07-02-2005, 12:28 PM
Bismillah
Peace reepi
There is a very important point that needs to be well explained.
The word christian actually was never mentioned in Quran. Those who followed Eassa (prayer and peace be upon him) were not called Masehyeen = christians as such Allah Is calling them after Eassa. In Quran Allah Calls them Nasarah, one of the reasons is as mentioned above. However, I personally endorce another reason for being called so, is that the word Nasarah is derived from the word Yansur. The Ayaha talks about those who willingly offered to be helpers in Allah's cause as follows:
"Who will be my helpers in Allah's cause'' Al-Hawariyyun said: "We are the helpers of Allah.'') (61:14)
Therefore, the adjective christian was never mentioned in Quran. But rather they are called Nasarah because they offered willingly to be Eassa's helper in Allah's cause.
As for the rest I think my brothers and sisters explained enough. Plus this particular Ayah received much attention on this board and a full thread is dedicated to it.