ʿĪSĀ (عيسى) in Islamic Tradition
Comprehensive Definition
ʿĪsā (عيسى) is the Islamic name for Jesus Christ, one of the greatest prophets sent to humanity. According to the Qur’an, ʿĪsā was born to Maryam (Mary) without a father, a miraculous birth similar in gravity to the creation of Adam. ʿĪsā performed numerous miracles by the will of Allah, was given the Gospel (Injīl), and preached monotheism and moral living.
Etymology
The name ʿĪsā is the Arabic variant of the name Jesus, which stems from the Hebrew name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), meaning “to deliver” or “to rescue.”
Background
In the Qur’an, the story of ʿĪsā is primarily found in Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3) and Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). ʿĪsā is referred to as the “Messiah” (Masih), born to the Virgin Maryam through an immaculate conception. He is said to have performed miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead, and preached the word of Allah. Notably, Islam asserts that ʿĪsā was neither crucified nor died but was rather raised by Allah unto Himself, and he will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the Antichrist (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Similarities:
- Miraculous Birth: Both Islam and Christianity believe in ʿĪsā’s miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary.
- Prophethood: ʿĪsā is a respected figure in both religions, revered for his teachings and moral guidance.
- Second Coming: Both traditions anticipate Jesus’ second coming.
Differences:
- Divinity: Christianity views Jesus as the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity. Islam, however, sees ʿĪsā strictly as a human prophet serving Allah.
- Crucifixion: Christianity holds the belief in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith, while Islam denies the crucifixion, stating ʿĪsā was taken up to Heaven by God.
Synonyms
- Jesus
- Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary)
- Al-Masih (The Messiah)
Antonyms
- N/A (There is no direct antonym for a revered prophet)
Related Terms with Definitions
- Maryam (مَرْيَم): The Virgin Mary, mother of ʿĪsā, highly respected in Islam.
- Injīl (إنجيل): The Gospel given to ʿĪsā by Allah.
- Al-Mahdi (المهدي): The guided one, who, along with ʿĪsā, is believed to appear before the Day of Judgment to establish truth and justice.
Exciting Facts
- Miracles of ʿĪsā: According to Islamic tradition, ʿĪsā performed miracles such as speaking in infancy, creating birds from clay, healing the blind and lepers, and raising the dead, all by Allah’s permission.
- Multicultural Reverence: ʿĪsā is a unique figure linking Islam and Christianity, promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a sign, and We gave them shelter on high ground, affording rest and security and furnished with springs.” - [Qur’an 23:50]
- “Verily, ʿĪsā, the son of Mary, will soon descend among you and will judge mankind justly…” - [Hadith, Sahih Bukhari]
References & Suggested Literature
- Armstrong, Karen. Islam: A Short History. Modern Library, 2002.
- Ghazzali, Al. The Incoherence of the Philosophers. Islamic Text Society, 1997.
- Asad, Muhammad. The Message of The Qur’an. The Book Foundation, 2008.
- Lings, Martin. Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Inner Traditions, 2006.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
“May we always seek wisdom and compassion from the stories of our prophets, allowing ʿĪsā’s legacy of love and peace to illuminate our paths.”
