
In his thought-provoking message, “If Christians Were Muslims, There Would Be No Religion,” Prophet Ritabbi explores the stark contrasts between Christian and Muslim approaches to worship. Drawing on examples from daily life and spiritual practices, he calls for greater humility, respect, and devotion among Christians, challenging them to reevaluate how they serve and honor God.
The Spirit of Humility
Prophet Ritabbi begins by highlighting the humility inherent in Islamic worship. Muslims, regardless of status or wealth, approach their faith with a servant’s heart. They remove their shoes, wash their hands, feet, and faces, and sit on the floor during prayers, embodying a sense of equality before God. By contrast, many Christians, he argues, often display pride and resistance when asked to demonstrate similar humility in their worship practices.
Commitment to Worship
Muslims are deeply committed to their daily prayers, observing them five times a day without fail. This level of dedication stands in stark contrast to Christians, who often see even a three-hour service as an inconvenience. Prophet Ritabbi laments that Christians sometimes check their watches during sermons, prioritizing personal schedules over spiritual connection.
Reverence for Sacred Spaces
The respect Muslims show for their places of worship is another key lesson. They perform ritual washing before entering the mosque and maintain a demeanor of reverence throughout their time there. In contrast, Christians may take their churches for granted, sometimes entering sacred spaces with casual attitudes that fail to honor God’s presence.
Equality in Worship
Muslim worship is marked by an egalitarian spirit. Regardless of status, worshippers pray together on the floor, emphasizing their shared humanity before God. Prophet Ritabbi critiques the tendency in some Christian communities to reserve special seats for influential individuals, which can undermine the principle of equality in God’s house.
Leadership and Service
True spiritual leadership, according to Prophet Ritabbi, is characterized by humility and service. He praises the example set by Imams, who often lead without ostentation. Drawing from his personal experiences, he shares how he seeks to embody this principle by engaging directly in acts of service, such as distributing food and resources to others.
A Call to Learn
Prophet Ritabbi urges Christians to adopt the mindset of servanthood, which he views as central to the Muslim faith. He challenges believers to prioritize humility, devotion, and respect in their worship, fostering a deeper connection with God.
Materialism and Worship
The speaker also critiques materialism in Christian worship, warning against the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of building a legacy rooted in faith and service rather than wealth or status.
Honoring God’s Presence
In closing, Prophet Ritabbi underscores the need for Christians to approach worship with the same reverence and dignity they would show in a royal setting. He reminds believers that God deserves the utmost respect, reflected in how they conduct themselves in His presence.
Prophet Ritabbi’s message is a powerful call for Christians to reflect on their approach to worship. By learning from the humility, commitment, and reverence exemplified in Muslim practices, Christians can deepen their relationship with God and cultivate a spirit of true servanthood. His challenge is clear: to serve God not with pride or materialism but with a heart of humility and devotion.