Muslims are devoted to the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) with a very great love
In the Qur’an a great deal of information is provided about the Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). It is described how the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) came to the world without a father, when Gabriel told Hazrat Mary the glad tidings, how he spoke with people immediately after his birth and how he worked miracles even as a baby through inspiration from God. Again as revealed in the Qur’an, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was an exemplary servant and Messenger of God throughout the course of his life. He preached the Gospel, a guide and counsel, confirming the Torah, and called on people to sincerely serve God.
One of the main factors that weld Christianity and Islam together is the love for the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) shared by the members of both faiths. It is described in the Qur’an how all the prophets communicated the same Divine message, told people glad tidings and also warned them, and also served as the finest role models for their communities. For that reason, Muslims believe in all the prophets and make no distinctions between them.
Like the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace), Muslims also believe in the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and feel a great love and respect for him. The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is described in the Qur’an as "the Messenger of God and His Word" (Surat an-Nisa’, 171); it is revealed that he is “a Sign” for mankind (Surat al-Anbiya’, 91); and very important information about his struggle, miracles and life is provided. Jesus the Messiah (pbuh) is praised as follows in this verse from the Qur’an:
When the angels said, “Mary, your Lord gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, of high esteem in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 45)
Muslims believe that the Gospel is a Divine scripture sent down from the Sight of God (but that it was subsequently corrupted by people, even though some of the true pronouncements in it have survived unchanged). They regard the Gospel as a guide for Christians, sent down by God with qualities that distinguish between truth and error, lawful and unlawful. In one verse of the Qur’an the qualities of the Gospel given to the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is described thus:
And We sent Jesus son of Mary following in their footsteps, confirming the Torah that came before him. We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light, confirming the Torah that came before it, and as guidance and admonition for those who have piety. (Surat al-Ma’ida, 46)
There can be no clash between Islamic civilization and Western civilization, because the Judeo-Christian belief that constitutes the basis of Western civilization is in harmony and agreement with Islam, rather than in conflict with it.
