One evening in the fall of 2005, after finishing one emotional session during a weeklong Strictly for Scoutmasters training in the National Scout Center in Cimarron, New Mexico, the realization of the major test and its consequences that mankind is subject to came striking into my heart. The realities of things came vivid to my sight in black and white; there were no shades of gray.
The first one was the smog that extends between the American people and the external world. It extends a translucent barrier causing the American people being captive to an external image that does not reflect who they really are. From their side, the understanding of the external world is reciprocally unclear, being fed to them through pinholes in a semi opaque veil. This might have changed since then, but that was the image at that time.
The other bold reality is as much as we, humanity, share vast concerns, goals and values in our lives, yet there is a very fine thread that sets each individual’s destiny for eternity; that is our understanding of the salient truth about the existence. That is the universal truth about divinity; our choices of conviction, and how we interpret it. All of these thoughts and feelings came to me at once, in the outdoors where the city hustle and bustle were absent. Feeling these thoughts, my heart was deeply aching, I was weeping the whole evening into the deep night, and I was not able to sleep.
For this reason, as our brothers following Christian and Jewish traditions are celebrating the Easter and the Passover, I would like to share an alternative insight on one person whom is common among us, yet looked at differently. That is Jesus, the Son of Mary, peace be upon him (PBUH). To Muslims, he and Moses (PBUH) are Patriarchs of Monotheism, and examples to learn from. I know religion is a very sensitive subject; therefore, I’ll tread carefully and present the subject in a simple way hoping to leave all in a happy medium. My intent with this contribution is to fathom the differences for better understanding, while maintaining mutual respect of everyone’s choices.
Points covered in this article are the description of Jesus, relation to prophet Mohammad, Jesus disciples as an example, the table from heaven, crucifixion, Jesus return at the end of time, the dialog between Jesus and God on the day of Judgment, the status of Jesus before God is what humanity should aspire for, and concludes with a call from the Quran. The resources used in this presentation are from the Quran (see “The Quran Speaks about Itself” to rationalize the validity of it message), and reports of the sayings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
- A pdf file version of this post is available in the Documents page.
1 What Does Prophet Mohammad Say about Jesus?
Prophet Mohammad described Moses as a tall man, wheat (light brown) in complexion, well built, medium fleshy, with hair in between curly and straight. Jesus, the Messiah the son of Mary, is a medium statured man, broad chest, wheat to red complexion (as if coming from a bath) the finest in color among men of that color, straight to wavy hair with length below earlobes. His hair lock is the most beautiful of the locks you would ever see, he combed it, with water trickling out of them[1].
In relations to Jesus Christ, Mohammad (PBUH) said: “I am most akin to Jesus Christ among the whole of mankind, and all the Prophets are of different mothers but belong to one religion and no Prophet was raised between me and Jesus”[2]. Jesus confirmed this relationship from before saying “O children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of God (Allah[3]) to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad[4] (this another name of Prophet Mohammad)” [61:6][5].
As of Jesus merits, Prophet Mohammad referred to him as the righteous man. He also said, “The Satan touches every son of Adam on the day when his mother gives birth to him with the exception of Mary and her son”[6]. He narrated an incident that demonstrates Jesus fairness in judgment in terms of actions conducted by people, saying “Jesus son of Mary saw a person committing theft; thereupon Jesus said to him: You committed theft. He said: Nay. By Him besides Whom there is no god (I have not committed theft). Thereupon Jesus said: I affirm my faith in God. It is my ownself that deceived me.” So Jesus accepted the oath of the accused over the possible doubt as the accused might have taken something that he already owns, or by leave of its owner, or did not intend taking over. So, when the person swore, it dropped Jesus doubt.
2 Jesus and His Mother, Mary, have a Distinguished Status in the Quran
The Quran, 3:45, instructs Mohammad to mention that Jesus forthcoming was delivered by the angels to his mother as good tidings from God to her. That Jesus is a word from Him, and his name will be the Messiah Jesus the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near to God. Jesus was but a messenger of God and His word directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him, [4:171]. God made the son of Mary and his mother a sign for mankind to manifest his unlimited power of creation [23:50]. Indeed, the example of Jesus to God is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, “Be,” and he was [3:59].
God instructs Muslims to follow the example of Jesus disciples in support of God saying “O you who have believed, be supporters of God, as when Jesus, the son of Mary, said to the disciples, “Who are my supporters for God?” The disciples said, “We are supporters of God,” [61:14]. A faction of the Children of Israel believed and a faction disbelieved. God supported those who believed against their enemy, and they became dominant.
3 The Heavenly Table
One of the signs illustrating the elevated status of Jesus that is not known to many Christian brothers is the Table. Here is its mention in the Quran (5:113):
“[And remember] when the disciples said, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven? [Jesus] said,” Fear God, if you should be believers.” They said, “We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have been truthful to us and we be among its witnesses.” Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “O God, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.” God said, “Indeed, I will sent it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterwards from among you – then indeed will I punish him with a punishment by which I have not punished anyone among the worlds.”
4 Crucifixion
Jesus ministry wasn’t easy, but he was in the protection of the One Who sent him with the message. God saved Jesus from being crucified, as He mentions in the Quran, “But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, “Who are my supporters for [the cause of] God?” The disciples said,” We are supporters for God. We have believed in God and testify that we are submitting to Him [Muslims]. Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the messenger Jesus, so register us among the witnesses [to truth].” And the disbelievers planned, but God planned. And God is the best of planners. [Mention] when God said, “O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to God alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ,” [3:52-55].
The Quran indicates the claim that Jesus was crucified is a claim that never happened. “And [for] their saying, “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of God .” And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, God raised him to Himself. And ever is God Exalted in Might and Wise,” [4:157-158].
5 Jesus will Return before the Day of Judgment, and will Rein the Earth with Justice
The Quran mentions the forthcoming of Prophet Jesus (PBUH) as a sign of the end of time. “And there is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in Jesus before his death (Jesus death after his return before the end of time). And on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness,” [4:159].
Prophet Mohammad said: “By Him whom in His hand is my life (making an oath under God’s name), the son of Mary (PBUH) will soon descend among you as a just judge.”[7]
6 Jesus will be Questioned before God on the Day of Judgment
Firstly, as a whole, the messengers to humanity will be summoned to report on the outcome of their missions, including Jesus himself. The Quran reports the questioning of Jesus by God, on the Day of Judgment. It starts by God reminding Jesus he bestowed upon him and his mother, then goes directly to question that many still have a doubt about it correct answer, until now. Jesus response was simple and clear; he just called his people to serve God alone. The verses list some of the miracles God permitted for Jesus, to support his call, that were not mentioned in the scriptures before the Quran.
“[Be warned of] the Day when God will assemble the messengers and say, “What was the response you received?” They will say, “We have no knowledge. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.” [The Day] when God will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Holy Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, “This is not but obvious magic.” And [remember] when I inspired to the disciples, “Believe in Me and in My messenger Jesus.” They said, “We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are in submission to God [Muslims],” [5:109-111].
“And [beware the Day] when God will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides God?'” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen. I said not to them except what You commanded me – to worship God, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, Witness. If You should punish them – indeed they are Your servants; but if You forgive them – indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. God will say, “This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness.” For them are gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, God being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment. To God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is within them. And He is over all things competent,” [5:116-120].
7 The Highest Goal Jesus would Aspire for is to be a Servant of God
In the Quran, God sets the best possible status the highest ranking creature could attain in this universe, saying “Never would the Messiah disdain to be a servant of God, nor would the angels near [to Him]. And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant – He will gather them to Himself all together,” [4:172].
It goes further to state the fact and the truth about Jesus and his mother, as well as puts in a nice way, as always the message of the Quran, the sign of their imperfection. The need of food, hence getting rid of associated waste, is a sign of their mortality not divinity. This is to correct the misunderstanding of what the divine qualities are that some people lack the knowledge and comprehension of. “The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded,” [5:75].
The Quran further affirms what Jesus really said, that still exists in the scripture until now, but many people are still confused by some religious leaders teaching. “… The Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel worship God, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with God – God has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers,” [5:72].
8 God is The Sovereign above All
Quran makes it bluntly clear, “They have certainly covered the truth who say that God is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, “Then who could prevent God at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?” And to God belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and God is over all things competent,” [5:17].
9 God Calls for Taking a Middle Course, Invites to Accepting the Truth in Return of Doubling of Rewards
In His message to People of the Book (Christians and Jews), God says in the Quran, “O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about God except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of God and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. And do not say, “Three”; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, God is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is God as Disposer of affairs,” [4:171].
The All Mighty mentions there are among the People of the Book who are on the right path but have not been aware of His message in the Quran. They will know the truth in it when it reaches them. “Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it – they are believers in it. And when it is recited to them, they say, “We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, submitting to God [Muslims].” Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend,” [28:52].
10 Conclusion
God calls people of the Abrahamic faith to gather to a common word, the message all His prophets delivered. “Say, “O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you – that we will not worship except God and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of God.” But if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are submitting to Him [Muslims],” [3:64].
11 References
1. “The Nobel Qur’an”, Translations of the meanings by Sahih International, Yousef Ali, Picthal, and Shaker.
2. “Sahih Muslim”, Prophet Muhammad Sayings.
[1] Sahih Muslim Book 1, Number 0317-0327
[2] Sahih Muslim Book 030, Number 5835
[3] God/Allah are used interchangeably in my writings, as they refer to the same thing in English/Arabic
[4] See my article, “Mohammad, the Orphan Who Adopted the World”
[5] Numbers put between square brackets point to verses quoted from Quran as [Chapter: Verse]
[6] Sahih Muslim Book 030, Number 5838
[7] Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0287
Excellent Article – Very well written and articulated.
Jazakallahu Khairan
MashaAllah