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Exploring Faith, History, and Interfaith Harmony
By [ Abir Ghadri]
Jesus Christ is one of the most recognized and revered figures in world history. For billions of Christians, He is the cornerstone of their faith, embodying the divine as the Son of God. For Muslims, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is also a revered prophet, one of the most exalted messengers of God, but emphatically not divine. Despite these profound theological differences, both Christianity and Islam offer rich, complementary perspectives on Jesus that underscore shared moral and ethical values, while also highlighting points of doctrinal divergence. Understanding these nuances offers pathways for interfaith dialogue and deeper mutual respect.
In both religions, faith is the foundation of belief and practice. For Muslims, Iman (faith) is intrinsically tied to the concept of Tawhid, or the oneness of God, and the finality of the Prophet Muhammad as God’s messenger. The Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, encapsulates this commitment. Jesus, in Islam, is acknowledged as a miraculous figure a prophet born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) who performed miracles by God's will but not as divine.
In Christianity, however, faith centers on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus occupies a central role in this triune relationship, uniquely portrayed as fully divine and fully human. Christians believe in His crucifixion and resurrection as the ultimate act of salvation for humanity. These differing theological frameworks form the primary doctrinal contrast between the two faiths.
Islam and Christianity draw on rich scriptural traditions that shape their followers' beliefs about Jesus. In Islam, the Quran is revered as the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. It speaks of Jesus as a prophet, born of the Virgin Mary, performing miracles, and foretelling the coming of Muhammad. However, it explicitly denies Jesus' divinity and crucifixion, stating instead that God saved him from the cross.
In Christianity, the Bible, particularly the New Testament, chronicles the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It portrays Him as the Savior, whose sacrificial death is central to Christian theology. The Gospels, written by His disciples and early followers, provide varying but complementary accounts of His ministry, emphasizing His divine nature.
Despite these differences, both texts converge on Jesus’ extraordinary moral and spiritual significance, offering a foundation for shared reverence.
The historical origins of Christianity and Islam provide context for their theological differences. Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE, rooted in Judaism, in the Roman province of Judea. Early Christians faced persecution but eventually spread across the Roman Empire and beyond, evolving into a global faith with diverse denominations.
Islam arose in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, during a time of social, political, and religious upheaval. It rapidly expanded, shaping civilizations across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia. Both religions profoundly influenced the cultures and societies they touched, but their theological differences often placed them in opposition, especially during historical conflicts like the Crusades and colonial encounters.
Despite these differences, the figure of Jesus offers a unique opportunity for interfaith connection. This study introduces the concept of the "Perspective of Jesuses," emphasizing shared values and beliefs about Jesus in both traditions. Muslims and Christians alike venerate Him as a moral exemplar, a teacher of compassion, forgiveness, and justice. This common ground provides fertile soil for interfaith dialogue.
For example, in both faiths, Jesus’ teachings emphasize love for one’s neighbor, care for the marginalized, and the pursuit of justice. These shared ethical principles can serve as a foundation for collaboration in addressing global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and religious intolerance.
One of the most significant theological differences revolves around the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was a divine act of atonement for humanity’s sins, followed by His resurrection, which is celebrated as the cornerstone of Christian faith.
In contrast, the Quran rejects the crucifixion, stating that it only appeared so to the people, and that God raised Jesus to Himself. This distinction underscores the divergent understandings of Jesus’ role in salvation and divinity. Yet, the Islamic portrayal of Jesus as a revered prophet invites Muslims to honor His legacy as part of their own spiritual tradition.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, interfaith dialogue has become essential. The shared reverence for Jesus offers a bridge for mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians. By focusing on common values—compassion, charity, and forgiveness followers of both religions can foster cooperation and harmony.
Religious pluralism encourages an appreciation of diversity while respecting theological differences. Interfaith initiatives can help address contemporary challenges, such as rising religious intolerance and conflict, by emphasizing shared values and promoting mutual respect.
Jesus stands at the intersection of two of the world’s largest religions, embodying both a point of connection and divergence. By exploring the theological and historical contexts of these perspectives, we can better understand the complexities of interfaith relations.While Doctrinal differences, such as the Christian belief in Jesus' divinity and the Islamic emphasis on His role as a prophet, do not have to be sources of division.
Instead, by embracing shared values and respecting differences, Christians and Muslims can build a foundation for coexistence, collaboration, and peace. As the world becomes more interconnected, understanding the “Perspective of Jesuses” offers not just theological insights but a practical model for living harmoniously in a diverse and pluralistic world.
(This article is part of our series on interfaith studies and religious perspectives, aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding across faith traditions).
References
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