Question:

For a long time, the use of the word “Christian” (Masihi) has been widespread. Is it correct—Your Eminence Shaykh—to say “Christian” (Masihi) or “Nasrene/Nazarene” (Nasrani)? Please advise us, May Allah reward you.

Answer:

The meaning of “Christian” (Masihi) is an attribution to the Messiah (Al-Masih), son of Mary, peace and blessings be upon him. They claim to attribute themselves to him, while he (peace and blessings be upon him) is innocent of them.

Indeed, they have lied, for he did not say to them that he is the son of God, but rather he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [I am] the servant of Allah and His Messenger.

Therefore, it is preferable to call them “Nazarenes” (Nasara) as Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, has named them. The Exalted said: “The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing (i.e. are not on the right religion); though they both recite the Scripture…“ [Al-Baqarah: 113].