“I said...

“I said, “Whatever I said is the opinion of all Muslim scholars and is also recorded in our books of philosophy and theology.” He said, “So a group of Christians shall enter Paradise!” To clarify my point, I said, “All those Christians who believed in Jesus Christ and accepted his religion as true before the advent of Islam shall certainly enter Paradise.

But after the advent of Islam, only those Christians who ‘pass’ in the test on the Day of Judgement shall enter Paradise.” The Christian engineer asked whether I knew about Christianity. I replied, “Yes”. He questioned me as to how and from where I have learnt about Christianity. I said that I have learnt about Christianity by studying their books and by holding debates and discussions with various scholars.

He wondered and asked why I did not embrace Christianity in spite of the fact that I admitted the greatness of Jesus. I replied that I was well aware of the greatness of Jesus but I also knew of the greater status of . Thus I believed in Jesus and after him I also believe in Muhammad (peace be upon them).

He remarked, “Therefore, as for Christ we feel the same.” I said, “Yes.” He then asked me, “How can you prove that Muhammad was a prophet?” I said, “The same proof which establishes the prophethood of Jesus, also proves the prophethood of Muhammad.” He negated my argument by saying that Jesus was the son of God whereas Muhammad was the son of Abdullah - the Servant of God.” I asked him, “What do you mean by Jesus is the son of God?” and I added, “Do you mean to say that God made Mary to give birth to Jesus in the same way as a man makes his wife to give birth to his son?

Or do you mean something else? What do you really mean?” At this juncture the face of the Christian engineer appeared to change colour and he paused to reflect.

After a few minutes he raised his head and said, “This incident, being a supernatural one, is beyond one’s reason and imagination.” I asked him, “How do you believe in a religion which is beyond reason?” Then I gave him an example, saying, “If a person comes here and says to you, I am a prophet of God, and it is compulsory upon you to obey me”, and as soon as you ask for a reasonable proof from him he says to you, “It is beyond your reason to understand me”, would you not laugh at that person?” Then I explained to him that it was the nature of human being that he should not accept anything if he does not understand it.