Muslim actor Haaz Sleiman recently addressed the criticism he faced regarding his upcoming role as Jesus Christ in the 'Killing Jesus' miniseries on the National Geographic network.

Sleiman explained despite the fact he is not a Christian, he has a lot of admiration for Jesus and his message of love.

"In Islam, we believe Jesus is a prophet and respect him and follow his teachings and put him beside the Prophet Muhammad - a lot of people don't know that. As a person who was raised Muslim, it's an honor to play that...Personally, I've been heavily shaped by his teachings," said Sleiman, according to an Entertainment Weekly report.

"I cannot speak for Jesus, but I can quote his teachings and he said, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'... How would he react to me playing Jesus? He wouldn't judge it. He wouldn't judge his own enemy ... playing this part highlights his teaching in a very nice way."

In addition, the Lebanese star also disclosed his mother's reaction when he told her he would be playing Christ in the miniseries.

"Jesus! I'm going to sound cheesy right now: The first thing I thought [when I got the role] was 'love.' I really just felt love in the moment. He has influenced me heavily prior to getting this part and there's nothing more powerful than that, and that's what's going to lead me through the whole journey...," said Sleiman.

"That was the first thing I felt - and then I called my mother, who said, '...bless you for playing Jesus, peace be upon him.' I thought that was lovely."

Sleiman's co-star Kelsey Grammar of 'Frasier' fame believes that the Christian community will embrace the latest portrayal of the Son of God in the miniseries.

"Any time you go and humanize the Bible story, I think it would win praise from every part of the Christian world," said Kelsey Grammer, who plays King Herod, "I think they find increased modern relevance is valuable."

The miniseries is based on Fox News' 'The O'Reilly Factor' host Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard's book 'Killing Jesus: A History,' which focuses on the major events that happened just before the Messiah's crucifixion 2,000 years ago.

The 'Killing Jesus: A History' four-hour miniseries will air on the National Geographic channel in Spring 2015.