In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is a revered prophet and messenger of Allah. His story is significant and is mentioned numerous times in the Quran. Unlike the Christian tradition, the Islamic view of Jesus emphasizes his role as a prophet and messenger rather than the son of God. Here is the story of Jesus according to Islamic teachings.
Table of Contents
Birth of Jesus:
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Miraculous Birth:
- Jesus was born to Mary (Maryam), a virtuous and pious woman. The Quran narrates that Mary was chosen above all other women and that an angel appeared to her, bringing the news of her miraculous conception (Surah Al-Imran, 3:42-47). The angel informed Mary that she would give birth to a son, Isa, without any human intervention.
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Virgin Birth:
- Mary retreated to a remote place to give birth. She experienced the pains of childbirth and, under a date palm tree, gave birth to Jesus (Surah Maryam, 19:16-26). This miraculous virgin birth is a cornerstone of Jesus’s story in Islam.
Jesus’s Prophethood:
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Early Miracles:
- Jesus performed miracles from a young age. One of the first miracles mentioned in the Quran is Jesus speaking as an infant, defending his mother’s honor and proclaiming his status as a prophet (Surah Maryam, 19:29-33).
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Messenger of Allah:
- As he grew, Jesus was appointed as a prophet to the Children of Israel. He was given the Gospel (Injil) and performed numerous miracles, such as healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, curing lepers, and even raising the dead by Allah’s permission (Surah Al-Imran, 3:49).
Message and Teachings:
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Monotheism:
- Jesus’s core message was the worship of one God (Allah) and adherence to His commandments. He called people to righteousness, compassion, and justice, urging them to follow the path of Allah (Surah Al-Maidah, 5:110).
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Support and Opposition:
- While Jesus gained followers who believed in his message and miracles, he also faced opposition from those who rejected his prophethood. This opposition eventually led to a plot to kill him.
Ascension to Heaven:
- Divine Protection:
- According to Islamic belief, Jesus was not crucified. Instead, Allah protected him and raised him up to the heavens. The Quran states, “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, Allah raised him to Himself” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:157-158).
Return of Jesus:
- Second Coming:
- Muslims believe that Jesus will return to Earth near the end of times to restore justice and defeat the false messiah, the Dajjal. His second coming is seen as a sign of the approaching Day of Judgment. He will follow the Islamic faith and unite all believers under one banner (Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Conclusion:
The story of Jesus in Islam highlights his miraculous birth, his role as a prophet, his teachings, his miracles, and his ascension to heaven. Jesus is a significant figure in Islam, revered for his piety, wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to monotheism. His story serves as an inspiration for Muslims, emphasizing the importance of faith, righteousness, and the ultimate triumph of truth.