Christianity and Islam

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Glossary of Islamic terms

Islam Portal  v • d • e 

The historical interaction between Christianity and Islam, in the field of comparative religion, connects fundamental ideas in Christianity with similar ones in Islam. Islam and Christianity share their origins in the Abrahamic tradition though Christianity predates Islam by six centuries. Islam accepts many aspects of Christianity as part of its faith - with some differences in interpretation, and rejects other aspects. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are often collectively referred to as the Abrahamic religions.


Contents

[edit] The Qur'an on Christianity

The Qur'an says, among others, the following about the prescribed behavior towards Christians (Qu'ran 29:46):

"Be courteous when you argue with the People of the Book, except with those among them who do evil. Say: "We believe in that which is revealed to us and which was revealed to you. Our God and your God is one. To Him we surrender ourselves."

The following is a working list of quotes regarding Christians in the Qur'an. All quotes are from the translation of Dr. Muhammad Taqî-ud-Dîn Al-Hilâlî AND Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khân, published by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an, Madinah, K.S.A. All quotes feature only the verse in which Christians or Christianity are mentioned. The Qur'an should be consulted for proper understanding of context.

V.1:7 "The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians)."

V.2:23 "And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'an) to Our slave (Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد), then produce a Sûrah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allâh, if you are truthful."

V.2:41 "And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'ân), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and buy [get (أبو القاسم محمّد)] not with My Verses [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gosepl)] a small price (i.e. getting a small gain by selling My Verses), and fear Me and Me Alone. (Tafsîr At-Tabarî).)"

V.2:42 "And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. Muhammed أبو القاسم محمّد is Allâh's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] while you know (the truth)."

V.2:62 "Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allâh and the Last Day and does righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."

V.2:89 "And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (this Qur'ân) from Allâh confirming what is with them [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allâh (for coming of Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد) in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then when there came to them that which they had recognised[sic], they disbelieved in it. So let the Curse of Allâh be on disbelievers."

V.2:97 "Say (O Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد): 'Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel)(let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'ân) down to you heart by Allâh's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers.'"

V.2:105 "Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) nor Al-Mushrikûn (the idolaters, polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, pagans, etc.) like that there should be sent down unto you any good from your Lord. But Allâh chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty."

V.2:109 "Many of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) wish that if they could turn you away as disbelievers after you have believed, out of envy from their ownselves, even after the truth (that Muhammed أبو القاسم محمّد is Allâh's Messenger) has become manifest unto them. But forgive and overlook, till Allâh brings His Command. Verily Allâh is Able to do all things."

V.2:111 "And they say, 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' These are their own desires. Say (O Muhammed أبو القاسم محمّد), 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.'"

V.2:113 "The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing(i.e. are not on the right religion); though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allâh will judge between them on the Day of the Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing."

V.2:116 "And they (Jews, Christians and pagans) say: Allââh has begotten a son (children or offspring). Glory be to Him (Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and all surrender with obedience (in worship) to Him."

V.2:120 "Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد) till you follow their religion. Say: 'Verily, the Guidance of Allâh (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur'ân), then you would have against Allâh neither any Walî (protector or guardian) nor any helper."

V.2:135 "And they say, 'Be Jews or Christians, then you will be guided.' Say (to them O Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد), 'Nay (we follow) only the religion of Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Hanîfa [Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allâh (Alone)], and he was not of Al-Mushrikûn (those who worshiped others along with Allâh -- see V.2:105).'"

V.2:139 "Say (O Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد to the Jews and Christians), 'Dispute you with us about Allâh while He is our Lord and your Lord? And we are to be rewarded for our deeds and you for your deeds. And we are sincere to Him [in worship an obedience (i.e. we worship Him Alone and none else, and we obey His Orders)].'"

V.2:140 "Or say you that Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Ismâ'îl (Ishmael), Ishâq (Isaac), Ya'qûb (Jacob) and Al-Asbât [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qûb (Jacob)] were Jews or Christians? Say, 'Do you know better or does Allâh (know better...that they all were Muslims)? And who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony [i.e. to believe in Prophet Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد when he comes, as is written in their Books. (See Verse 7:157)] he has from Allâh? And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.'"

V.2:144 "Verily! Wwe have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's أبو القاسم محمّد) face towards the heaven. Surely, We shall turn you to a Qiblah (prayer direction) that shall please you, so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-Al-Harâm (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction. Certainly, the people who were given the Scripture (i.e. Jews and the Christians) know well that, that (your turning towards the direction of the Ka'bah at Makkah in prayers) is the truth from their Lord. And Allâh is not unaware of what they do."

V.2:145 "And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) all the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction), nor are you going to follow their Qiblah (prayer direction). And they will not follow each other's Qiblah (prayer direction). Verily, if you follow their desires after that which you have received of knowlede (from Allâh), then indeed you will be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers)."

V.2:146 "Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise[sic] him (Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recognise[sic] their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it -- [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد which are written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]."

V.2:253 "Those Messengers! We preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allâh spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honour[sic]); and to 'Îsâ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Rûh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. If Allâh had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought against each other, after clear Verses of Allâh had come to them, but they differed -- some of them believed and others disbelieved. If Allâh had willed, they woudl not have fought against one another, but Allâh does what He likes."

[edit] As part of the Abrahamic religions

Main article: Abrahamic Religion

Christianity and Islam (as well as Judaism) are known as "Abrahamic religions" because of their common origin through Abraham. The firstborn son of Abraham, Ishmael, Muslims consider Father of the Arabs and the ancestor of Muhammad أبو القاسم محمّد. Abraham's second son Isaac is called Father of the Hebrews. His story is told in the Book of Genesis.

Muslims commonly refer to Christians (and Jews) as "People of the Book" which is the Bible: people who follow the same general teachings in relation to the worship of the One God as known by Abraham.

[edit] Similarities between the Bible and the Qur'an

Main article: Biblical narratives and the Qur'an

The Qur'an (Koran) contains many references to people and events that are mentioned in the Bible; especially the stories of the prophets of Islam, among whom are included Moses, David and Jesus.

Muslims believe that Moses was given the Tawrat (Torah in Hebrew, or 'the Law'); that David was given the Zabur (or Psalms) and that Jesus was given the Injil (Greek evangel, or Gospel) from the Abrahamic God (Allah in Arabic). Traditionally, Muslims have believed that parts of these teachings were eventually lost or distorted to produce what is now the Hebrew Bible and the Christian New Testament.

There are several events that are present in both holy books in some form.

[edit] Views on Jesus

Main articles: Jesus and Islamic view of Jesus
Christianity Portal

Although Islam recognizes Jesus as a prophet and the Messiah, it does not believe Jesus to be divine and the son of God in a trinity. Muslims do not believe that Christ was the "begotten son of God" and they do not accept the Trinity. According to Muslims, Jesus was a human prophet who brought to mankind a closer relationship with God and each other. In the "religion-literal" sense, Christians reject the Muslim religion's understanding of Christ as heretical.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the official doctrine document released by the Roman Catholic church, has this to say regarding Muslims:

"The Church's relationship with the Muslims: The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day (apocalypse)." (CCC 841).

Islam and Christianity differ in their fundamental views in regard to the crucifixion and resurrection which is essential to Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus was condemned to death by the Sanhedrin and the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate, physically crucified and resurrected. Muslims believe that Jesus was condemned to crucifixion and then miraculously saved:

Quran, Chapter 4
156: That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
157: That they said in boast, "We killed Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no certain knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-
158: Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise

In Christianity, Jesus is present for 40 days after his resurrection and ascends to the heaven and appears briefly at least two more times, once to Saul of Tarsus, known as Paul and then again to John on the island of Patmos.

It is sometimes asked, "What do contemporary Christianity and Islam share with each other that they do not share with Judaism?" The first and most important answer is their shared certainty in the objective existence of heaven and hell in the afterlife.

Moreover, they both believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, but disagree on the nature of Jesus' paternity in relation to the conception. Muslims believe the creation of Jesus was like the creation of Adam; they were both created by God without human fathers, but neither are seen as being the "sons of God" in the literal sense. This produces the major gap as Christianity is based on the sacrificial death of Christ [1] and Islam teaches that Jesus did not die. [2] Furthermore, Islam emphasizes that each soul is personally responsible for its salvation, and no soul can bear the burden(sins) of another.

Some other Christian terms are also present in Islam, although what they mean are not always the same. Such as;

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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