Is it permissible to say "Christian" to a Nazarene?
The original term for the followers of Christ (peace be upon him) is "Nasaara" (Christians), because this is what is mentioned in the Quran and , and it is predominantly used by the early generations (Salaf) and scholars of the Ummah. However, some great Imams, such as Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Dhahabi, and Ibn Al-Qayyim, permitted calling them "Masihiyyeen" (Messianics). Some scholars have considered this among the terms that should be avoided because it is not mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, and because their attribution to Jesus (peace be upon him) is not genuine, for he will descend, break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizyah. In summary, calling them "Nasaara" is safer and more adherent to revelation, while it is permissible to call them "Masihiyyeen."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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