Islam_in_Focus_text

tions, the concept of God, the status of man, the purpose of
religion and life- a study of these can provoke interesting
thoughts similar to the ones I have mentioned. Until a satis-
factory explanation of such inquiries is found, the believer
cannot be at ease, nor can he enjoy any true peace of mind.
So it may be advisable for all parties concerned to make a
serious study of the matter and embark on a deeper course of
investigation.
However, as far as Muslims are concerned, such inquir-
ies never arise, and such perplexities are irrelevant, for Islam
stands firm in maintaining that Jesus was not crucified or
killed, but was honored and raised to God Himself. It is re-
ported in Christian literature that Jesus appeared, after cruci-
fixion, to some disciples. His appearance is quite probable
and conflicts in no way with the Islamic beliefs. If it was
true that he appeared, the Muslim would believe that this ap-
pearance was not after death on the Cross but after the asy-
lum, which he had taken by the Order of God as a step in
Gods Plan 10 save him and counteract the vicious conspira-
cy of the enemies. Instead of being crucified and humiliated
as had been planned by the enemy, he was more exalted in
rank and more honored as had been counter-planned by God,
The greatness of Jesus and the distinction of his role do
not, according to the Muslims, emanate from the Christian
——