How did Prophet Muhammad relate to Christians?
The earliest interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims occurred near the beginning of Muhammad’s prophethood. The Prophet and his companions were greatly oppressed by the polytheists of Makkah. Muhammad sent some of his followers to seek refuge with the Negus of Abyssinia – a righteous and just Christian king. He listened to the Prophet’s emissary with great respect and awe, especially the Qur’anic description of Mary and Jesus. This description led the king and his subjects to affirm that this indeed was God’s revelation, and gladly grant the Muslims asylum they sought. The Prophet recognized Christians as one of the “People of the Book.” He treated them with respect and kindness, contracted treaties with the various Christian tribes, and he assured them the freedom to practice their faith and determine their own affairs while living under Islamic law. One noteworthy example is when a large delegation of Christians from Najran visited the Prophet in Madinah. He received them
