As a Christian, I was surprised to learn that the Quran reveres Jesus (known as ‘Isa) as an important prophet. While Islam views him differently than Christianity does, his significance is undeniable.
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The Quran describes Jesus as:
1. Prophet and Messenger of God:
Islam regards Jesus as one of its greatest prophets, alongside key figures like Moses (Musa) and Abraham (Ibrahim). God (Allah) sent Jesus to guide the Children of Israel and deliver His divine message. In Islam, all prophets, including Jesus, are viewed as human, not divine, and not the son of God..
2. Virgin Birth of Jesus in the Quran:
The Qur’an upholds the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus, which is a point of commonality with Christian belief. In Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), it describes how Mary (Maryam) conceived Jesus by the will of God, without any human intervention. The Qur’an stresses that this miraculous birth was a sign of God’s power.
- Qur’an (19:20-21): “[Mary] said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me, and I have not been unchaste?’ [The angel] said, ‘So it will be. Your Lord says, “It is easy for Me.” And We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us. It is a matter decreed.’ “
3. Miracles:
According to the Qur’an, Jesus performed several miracles, all by God’s permission. These miracles include speaking from the cradle, healing the blind, curing lepers, raising the dead, and creating a bird from clay and giving it life.
- Qur’an (3:49): “And [Jesus] will say, ‘Indeed, I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah.’ “
4. The Quran’s View on Jesus’ Crucifixion:
One of the main differences between Islamic and Christian views of Jesus centers on the crucifixion. The Qur’an teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross; instead, it explains that someone else was made to appear like him while God took Jesus up to heaven. This teaching is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:157):
5. Jesus’ Return:
Islam teaches that Jesus will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the Antichrist (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal). He will return as a follower of Islam, and believers regard his second coming as a major sign of the end times.
- Quran (43:61): ‘Indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] the knowledge of the Hour. So, do not doubt it and follow Me. This is the straight path.’
6. Jesus’ Role in Islamic Eschatology:
Islamic traditions, particularly Hadith literature, elaborate on Jesus’ role in the end times. Upon his return, he will descend in the east of Damascus, dressed in two yellow garments, and his physical appearance is described in detail in several Hadiths. His mission will be to establish justice, correct misunderstandings about his message, and unite people under the worship of one God.
- Defeating the Antichrist (Dajjal): Jesus’ primary role during his second coming will be to defeat the Dajjal, a figure often equated with the Antichrist in Christian eschatology.
- Breaking the Cross: Symbolically, this action is interpreted by some Islamic scholars as a rejection of false teachings attributed to Jesus.
- Living as a Righteous Leader: After defeating the Dajjal, Jesus will establish a period of peace and justice, following Islamic laws, before eventually passing away.
Beyond the Quran:
While the Quran serves as the primary source of Islamic theology, many details about Jesus’ life, mission, and return are elaborated upon in Hadith literature, which contains sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. These Hadiths complement the Quranic narrative and are crucial for understanding Islamic eschatology. Below are examples of key aspects derived from Hadiths:
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Detailed Description of Jesus’ Return:
Several Hadiths describe how Jesus will descend near the white minaret in Damascus, dressed in two garments dyed with saffron, with his hands resting on the wings of two angels. This imagery highlights the divine nature of his mission.
- Source: Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2937), which provides one of the most detailed descriptions of Jesus’ descent.
Role in Islamic Eschatology:
The Hadiths further elaborate on Jesus’ mission after his return, which includes:
- Leading prayers for Muslims.
- Killing the Antichrist (Dajjal) near the gate of Ludd (modern-day Lod in Israel).
- Establishing a period of justice and righteousness under Islamic law.
- Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, two of the most authentic collections in Sunni Islam, frequently reference these events.
Jesus as a Unifier:
The Hadiths emphasize that Jesus will not return to create division but to clarify misunderstandings about his message. He will “break the cross” (a symbolic rejection of false teachings attributed to him), “kill the swine,” and abolish the jizya (tax on non-Muslims), uniting humanity under the worship of one God.
- Source: Sunan Abu Dawood and Sahih Muslim.
Jesus’ Death and Burial:
Islamic traditions suggest that after fulfilling his mission, Jesus will live on Earth for 40 more years, marry, have children, and eventually pass away. His burial site is traditionally believed to be next to the Prophet Muhammad in Medina.
- Source: Some narrations in secondary Hadith collections, though interpretations vary.
Bridging Christian and Islamic Views on the Second Coming
While Christianity and Islam differ significantly in their theological frameworks, their mutual reverence for Jesus and belief in his return provide a unique interfaith dialogue opportunity. This shared hope for a figure who restores justice and peace resonates with believers in both religions, even if the specifics differ.
