Ezra
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: Uzayr (عُزَيْر)
- Turkish: Üzeyir
Quranic Reference
Ezra, known as Uzayr (عُزَيْر) in Arabic, is mentioned only once in the Qur’an in Surah At-Tawbah (9:30):
<p>“The Jews call ‘Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this) they but imitate what the disbelievers of old used to say. Allah’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the truth!” (Qur’an, 9:30)</p>
Theological Implications
The interpretation that Jews regard Ezra as the “son of God” is a significant theological concern in Islam because it implies associating partners with God (shirk). In Islamic monotheism (tawhid), claiming divinity for anyone other than Allah is considered the gravest sin. This passage is often seen as critiquing both Judaic and Christian traditions for their perceived alterations or misrepresentations of monotheistic teachings.
Historical and Identity Concerns
It remains a subject of scholarly debate whether Uzayr is indeed the biblical figure Ezra known from the Hebrew Bible, assigned to the 5th century B.C.E. Ezra, as a prominent scribe and leader during the Babylonian exile restoration period, is well-regarded in Jewish history. However, there is no solid evidence to confirm that Jews historically revered him as the “son of God.”
Contextual Analysis
Given the sensitivity around anthropomorphizing God’s attributes or associating human characteristics with Allah, the Qur’anic reference to Uzayr serves as a theological safeguarding. It emphasizes strict monotheism by disregarding any claims that could compromise the oneness of God.
Books for Further Studies
- An Introduction to the Qur’an by Abdullah Saeed
- The Jewish Bible: A Material History by David Stern
- Islam and the Jews: The History of Muslim-Jewish Relations by Mark R. Cohen
Takeaways
- Uzayr’s mention in the Qur’an underscores the Islamic principle of pure monotheism.
- The historical identity of Uzayr remains inconclusive in Islamic scholarship.
- The verse critiques what Islam sees as theological corruption by equating humans with divine status.
Conclusion
Uzayr, or Ezra, in the Qur’anic and Islamic context serves as a touching point highlighting essential theological beliefs in Islam regarding monotheism and prophethood. Despite historical uncertainties, Uzayr’s mention remains a critical reference for understanding inter-religious interpretations and doctrinal boundaries in Islam.
For continued exploration, refer to the suggested readings that delve into Qur’anic studies, Jewish-Muslim historical relations, and theological constructs within Islam.
