Christ (Jesus Christ) - Islamic Perspective and Significance
Etymology and Arabic Translation
- Etymology: The term “Christ” is derived from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “the anointed one.” This is a translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah.”
- Arabic Translation: In Arabic, Jesus Christ is referred to as “عيسى بن مريم” (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam), which translates to “Jesus, son of Mary.”
Jesus Christ in Islamic Theology
In Islamic theology, Jesus (peace be upon him) holds a unique and revered position. Muslims regard Jesus as one of the greatest prophets and messengers sent by God. He is also known as Al-Masih (المسيح, “the Messiah”) and is mentioned explicitly in the Qur’an, where his life and miracles are described.
Qur’anic References to Jesus
Numerous verses in the Qur’an refer to Jesus, highlighting his miraculous birth, various miracles, and his role as a prophet. Some notable references include:
- Surah Al-Imran (3:45): “Behold! The angels said: ‘O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.’”
- Surah Maryam (19:30-34): In these verses, Jesus speaks from the cradle, declaring his prophethood.
Jesus’ Miracles
Jesus is credited with several miracles in the Qur’an, including healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and even bringing the dead back to life, all by the permission of Allah.
Interfaith Relations and Jesus
Jesus serves as a point of connection between Muslims and Christians, as both faiths hold him in high regard, albeit with different theological understandings. Interfaith dialogues often focus on the shared respect for Jesus and seek common ground for better mutual understanding and cooperation.
Books for Further Studies
For those interested in exploring the significance of Jesus in Islam further, the following books are recommended:
- “Jesus and the Qur’an" by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “The Muslim Jesus: Sayings and Stories in Islamic Literature" by Tarif Khalidi
- “Jesus in the Qur’an" by Neal Robinson
Takeaways
- Jesus (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) is highly revered in Islamic theology and is considered one of the greatest prophets.
- The Qur’an contains numerous references to Jesus, his miracles, and his teachings.
- Jesus serves as a bridge for interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians.
Conclusion
In Islam, Jesus Christ is not only a significant theological figure but also serves as a bridge for interfaith understanding. While there are theological differences between Islam and Christianity regarding Jesus, the shared reverence for him can foster mutual respect and dialogue. Understanding the Islamic perspective on Jesus enriches both intra-faith and interfaith discourses.
