how, when, and where he was born, lived, received his Message, died, and was buried; his “miracles” . Lack of space and the blasphemous defamatory character of the arguments force us to limit our discussion of these provocative questions. For a critical survey and an excellent biliography, see Qazi Muhammad Barakatullah, Jesus Son of Mary, Fallacy and Factuality - Philadelphia: Dorrance & Company, 1973.) Before anything can be said, three points must be made clear. First, a Muslim is quite at ease as far as the attitude of Islam towards Jesus is concerned; his mind is settled, his conscience is clear, and his belief is sound. Secondly, a Muslim’s concept of God, religion, prophethood, revelation and humanity makes him accept Jesus not only as a historical fact but also as one of the most distinguished apostles of God. It should be remembered here that acceptance of Jesus by Muslims is a fundamental article of Faith in Islam, and that a Muslim can never think of Jesus in any derogatory terms. A Muslim is happily denied the liberty of defaming Jesus or any other prophet of God Thirdly, whatever will be mentioned here is what the Qur’an says and teaches.

Although very unpopular among the Christians, the Islamic beliefs about Jesus do not intend in any way to belittle his role or underestimate his character or degrade his great personality. On the contrary, these Islamic beliefs depict Jesus in a most respectable manner and place him as high in status as God Himself has placed him. In fact, the Muslim is more respectful of Jesus than many Christians. But the attitude of Islam should not be misunderstood. It must not be interpreted as appeasing or flattering or compromising. It is to be taken as the truth in which the Muslim unshakably believes and will continue to believe. It is the truth of yesterday, the truth of today, and the truth of tomorrow The environment in which Jesus was born and raised deserves some attention. The people to whom he was sent had peculiar characteristics, among which were:

(I) that they interpolated and misinterpreted the Scriptures of God in meaning and word alike; (ii) that they rejected some of their prophets, including Jesus, and killed some; and (iii) that they were outspoken and irresponsible as regards their wealth. The Qur’an says:

Is it that whenever there comes to you ( children of Israel) an apostle with what you desire not, you are puffed up with pride? Some you called impostors, and other you slay! (2:87) God has heard the taunt of those who say: ‘Truly, God is indigent and we are rich!’ We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: ‘ Taste you the penalty of the Scorching Fire!’ (3:181) God did aforetime take a Covenant from the Children of Israel.