The Cross (Arabic: Aṣ-Ṣalīb) - Denial of Crucifixion in Islam
Overview
- Arabic: أَلصَّلِيب (Aṣ-Ṣalīb)
- Turkish: Haç
The cross, an emblem widely associated with Christianity, carries significant theological implications even in Islam. While Christianity reveres it as the instrument of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, Islam rejects the notion of crucifixion.
Qur’anic Denial of Crucifixion
Islamic doctrine, based on the Qurʾān, denies the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The primary verse often cited in this context is:
<p><strong>Qurʾān 4:157</strong>: “And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.”</p>
This verse reflects the Islamic belief that God saved Jesus from crucifixion, elevating him to Heaven instead.
Prophetic Traditions (Hadith)
The aversion to the cross is also reflected through various hadiths (Prophetic traditions). According to Al-Wāqidī, it is reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would break anything bearing the shape of the cross that was brought into his home.
Additionally, Abu Hurairah narrated a prophecy from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
<p>“I swear by heaven, it is near, when Jesus the Son of Mary will descend from heaven upon your people, a just king, and He will break the cross, and kill the swine.” (Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, Book 23, Chapter 6)</p>
Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
The legal stance on the cross also varies in Muslim jurisprudence. For instance, Imām Abū Yūsuf in “Hamilton’s Hidāyah” indicates nuanced rulings concerning the cross:
- Public vs. Private Property: If a cross or crucifix is stolen from a church, the thief is not liable for the hadd (fixed) punishment of amputation. However, if it is stolen from a private dwelling, the theft rules apply.
Historical Accounts
- Al-Wāqidī: Mentions the Prophet’s aversion to the form of the cross.
- Abū Hurairah: Reflects eschatological beliefs involving the return of Jesus (‘Isa, peace be upon him) in Islamic theology.
Books for Further Study
- “Crucifixion and the Qur’an: A Study in the History and Function of the Crucifixion Narratives” by Todd Lawson
- “The Cross and the Crescent: Understanding the Muslim Heart and Mind” by Phil Parshall
- “Jesus in the Qur’an” by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “The Crucifixion: Fact or Fiction? An Islamic Perspective (Second Edition)” by Ahmed Deedat
Key Takeaways
- Theological Divergence: The biggest theological divergence between Christianity and Islam concerning Jesus is the event of his crucifixion.
- Islamic Doctrine: The Qur’an emphatically denies the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Prophetic Sentiments: Hadith literature reflects Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) strong sentiments against the cross.
- Fiqh Implications: Jurisprudential texts provide specific rulings regarding the handling and implications of theft involving a cross.
Conclusion
The concept of the cross in Islam, encapsulated by the term “Aṣ-Ṣalīb,” signifies a complex confluence of theological, historical, and legal perspectives. Understanding this term allows for a broader comprehension of the distinctive Islamic views on crucifixion and interfaith dynamics with Christianity.
