The Disciples of Jesus in Islam
Introduction
The Qurʾān references the disciples of Jesus as al-Ḥawārīyūn (Arabic: ٱلْحَوَارِيُّون). This term holds particular significance and sheds light on the relationship between Islamic and Christian narratives concerning the followers of Jesus Christ.
Etymology
The term al-Ḥawārīyūn is believed to be derived from an Ethiopic root meaning “to send.” However, the classical Islamic exegete al-Baiẓāwī also suggests that it means “white ones,” attributed either to the disciples’ holiness and sincerity or to their wearing of white garments.
- Arabic: ٱلْحَوَارِيُّون
- Turkish: Havariler
Quranic Context
In the Qurʾān, the disciples are recognized but are not individually named. The narrative involving them is significant in showing their roles as devout followers of Jesus.
For instance, in Surah Al-Saff (61:14), they affirm their belief and pledge to support Jesus:
<p><strong>Surah Al-Saff (61:14)</strong>: O you who have believed, be supporters of Allah, as when Jesus, the son of Mary, said to the disciples, “Who are my supporters for Allah?” The disciples said, “We are supporters of Allah.”</p>
Antioch Narrative
One of the notable stories in the Qur’ān involving the disciples is found in Surah Yasin (36:13-19), which mentions three disciples, believed by commentators to be John, Jude, and Simon, who were sent to the city of Antioch. This story parallels early Christian hagiographies.
Other Biblical Figures
In the context of Jesus and his disciples, figures such as John the Baptist and Zacharias are mentioned in the Qurʾān (Surahs 19:7 and 21:90), highlighting their piety and unwavering faith.
Key Takeaways
- Term and Meaning: The Qur’anic term for Jesus’s disciples, al-Ḥawārīyūn, can mean “to send” or “white ones.”
- Unnamned Disciples: The Qur’an reveres the disciples but does not mention their names except indirectly in narratives.
- Interfaith Connection: The inclusion of Jesus’s disciples highlights the interfaith connections between Islam and Christianity.
- Antioch Story: The deployment of disciples to Antioch reflects the Islamic perspective on early Christian missionary efforts.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Quran and Its Interpreters” by Mahmoud M. Ayoub
- “The Historical Jesus in Context” edited by Amy-Jill Levine, Dale C. Allison Jr., and John Dominic Crossan
- “Jesus in the Quran” by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “The Cross & the Crescent: Understanding the Muslim Heart & Mind” by Ergun Mehmet Caner and Emir Fethi Caner
Conclusion
Understanding the term al-Ḥawārīyūn and the portrayal of Jesus’s disciples in the Qurʾān provides insight into the reverence Islam holds for Jesus (Isa) and his followers. The term encapsulates both the divine mission of these individuals and their iconic status in the Islamic narrative.
Understanding these subtleties enhances the appreciation of the interconnectedness of Abrahamic traditions and brings a nuanced view of shared religious history.
