Understanding Jesus in Islam
For many Americans, Jesus is a central figure of faith, understood as the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity. However, billions of people around the world, particularly Muslims, hold a different but equally profound understanding of Jesus. Islam, a monotheistic religion that emerged in the 7th century CE, reveres Jesus as a highly important prophet, a messenger of God, and a miraculous figure, but not as divine or the Son of God in the Christian sense.
Jesus as a Prophet of God
In Islam, Jesus is known by his Arabic name, Isa. Muslims believe that Isa was one of the greatest prophets sent by God (Allah) to guide humanity. He is considered the sixth of the major prophets in Islam, following Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, and preceding the final prophet, Muhammad. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, mentions Jesus more than 90 times, highlighting his significance. Muslims believe that Isa was born of a virgin, Mary (Maryam), through a miraculous act of God. The Quran describes the angel Gabriel (Jibril) announcing this to Mary. This miraculous birth is a cornerstone of the Islamic belief in Isa's special status.
Muslims believe that Jesus performed many miracles, just as described in the Bible. These miracles include:
- Healing the sick and the blind.
- Raising the dead by God's permission.
- Speaking as an infant to defend his mother Mary's honor.
- Creating birds from clay and breathing life into them by God's will.
These miraculous feats are seen as clear signs of God's power working through his chosen messenger, Isa.
The Quranic Perspective on Jesus
The Quran presents a clear theological distinction between God and His creation. Therefore, Muslims do not believe Jesus is divine or the Son of God in the literal sense. The Quran states:
"It is not befitting of Allah to take a son. Exalted is He! When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is." (Quran 19:35)
This verse, and others like it, emphasizes God's absolute oneness (Tawhid) and rejects any notion of partners or offspring for God. Muslims believe that Jesus was a human being, a prophet chosen by God, and not God Himself or part of a Trinity.
Furthermore, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. The Quran alludes to this event, stating:
"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 it was made to appear to them so. 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." (Quran 4:157-158)
According to this understanding, God saved Jesus from crucifixion, raising him to heaven. Muslims believe that someone else was made to look like Jesus and was crucified in his place. They anticipate Jesus' return to Earth before the Day of Judgment.
Jesus in Islamic Theology and Practice
The teachings of Jesus, as understood by Muslims, are considered to be in alignment with the general message of all prophets: to worship one God and to live a righteous life. Muslims highly respect Jesus and his message, and they consider him to be a model of piety, humility, and devotion to God. His mother, Mary, is also highly revered in Islam and is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. An entire chapter (Surah) of the Quran is named "Maryam" (Mary).
Muslims honor Jesus by:
- Believing in his prophethood and his miracles.
- Respecting his mother, Mary.
- Acknowledging his virgin birth.
- Awaiting his return to Earth.
When Muslims refer to Jesus, they often say "Jesus, peace be upon him" (Isa 'alayhi al-salam), a customary salutation of respect for prophets and righteous individuals.
Comparison with Christian Beliefs
The primary difference between Islamic and Christian beliefs about Jesus lies in his nature. While Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, divine, and part of the Trinity, Muslims view him as a highly revered human prophet, a messenger of God, but not divine. This divergence in understanding stems from the core Islamic principle of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God, which does not permit any partners or divine associates.
Another significant difference is the belief in the crucifixion. Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected to atone for humanity's sins. Muslims, as mentioned, believe he was not crucified but was raised to heaven by God and will return before the Day of Judgment. The concept of original sin, central to Christian theology, is also not a tenet of Islam; Muslims believe individuals are responsible for their own deeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do Muslims view Jesus' role in the end times?
Muslims believe that Jesus will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. He is expected to break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya (a tax levied on non-Muslims in some historical Islamic states). He will rule justly and unite humanity under the worship of the one God, aligning with the final message of Islam. His return is seen as a sign of the approaching end of the world.
Why do Muslims revere Mary, Jesus' mother, so highly?
Mary holds a special place in Islam because she was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, a highly significant prophet. The Quran extols her virtues, piety, and chastity. The entire 19th chapter of the Quran is dedicated to her, detailing her life and the miraculous birth of Jesus. She is considered one of the four most righteous women in Islamic tradition.
What does the Quran say about Jesus' disciples?
The Quran mentions Jesus' disciples, known as the "Apostles" or "Helpers" (al-hawariyyun). It describes them as those who believed in Jesus and supported his mission. Muslims believe they were sincere followers who upheld his message. The Quran states that Jesus asked them, "Who will be my helpers to [the work of] Allah?" and they responded, "We are the helpers of Allah."
How is Jesus' message similar to Muhammad's message in Islam?
The core message of all prophets in Islam, including Jesus and Muhammad, is the worship of one God and living a righteous life. Jesus, like Muhammad, preached submission to God's will, moral conduct, and accountability for one's actions. Both emphasized monotheism and warned against associating partners with God. Muslims see Muhammad as the final prophet who brought the complete and final revelation of God's word, the Quran.
