The Crucifixion of Jesus in Islam - Qur’anic Perspective and Historical Context
Qur’anic Verses and Interpretation
Sūrah Āl-‘Imrān (3:47-50)
<p>“And the Jews plotted, and God plotted: But of those who plot is God the best. Remember when God said, ‘O Jesus! verily I will cause thee to die, and will take thee up to myself and deliver thee from those who believe not; and I will place those who follow thee above those who believe not, until the Day of Resurrection. Then, to me is your return, and wherein ye differ will I decide between you. And as to those who believe not, I will chastise them with a terrible chastisement in this world and in the next; and none shall they have to help them.’ But as to those who believe, and do the things that are right, He will pay them their recompense. God loveth not the doers of evil.”</p>
Sūrah an-Nisā’ (4:155-156)
<p>“And for their unbelief [are the Jews cursed]—and for their having spoken against Mary a grievous calumny,—And for their saying, ‘Verily we have slain the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, an Apostle of God.’ Yet they slew him not, and they crucified him not, but they had only his likeness. And they who differed about him were in doubt concerning him: No sure knowledge had they about him, but followed only an opinion, and they really did not slay him, but God took him up to Himself. And God is Mighty, Wise!”</p>
Etymology and Terms
- Crucifixion: From Latin crucifixio, “fixing to a cross”.
- Islamic Term for Jesus: عيسى بن مريم (‘Īsā ibn Maryam) in Arabic and İsa in Turkish.
- God: الله (Allāh) in Arabic.
Islamic Theological Perspectives
General Belief
Islam firmly denies the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (عيسى توسعيه في الإسلام) and instead introduces the concept of his ascension. The key verses from Sūrah Āl-‘Imrān and Sūrah an-Nisā’ establish that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified but was instead raised up by God.
Historical Commentary
Sale’s Notes on the Qur’an
The medieval exegetes and some early Christian sects contesting the crucifixion of Jesus suggest an alternative narrative seen in Islamic theology. According to Sale’s notes:
- Some assert a spy was crucified in Jesus’ place,
- Others suggest it might have been Judas or another who resembled Jesus,
- There exists a significant parallel to early Christian sects such as the Basilidians and the Carpocratians who held that it was not Jesus himself who suffered on the cross.
Books for Further Studies
- “Jesus and the Qur’an” by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “The Crucifixion and the Qur’an: A Study in the History of Muslim Thought” by Todd Lawson
- “The Historical Jesus in Islam” by Mustafa Akyol
- “Christian-Muslim Relations: A Bibliographical History” by David Thomas and John Chesworth
Takeaways and Conclusion
Islam provides a distinctive narrative on the crucifixion of Jesus that starkly contrasts with Christian beliefs. Rooted in Qur’anic interpretation and influenced by historical theological discourse, this perspective dismisses the notion of Jesus’ physical crucifixion, advocating an ascension instead. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating the theological divergence and enhancing interfaith dialogue.
By studying the Islamic view on Jesus’ crucifixion, we gain profound insight into the theological foundations that shape Muslim-Christian relations and highlight the depth and complexity of Islamic thought regarding one of history’s most pivotal events.
