By Yūsuf Badāt

Originally written for Al-Jami’yyah publication

What Easter Marks

Easter is celebrated by Catholic Christians to commemorate the crucifixion (dying on the cross) of Jesus (also known as ʿĪsā in Arabic) – (peace and blessings be upon him). It is the belief of Catholics, that following the crucifixion, he was given a new life in the form of God. This is why during Easter we see eggs that are symbolic of new life and resurrection [transforming from one life form to another]. The rabbit is a sign of fertility and new life as well. The lily (white flower) represents resurrection.

The Islamic Position Regarding Jesus/ ʿĪsā

• Jesus/ ʿĪsā was a prophet sent to the Israelites, just like any other prophet was sent to their nations.
• He was born without a father by the direct qudrah (power) of God, the Almighty.
• He was able to speak when he was a baby by the direct will of God.
• When he became a prophet, he started inviting his people to worship the One and only God, and follow His laws. He was given the book ‘Injīl’ (bible/ gospel/ new testament).
• God graced Jesus/ ʿĪsā with many miracles, such as bringing the dead alive, curing the blind and the sick, and blowing into clay birds and bringing them to life etc.
• Many people believed in him and followed him.
• There were some people who disliked Jesus/ ʿĪsā because they did not want to leave all the evil and sin they were committing. The very same things the Prophet Jesus/ ʿĪsā was telling them not to do.
• These misguided people thought of a plot to kill and murder Jesus/ ʿĪsā; and by doing so get rid of him.
• They accused him and paid a roman judge to decide the verdict against Jesus/ ʿĪsā in the courts. Jesus/ ʿĪsā was dragged to court and convicted of a crime he did not commit.
• Thereafter, he was taken into the holding cell for criminals and when it was the turn for Jesus/ ʿĪsā to be crucified and executed, God raised him up, physically alive to the heavens.
• The resemblance of Jesus/ ʿĪsā was placed on another person in the holding cell and they crucified him, believing that they had crucified Jesus/ ʿĪsā.
• Jesus/ ʿĪsā is alive in the heavens and will return to earth before Judgment Day to complete his life and die a normal human death.

Conclusion

• Muslims believe in Jesus, revere, respect and follow the genuine teachings of Jesus/ ʿĪsā. However, Muslims do not believe Jesus is God nor do they believe Jesus was crucified.
• Celebrating Easter would mean to believe in the crucifixion of Jesus/ ʿĪsā, which is contrary to Qurʾānic teachings.
• Celebrating Easter would also mean to believe that Jesus/ ʿĪsā is God or part of God. In Islam, Allāh is the only one true God without a partner in anyway shape or form.
• Muslims respect the religion of others but do not participate in celebrations that are in conflict with the Islamic creed and its foundational tenants.
• Muslims celebrate Jesus by believing in him and all his authentic teachings.

Now you know, why Muslims celebrate Jesus, but not Easter!