By Yūsuf Badāt
Jesus, the son of Mary (peace and blessings upon him) is mentioned in 9 chapters of the Qurʾan, in 100s of verses. Jesus is highly revered by Muslims. He is considered, a beacon of truth, reformation, peace and justice. He was sent by God as a Messenger to the Israelites. Here-below are some facts about one of the greatest personalities of religion, ʿEīsa (Jesus), from an Islamic perspective.
ONE: A Powerful Sign from God
God, the Almighty says in the Muslim Holy Book,
“And I made the son of Mary and his mother a [great] sign.” (Qurʾān 23:50)
TWO: A Manifestation of God’s Infinite Power
Jesus’s life was filled with miraculous and extra ordinary occurrences. These are difficult to [logicaly] comprehend, however easily understood for those who believe in God, the Almighty, as the Supreme Being. The very God, who can do anything He wants, for He possesses all power and might. The below mentioned events in the life of Jesus, son of Mary, are testimony to the boundless power of God.
- His birth by God’s direct command, with no father. (Just as He created Adam with no father or mother)
- His life full of miracles, such as curing the blind and lepers.
- His departure from this world, physically alive, raised up to God and saved from the attempt of crucifixion
- His return to this world prior to Judgement Day wherein his human earthly life will end.
THREE: A Slave of God
Jesus’s statement is recorded in the Qurʾān,
“Indeed, I am the slave of God.” (Qurʾān 19:30)
FOUR: A Prophet of God
“The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him.” (Qurʾān 5:75)
“He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.” (Qurʾān 19:30)
FIVE: A Special Title
Jesus’s title is Masīḥ from the meaning ‘to traverse’ due to his travels on the land to flee from injustice. The word can also be derived from the meaning ‘stroke or wipe’ since Jesus would wipe his hand on the sickly, praying for their cure. It is also noted Jesus had smooth or flat feet hence the word can also be taken from the meaning ‘smooth’. (See Al Bidāyah Wa Al Nihāyah)
SIX: Graced with the Revelation of the Gospel
“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.” (Qurʾān 5:46)
SEVEN: Jesus will Return before Judgement Day
God’s Prophet, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) said,
“The Hour (Judgement Day) will not be established until the son of Mary (Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler.” (Bukhārī)
“Jesus will live on the earth for forty years [upon his return] and then he will die.” (Abū Dāwūd)
EIGHT: Belief in Jesus will Lead One to Paradise
Muḥammad, the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings upon him) stated,
“He who bears witness that there is no true god except Allāh, alone, having no partner with Him, that Muḥammad is His slave and His Messenger, that ʿEīsa (Jesus) is His slave and Messenger and he (Jesus) is His Word which He communicated to Maryam (Mary) and His spirit which He sent to her, that Paradise is true and Hell is true; God will make him enter Paradise accepting whatever deeds he or she accomplished”. (Bukhārī)
NINE: Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) Loves Jesus
Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) said,
“I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary. All the prophets are paternal brothers, and there is no prophet between me and him (Jesus).” (Bukhārī)
TEN: Jesus Forecasted the Coming of Muḥammad
Jesus, the son of Mary, said,
“O children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of God to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad.” (Qurʾān 61:6)
“I [God] will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.” (Old Testament, Deuteronomy 18:18)
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.” (Bible, John 14:16)
