Chapter 5.3. Who is
Jesus according to Islam?
1.
Jesus according to the Quran.
Note: The name of Jesus is not mentioned in the Arabic Quran,
only the name ISA, but Islam claims that this is the same person as the Jesus
of the Bible and in most translations they use the name Jesus for the Arabic Isa.
The significance of Jesus in Islam is reflected in his being
mentioned in the Quran in 93 verses with various titles attached such as
"Son of Mary", "Spirit of God", and the "Word of
God", and other relational titles, mentioned directly and indirectly, over
187 times. Jesus is more briefly described in Surah Maryam, Chapter 19 of
Quran.
Thus, he is one of the most mentioned people in the Quran by
reference; 25 X by the name Isa, third-person 48 X, first-person 35 X and the
rest as titles.
[In comparison the Question must be asked: How many times
the name Muhammad mentioned in Quran? The word Muhammad محمد mentioned only 4 times in
Quran in 4 verses.]
This following article from Fisher helps one understands the
important questions of how the Quran sees the person of Jesus Christ.
One agrees with Fisher that no other subject divides the
Qur'an from the Bible as does the question of whether Jesus Christ is only a
prophet or God incarnate. Fisher quote eighty-three verses (paraphrased) from
the Qur'an to explain the core of the Islamic position.
Christians believe that a true understanding of Jesus is
essential for salvation and eternal life. A summary and comparison with
the Biblical gospel of Jesus Christ should begin with the similarities
between the two portrayals of Jesus.
It is interesting that the Qur'an does confirm Christ’s
Apostles’ message that Jesus was the Messiah, a holy child born of the Virgin
Mary, did mighty miracles, was followed by noble disciples, and brought the
Gospel. It even heralds Jesus as the Word and Spirit from Allah. The
Qur'an adds an amazing story of how the child Jesus created a live
bird from a clay sculpture. This story is not found in the Bible.
On the other hand, the Qur'an denies that
any of these signs or titles suggest that Jesus was the incarnation of God. It
announces that Jesus served on earth as a slave of Allah just as Mohammed. It
goes to great lengths to denounce the Holy Trinity, the crucifixion
of Jesus and his title as the Son of God.
Muslims believe the term “Son of God” mandates that Allah
had sexual relations to produce a child. Christians are greatly disturbed
when they discover this misunderstanding.
After a study of the following verses from the Qur'an, a
central question will remain. If the Qur'an is correct, why did the apostles of
Christ go into the world proclaiming that they were witnesses of his death and
resurrection heralding salvation for all those who believe? They went forth
commanding that the converts be baptized in the name of the one God: Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. The answer is that the Muslims believe the original Gospel
to have been altered as it was transmitted throughout history. Thus, the
Muslims believe that the mission of Jesus failed to start the true
church.
How did the Christian church of the Arabian Peninsula
receive this message?
Jesus said that, at the end of the age, he would come in
glory surrounded by the angels and appear seated on his throne to judge the
nations (Matthew 25:31,32). The fiercely monotheistic Jews, who heard him,
either had to believe he was divine or someone who needed to be killed for
blasphemy.
The Christians throughout the ages were inspired to believe
that Jesus was who he claimed to be and spread this good news (Gospel)
everywhere at the risk of their own lives. They believed the words of Jesus
that his church would go forth to every nation and not even the gates of Hell
would be able to stop it.
The Christian church in Mohammed’s day rejected the Qur'an
because it degrades the Lord Jesus. From the time of the apostles, the New
Testament clearly teaches that Jesus was a real man, yet he was the Word of
God, God with us, the image of the invisible God, one with the Father and in
him lived all the fullness of God in a true human body.
This was important because they knew that Jesus was human,
in this way alone He could pay for the sins of humans, yet he was divine, so he
was holy enough to be a pure sacrifice. This was not something they invented,
it was revealed to them by Old Testament prophets (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53), angels
(Matthew 1:20-25), John the Baptist (John 1:29), the Lord Jesus (Luke 24:44-53)
and God’s Apostles (Colossians 1:15-20).
A Summary of Jesus - as mentioned in the Quran
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is called holy from before his birth 19:19
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is a major prophet or messenger whose sins or asking forgiveness are
not mentioned
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who was conceived through the Spirit of God 21:91, 66:12
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who was born of a virgin 19:20
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran whose mother was chosen above all women 3:42
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who spoke from the cradle 5:110, 19:30
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who was a prophet from birth 19:30
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who creates 5:110, 3:49
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who heals 5:110, 3:49
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who gives life to the dead 3:49
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who tells people what they eat and what they store 3:49
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who allowed things previously forbidden 3:50
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who has knowledge of / is a sign of the last day 43:61
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is aided by the Holy Spirit 2:87
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is raised by God to Himself 3:55, 4:158
·
Jesus is the only prophet or messenger
in the Koran who is currently alive 5:117
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is with God now. 3:55
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is called Christ or Messiah 4:172
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is named as a witness on the day of Resurrection 4:159
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is a prophet or messenger and also a sign / miracle 19:21,
21:91
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is the predestined mercy of God 19:21
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is called a statement of truth 19:34
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is called a word from God 3:39,45
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is called the Word of God 4:171
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is called a spirit from God 4:171
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is named as being close to God 3:45
·
Jesus is the only one in the
Koran who is highly exalted in this world and the hereafter 3:45
·
43 Ayah 61 And (Jesus)
shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no
doubt about the (Hour) but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.
·
Sura 7:36 “But those who reject Our Signs and treat them
with arrogance,--they are Companions of Fire, to dwell therein
(forever).”
·
Allah's Apostle said "How will
you be when the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you and he will judge
people by the Law of the Qur'an and not by the law of Gospel (Fateh-ul Bari
page 304 and 305 Vol 7). (Buhari 4:658)
Holy, Revelation, Mercy When the
spirit of Allah appeared as a full-grown man to the Virgin Mary, he announced
that she would have a holy son who would be a revelation to mankind and a mercy
from Allah (19:17-21).
No Trinity People of the Bible
should not exaggerate but speak only the truth about Allah. The Messiah, Jesus,
son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, his word that he gave to Mary and a
spirit from him. So, believe in Allah and his messengers and stop saying
“three.” Allah is only one. He is too transcendent and majestic to have a son.
The Messiah is not ashamed to be a slave of Allah (4:171,172).
The Breath and Spirit of Allah Mary,
daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, is an example of a good wife.
Allah breathed into Mary his spirit (the conception of Jesus) and she testified
to the truth (that it was a virgin birth) (66:12).
Preached from the Cradle on the Judgment Day,
Allah will question Jesus who will be among the other apostles. Allah would ask
Jesus if he remembered how he was strengthened by the Holy Spirit and was made
to preach to men in his cradle (to defend his mother’s chastity) and as a man
(5:110).
Infant Proclamation As an infant
Jesus miraculously spoke and proclaimed that he was a “servant” and “prophet”
of Allah who had been given the Gospel. The infant Jesus went on to say that
Allah had purified him and commanded him to pray, give alms and obey his
parents (19:29-33).
Not the Son of God Jesus is the son
of Mary. This is the whole truth which Christians are unwilling to believe. It
is degrading to think that Allah would have a son! Allah just commands things
to happen and they happen (such as Jesus being born of a virgin) (19:34,35).
Those who say that Allah has begotten a son proclaim something disastrous. The
sky would crack, the earth split apart, and the mountains would fall if they
ascribed to Allah a son. It is beneath his majesty (19:88-92). Those who
believe Allah had a son are liars who will be punished (10:68,69). Mohammed was
told to say that if Allah had a son, Mohammed would be the first to worship
him. It is a falsehood that the Christians will have to answer for on the
Judgment Day (43:81-83). Allah has no children or wife in his kingdom (25:2).
Only a Slave When the son of Mary is
declared as an example (of the Almighty in human form) the idol worshipers
ridicule and dispute as to whether their gods are better or Jesus. Jesus is
nothing but a slave on whom Allah gave favor and made him an example (of a
prophet) for the Children of Israel. Jesus came with clear miracles and told
the people to do their duty to Allah and to obey him. He commanded them to
worship Allah, their Lord and his (43:57-64).
Strengthened with the Holy Spirit Jesus,
son of Mary, was given power to do miracles and strengthened with the Holy
Spirit. Yet, when an apostle comes with undesirable teachings, the Jews get
prideful and some they call imposters and others they kill (2:87, 253).
No Savior Everyone (including Jesus)
will appear before Allah on the Day of Judgment as only a slave who is alone
and without a savior or intercessor (19:93-95).
Supported Torah and Predicted Mohammed Jesus,
son of Mary, told Israel that he had come to confirm the Jewish Holy Scriptures
which came before him, and to announce that another apostle would come after
him named Ahmad (61:6).
His Disciples Some Jews followed
Jesus as Allah’s helpers and they were blessed to triumph over their enemies
(61:14). The disciples of Jesus surrendered themselves to Allah and the Apostle
Jesus. They were believers and witnesses. After Allah lifted Jesus up to
himself to free Jesus from the unbelievers, the disciples were blessed. The
followers of Jesus will be exalted above the unbelievers till the Day of
Resurrection when their denominational differences will be settled (3:55).
Worked Miracles Jesus came with
clear signs, but he was rejected as bewitched (61:6). By Allah’s permission,
Jesus brought a clay bird to life, gave the blind sight, healed lepers, and
raised the dead to life (3:49).
Crucifixion of Christ The Jews have
broken the covenant, denied Allah’s revelations and killed the prophets
wrongfully. They speak a tremendous slander against Mary. They also say that
they killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary and Allah’s messenger. They did not
kill him or crucify him. It only appeared that way to them. They did not kill
him, but Allah took him up to himself (4:155-158). After Allah caused Jesus to
die (or ascend without dying) and lifted him up to heaven to free Jesus from
the unbelievers, the disciples were blessed. The followers of Jesus will be
exalted above the unbelievers till the Day of Resurrection when their disputes
will be judged (3:55).
Made a Live Bird from Clay On the
judgment day, Allah will question Jesus who will be among the other apostles.
He will be asked if he remembered how he was given Bible instruction, wisdom,
and miraculous power. By Allah’s permission, he fashioned a bird from clay and
breathed life into it (to make it live) (5:110).
A Table of Food from Heaven On the
Judgment Day, Allah will question Jesus who will be among the other apostles.
He will ask if he remembered how, by Allah’s permission, he healed the person
born blind, cured the leper and raised the dead. The story will be recounted of
how Jesus was allowed to call down a table set with food for his followers
(5:110-115).
Denies the Trinity On the Judgment
Day, Allah will question Jesus who will be among the other apostles. Jesus will
be asked if he told mankind to worship him and his mother as two gods besides
Allah. Jesus will strongly deny it (5:116-118).
Jesus Is like adam Both Jesus and
adam are special creations by the command of Allah (3:59). (This is an
interesting verse because the Qur'an rejects the worship of Jesus, yet Satan
was banished to hell because he refused to obey Allah’s command to bow before
adam, the man who was sculpted and brought to life from clay. Satan did not
believe Allah would ask him to do something so illogical. The story of Satan is
found in 7:11-23, 15:28-39, 18:50)
2. But Who Died on that Cross?
For Christians, Easter is a season when the faithful
remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Churches adorn wooden
crosses with purple cloth and crowns of spring lilies. It is a time of
celebrating life out of death, Christ’s ultimate victory on the cross.
But the truth most central to Christianity may just be the
biggest stumbling block to belief for Muslims. Christians believe that Jesus
died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. However, in the eyes of a
Muslim, how could Jesus the prophet of God be defeated in such a humiliating
way?
Muslims believe Jesus was indeed a prophet of God. Herein
lies the dilemma. How could He then loose to men by dying the death of a
criminal? Was God not able to protect His prophet? That’s what Muslims ask…
Muslims, the answer is… Yes, He
was! (The issue of Jesus' Crucifixion was already covered in the
previous Chapter of this book - Chapter 4: Bible-Quran.)
It was formulated in the Question:
How can the Crucifixion of Jesus be ignored and rejected in
the Quran?
The Islamic denial of the crucifixion is well known. The Quran denies
that Jesus was killed or crucified in the way that Christians believe. Instead, the
Quran states that Jesus was not killed, nor was he crucified, but it was made
to appear to them as if he was. Most classical Muslim commentators believe that someone else was
substituted in his place, possibly resembling Jesus, while Jesus was taken up
to God. (Surah
An-Nisa – 157)
Muslim tradition teaches that Judas was miraculously given
the appearance of Jesus and was crucified by the Jews who thought he was Christ
Jesus himself, while Jesus was secretly taken up to Allah. In this way he
escaped the attack of his fellow Jews.
It is difficult to think that Muhammad, who seemed to have
contact with many Christians and Jews in his lifetime, never heard about this
central theme of the Christian faith of the worldwide church during the 7th century,
known to all Jews (although they also reject it) and all the Christians he
should met, that he never heard about the crucifixion and resurrection of
Jesus?
How possible could this be rejected from the Quran if it was
not deliberately done.
How is it possible that Muslim’s scholars can believe that
all the many verses in the Bible that tell the story of Jesus' historical
crucifixion were all added later (that’s what they imply saying that the Bible
text was corrupted as it does not agree with the Quran).
They also just ignore all the many proven testimonies from
this historical event... just because the Quran rejected it? What shall one
say?
Eish, #parrot_muslims will immediately respond with the
Islam myth that one can't believe the Bible as it is a "Corrupt
book"
Just THINK... Is it possible that the Bible writers could
change more than 80 passages in the Bible that clearly report Jesus' historical
crucifixion ❓
Maybe you must go and read all the Posts
with the following Hashtags #Was_Bible_Corrupted?
3.Aswering a few Typical Muslim questions about Jesus in Islam.
Here is a very respectful presentation to anyone who wants
to know about Jesus - By EveryStudent.com.
No challenges. And there will be no criticism of any
religion, in any way.
Mostly there are six questions that followers of Islam, and
others, often ask about Jesus... Here are the six questions answered in
this article:
1) Has the Bible been changed from its original?
2) Does God say that one religion will replace another:Judaism, then Christianity, then Islam?
3) Is it not blasphemy to say that God has a Son?
5) If Jesus died on a cross, was God dead for 3 days?
6) Why not view Jesus as only a prophet?
Download your own Bible here... www.bible.ca
4. Summarised: Jesus in Islam
In Islam, Jesus, referred to as 'Isa in Arabic, is revered as a highly respected prophet of God, born miraculously to the virgin Mary. He is considered one of the most important prophets, along with Moses and Muhammad, but not divine or the son of God. Muslims believe he will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment to restore justice.
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