For my American Christian friends:

When we travel to churches to share with Christians how they can love Muslims and talk about life and faith, they often say to us, "How can I talk to a Muslim? I wouldn't even know where to start!" (it is clear that so many Christians don't know a Muslim)

This is kind of a funny question for us because we have had Muslim friends in the U.S. and in the Middle East for over 12 years now, and so conversation for us with Muslims generally comes pretty naturally - at least in English that is!

But. . .we remember how things used to be awkward for us before we had Muslim friends and so we try now to help Christians with conversation starters. Here are a few:

- "Salaam alekum." ("peace be upon you" in Arabic)
- If your new Muslim acquaintance has an accent, you might say, "I enjoy your accent. Would you mind telling me what country you - or your family - are from?"
- "What do you miss the most about your home country?" (if they are a immigrant or international student or refugee)
- "What do you like the most about living in the U.S.?"
- "Who is your favorite soccer (they may call it football) player? Who is your favorite soccer team?" (question for men to men)
- "Your kids are beautiful - thank God." (comment for women to women; always add "thank God" to any compliment)
- "Do you shop here often? What do you find to be the best sales?" (comment for women to women in stores, the mall, etc.)
- "I have really enjoyed getting to meet you. Could we get together some time for coffee?" (share phone numbers if yes)

These are just a few conversation starters for you as Christians to speak to a Muslim in a store, gas station, restaurant, airport, etc.

One more thing: we recommend men speaking to men and women speaking to women for good cultural sensitivity.

Christians, you CAN talk to a Muslim!
They are just people - people just like you!

(our website for Muslims: www.iLoveMuslims.net)

(video: Dearborn, MI grocery store, Oct 13, '18)

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