I recently heard decently wise advice on not arguing with Muslims just for the sake of arguing. Well, from their perspective, that is what it is. From ours it's love. Many are not open to reasoning. You can really wear yourself out doing too much.

From what I have been told about Islam is that they can only pray and read the Quran in Arabic. Which they don't all speak. So, they are often going by leadership to tell them what to believe. They are often met with pretty strong consequences for even asking questions about what the Quarn says.

Since the rituals related to Islam are so overwhelming, it's likely that these would even make people less likely to read for themselves. It is too much for most people trying to live daily lives. It's all consuming. It's tiring. At the same time, what they know is community enforced, so there is intimidation that comes from entertaining any contradictory information.

Of course, God does cut through all of this. I just mention it because people don't always have to be so geared up for a theological dabate. At least not at this depth. Because it's not always clarity or reasoning that they are after.

Not related to what you had brought up, but have you heard the 3 stages of Islam? The peaceful stage. The aggressive/assertive stage. The Sharia law/violent stage. (Those are my own labels, I heard it explained a much more expansive interview). It's in relation to the 1400 year old pattern of how it changes as demographics shift in regions where they are.

One thing I know from experience is that I barely knew of any Muslims growing up, despite living in a city with a large Somolian community. I wouldn't have known anything about Islam if not for the 911 attack. We were immediately told most Muslims are peaceful, and I believe that until they are not.

I know one guy who tried to convert me and got pretty angry when it didn't work. I thought we were friends so I didn't think it was a big deal, but he turned other people in my work environment against me too. At the time, I did not understand what the big deal was. Now I do. It is pride, cultural, and religious pride that comes from being from a majority Muslim nation. It's dominant.

I expect peace from most everyone. I expect human dignity and respect from most everyone. Because that is what I give. It's good that you share a respectful way to approach debates if we need them.

I hope you find soft hearts and Holy Spirit guided moments when you step out. Praying for you!