The Nearest in Affection

Towards a Christian Understanding of Islam

"The nearest in affection to those who believe", according to the Quran, "are the ones who say, 'We are Christians.'" Yet in many parts of the world where Christians and Muslims live side by side, the reality of their relationship falls short of that ideal. This introduction to Islam offers an overview of what Muslims believe and where their beliefs reveal points of contact or divergence with Christianity.

While she lived, he wed nobody else. Their daughter Fatimah eventually married
her cousin 'Ali, and this couple became the ancestors of the prophet's many
descendants. Around his fortieth year, Muhammad became increasingly
conscious ...