In today's materialistic world of manipulation through social media and political propaganda, what was once an alliance between the two largest religions in the world is now referred to as nothing but a clash between Islam and Christianity. Tarif Khalidi in his article Jesus Through Muslim Eyes on B.B.C. Religions narrates that upon arriving at the Ka'ba after the conquest of Mecca, Muhammad (p.b.u.h)* ordered all idols to be destroyed and the Ka'ba to be purified from all imagery.
Amongst numerous imageries of divine icons was the image of a Virgin and a child. Tarif Khalidi narrates that this specific Christian imagery was dealt with in a different manner: "Muhammad (p.b.u.h) covered it with his cloak" whereas he commanded that every other idol be brought down and destroyed, except that particular image.
What matters here more than the authenticity of this incident articulated from one Muslim generation to another since the last 1200 years, is the fact that Muslims as a whole share a related historical and cultural association with the Christians from the era of Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and the extent of respect Muhammad (p.b.u.h) had for Jesus (p.b.u.h).
Who is Jesus (p.b.u.h) and What is the Islamic Perception of him?
Muslims regard Jesus (p.b.u.h) as a mortal messenger of Allah who was given the scripture of Gospel to guide the children of Israel. He is also titled to be as the "Seal of the Israelite Prophets". According to Islam no person can call himself a Muslim unless he has firm faith on Jesus (p.b.u.h) and follows his commandments.
The magnitude of this directive of faith on Jesus (p.b.u.h) is so severe that if a Muslim believes in Muhammad (p.b.u.h) but rejects the teachings of Jesus (p.b.u.h), he/she is expelled from the Islamic faith. The Islamic perception of Jesus (p.b.u.h) is directly related to what the Quran communicates about him.
The Perception of Jesus (p.b.u.h) in Quran
Jesus Christ or the Messiah (peace be upon him) as described in the Quran is an entirely different narrative as compared to what image the Gospel depicts. This is commonly related to the fact that the scripture revealed unto Jesus (p.b.u.h) has been altered from time to time by numerous religious figures in Christianity. The Quran however, maintains the same literal framework and context since the time of Muhammad (p.b.u.h) and is thus considered authentic by all aspects.
The Quran segregates Jesus (p.b.u.h) repeatedly throughout the text as one of the most significant Prophets of Islam. Jesus (p.b.u.h) himself is declared as a miracle of God, healer of the wounds of both nature and man (by Allah's leave) and a gentle teacher of manners. Huda in What Does the Quran Say about Jesus? mentions that the final word of God (Quran) "repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet" who was sent by God to guide the children of Israel.
A few revelations from the Quran regarding Jesus (p.b.u.h) are as under:
- "And, O Muhammad, relate in this Book the story of Mary: how she had retired in seclusion from her people to the eastern side... make that boy a Sign for the people and a blessing from Us..." (Quran, 19: 16-21)
- "Whereupon the child spoke out, "I am a servant of Allah: He has given me the Book and appointed me a Prophet, and made blessed wherever I may be.... This is Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the truth about him concerning which they are in doubt..." (Quran, 19: 30-34)
- "Allah will say, "O Jesus, son of Mary, did you ever say to the people, 'make me and my mother deities besides Allah'? He will say, "Glory be to You! It did not behave me to say that thing which I had no right to say..." (Quran, 5:116-118)
Islam and Christianity
In lieu of the above revelations and the mentioned Islamic beliefs regarding Jesus (p.b.u.h), it is safe to infer that Islam is the only religion which provides such a detailed and humble concept of Jesus (p.b.u.h) as opposed to other non-Christian cultures. As mentioned earlier, denial to respect or have faith in Jesus (p.b.u.h) leads to repulsion from the Islamic faith. For a Christian who is truly devoted to Jesus (p.b.u.h), it must be intriguing why Jesus (p.b.u.h) was loved, valued and highly respected by another religion.
*(p.b.u.h) or (peace be upon him): It is required by all Muslims to send the peace and blessings of Allah upon the Prophets whenever their name is mentioned; be it Jesus (p.b.u.h) or Muhammad (p.b.u.h).
Sources:
Huda. What does the Qur'an say about Jesus? n.d. Accessed: 24 June 2011.
Khalidi, Tarif. Jesus through Muslim eyes. 3 September 2009. Accessed: 24 June 2011
Junaid Ali - Junaid Ali got his start in the writing business as an academic writer in the freelance commerce. After realizing that the field was too ...
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