What do Christians think of Muslims?

Answer 1

The Jews and the Christians are called People of the Book - Ahl al Kitaab in the Quran. And the Muslims are order to talk to them in the best way possible. Some say they are infidels or kufaar, but Allah called them People of the Book, because they also received revelations and books from God. Each of them had a prophet Jesus and Moses, whom every Muslim must respect.

• God says that Christians are the nearest in love to Muslims.

Refer to Quran sayings (meaning English translation):

".... You will find the nearest in love to Muslims those who say "we are Christians'. That is because amongst them are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and they are not arrogant. And when they listen to the Quran revelation received by the Messenger (Muhammad), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognized. ... So because of what they said, Allah (God) rewarded them ...." (Quran, chapter 5, verses 82-86)

• Muslims are commanded by God and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to deal with people of all religions and cultures peacefully, kindly, and with respect. However, if Muslims got subject to invasion by any people, including Christians, Jews, or any religion or culture) then sure those invaders will be treated as enemies.

God says in Quran, Holy book of Islam, (meaning English Translation):

" God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers."(Quran, chapter 60, verse 8)

• God says also in Quran that people were created in nations of different religions and beliefs to compete together in doing good deeds for humanity and not to stay in conflicts. In this regards, Quran says:

{...To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah (God) willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ. (48)} (Quran, chapter 5, verse 48)

• Muslims are also encouraged to be forgiving and to pardon all people regardless their religions.

Quran says on encouraging forgiveness (meaning English translation):

" Be quick in the race for forgiveness from you Lord and for the Paradise prepared for righteous; those who spend freely whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain anger, and pardon all people..." (Quran, Chapter 49, Verse 13)

• God emphasize in Quran that no compulsion in religion.

"There is no compulsion in religion..."(Quran, Chapter 2, Verse 256)

• It is to highlighted that both religions are different only in some faith issues that are regarding the relationship between yourself and your God which is a matter to be resolved by God on the Day of Judgment. However, both religions are quite similar in all issues regarding relationships among all people. In reality, there are no differences between the two religions regarding the way that people of different religions should treat each other and deal with each other. This, logically and spiritually, calls all people to live together in love, peace, and harmony regardless their different religions or beliefs.

Answer 2

Christians:

• do not believe in the prophesy of Muhammad
• do not believe in Quran as God revelation to prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• do not believe in Quran saying that Jesus (PBUH) is neither God nor son of God

However,

• Jesus was mentioned in Quran by name tens of times more than prophet Muhammad
• The virgin Mary was mentioned in a Quran chapter titled by her name (chapter 19)
• Virgin Mary was the only woman mentioned by name in Quran while non of prophet Muhammad family women mentioned in Quran by name.
• Quran says:

  {.... You will find the nearest in love to Muslims those who say 'we are Christians'. That is because amongst them are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and they are not arrogant. And when they listen to the Quran revelation received by the Messenger (Muhammad), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognized. ... So because of what they said, Allah (God) rewarded them.} (Quran, chapter 5, verses 82-86)

All the above reflect the status from the religious view.

However, from the political view, some politicians (who are mostly Christians) in order to implement certain political Agendas, aiming at controlling some Islamic countries, encourage media to propagate false issues against Islam and the prophet of Islam (PBUH) and to mock at the Islamic beliefs and symbols.

Answer B

Varies heavily where in the world you are and what domination you follow. In general it is thought that Christians and Muslims are tolerant of each other. Unfortunately, due to the current world affairs and recent history (9/11, 7/7, 11-M and the attack on Iraq) relationships have become further strained. Islam is, by nature, very respectful and acknowledging of the Christian faith. More and more the Christian faith grows educated and respectful of Islam but are still behind. This might all sound a bit strange if you think of all the modern attacks by Islamic fundamentalists but don't forget that this is only a very, very, very small percentage of Muslims who feel and do this. Also don't forget that most of Islamic anger is not aimed at Christianity but at America.