✝️ The Mission of Jesus in the Qurʾān: An Islamic Perspective

✝️ The Mission of Jesus in the Qurʾān: An Islamic Perspective

Comprehensive Definition:

In Islam, Jesus, known as ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (عيسى ابن مريم), is considered a pivotal prophet and messenger, endorsed by the Divine with profound miracles and honored with a significant religious message. His mission, rooted in confirming the Torah and bringing the Evangel (Injil), involved a call for faith, compassion, and worship of the One God. Jesus’ message placed significant emphasis on adherence to Divine Law and foretold the coming of another prophet, Aḥmad (interpreted in Islam as Prophet Muhammad).

Etymology and Background:

• Etymology: The name “ʿĪsā” finds its origins in the Arabic tradition, though it may stem from the Hebrew/Aramaic name Yeshua (ישוע). “Injil” derives from the Greek “εὐαγγέλιον/Evangelion,” meaning “good news.”
• Historical Background: Jesus’ mission was set within the context of reinforcing the message of the Judeo-Christian prophets. Islamic tradition views him as a guide preparing the world for the final prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

Cultural Differences and Similarities:

• Similarities:
  • Monotheism: Both Islamic and Christian traditions uphold Jesus’ advocacy for monotheism.
  • Miracles: His miraculous birth, ability to heal, and divine signs are acknowledged.
  • Compassion and Kindness: Islamic text identifies these qualities as heart-inspired traits within the followers of Jesus.
• Differences:
  • Divinity: Islam distinctly denies Jesus’ divinity, seeing him solely as a prophet rather than the Son of God.
  • Crucifixion: The Qurʾān suggests a different narrative regarding the crucifixion and ascension of Jesus.

Synonyms:

• Prophet ʿĪsā (Prophet Jesus)
• Son of Mary
• Al-Masīḥ (The Messiah)

Antonyms:

• Dajjal (False messiah)
• Non-believers in Jesus’ prophethood in Islamic context

Related Terms with Definitions:

• Injil: The gospel or teachings given to Jesus.
• Tawhīd: The oneness of God, a fundamental concept that Jesus propagated according to Islamic texts.
• Aḥmad: A name referring to Prophet Muhammad, often interpreted as foretold by Jesus.
• Tābiʿūn: Followers; in this context, followers of Jesus and their sought adherence to humility and compassion.

Exciting Facts:

• Jesus is uniquely referred to as “the Word” and “the Spirit of God” in Islamic texts.
• The Virgin birth of Jesus is a belief shared between Islam and Christianity, with detailed portrayal within Mary’s story in the Qurʾān.
• Jesus praying as an infant and speaking in the cradle as a sign of prophethood highlights a miraculous aspect unique to Islamic scripture.

Quotations from Notable Writers:

1. “Islam holds Jesus in high esteem, not only as a prophet but also as a significant eschatological figure, symbolizing impending judgment and truth.” – Karen Armstrong.
2. “Between the lines of distinct faith narratives lies mutual reverence—a hallmark of dialogues about Jesus in Islam and Christianity.” – Tariq Ramadan.

References:

• The Holy Qurʾān, various translations including those by Yusuf Ali and Sahih International.
• “The Muslim Jesus: Sayings and Stories in Islamic Literature” by Tarif Khalidi.
• “Islam and Christianity: Theological Foundations for Comparison” by John Renard.

Suggested Literature and Further Reading:

1. Books:
   • “Understanding Jesus in Islamic theology” by Mahmoud Ayoub.
   • “Jesus: Prophet of Islam” by Muhammad Ata Ur-Rahim and Ahmad Thomson.
2. Articles:
   • “Jesus through Muslim Eyes” (Available in scholarly journals of Islamic Studies)
   • “Christ and His Role in the Qurʾān” featured in Interfaith Dialogues Periodicals.
3. Lectures:
   • Islamic approaches to Jesus and Christian-Muslim dialogues found on platforms like SOAS University and Al-Azhar lectures.

Quiz Section: Enhance Your Understanding

In understanding the mission of Jesus from an Islamic perspective, one finds converging lines of respect, mutual histories, and recognition of the profound legacies left by the Abrahamic testaments. Despite doctrinal differences, the unifying essence of monotheistic earnestness shines through, bridging faiths with threads of common spiritual pursuits.

Farewell Thought:

"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave, for wisdom bridges the gulfs of difference, drawing the world closer in respect of shared truths and humanity." - Fatima Zahra

Memo from your assistant:

If there’s any part of this magnificent exploration you wish to dive deeper into, feel free to reach out. We are bound by the shared legacy of knowledge.

• Fatima Zahra