CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM ENDEAVOURS FOR A BETTER SOCIETY
Avoiding theological differences, if we build a platform based on common moral ground, it could pave the way for good relations between Christians and Muslims.
Since Christians and Muslims make up more than half of the world’s population, a viable relationship between them is crucial if there is meaningful peace in the world. Moreover, Muslim-Christian unity is essential for building a better global society, for no such great task can be performed without joint effort. Finding common ground between the two religious communities to maintain a stable equation is not just a matter of polite exchanges taking place on religious matters between selected leaders. There must be a change of hearts and minds, too.
There are many similarities between Muslims and Christians. For example, their religions belong to the same ‘Abrahamic’ religious family, with a common spiritual ancestor, the Prophet Abraham. Recognizing their similarities can provide a conducive atmosphere for Muslim-Christian unity.
The Quran is the authentic text of the religion of Islam. Regarding Muslim-Christian relations, it is worth mentioning that there are frequent references to Christianity in the Quran. For example, while ‘Muhammad’ and ‘Ahmad’ are referred to in the Quran five times, ‘Isa’ (the Prophet Jesus) and ‘Masih’ (The Messiah, i.e., Jesus) are mentioned thirty-six times, and ‘Maryam’ (Mary) is referred to thirty-four times. This shows that Islam gives a special position to key figures in Christianity and desires that Muslims develop high respect for them.
A study of the Quran shows that it attaches special importance to building good relations between Muslims and Christians. The classical literature of Islam has many appreciative references to Jesus. For example, the Quran calls Christ the “Spirit of God” (4:171), and of Mary, it says: “We breathed Our Spirit into her and made her and her son a sign for all people” (21:91). Jesus is also mentioned in the Quran as “The Messiah,” “A Mercy;” “Prophet,” “Messenger,” “Word from God,” “Spirit,” “A Sign,” and “One brought near (to God),” “Upright,” “Servant,” “Eminent,” “Blessed,” “A Witness,” and “A Parable.”
The Quran says about Jesus and his followers: “We gave him the Gospel and imbued the hearts of those who followed him with compassion and mercy” (57:27). Elsewhere, the Quran states: “the nearest in affection to them are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because there are priests and monks among them; and because they are free from pride.” (5:82) In addition, the Quran enjoins on Muslims to follow the method of the disciples of Jesus: “Believers, be God’s helpers, as Jesus, son of Mary, said to the disciples, ‘Who will be my helpers in the cause of God?’ The disciples said, ‘We shall be God’s helpers.’” (61:14)
A Hadith report demonstrates the early Muslims’ positive evaluation of Christians. Mustaurid al-Qurashi, a Companion of the Prophet, reported that the Prophet said: “The Day of Judgment will not come until the Christians outnumber all other people.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 18022)
‘Amr ibn al-‘As, a senior Companion of the Prophet, endorsed this, remarking, “The Christians have four characteristics. They are the most forbearing in times of adversity; they do not allow their spirits to be broken but promptly recover from every setback; they are the first to charge again after retreat; and they are the best of all in caring for the deprived, downtrodden, and the weak.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 18022) Amr then added that there was a fifth feature of the Christians, which is the best of all: that they restrain their kings from perpetrating injustice and oppression. (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2898; Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 18022)
A major requirement for promoting Muslim-Christian relations today is to provide opportunities for adherents of both faiths, Islam and Christianity, to interact with each other repeatedly through interfaith dialogue. Christians and Muslims participating in interfaith dialogue must strive to highlight the positive moral values common to both religions. Avoiding theological differences, they must try to build a common platform based on the common moral ground between Christians and Muslims. It can pave the way for good relations between the two.
