ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Kitab Al-irshad 1 (the Deputation of Christians From Najran and the Contest of Prayer) When Islam had spread after the conquest (of Mecca) and the raids already described, which followed it, and its authority had become strong, delegations began to visit the Prophet, may God bless him and his family. Some of them submitted to Islam while others sought protection so that they might return to their people (to tell) their people about his view towards them.

Among those who came in a delegation to him were Abu Haritha, the bishop of Najran, with thirty of the Christians who included the deputy (al-'aqib), the chief (al-sayyid) and 'Abd al-Masih. They arrived at Medina at the time of the afternoon prayer. They were wearing robes of silk and crosses. The Jews approached them and they began to interrogate each other.

The Christians said: "You are not believing in anything (correctly)." And the Jews replied to them:" You are not believing in anything (correctly)." Concerning .that, God, may He be praised, revealed: The Jews say that the Christians are not believing in anything (correctly) and the Christians say that the Jews are not believing in anything (correctly) . . . . etc. to the end of the verse (II 113). When the Prophet had prayed the afternoon prayer, they came forwards. At their head was the bishop.

He said to him: "Muhammad, what do you say about the Lord, the Messiah?" "He is a servant of God," replied the Prophet, "whom God chose and he answered Him." "Do you know, Muhammad, whether a father caused him to be born?" asked the bishop. "He was not born as a result of intercourse so he could not have a father," answered the Prophet.

"How can you say that he is a servant who has been created, when you can only consider a servant who has been created to be born as a result of intercourse and so to have a father?" he asked. God, may He be praised and exalted, revealed these verses in Surat A1 'Imran (III) in answer to him: The likeness of Jesus according to God is like the likeness of Adam. God created him from earth. Then God said to him: "Be." That is the truth from your Lord.

Therefore do not be one of those who go beyond the bounds (of reason). If anyone disputes with you concerning him, after knowledge has been given to you, say to him: Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves.