The Catholic Church has built bridges among Muslims in Jordan, where recently a Mosque dedicated to Jesus was opened.
During his visit to Jordan, Benedict XVI passed by the Meeting Point Arsenal, where he was greeted by children, teachers, volunteers and an enthusiastic crowd. “On the day of the inauguration, more than a thousand Christian and Muslim friends had gathered together; Prince Ra'ed Bin Zeid was there, representing the Royal Family, Olivero added. He expressed his respect and support, encouraging us to continue our presence and service. He emphasised the importance and value of Christians and Muslims living side by side in the historic city of Madaba.” Here are some fragments from his speech: “In the name of the merciful Father, I am happy to be here with you. Yours is an example o fan offering of self for the joy of others, an incarnation of the Book’s teachings on the religions. Your work is the fruit of your good conscience, which allows you to work in the name of humanity, without making distinctions. Your efforts are worthy of my admiration. Peace be with you, and may God bestow his mercy and his blessings upon you.”
The mosque refers to Jesus as Son of God for the Christians, and prophet for the Muslims. The less said the better, for Muslims, of course believe that Jesus was a Muslim, that he pointed to Muhammed who would follow him (the Scriptures that Christians interpret as referencing the Holy Spirit, the one who would come after him and teach all things), that he was assumed into heaven without suffering death and who will come to judge all things at the consummation of the world (cf. Quran 3:55).
The Church must build these ties, for she must do what she can to safeguard Christians in Muslim lands and to procure permissions to build and repair churches where necessary. Any peaceful communion among people of faith -- especially when acts of charity are shared -- is a net good and is worthy of support and praise. But it is essential for those learning about the differences in the creeds to know that Muslims do not honour Jesus as we do:
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word [kalimatin] from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah (Quran 3:45).
O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah, and His Word [kalimatu], which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not "Trinity:" desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs (Quran 4:171).
They say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!" (19:88) Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous! At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin, That they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious. For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son (Quran 19:88-92).
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