✝️ QISSĪS (قسيس‎): Understanding the Role of Christian Priests in Islam

QISSĪS (قسيس‎)

Comprehensive Definition

QISSĪS (قسيس‎) in the Islamic context refers to Christian presbyters or priests. This term is found in Sūrah Al-Mā’idah (5:85) in the Qurʾān, where it highlights the compassionate nature of certain Christians towards Muslims. The verse implies respect for Christian religious leaders, acknowledging their piety and humility.

Etymology

• Arabic: قسيس‎ (QISSĪS)
• Persian: کشیش (Kashīsh)
• The term originates from Semitic roots, sharing a common lineage with terms like ‘kohen’ and ‘kahanū’ in Hebrew.

Background

In the Qurʾān, Christian priests are specifically mentioned as those whose conduct brings them closer in affection towards Muslims. This has historical context rooted in the interactions between early Muslims and various Christian communities, especially during the Prophet Muhammad’s time when Meccan persecution led Muslims to seek refuge with the Christian King of Abyssinia who offered them protection.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Similarities:

• In Islam, great respect is often accorded to learned religious figures across diverse traditions.
• Both Christianity and Islam pay significant attention to the virtues of kindness, humility, and selflessness.

Differences:

• The structure of religious leadership differs considerably between the two religions; while Islamic tradition doesn’t have an analogous position to a priest, religious authority is dispersed among scholars (‘Ulama’) and community leaders (Imams).

Synonyms

• Christian Priest
• Presbyter

Antonyms

• Imam (though an imperfect antonym given the overarching differences in their roles and responsibilities within their religious communities)

Related Terms with Definitions

• Ruhbān (رهبان): Monks in Islam. Mentioned alongside QISSĪS in the Qurʾān to indicate Christian religious figures traditionally devoted to worship.

Exciting Facts

• The respect for QISSĪS and RUHBĀN stems from their devotion to a monotheistic faith, paralleling the veneration Muslims have for their religious scholars.

Quotations

• “Thou shalt certainly find those to be nearest in affection to them who say, ‘We are Christians.’ This because some of them are priests (QISSĪSŪN) and monks (RUHBĀN), and because they are free from pride.”—Sūrah Al-Mā’idah, 5:85*

References & Suggested Literature

1. Abdur Rahman Doi, “Dictionary of Qur’anic Terms and Concepts”
2. F.E. Peters, “The Monotheists: Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Conflict and Competition, Volume II: The Words and Will of God”
3. Karen Armstrong, “A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam”

Quizzes

In the coexistence of faiths, mutual respect builds bridges. Just as the QISSĪS ŪN are revered in the Qurʾān for their affection and humility, let us reflect on our shared values of compassion. - Nour Al-Amir, 2023.