Introduction
In the rich tapestry of Islamic theology, Jesus, known as Isa (عيسى) in Arabic, holds a highly revered position. Unlike the Christian narrative, which portrays Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior, Islam regards Jesus as a mighty prophet and messenger. His life and miracles are extensively detailed in the Qur’an, particularly in Sūrah III (Aal-E-Imran) and Sūrah V (Al-Ma’idah). This text explores these miracles and their significance within Islamic belief, providing an interfaith understanding of Jesus’ role and the miraculous signs attributed to him.
Etymology
The name “Jesus” derives from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means “Yahweh is salvation.” In Arabic, he’s referred to as “Isa,” a name believed to be taken directly from the Hebrew or possibly a Rabbinic Hebrew form “Yeshua.” The etymology highlights the central theme of salvation intrinsic to Jesus’ mission across both Christian and Islamic traditions.
Background
Jesus’ miracles, as recounted in the Qur’an, demonstrate Allah’s power and serve as signs to the Children of Israel. Unlike the New Testament, which details multiple instances of Jesus’ miraculous works, the Qur’an focuses on a few key miracles attributed to him by God’s permission. These include creating a bird from clay, healing the blind and leper, raising the dead, and the miraculous feast known as “The Table Spread” (Al-Ma’idah).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities:
- Virgin Birth: Both the Quran and Bible affirm that Jesus was born to Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous virgin birth.
- Miracles: In both traditions, Jesus performs numerous miracles, serving as signs of his prophetic mission.
- Messianic Role: Although understood differently, both traditions acknowledge Jesus in a messianic role.
Differences:
- Divinity: Christianity views Jesus as the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity, whereas Islam emphasizes his human prophetic nature, rejecting any form of divinity.
- Crucifixion: Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified but was raised up by God, contrasting starkly with the Christian belief in the crucifixion and resurrection.
- Revelations: The Bible portrays Jesus as the final revelation through whom God’s word is fully revealed, while Islam holds Mohammad as the last prophet, with the Quran as the final and complete revelation.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
Synonyms:
- Isa
- Prophet Jesus
- Al-Masih (The Messiah)
Antonyms:
- Kufr (Disbelief)
- Dajjal (Antichrist in Islamic eschatology)
Related Terms:
- Al-Qur’an: The Islamic holy book which includes the revelations given to Prophet Muhammad.
- Hadith: Collections of Prophet Muhammad’s sayings, essential to understanding Islamic doctrine.
- Sūrah: A chapter in the Qur’an.
- Apostle: In Islamic context, refers to the disciples/helpers of Jesus.
Exciting Facts
- Diverse Narratives: Islamic commentaries, like those by al-Jalalayn, provide detailed and colorful descriptions of Jesus’ miracles, including the anecdote of creating a bat from clay.
- Witness Accounts: The Qur’an’s narrative includes apostles (hawariyyun) professing their faith in God and in Jesus as His messenger.
- Miraculous Feasts: Stories in Sūrah Al-Ma’idah describe a heavenly banquet descending to offer a recurring feast, illustrating divine providence and reassurance for believers.
Quotations
- Qur’an, Sūrah III, 49: “And He will teach him the Book and the Wisdom, and the Law, and the Gospel, and will make him an apostle to the Children of Israel…”
- Qur’an, Sūrah V, 113-114: “Send down to us a Table from Heaven. It will be to us an ever-recurring festival, to the first and to the last of us, and as a sign from Thee; and provide for our sustenance, for Thou art the best Provider.’”
References and Suggested Literature
- The Study Quran edited by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Jesus in the Qur’an by Geoffrey Parrinder
- Islam and the Destiny of Man by Gai Eaton
- In the Footsteps of Jesus: The 21st Century by Jean-Pierre Isbout
Quizzes
Let this exploration into the miracles of Jesus in Islam serve as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, inviting us to reflect on the shared values and unique aspects across faiths.
Latif Rahman October 3, 2023
“Understanding the divine narratives can bring us closer to higher wisdom and deeper compassion for one another.”
