CHRISTIANS often talk about developing a relationship with Christ and accepting him into their lives. They assert that Jesus (peace be upon him) is much more than a man and died on the cross to free mankind from the original sin. Christians speak of Jesus with love and respect, and it is obvious he holds a special place in their lives and hearts. But what about Muslims; what do they think about Jesus and what place does Jesus Christ hold in Islam? Someone unfamiliar with Islam may be surprised to learn that Muslims love Jesus too. A Muslim will not speak the name of Jesus without respectfully adding the words “may peace be upon him”. In Islam, Jesus is a loved and esteemed man, a Prophet and Messenger calling his people to the worship of the One True God. Muslims and Christians share some very similar beliefs about Jesus. Both believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and both believe that Jesus was the Messiah sent to the people of Israel. Both also believe that Jesus will return to earth in the last days. However in one major detail they are worlds apart. Muslims believe with certainty that Jesus is not god, he is not the son of God and he is not part of a Trinity of God. In the Qur'an, Allah spoke directly to Christians when He said: “O people of the Scripture! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger of Allah and His Word (“Be!” – and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: ‘Trinity!' Cease! (it is better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.” (Qur'an 4:171) Just as Islam categorically denies that Jesus was god, it also rejects the notion that mankind is born tainted by any form of original sin. The Qur'an tells us that it is not possible for one person to bear the sins of another and that we are all responsible, before Allah, for our own actions. “And no bearer of burdens shall bear another's burden.” (Qur'an 35:18) However, Allah, in His infinite Mercy and Wisdom has not abandoned mankind to their own devices. He has sent guidance and laws that reveal how to worship and live according to His commands. Muslims are required to believe in, and love all of the Prophets; to reject one is to reject the creed of Islam. Jesus was but one in this long line of Prophets and Messengers, calling the people to worship One God. He came specifically to the People of Israel, who had at that time gone astray from the straight path of God. Jesus said: “And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me. Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is the Straight Path.” (Qur'an 3:50-51) Muslims love and admire Jesus. However, we understand him and his role in our lives according to the Qur'an and the narrations and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Three chapters of the Qur'an feature the life of Jesus, his mother Mary and their family; each reveals details not found in the Bible. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) spoke of Jesus many times, once describing him as his brother. “I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary, and all the prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no prophet between me and him (i.e. Jesus).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari) The first miracle The Qur'an informs us that Mary, the daughter of Imran, was an unmarried, chaste and pious young woman devoted to the worship of God. One day while she was in seclusion, the Angel Gabriel came to Mary and informed her that she was to be the mother of Jesus. Her response was one of fear, shock, and dismay. Allah said: “And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a matter decreed.” (Qur'an 19:21) Mary conceived Jesus, and when the time came for him to be born, she took herself away from her family and travelled toward Bethlehem. At the foot of a date palm tree Mary gave birth to her son Jesus. When Mary had rested and recovered from the pain and fear involved in giving birth miraculously, she realized that she must return to her family. Mary was afraid and anxious as she wrapped the child and cradled him in her arms. How could she possibly explain his birth to her people? She heeded the words of Allah and made her way back to Jerusalem. “Say: ‘Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'” Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him.” (Qur'an 19:26-27) Allah knew that if Mary tried to offer explanations, her people would not believe her. So, in His wisdom, He told her not to speak. From the first moment Mary approached her people they started to accuse her, but she wisely followed Allah's instructions and refused to respond. This shy, chaste woman merely pointed to the child in her arms. The men and women surrounding Mary looked at her incredulously and demanded to know how they could possibly speak to a babe in arms. Then, by the permission of Allah, Jesus, still a babe, performed his first miracle. The Qur'an says: “Verily! I am a slave of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; and He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me prayer, and alms, as long as I live, and dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest. And peace be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!” (19:30-33) Muslims believe Jesus was the slave of Allah and a Messenger sent to the Israelites of his time. He preformed miracles by the will and permission of Allah. The following words of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) clearly summarize the importance of Jesus in Islam: “Whoever bears witness that there is no god but God Alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that Jesus is His slave and Messenger, a word which God bestowed upon Mary and a spirit created by Him, and that Heaven is real, and Hell is real, God will admit him through whichever of the eight gates of Heaven he wishes.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) Courtesy: islamreligion.com n Tomorrow: The message of Jesus __
