Across the globe, Islam is quietly rewriting the rules. Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, and many others once had Christian majorities. Islam now dominates them. In the West, the same transformation is unfolding, almost unnoticed.

In California, lawmakers have officially added two major Islamic observances, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, to the state's list of recognized holidays. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, while Eid al-Adha is associated with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Under the measure, public schools and community colleges could close for the two holidays. The bill also permits schools observing the holidays to hold exercises acknowledging their meaning and importance.

“California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country…” stated Assemblyman Matt Haney. The legislation passed 64-1, clearly reflecting the increasing influence of Islam in communities across the state.

In Texas, the Muslim population is so large, a 400-acre complex is in the works that would contain homes, a mosque, an Islamic faith-based K-12 school, businesses, and other Islamic-focused community facilities. The total space is four times the area of Vatican City.

What worries most non-Muslim Texans is just how the vast city will be run. Since the complex will prioritize Islamic way of life, sharia law is a significant concern. State Rep. Salman Bhojani, a Muslim from nearby Euless, describes sharia as an “ethical and moral framework that governs your personal conduct.”

However, the reality is that sharia Islamic law has been interpreted a wide variety of ways, some of which include coercion, discipline, and even death for those who do not adhere to it. This is particularly true for women.

Britain, once a bastion of Christianity, is now overrun by ideology that stands directly counter to the Bible. Islam has gained a significant foothold, threatening free speech and the freedom to choose their religion for many.

Hedieh Mirahmadi, a former Muslim living in the U.K., knows all about this. For two decades, Mirahmadi was a devout Muslim. When she decided to leave Islam and give her life to Jesus, she walked away from a false belief system and into danger.

Her reputation, career, safety, and the custody of her child were all on the line when she chose to leave. For now, she lives a tenuous existence with the fear of retribution always in the back of her mind.

Another young woman in the U.K. was told by her Muslim family that she deserved to die for converting to Christianity. Her relatives then showed up at her workplace, demanding that her bosses hand her over. She was forced to flee and now lives in hiding.

Since 2021, Iranian-American journalist and human rights activist Masih Alinejad has faced attempted kidnapping, murder plots, and assassination attempts for speaking out against sharia governments.

Alinejad recently spoke about the treatment of women in Iran and Afghanistan at Concerned Women for America's annual summit. Her speech was sobering.

“Women are not even allowed to sing,” Alinejad said. “Forget about singing. Women are not allowed to speak in Afghanistan under Taliban. This is called Islamism.” She went on to warn her audience of this rule by describing a society of complete repression where women are treated little better than cattle.

Islam is no longer a religion practiced mainly “somewhere else.” Muslims are our neighbors, coworkers, and classmates. The great news is that their presence highlights a fantastic opportunity for gospel outreach.

Muslims want the same fundamental things as Christians—to know they’re going to heaven, to know their life pleases God, and to demonstrate their faith to others. However, a Muslim has no assurance of salvation, and they know they can never live correctly enough to please Allah.

As Christians, we have a gospel that is full of grace, full of promise, and offers hope for a Muslim’s deepest needs. Through Christ we can be assured that we are going to heaven. By placing faith in Him, we can know that His forgiveness covers all of our failings and shortcomings. This is the truth that Muslims desperately need.

The same is true for millions of Americans with no Islamic background at all. America's religious landscape is rapidly changing, and many people have little understanding of the Bible or the gospel.

That makes our role in sharing the gospel increasingly important.

We don't need to understand every detail of Islamic theology or settle the debate over sharia before we can reach Muslim cashiers, neighbors, coworkers, or delivery drivers we meet. All we need is a simple gospel tract we can place in their hands.

Keep a few with you. Hand them out as you go through the day. You never know who you’ll impact with the life-changing hope that Jesus offers.

Below is a brief list of countries that have been changed by the takeover of Islam. Note: The author of the list uses the word “Christian” to define a country if it previously had at least a form of Christian influence.

1,400 years ago, when Islam was created in the 7th century…

• Iran was Zoroastrian—today Muslim.
• Iraq was Christian; today it’s Muslim.
• Turkey was Christian; today it’s Muslim.
• Lebanon was Christian; today, with a Muslim majority and Islamic radicalism the Christians are disappearing from there.
• Egypt was Christian; today it’s 92% Muslim. Christians are persecuted and exterminated there.
• Saudi Arabia was filled with pagans, Christians, and Jews; today it’s Muslim.
• Yemen was a Jewish kingdom; today it’s Muslim.
• Pakistan was Hindu; today it’s Muslim with an extreme, persecuted Hindu minority.
• Afghanistan was Hindu; today it’s Muslim.
• Britain today is Christian/Western, slowly being conquered by Islam.
• Holland today is Christian/Western, slowly being conquered by Islam.
• Sweden today is Christian/Western, slowly being conquered by Islam.

      —Amir Tsarfati, Behold Israel