Christian-Muslim Endeavours for a Better Society

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