Muslim christian (edited)

1. Muslim-Christian
Relations
-by Hassan Taha

2. 11.. MMuusslliimm--CChhrriissttiiaann RReellaattiioonnss
• As man is sociable by nature, he is bound to interact and have social
relations with different human beings regardless of race, religion or
nationality.
• Islam has defined such relations and molded them in the matrix of equality,
justice, tolerance, compassion, love, etc. Since man was created among
other things, to develop the living conditions on the earth, it is then
imperative upon him to cooperate with his brothers in humanity. God says:
,help ye one another in righteousness and piety"…
(but help ye not one another in sin and rancor…" (5:2

3. 11.. MMuusslliimm--CChhrriissttiiaann RReellaattiioonnss
• The entire life of any Islamic society is regulated by the Islamic Law. This
calls for establishing strong relations between Muslim and non-Muslim
citizens. Muslim-Christian relations are governed by the following prophetic
saying in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says:
He who harms a non-Muslim harms me, and he who"
(harms me, harms God." (Related by Al-Tabarani in Al-Awsat

4. 22.. EEssttaabblliisshhmmeenntt ooff MMuusslliimm rreellaattiioonnss
wwiitthh nnoonn--MMuusslliimmss
• Our relations with non-Muslims are defined by the following verses of the
Holy Qur'an:
"God forbids you not with regard to those who fight you not for
(your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly
and justly with them: for God loves those who are just. God
only forbids you with regard to those who fight you for (your)
faith and drive you out of your homes from turning to them (for
friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these
circumstances) that do wrong." (60:8-9)
• According to the Holy Qur'an, a Muslim is required to deal kindly and justly
with all people regardless of religion, color or ethnicity.

5. 33.. TTaakkiinngg MMeeaallss wwiitthh tthhee PPeeooppllee ooff tthhee
BBooookk ((JJeewwss aanndd CChhrriissttiiaannss))
• Islam permits Muslims to eat of the meat of the slaughtered animals of the
People of the Book and to marry their chaste women. We read in the Qur'an:
"The food of the People of the
Book is lawful unto you and yours
is lawful unto them…” (5:5)

6. 44.. SSttaattuuss ooff tthhee PPeeooppllee ooff tthhee BBooookk iinn aa
MMuusslliimm SSoocciieettyy
• When the People of the Book live as non-Muslim citizens under Islamic
sovereignty, they enjoy a special status and are referred to along with other
minorities as, "Ahludh-dhimma," or "Dhimmis", translated as, (those
guaranteed safety, security and protection by God, His Messenger and
Muslims.) Non-Muslims are granted that security and protection provided
they pay the "Jizyah," (capitation tax) as well as respecting the Islamic
constitution.

7. 55.. SSoommee eeaarrllyy eennccoouunntteerrss bbeettwweeeenn
PPrroopphheett MMuuhhaammmmaadd aanndd CChhrriissttiiaannss
• Bahira, the Monk: When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 12 years old, he
set out to Syria with his uncle, Abu Talib. When they reached Busra, a
monk called Bahira, invited them to a meal. After realizing that Muhammad
was the prophet mentioned in the Christian books, he advised Abu Talib to
return to Mecca with the lad under the assumption that he (Muhammad)
would be harmed.
• After prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation, he rushed to
his house in utter fear and anxiety. His wife, Khadija, comforted him and
took him to her cousin, Waraqa, (a Christian Priest) who confirmed to him
that it was the beginning of a very challenging and yet rewarding mission.
He said“:T he angel who brought to you the revelation is the same who
brought it to Moses. I wish I were alive when your people drive
you away from this land so that I support you…"
(Al-Bukhari, 1/2,3)

8. 66.. RReelliiggiioouuss DDiissccuussssiioonn wwiitthh nnoonn--MMuusslliimmss
• The Qur'an prohibits serious religious discussions tainted with malice and
rancor, for they result in hostility, resentment, and bitter feelings. God says:
"… and do not dispute with the People of the Book except with
better means (than mere disputation) unless it be with those
who inflict wrong (and injury). But say, "We believe in the
revelation, which has come down to you. Our God and your
God is one, and it is to Him that we bow in submission." (29:46)

9. 77.. PPrriioorriittiieess ooff PPrroopphheett MMuuhhaammmmaadd ((PPBBUUHH))
iinn MMeeddiinnaa::
• The third thing that Prophet Muhammad did in Medina was to sign a treaty
with the Jews, which was abiding to other non-Muslims as well – it stipulated
the following terms:
Common Defense.
Freedom of Worship
Leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

10. Thank you for
!attending