Kuschel:Weihnachten und der Koran

The Quran also knows the Christmas story. In fact, it contains biblical traditions in astonishing breadth. Surah 19 (titled "Maryam") recounts: Through the Spirit of God, Mary conceives her son Jesus, whom she gives birth to alone under a palm tree in a remote desert location. From the perspective of the Quran, he is the greatest prophet before Mohammed. Alongside notable differences, surprising parallels emerge in the understanding of the person of Jesus. The narratives of the Bible and the Quran overlap most significantly in the story of his birth, which is also a "sign of God" for humanity according to Muslims. Karl-Josef Kuschel encourages dialogue between Muslims and Christians on fundamental questions of their faith by reflecting on the birth stories of Jesus in the Bible and the Quran. Both can draw new strength from the Christmas message of peace.