In Islam,
Prophet Jesus (known as 'Isa in Arabic) holds a significant and revered position as one of the great Prophets of God. His life and mission are acknowledged in the Qur'an, and he is respected by Muslims as a messenger who preached the message of monotheism. Here are the key aspects of Jesus' role in Islam:
1.
Prophethood and Miraculous Birth: Jesus is considered a prophet and messenger of Allah, born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous birth. The Qur'an emphasizes that Mary was a pious and chaste woman who received the good news of Jesus' birth from the angel Gabriel (Jibril) (Quran
3:45). This virgin birth is acknowledged in Islam as a special miracle, demonstrating God's power (Quran
19:20).
2.
Titles and Attributes: In the Qur'an, Jesus is referred to by several titles, including al-Masih (the Messiah), Ibn Maryam (Son of Mary), and a servant of Allah (Quran
19:34). He is recognized as a human being and a prophet, not divine or the son of God, which contrasts with Christian beliefs. The Qur'an explicitly denies the notion of Jesus being the son of God, emphasizing that he is a creature of God and a messenger (Quran
5:75).
3.
Miracles and Teachings: Jesus performed various miracles by the permission of Allah, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and speaking from the cradle (Quran
5:110). His teachings focused on the oneness of God (Tawhid) and called people to worship Allah alone, similar to the messages of other prophets (Quran
42:13)
4.
The Injil (Gospel): Muslims believe that Jesus was given a scripture known as the Injil (Gospel), which contained guidance for his followers. However, Islamic teachings assert that the original message of Jesus has been altered over time, and the Qur'an serves as the final and complete revelation (Quran
5:46).
5.
Crucifixion and Ascension: A fundamental difference between Islamic and Christian beliefs is regarding the crucifixion of Jesus. The Qur'an teaches that Jesus was not killed or crucified; rather, it appeared so to the people, and Allah raised him to Himself (Quran
4:157-158). This belief underscores the Islamic view of Jesus as a prophet who was protected by God.
6.
Second Coming: Muslims believe in the Second Coming of Jesus, where he will return at the end of times to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (al-Dajjal). This belief is rooted in various Hadith traditions, which describe his role in establishing peace and confirming the truth of Islam.
7.
Respect and Veneration: Jesus is highly respected in Islam, and Muslims honor him as one of the greatest prophets alongside figures like Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). His mother, Mary, is also venerated and holds a special place in Islamic tradition (Quran
3:42).
Prophet Jesus ('Isa) in Islam is a revered figure who is recognized as a prophet and messenger of Allah. His miraculous birth, teachings, and role in the eschatological narrative are integral to Islamic belief, emphasizing the oneness of God and the continuity of divine guidance through the prophets.
