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For They Killed Him Not |
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A Muslim portrayal of Jesus |
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Interfaith relations and tolerance
The Muslim understanding of Jesus differs in many respects from that of Christians, Jews, or secularists. At the same time there are many commonalities. Whilst these different positions could be seen as a source of conflict, the Muslim position actually aids mutual respect and tolerance. Islam is categorical about denouncing the trinity as false and the crucifixion as untrue. Yet, the Qur’an also tells Muslims that they must leave the judgement about these differences to God Himself.
“We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit. And if Allah had so willed it, those who followed after them would not have fought one with another after the clear proofs had come to them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving. And if Allah had so willed, they would not have fought one with another; but Allah does what He will.” (Qur’an chapter 2, verse 253).
And:
“Allah (Himself) is Witness that there is no God except Him. And the angels and the men of learning (too are witness). Maintaining His creation in justice, there is no God except Him, the Almighty, the Wise. Religion with Allah (is) the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance – Islam). Those who (formerly) received the Scripture differed only after knowledge came to them, through transgression among themselves. Who disbelieves the revelations of Allah (will find that) Allah is swift at reckoning. And if they argue with you, (O Muhammad), say: I have surrendered my purpose to Allah and (so have) those who follow me. And say to those who have received the Scripture and those who read not: Have you (too) surrendered? If they surrender, then truly they are rightly guided, and if they turn away, then it is your duty only to convey the message (to them). Allah is Seer of (His) bondsmen.” (Qur’an chapter 19, verses 18-20).
Or:
“And the Jews say the Christians follow nothing (true), and the Christians say the Jews follow nothing (true); though both are readers of the Scripture. Even thus speak those who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that in which they differ.” (Qur’an chapter 2, verse 113).
It is precisely because Muslims are encouraged to leave the final judgement to Allah that churches and synagogues together with their respective communities have survived unharmed in the countries ruled over by Islam for well over a millennium. It is for this reason that the Golden Era of the Jews was under Muslim rule where they were never persecuted as they were in Christian Europe. Due to these teachings Muslims showed tolerance to Jews and Christians when they governed Jerusalem and upheld their right to worship, something that unfortunately can neither be said of the Christians whose relentless persecution of both Jews and Muslims during the crusades put an indelible stain on their history, nor of the Jews who today deny both Muslims and Christians an equal right to exist in the Holy Land.
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