JESUS CHRIST AND ISLAM
Shared Teachings
Each believer must evaluate the situation one faces, and then, whilst examining the lives of other prophets, should determine in which prophet’s story, a similar example can be found.
He is honoured everywhere by Muslims. Mary, the mother of Jesus, described in Quran as “one exalted above all womankind,” has a whole chapter of the Quran (number 19) named after her, which tells of the miraculous birth of Jesus. The story begins with an angel announcing the birth of a holy son to Mary, who, being a chaste woman, was quite distraught at this news. But the angel reassured her that this was the will of God, that it was not a difficult thing for Him and that it was a sign and a blessing to all humankind.
The Quran further clarifies that his creation was no different from that of the first human being: “Jesus in the sight of God is like Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be!’ and he was.” (3: 59)
When Mary gave birth to Jesus and brought him to her people, they all pointed their fingers at her. But she was told by God to remain silent and to point to the baby. As the people were wondering how they could talk to a child in the cradle, the baby Jesus performed his first miracle by saying these fine words: “I am God’s servant. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving throughout my life. He has made me dutiful toward my mother, and He has not made me arrogant or wicked. Blessed was I on the day I was born, and blessed I shall be on the day I die and the day I am raised to life again.” (19: 30-33)
Jesus Christ meant to put an end to the root cause of all conflicts. Thus, paving the way for the other person to realize and make amends for his behaviour.
When Jesus attained manhood, God bestowed upon him “scriptures and wisdom, along with the Torah and the Gospel.” He was also given the power to perform a number of miracles, such as fashioning a living bird out of clay; giving sight to the blind; healing a leper and raising the dead to life; he also had the wisdom to inform people what they ate and stored up in their houses.
From Jesus’ life we can draw many lessons that can provide us with wonderful guidance. The Quran repeatedly mentions Jesus Christ, and we can learn much from his life. Unilateral Good Character Jesus Christ says:
‘‘But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you”. (LUKE 6: 27-28)
The same teaching is echoed in the Quran:
And good deeds and evil deeds are not alike. Repel evil with
good and he who is your enemy will become your dearest
friend. (41: 34)
This is a practical code of conduct for us, showing us the way to live in peace and harmony.
Duty Consciousness
When some people asked Jesus what they should do in the face of the
oppression of the Romans ruling over them, he said:
Give to Caesar what is due to the Caesar. And give to God what is due to God. (Matthew 22: 21)
Similarly, a Hadith cited by Al-Bukhari says:
Give the ruler his rights. Ask for your rights from God.
Peace under all circumstances
Jesus said: To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other
also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your
tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him, who
takes away your goods, do not ask them back.” (Luke 6: 29-30)
What Jesus Christ meant here was to put an end to the root cause of all conflicts. Thus, paving the way for the other person to realize and make amends for his behaviour.
Jesus taught no false worship, but only preached the unity of his Creator. On the Day of Judgement, God will question him: “Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to people, ‘Take me and my mother as two deities besides God?’” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say that to which I have no right?” (5: 116) And he will add: “I told them only what You commanded me to, ‘Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.’” (5: 117)
The Quran mentions: “Of the People of the Book, there are some who stand by their covenant; they recite the word of God during the night and prostrate themselves before Him, who believe in God and the Last Day, who enjoin justice and forbid evil and vie with each other in good works. These are righteous men.” (3: 113-14) The Quran welcomes them to a common faith, saying: “People of the Book, let us come to a word common to us that we shall worship none but God and that we shall associate no partner with Him and that none of us shall take others, besides God, for lords.” (3: 64)
Patience is no retreat. Patience only
amounts to taking the initiative along the
path of wisdom and reason as opposed
to the path of emotions.