Courtesy of Islamic Horizons
"Invite to the way of thy Lord with Wisdom and Beautiful Preaching, and argue with in ways that are best and most Gracious" (Quran 16:125)
If you say that you believe something. then act upon that belief. People tend to be cynical and will be looking to see whether you do what you say you, do remember, non-Muslims will judge Islam by your actions.
Many people are embarrassed to talk about religion. especially within a group or in front of their friends. They are often taught as children that discussing religion or politics is impolite, or that it should be restricted to certain times or places.
If someone asks you a question about Islam, answer the question. If he continues to show interest, then satisfy his curiosity. However, don't lecture about Islam. Even if the person looks interested, he may only be acting politely. Therefore, be as brief as possible without distorting the message of Islam.
Many perople claim that religious people are only interested in their soul without caring about them as a person. Show them that we Muslims do care about persons as well as souls.
Don't talk about problems or inconsistencies in the Bible, church teachings, or church practices. Even if they make fun of their religion. be careful. They may become angry if you are critical of their faith. The strength of Islam is in the message. Only an insecure person attacks another's faith.
Christians make the same claim about the Bible. Discuss the message of the Qur'an and the hadith. Show them how Islam combines love and justice, idealism and practicality,etc.
To some non-Muslims Islam equals chopping off hands, slavery for women unlimited sex for men, rich Arabs, and oil. Unfortunately some Muslims confuse their religion and their culture and, contribute to the myths about Islam.
Many Christianss attend church without knowing what their church teaches. Don't assume they believe in the Incarnation, the Holy Trinity, or Original Sin. Find out what they do believe in and then go from there.
Many non-Muslims hold their beliefs as strongly as we hold ours. Don't expect them to give up these beliefs simply because they hear the message of Islam. Changing one's faith is often a slow and painful process that involves changes in the whole of a persons-belief, personality, actions, etc.
Increasingly, Christians travel from church to church in search for a community whose members are open, Islam is accepting, and loving. If they hear Muslims backbite, they will run from us as quickly as they run from their own churches.
You don't have to be an Islamic scholar to talk about Islam. Tell people what you know. Start with the basics; e.g.Tawhid and Shirk, the Five Pillars, etc. Don't be afraid to say. "I don't know." If the person is still interested in knowing more. introduce him to more knowledgeable brothers or sisters, or provide him with literature about Islam.