Islam_in_Focus_text

in any way to belittle his role or underestimate his character
or clegrade his great personality. On the contrary, these Is-
lamic 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 misunder-
stood. 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 de-
serves some attention. The people to whom he was sent had
peculiar characteristics, among which were:
(i) That they interpolated and mi s interpreted the Scrip-
tures 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 re-
gards 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 u p with
pride? Some you called impostors, and
others you slay!'\
(2:87)