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History

In 1911, Samuel Zwemer founded "The Moslem World." This quarterly magazine was designed to give information on matters of Islamic lore at an academic level but also as a forum of missionary strategy among Muslims. The content of the journal demonstrates that Zwemer did not just study Islam; he grappled with practical issues on how to reach Muslims. Through this media he also sought to generate prayer for the entire world of Islam and was convinced that the time would come when many Muslims would turn to the Savior. After serving as editor for thirty-six years, Zwemer turned the responsibilities over to others at Hartford Seminary -- on the condition that they remain in the same spirit of evangelism and commitment to evangelical truth. Sadly, that did not happen. "The Moslem World" evolved into nothing more than an academic journal that today is neither evangelistic nor evangelical. Consequently, many evangelicals are convinced that the need for a new journal, similar to what Samuel Zwemer had in mind, is long overdue. It is felt that the Zwemer Center is the logical place for this to take place.

Purpose

This journal, Understanding Muslims: Journal of the Zwemer Center, is devoted to Muslim-Christian studies and to providing resources for research on Islam, its history, theology, and culture, and on Christian missions to Muslims around the world. It exists to facilitate discussion and encourage research on topics of interest. In cooperation with COMMA (Consultation on Ministries to Muslims in America), it seeks to accomplish the following: 1) encourage Muslim evangelism with love and understanding in the church; 2) correct misunderstandings about Islam in the broader Christian community; 3) regain an evangelical voice in Islamic Studies within the academic community.

Readership

The target audience of this journal includes: Christian scholars of Islam, missiologists, students, prospective students, missionary candidates, and field workers. Understanding Muslims currently exists only as an online journal. Subscription is free and is available by completing the form on our subscribe page.

Editorial Information

Dr. Warren Larson, the director of the Zwemer Center, is the Editor in Chief of Understanding Muslims and can be reached at zwemercenter@ciu.edu.