Jesus, Son of Mary
Jesus, Son of Mary (Arabic: عيسى بن مريم; Isa ibn Maryam in Turkish: İsa bin Meryem) is a significant figure in Islam, mentioned in the Qur’an twenty-five times. He is deemed a righteous prophet, a messenger to the Israelites, a sign (ayat) from God, a spirit from God (Ruhullah), and the Messiah (Al-Masih).
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The Arabic name “عيسى” (Isa) is commonly used for Jesus, distinct from the Hebrew “ישוע” (Yeshua/Joshua) which also underlies the Greek “Ἰησοῦς” (Iesous).
- Arabic: عيسى بن مريم (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam)
- Turkish: İsa bin Meryem
Qur’anic Depictions
The Qur’an holds Jesus in high regard but diverges from Christian traditions. Notably, it denies the crucifixion and resurrection narratives, stating that while it appeared as though he was crucified, God lifted him up to Himself:
- Qur’an 4:157-158: “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but so it was made to appear to them… Nay, Allah raised him unto Himself.”
Key Beliefs About Jesus in Islam
- Human Status: Jesus is declared human, not divine. Muslims strictly do not believe in Jesus as God or the literal Son of God, considering such views to be associating partners with God (Shirk), which is the gravest sin in Islam.
- Miraculous Conception: The Qur’an asserts that Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a biological father (Qur’an 3:45).
- Prophethood Line: Jesus is part of the succession of prophets including significant figures like Moses (Musa) and Abraham (Ibrahim).
Comparative Religious Perspective
The Islamic portrayal of Jesus integrates him into Islamic theology distinctively compared to Christian beliefs. Muslims respect Jesus as a significant prophet endowed with miracles by permission of God, and his message was consistent with the monotheistic calling of previous prophets.
For Further Reading
- “Jesus in the Qur’an” by Geoffrey Parrinder
- “Islam’s Jesus” by Zeki Saritoprak
- “The Muslim Jesus: Sayings and Stories in Islamic Literature” edited by Tarif Khalidi
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Messianic Role: Jesus is acknowledged as the Messiah - one who brings significant spiritual guidance.
- Differences in Belief: The core Islamic view denies the Christian doctrines of Jesus’ divinity and crucifixion, embedding him within strict monotheism.
- Shared Respect: Despite theological differences, Jesus is revered deeply by Muslims for his prophethood and spiritual significance.
In conclusion, understanding Jesus in Islam highlights both the distinctive and shared aspects of his role across Islam and Christianity. Both traditions honor his unique contributions, albeit in ways that profoundly shape their theological landscapes.
