Jesus in the Quran: A Revered Prophet and Messenger
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, addresses Jesus with deep respect and reverence, depicting him as a significant prophet and a pivotal figure within the Islamic tradition. While there are notable differences between the Islamic and Christian views of Jesus, the Quran acknowledges his miraculous birth, his role as a messenger of God, and his significant contributions to the faith.
The Birth of Jesus: A Miracle in Islamic Tradition
The Quran narrates the miraculous birth of Jesus, emphasizing his unique conception. In Surah Maryam (19:16-34), the story unfolds with Maryam (Mary), a devout and chaste woman, who withdraws from her family for a while. The angel Jibril (Gabriel) appears to her, informing her of God’s decision to grant her a pure son. Astonished and perplexed, Maryam questions how she could bear a child when no man had touched her. The angel replies, “Thus it will be; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed'” (Quran 19:21).
This narrative underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’s birth, a theme that resonates with the Christian account of the Virgin Birth. However, the Quran maintains that Jesus, despite his extraordinary birth, is a human being created by God’s will, akin to Adam, who was created from dust.
Jesus’s Prophethood and Message
In Islam, Jesus is revered as one of the greatest prophets, sent to guide the Children of Israel with a new scripture, the Injil (Gospel). The Quran states, “Then We sent after them Our messengers, and We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel” (Quran 57:27). His mission was to confirm the teachings of previous prophets and to bring a message of monotheism, calling people to worship one God.
Jesus’s miracles, performed by the permission of God, are frequently mentioned in the Quran, demonstrating his prophethood and the divine support he received. These miracles include speaking as an infant, healing the blind and the leper, raising the dead, and creating a bird from clay. In Surah Al-Imran (3:49), Jesus says, “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will create for you out of clay the likeness of a bird. Then I will breathe into it, and it will be a bird by permission of Allah. And I will heal the blind and the leper, and I will give life to the dead, by permission of Allah.”
The Crucifixion and Ascension
A fundamental difference between Islamic and Christian doctrines is the Quranic view of Jesus’s crucifixion. The Quran explicitly denies that Jesus was crucified or killed. Instead, it suggests that it appeared so to the people. Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158) states, “And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”
This passage underscores the belief that Jesus was not crucified but was instead raised bodily to heaven by God, where he remains alive. This eschatological element is significant in Islamic theology, as it anticipates Jesus’s return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false messiah, Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (the Antichrist).
Jesus’s Role in Eschatology
In Islamic eschatology, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is prophesied to return at the end of times. This second coming is a major tenet of Islamic belief and is seen as a future event that will herald the end of the world. According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will descend in the eastern part of Damascus, clad in two garments dyed with saffron, and he will pray behind the Mahdi, a guided leader who will appear before him.
Jesus’s mission upon his return will be to restore true monotheism, correct any deviations from his original message, and to establish justice. He will fight against the false messiah, Al-Masih ad-Dajjal, and bring peace to the world. After fulfilling his mission, it is believed that Jesus will die a natural death.
The Respect and Reverence for Jesus in Islam
The Quran’s depiction of Jesus is one of deep respect and reverence. He is referred to as “al-Masih” (the Messiah), “Ibn Maryam” (son of Mary), “Ruh min Allah” (Spirit from God), and “Kalimatullah” (Word of God). These titles reflect his esteemed status among prophets. However, it is crucial to understand that, in Islam, Jesus is not considered divine. The Quran emphasizes the oneness of God and firmly rejects the concept of the Trinity. In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:72-75), it states, “They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary’… The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food.”
This passage emphasizes the humanity of Jesus and his mother, Mary, illustrating that they were mortals who depended on physical sustenance, and thus could not be divine.
Conclusion
The Quran presents a comprehensive view of Jesus that, while differing significantly from Christian theology, accords him a high status as one of the greatest prophets. His miraculous birth, his prophetic mission, his miracles, and his anticipated return are all integral parts of Islamic belief. Jesus’s role as a proponent of monotheism and his ultimate return to restore justice are themes that resonate deeply within the Islamic tradition.
For Muslims, Jesus is a revered figure whose life and mission were dedicated to calling humanity to the worship of one God. This respect and reverence are enshrined in the Quran, which acknowledges his significant contributions to the faith and his vital role in the divine plan.