Can We Use the Term B.C. (Before Christ) in Historical Class?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Can I use the term B.C. (before Christ), which refers to Sayyiduna ’Isa (Allah bless him and give him peace) as “Christ”?

Using the term “Before Christ” as a means to denote a specific temporal epoch does not inherently possess any objectionable qualities. It simply signifies a period preceding the advent of the individual. Consequently, there is no inherent concern or contention associated with the usage of this terminology.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, a distinguished scholar in the Islamic sciences, is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance. He studied under renowned scholars globally for ten years, beginning in Damascus and continuing in Amman, Jordan. Notable mentors include Shaykh Adib al-Kallas and Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi. After completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007 and established SeekersGuidance, dedicated to spreading reliable, relevant, and inspiring Islamic knowledge online and on the ground.