Very often my friends and I have a conversation on spiritual matters. I know that whenever the prophet of Islam is mentioned, they add honorific words in Arabic, salal lahu alaihe wa salam or, in English, 'Peace be upon him'. They do so because the Qur'an and Ahadith, the traditions advise them to do so. During prayers (and even after) the following is repeated:

"O Allah! Magnify Muhammad and his descendants as thou didst magnify Abraham and his descendants, for surely you are praised and magnified. O Allah! Bless Muhammad and his descendants as you blessed Abraham and his descendants for surely you are praised and magnified."

Many Muslim friends ask Christians why they don't pray for Jesus and ask God's blessing on him. It is because Christians believe that Jesus himself is the source of peace and blessing. He is called, "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). As God himself is the source of peace and other blessings, Christians believe that Jesus, as his Word, is also the source of peace. It is we who need peace, not him.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." (John 14:27)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you have peace." (John 16:33).

This is how the apostles of Jesus prayed for other believers: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:15-17).

Christians do show their honour by using the titles, "the Lord Jesus Christ". The best way to show respect for Jesus is to obey his commands (John 14:15, 21, 23). Jesus and his disciples said many other things which can be found in the New Testament section of the Bible. If you would like a copy in the English language, please write to the address below. Note: As we have a limited number of copies please place your request early to avoid disappointment.

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All biblical quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Published in Great Britain by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd.

This file was last modified on 21 April 2008