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In Islam, Jesus, known as "Isa" in Arabic, is a highly revered and honored prophet. Though the Islamic understanding of Jesus shares some commonalities with the Christian narrative, there are key theological differences.
Here are some aspects of Jesus (peace be upon him) in Islam:
1. Prophet of Islam:
In Islam, Jesus is recognized as one of the great prophets of God. He is mentioned in various places in the Quran, with an entire chapter (Surah Maryam) named after his mother, Mary.
2. Virgin Birth (Miraculous Conception):
The Quran affirms the virgin birth of Jesus. Mary is honored as a virtuous and devout woman who miraculously conceives Jesus without a father. This miracle is regarded as a sign of God's power.
3. Miracles:
Like other prophets, Jesus is attributed with performing miracles by the permission of God. These include healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and even raising the dead.
4. Messiah (Al-Masih):
Jesus is referred to as the Messiah (Al-Masih) in the Quran, signifying his special status and mission.
5. The Word of God (Kalimatullah):
Jesus is called "Kalimatullah" in the Quran, meaning "the Word of God." This emphasizes his special creation and miraculous birth.
6. Not Divine:
Islam rejects the concept of Jesus being divine or the literal son of God. The Quran emphasizes the oneness of God and rejects any association of partners with Him.
7. Prophethood and Message:
Jesus is considered a prophet who was sent with a specific message to the Children of Israel. His message, like that of other prophets, centered on monotheism and righteous living.
8. Crucifixion (Not Crucified):
Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified nor killed. Instead, the Quran states that it was made to appear so, and Jesus was taken up by God. The denial of the crucifixion is a significant theological difference from the Christian narrative.
9. Second Coming:
Islamic tradition holds that Jesus will return in the future as part of eschatological events. In his second coming, he is believed to defeat the false messiah (Dajjal) and establish justice.
10. Respected by Muslims:
Muslims hold great respect and love for Jesus as a prophet and a messenger of God. His exemplary life, teachings, and miracles are viewed with admiration.
11. Unity of Prophethood:
Islam teaches the unity of prophethood, emphasizing that all prophets, including Jesus, came with the same fundamental message of monotheism and moral guidance.
Conclusion:
Jesus (peace be upon him) holds a unique and esteemed position in Islam as a prophet, messenger, and a miraculous figure.
The Islamic understanding of Jesus is shaped by the teachings of the Quran and the sayings of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing the oneness of God and the continuity of the prophetic message.
While there are theological differences between Islamic and Christian perspectives on Jesus, the figure of Jesus is a point of commonality and respect between the two faiths.
Maryam, known as Mary in English, holds a significant and honored role in Islam. She is revered as one of the most virtuous and pious women in Islamic tradition.
Here are key aspects of Maryam (peace be upon her) in Islam:
1. Virgin Mother of Jesus (Isa):
Maryam is recognized as the mother of Jesus (Isa in Arabic). Her story is prominently featured in the Quran, including the account of the miraculous birth of Jesus without a human father.
2. Chosen by God:
Maryam is described in the Quran as a woman chosen by God for a special purpose. She is known for her piety, devotion, and unwavering faith.
3. Righteous Ancestry:
Maryam is said to be a descendant of the Prophet Aaron (Harun in Arabic), making her lineage highly esteemed.
The birth of Maryam (Mary) is narrated in the Quran with references to her father. Mary's father is called Imran. He is the equivalent of Joachim in Christian tradition. Her mother, according to al-Tabari, is called Hannah, which is the same name as in Christian tradition (Saint Anne).
4. Dedication to Worship:
The Quran portrays Maryam as a woman devoted to the worship of God. She is often depicted engaging in prayer and spiritual practices.
5. Annunciation of Jesus' Birth:
The Quran narrates the angel Gabriel's announcement to Maryam about the birth of Jesus. Maryam expresses her faith and submits to God's will.
6. Virgin Birth (Miraculous Conception):
Islam affirms the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus through Maryam. The Quran emphasizes that this event was a divine miracle, and Jesus is referred to as the "Word of God" and the "Spirit from Him."
7. Pious Motherhood:
Maryam's role as a mother is highlighted in the Quran. She is depicted caring for and protecting Jesus, even in the face of societal challenges.
8. Accusation and Miracle of the Palm Tree:
Maryam faced accusations of unchastity due to her miraculous pregnancy. In response, the Quran recounts the miracle of a palm tree providing sustenance to Maryam and instructing her to shake its trunk.
9. Ascetic Lifestyle:
Maryam is often associated with asceticism and a simple, devoted lifestyle. She is depicted as a model of humility and devotion to God.
10. Mention in the Quran:
Maryam is mentioned by name in the Quran in various chapters, including Surah Al-Imran and Surah Maryam. The chapter dedicated to her is named after her, underscoring her importance.
11. Exemplary Faith:
Maryam's unwavering faith, trust in God, and submission to His will make her an exemplary figure for Muslims, particularly women.
12. Honored in Hadith:
The sayings of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) include praise and honor for Maryam. He highlighted her exceptional character and spiritual qualities.
Conclusion:
Maryam (peace be upon her) occupies a central and revered position in Islamic tradition as a symbol of piety, devotion, and submission to God. Her story, as presented in the Quran, serves as a source of inspiration for Muslims, emphasizing the importance of faith, humility, and trust in God's divine plan.