Ezra (ʿUzair) in Islamic Context
Definition
Ezra (Arabic: ʿUzair; Turkish: Uzeyir) is the son of Sharaḥyāʾ and a significant figure in Islamic tradition. He is notably mentioned in the Qur’an and is recognized for his role in the Jewish reconnection with divine law after the Babylonian captivity.
Etymology
- Ezra: Derived from the Hebrew name עזרא (ʿEzra), which is rooted in the verb עזר, meaning “help” or “aid”.
- ʿUzair: Arabic transliteration of Ezra, capturing the phonetic essence from its Hebrew origin.
Qur’anic Reference
Ezra is mentioned explicitly only once in the Qur’an, in Surah 9:30:
<p>“The Jews say: ʿUzair (Ezra) is a son of God.”</p>
Islamic Tradition and Story
The narrative of Ezra is elaborated upon by Islamic scholars such as Al-Baiẓāwī. During the Babylonian captivity, the Taurat (Torah) was lost, and no one remembered the law. When the Jews returned, God raised Ezra from the dead, although he had been buried for a hundred years. Witnessing this miraculous resurrection, some Jews reportedly stated that Ezra must be the son of God.
Further details are found in Surah 2:261, where the Qur’an describes a scene in which Ezra doubts how God can give life to a city after its destruction:
<p>“[Hast thou not considered] him who passed by a city (which was Jerusalem), riding upon an ass, and having with him a basket of figs and a vessel of the juice of grapes and he was ʿUzair, and it was falling down upon its roofs, Nebuchadnezzar having ruined it? He said, wondering at the power of God, How will God quicken this after its death?—And God caused him to die for a hundred years. Then He raised him to life: and He said unto him, How long hast thou tarried here?—He answered I have tarried a day, or part of a day.—For he slept in the first part of the day, and was deprived of his life, and was reanimated at sunset. He said Nay, thou hast tarried a hundred years: but look at thy food and thy drink: they have not become changed by time: and look at thine ass.—And he beheld it dead, and its bones white and shining.—We have done this that thou mayest know, and that We may make thee a sign of the resurrection unto men. And look at the bones of thine ass, how We will raise them; then We will clothe them with flesh. So he looked at them, and they had become put together, and were clothed with flesh, and life was breathed into it, and it brayed. Therefore when it had been made manifest to him he said, I know that God is able to accomplish everything.”</p>
Significance in Islam
Ezra’s story highlights themes of resurrection, faith, and divine power. His experience serves as a sign of God’s ability to revive the dead and restore cities, implying both spiritual renewal and physical resurrection.
Suggested Readings
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir: Explores various prophets and significant figures in Islamic tradition, including ʿUzair.
- “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr: Provides a comprehensive translation and interpretation of relevant verses.
- “The Qur’an: A New Annotated Translation” by A.J. Droge: Offers a modern, annotated translation with scholarly insights into the background of figures like ʿUzair.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Historical Context: Ezra is significant in Islamic tradition for his role during and after the Babylonian captivity.
- Theological Implications: His resurrection story symbolizes God’s omnipotence and serves as an allegory for spiritual rebirth.
- Qur’anic Relevance: Mentioned explicitly once, his story strengthens the narrative of divine power and mercy.
Understanding Ezra (ʿUzair) in Islam provides deeper insight into the shared histories and theological underpinnings between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
