أصول تسمية النصرانية و المسيحية في ضوء القرآن الكريم و الكتاب المقدس

Abstract EN

The aim of this study is to identify the origins of the terms nasrāniyah and masīhiyah through an examination of Biblical and Qur'anic texts, the linguistic origins of these terms, textual evidence from pre-Islamic poetry, as well as Islamic and Christian commentaries.

The study seeks to explain the Qur'an's use of the term nasrāniyah rather than the term masīhiyah for Christianity.

In addition, it attempts to identify the doctrinal dimensions and significations of the above terms in view of what they can contribute to constructing an Islamic understanding which incorporates the evolution of Christian religious thought, while at the same time reformulating the fundamental concepts that govern Muslims' conceptualizations of Christianity.

The study clarifies the various views on the origins of the terms nasrāniyah and masīhiyah among Muslim and Christian writers and seeks to present an objective discussion, critique and analysis of all such points of view.

The study clarifies the relationship between the Nazarenes (al-nasārā), the Nadhīrīm and the Nazirites while offering a new perspective on this issue.

It points out that the first term applied to Christians in the New Testament was "Nazarenes" (based on Christ's having been from Nazareth) and that Christ's followers then came to be referred to by their opponents as "Christians", after which Christ's followers came to apply this term to themselves.