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Aisha, My Sister

Aisha My Sister
By Sally J. Sutcliffe
Solway. 270 pp. £6.99
ISBN 1 900507 44 7

'One quarter of the world's population is Muslim. At least 50% are women. Some live in the UK. In spite of that, it is still true to say that, like the majority who live beyond these shores, most have never met a Christian believer,' writes Sally Sutcliffe in the preface of her accessible, practical and challenging book.
How is the church in Britain responding to the challenges of a multicultural society? Sadly, all too often, mission is perceived as something that is 'out there'. Many churches give money and pray (sometimes) for missionary members 'on the field' and yet neglect the Asian communities in their neighbourhoods. Others are waking up to such local opportunities but, with no experience of cross-cultural relationships, find it hard to know where to begin. Either way, we need to read this book.
The challenge presented is one that our predominantly Anglo-Saxon/Celtic churches need to face seriously. If we are committed to the Word of God, we are committed to spreading the gospel to all ethnic groups, including our own neighbours. If we fail to do so, not only do they not hear of the freedom which Christ brings us but we ourselves miss out on the insights and richness we gain through relating to those who have a very different cultural perspective from our own. Our churches are poorer because of it.
Subtitled 'Christian encounters with Muslim women in Britain', the book is addressed primarily to the Christian woman who is white, and has probably little experience of relating to those outside her own culture. However, men would surely profit from reading it too.
The book is divided into three parts. Part one deals with beginnings, how we might meet and make friends with Muslim women. Here is the key to Muslim evangelism - genuine friendship. As one Muslim woman is quoted as saying: 'Do you love me because you want me to follow Christ or do you want me to follow Christ because you love me?'.
Part two looks at Islamic ways of life including the effects of living as a minority culture. A very pertinent chapter in this section deals with racism - yes, even in the church.
The third and final section deals with Christianity and Islam. There are stark lessons for our churches here on the very real practical needs of women converts from Islam who lose all family support when they turn to Christ.
The book may be used as a discussion starter for groups. There are thought-provoking questions in most chapters. There are also practical suggestions on what to do having read the book, with a helpful appendix containing information covering further reading, courses of study and resources.
And yet this book is no dry 'how to' manual. The overwhelming 'flavour' is that of people - warm, vibrant, hurting, courageous human beings. Many women contributed to this book and the author has helpfully woven their insights and compelling testimonies together in a way that draws the reader into the world of Muslim women in Britain today. Every reader must be enriched.

Catherine Weston,
Oxford