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.
[] 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 Taqí®-ud-Dí®n Al-Hilí¢lí® and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khí¢n, 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, 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 Ù…Øمّد), then produce a Sí»rah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allí¢h, if you are truthful."
V.2:41 "And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'í¢n), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and buy [get (أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد)] not with My Verses [the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gosepl)] a small price (i.e. getting a small gain by selling My Verses), and fear Me and Me Alone. (Tafsí®r At-Tabarí®).)"
V.2:42 "And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. Muhammed أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد is Allí¢h's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurí¢t (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 Allí¢h 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'í¢n) from Allí¢h confirming what is with them [the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allí¢h (for coming of Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد) 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 Allí¢h be on disbelievers."
V.2:97 "Say (O Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد): 'Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel)(let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'í¢n) down to you heart by Allí¢h's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurí¢t (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-Mushrikí»n (the idolaters, polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allí¢h, pagans, etc.) like that there should be sent down unto you any good from your Lord. But Allí¢h chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. And Allí¢h 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 Ù…Øمّد is Allí¢h's Messenger) has become manifest unto them. But forgive and overlook, till Allí¢h brings His Command. Verily Allí¢h 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 Ù…Øمّد), '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. Allí¢h 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: Allí¢h 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 Ù…Øمّد) till you follow their religion. Say: 'Verily, the Guidance of Allí¢h (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur'í¢n), then you would have against Allí¢h neither any Walí® (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 Ù…Øمّد), 'Nay (we follow) only the religion of Ibrí¢hí®m (Abraham), Haní®fa [Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allí¢h (Alone)], and he was not of Al-Mushrikí»n (those who worshiped others along with Allí¢h -- see V.2:105).'"
V.2:139 "Say (O Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد to the Jews and Christians), 'Dispute you with us about Allí¢h 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 and obedience (i.e. we worship Him Alone and none else, and we obey His Orders)].'"
V.2:140 "Or say you that Ibrí¢hí®m (Abraham), Ismí¢'í®l (Ishmael), Ishí¢q (Isaac), Ya'qí»b (Jacob) and Al-Asbí¢t [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qí»b (Jacob)] were Jews or Christians? Say, 'Do you know better or does Allí¢h (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 Ù…Øمّد when he comes, as is written in their Books. (See Verse 7:157)] he has from Allí¢h? And Allí¢h is not unaware of what you do.'"
V.2:144 "Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد) 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-Harí¢m (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 Allí¢h 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 Ayí¢t (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 knowledge (from Allí¢h), then indeed you will be one of the Zí¢limí»n (polytheists, wrong-doers)."
V.2:146 "Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recognise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it -- [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد which are written in the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]."
V.2:253 "Those Messengers! We preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allí¢h spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honour); and to 'íŽsí¢ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Rí»h-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. If Allí¢h had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought against each other, after clear Verses of Allí¢h had come to them, but they differed -- some of them believed and others disbelieved. If Allí¢h had willed, they would not have fought against one another, but Allí¢h does what He likes."
[] As Abrahamic religions
-
Christianity, Islam and Judaism are known as Abrahamic religions because of their common origin through Abraham. Muslims consider Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham, to be the "Father of the Arabs" and the ancestor of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. 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" , people who follow the same general teachings in relation to the worship of the One God as known by Abraham.
[] Similarities between the Bible and the Qur'an
-
The Qur'an 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), 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. Several events are present in both holy books in some form.
[] Views on Jesus
-
- Further information: Trinity in Islam
Although Islam teaches that Jesus (Isa) was a prophet, Muslims do not believe that he was the Son of God, that he is divine or part of a triune God. According to Muslims, Jesus was a human prophet who brought to mankind a closer relationship with God and each other.
Muslims 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.
Islam and Christianity differ in their fundamental views in regard to the crucifixion and resurrection. 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
Other Christian terms are also present in Islam, although their meanings are not always the same. These include the Second Coming, Antichrist and The Beast
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).
[] See also
[] References
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.
[] 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 Taqí®-ud-Dí®n Al-Hilí¢lí® and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khí¢n, 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, 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 Ù…Øمّد), then produce a Sí»rah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allí¢h, if you are truthful."
V.2:41 "And believe in what I have sent down (this Qur'í¢n), confirming that which is with you, [the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], and be not the first to disbelieve therein, and buy [get (أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد)] not with My Verses [the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gosepl)] a small price (i.e. getting a small gain by selling My Verses), and fear Me and Me Alone. (Tafsí®r At-Tabarí®).)"
V.2:42 "And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth [i.e. Muhammed أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد is Allí¢h's Messenger and his qualities are written in your Scriptures, the Taurí¢t (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 Allí¢h 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'í¢n) from Allí¢h confirming what is with them [the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allí¢h (for coming of Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد) 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 Allí¢h be on disbelievers."
V.2:97 "Say (O Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد): 'Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel)(let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'í¢n) down to you heart by Allí¢h's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurí¢t (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-Mushrikí»n (the idolaters, polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allí¢h, pagans, etc.) like that there should be sent down unto you any good from your Lord. But Allí¢h chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. And Allí¢h 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 Ù…Øمّد is Allí¢h's Messenger) has become manifest unto them. But forgive and overlook, till Allí¢h brings His Command. Verily Allí¢h 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 Ù…Øمّد), '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. Allí¢h 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: Allí¢h 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 Ù…Øمّد) till you follow their religion. Say: 'Verily, the Guidance of Allí¢h (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur'í¢n), then you would have against Allí¢h neither any Walí® (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 Ù…Øمّد), 'Nay (we follow) only the religion of Ibrí¢hí®m (Abraham), Haní®fa [Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allí¢h (Alone)], and he was not of Al-Mushrikí»n (those who worshiped others along with Allí¢h -- see V.2:105).'"
V.2:139 "Say (O Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد to the Jews and Christians), 'Dispute you with us about Allí¢h 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 and obedience (i.e. we worship Him Alone and none else, and we obey His Orders)].'"
V.2:140 "Or say you that Ibrí¢hí®m (Abraham), Ismí¢'í®l (Ishmael), Ishí¢q (Isaac), Ya'qí»b (Jacob) and Al-Asbí¢t [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qí»b (Jacob)] were Jews or Christians? Say, 'Do you know better or does Allí¢h (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 Ù…Øمّد when he comes, as is written in their Books. (See Verse 7:157)] he has from Allí¢h? And Allí¢h is not unaware of what you do.'"
V.2:144 "Verily! We have seen the turning of your (Muhammad's أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد) 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-Harí¢m (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 Allí¢h 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 Ayí¢t (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 knowledge (from Allí¢h), then indeed you will be one of the Zí¢limí»n (polytheists, wrong-doers)."
V.2:146 "Those to whom We gave the Scripture (Jews and Christians) recognise him (Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد or the Ka'bah at Makkah) as they recognise their sons. But verily, a party of them conceal the truth while they know it -- [i.e. the qualities of Muhammad أبو القاسم Ù…Øمّد which are written in the Taurí¢t (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)]."
V.2:253 "Those Messengers! We preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allí¢h spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honour); and to 'íŽsí¢ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Rí»h-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. If Allí¢h had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought against each other, after clear Verses of Allí¢h had come to them, but they differed -- some of them believed and others disbelieved. If Allí¢h had willed, they would not have fought against one another, but Allí¢h does what He likes."
[] As Abrahamic religions
-
Christianity, Islam and Judaism are known as Abrahamic religions because of their common origin through Abraham. Muslims consider Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham, to be the "Father of the Arabs" and the ancestor of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. 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" , people who follow the same general teachings in relation to the worship of the One God as known by Abraham.
[] Similarities between the Bible and the Qur'an
-
The Qur'an 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), 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. Several events are present in both holy books in some form.
[] Views on Jesus
-
- Further information: Trinity in Islam
Although Islam teaches that Jesus (Isa) was a prophet, Muslims do not believe that he was the Son of God, that he is divine or part of a triune God. According to Muslims, Jesus was a human prophet who brought to mankind a closer relationship with God and each other.
Muslims 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.
Islam and Christianity differ in their fundamental views in regard to the crucifixion and resurrection. 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
Other Christian terms are also present in Islam, although their meanings are not always the same. These include the Second Coming, Antichrist and The Beast
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).
[] See also
[] References
