have the benefit of Mohammedan schools. Urdu is the leading language of the Moslems of India, and a movement is on foot to make it the language of all the Mohammedans of India.

It is, therefore, plain from the present political conditions in India, and from the increased energy of Mohammedan leaders, that the work of Christian missions for Moslems is more difficult than it was a few years ago. Owing to the difficulties to be met, many missions have chosen the line of least resistance, and are devoting their efforts largely to Hindus and the animistic tribes; especially is this true in Bengal. And no missionary has been set apart exclusively for work among the Moslems of that vast province, where there are to be found one third of the Mohammedans of India. There are two hundred mosques in Calcutta alone.

Islam is making progress in the islands of Australasia. In Java it is the predominating religion, as is also the case in the southern two thirds of Sumatra. The Koran has been translated into the Fijian language. In the South Sea islands there are fifty million Mohammedans. It was a matter of regret that at so important a conference no representative was in attendance from these islands. Before another Moslem conference is held, it is very probable that a commission will be appointed to obtain, as nearly as possible, the status of Mohammedanism in the island world.

In Turkey the policy of the Young Turk party is making a holy war for Islam apparently impossible. More liberty is conferred by the government to Christian missions. The Bible is being freely distributed; nine thousand New Testaments were either sold or given away last year. Special favor is shown by the government to medical missionary work. Last year one Turk was converted to Christ.

Persia has not, so far, granted religious liberty, though there is evidence of laxity in fanatical zeal. Now and then Mohammedan fanaticism breaks out. Political changes are weakening the hand of Islam, and schools are welcomed, though Christian missions must work cautiously; for the political condition of the country is critical.

In China, Islam is making progress, though organization is wanting. Mollahs from Arabia and India are visiting the mosques of China, and are teaching the doctrine of the false prophet. The Mohammedan population of China is in the small minority, numbering only about ten million. In Russia there are twenty million Mohammedans, and but little is being done to reach them with the gospel.

Mohammedanism in Africa is growing rapidly, numbering at the present time fifty-nine million adherents. The method of propagation is through literature and pilgrimages. The most threatening of mission problems is the advance of Islam in Africa. One hundred twenty missionaries bore testimony at the Edinburgh conference last year that the greatest problem for Christians is the growth of Mohammedanism in Central Africa.

The urgency of the Mohammedan problem was expressed in the following resolution:—

“That this conference, in view of the steady advance of Islam, not only among various animistic tribes and other peoples, but also to some extent among historic Christian churches and recently Christianized pagans, expresses the conviction that it is absolutely necessary that Christendom at large, and more especially the missionary boards and committees of the churches, which we represent, should forthwith take practical measures for a more comprehensive and systematic prosecution of the work among Moslems.”

Other resolutions, showing the need of literature especially prepared for Moslems, for training colleges for missionaries to Moslems, and for workers among women, were passed; and last, though not least, an earnest call of the Christian church to prayer. And surely every believer, knowing the conditions which obtain in the Moslem world, should urgently pray that the light of truth may shine forth with strong rays in the high places of Islam.

Whether or not Christian missions can stay the advance of Mohammedanism, God alone knows; certain it is that the believer of present truth can never enter the citadels of Islam, and proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ save by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Seventh-day Adventist Church should be crying to God for the outpouring of the latter rain; then there will be boldness, and we shall see heralds of the message crying out the warning words of truth in the very sanctuaries of the false prophet.

Lucknow, India.