How Islam Views Jesus: What Quran Says
Islam's recognition of Jesus is evident in the Quran, where his name appears over twenty-five times.
Like Christianity, Islam upholds the concept of the Virgin birth, with the Quran referring to Jesus as the Messiah.
The Quran, akin to the Gospel of Luke, narrates the conversation between the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary, foretelling the birth of Jesus.
“O Mary, Allah gives you the good news of a Word from Him whose name is Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, distinguished in the world and the Hereafter and one of those brought near [to Allah].” (Surah Al-Imran, verse 45)
However, a nuanced difference surfaces in the Quranic account of Jesus' birth, where Mary is described as giving birth under a palm tree rather than in a manger, as depicted in the New Testament.
Mary (better known as Maryam in Islamic texts), his mother, conceived him through the divine command, untouched by marital bonds. Following his birth, she sought refuge in Egypt, where Jesus lived discreetly for twelve years before relocating to the Levant and settling in the city of Nazareth.
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According to Islamic narrations, Jesus was divinely appointed to prophethood at the age of 30. His mission encompassed the propagation of Christianity and the call for people to embrace God, peace, friendship, and fraternity.
This noble endeavor incurred opposition from the Jewish community, leading to attempts on his life. Yet, God intervened, saving him through the intercession of the Angel Gabriel.
Fundamental disparities emerge in the core understanding of Jesus between Islam and Christianity. While Christians view Jesus as the Savior and the Son of God, Muslims regard him as a prophet.
Islamic teachings assert that the term "Son of God" is metaphorical, denoting one of God's chosen prophets.
Jesus himself is quoted in the Quran as stating, " Indeed I am a servant of Allah! He has given me the Book and made me a prophet." (Surah Maryam, verse 30).
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Various perspectives exist regarding the fate of Jesus. According to historical records, interpretations range from his demise to his ascent to the heavens at the behest of God.
Upon extending invitations to embrace God's religion, Jesus faced vehement opposition from senior Jewish figures and rabbis. According to one account, a coordinated effort resulted in his capture with the assistance of one of his companions. Subsequently, following a trial, he was crucified until death.
Divergent accounts of this pivotal event populate history books and religious texts among Jews and Christians. Jewish beliefs assert that Jesus underwent arrest, trial, and torture leading to his death.
Conversely, Christians maintain that he was arrested, tortured, and miraculously resurrected after three days, ascending to the heavens.
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The Quran, however, provides a distinct perspective, asserting that the individual arrested bore a resemblance to Jesus. In this narrative, a case of mistaken identity led to the wrongful trial, torture, and death of another person.
“And for their saying, ‘We killed the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, the apostle of Allah’—though they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but so it was made to appear to them. Indeed those who differ concerning him are surely in doubt about him: they do not have any knowledge of that beyond following conjectures, and certainly, they did not kill him.” (Surah An-Nisa, verse 157)
