The discourse on Prophet Jesus (AS), the esteemed Messenger of the Children of Israel, shines like a radiant gem in the firmament of religious knowledge. This treatise, relying on the luminous verses of the Holy Qur'an and reflecting upon divine wisdom, examines the exalted status of this Prophet, the characteristics of his mission, his miracles, and the challenges encountered by his Ummah and disciples. Its aim is to portray, with profound and lucid insight, the truth of Jesuss (AS) mission and the eternal messages of the Qur'an in this regard, so that it may shine forth as a beacon for seekers of truth.
Prophet Jesus (AS) occupies an exalted position among the divine Prophets. He is among the chosen righteous, whom the Holy Qur'an mentions with grandeur, attributing to him miracles such as raising the dead, healing the sick, and possessing knowledge of the unseen. These miracles, like shining stars, signify his divine greatness. His connection with the Holy Spirit (R al-Qudus) also attests to his spiritual and divine station. The Holy Qur'an states:
"When the angels said: O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]."
This verse, like a clear mirror, depicts the greatness of Jesus (AS) in both worlds. He was not only a Prophet from the Children of Israel but also a resident of Palestine of that era, who shone like a light in the darkness of ignorance through his divine attributes.
Prophet Jesus (AS) was one of the Prophets of the Children of Israel, and his mother, Mary (SA), was from Palestine. However, Palestine of that time was an ancient and distinct land compared to todays borders, serving as the setting for the advent of this divine Prophet. This land, unlike todays state of division and conflict, was a centre of culture and spirituality for the Children of Israel, where Prophets shone like stars.
Among followers of Christianity, various perspectives about Prophet Jesus (AS) have emerged. Some regard him as God, others as the Son of God, and others as part of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). These beliefs, like a veil of superstition, obscure the true mission of Jesus (AS) and diverge from his authentic teachings. The Holy Qur'an considers these beliefs false and introduces Jesus (AS) as a servant and Messenger of Allah:
"Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was."
This verse, like a sharp sword, cuts through polytheism and superstition, presenting Jesus (AS) as a chosen servant created by divine command.
Some Islamic sects also hold beliefs resembling those superstitions, such as attributing divinity to saints. These deviations, like a dark shadow, tarnish the truth of monotheism. Religious knowledge, emphasizing monotheism, rejects any form of polytheism or attribution of divine status to anyone but Allah. This similarity between Christian superstitions and some erroneous Islamic beliefs underscores the necessity to return to authentic religious teachings.
Absolute infallibility, like a peerless jewel, belongs solely to the Divine Essence. Although Prophets and saints possess virtue and superiority, they are not infallible in the sense of being incapable of error. Relative infallibility, akin to a garment worn by each person according to their capacity, is also observable among peoplefor example, adherence to social norms, which is itself a kind of conventional infallibility. The Holy Qur'an states:
"And We have preferred some of them over others."
This verse, like a mirror, reveals the varying degrees of virtue among Prophets and people. Absolute infallibility belongs exclusively to Allah, while others, though noble and chosen, possess a relative degree of excellence.
The characteristics of creation, like a colourful spectrum ranging from virtues to deficiencies, manifest relatively in beings. Due to their special lineage and divine miracles, Prophets and saints shine like lofty peaks within this spectrum. The Holy Qur'an states:
"Descendants, some of them from others."
This verse, like a bright lamp, emphasises the divine selection of the Prophetic lineage. This selection is not coincidental but is based on divine wisdom and miracle, distinguishing Prophets from ordinary humans.
The lineage of Prophets, as a jewel of divine miracle, differs from the material treasures that some peoples buried with their dead. These treasures symbolised ignorance of the reality of death, whereas the lineage of Prophets, as a light of divine wisdom, holds eternal value. At death, a person only carries their knowledge, perfection, and awareness, not wealth or burial shrouds. A tradition attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states this truth as follows:
"If a deceased person gave charity during their life for the sake of Allah, it is better than others giving charity on their behalf after their death."
This tradition, like a mirror, shows the value of personal deeds in life and stresses the truth that a person proceeds towards the Hereafter only with their knowledge and perfection.
A tradition attributed to Imam Hasan (AS) states: "Be in this world as if you will live forever, and be for the Hereafter as if you will die tomorrow." This profound paradox invites humanity to balance between this world and the Hereafter. This saying, like a bridge between two shores, calls for endeavour in worldly life and preparation for the Hereafter. Adhering to this tradition is difficult but wise, for one must find a middle path between these two poles.
Poverty, like a heavy shadow, indicates weakness of intellect and faith, while wealth, like a misleading dust, can distract one from the Hereafter. The Shariah, by permitting the use of one-third of ones wealth during life, points to this balance. A person should avoid both poverty and excess wealth and choose a moderate path to attain perfection.
Beliefs such as the divinity of Jesus (AS), his sonship to God, or the Trinity, are not only unfounded but also harmful and incompatible with reason and monotheism. These beliefs, like a veil of ignorance, obscure the truth of Jesuss (AS) mission. Even among Christian scholars, it is expected that such superstitions be discarded; however, some religious circles persist in adhering to them.
The belief that Jesus (AS) was crucified or raised to the heavens is, according to the Qur'anic teachings, a baseless myth. The Holy Qur'an explicitly refutes these beliefs:
"And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear to them so."
He passed away naturally, and the belief in his ascension to the heavens or his return in the End Times lacks any reliable Qur'anic foundation.
The miracles of Jesus (PBUH), as divine signs, were presented to prove his prophethood and to attract the faith of the people. The Holy Qur'an states:
إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ
"Indeed, in that is a sign for you if you are believers."
This verse, like a mirror, demonstrates the role of miracles in inviting to faith. Bringing the dead back to life and healing the sick were signs that revealed the truth of Jesus's (PBUH) mission.
Jesus (PBUH) confirmed the Torah and, by Divine permission, made lawful certain prohibitions for the Children of Israel:
وَمُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُمْ بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ
"And confirming that which was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of that which was forbidden to you."
This verse, like a merciful breeze, testifies to the facilitation of laws and the Divine mercy for the Children of Israel. With this mission, Jesus (PBUH) paved the way for the acceptance of faith.
Jesus (PBUH) called the people to piety and obedience to God:
وَجِئْتُكُمْ بِآيَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ
"And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me."
This call, like a guiding light, demonstrates the core of Jesuss (PBUH) mission, which was devoted to worship and obedience to God.
Jesus (PBUH), by emphasising monotheism, rejected any form of polytheism or divinity attributed to himself:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ ۚ هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُسْتَقِيمٌ
"Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is the straight path."
This verse, like a firm pillar, places monotheism at the centre of Jesuss (PBUH) mission and calls people to worship the One God.
When Jesus (PBUH) perceived the disbelief of his nation, he asked who would be his helpers for God:
فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنْصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ
"So when Jesus felt [disbelief] from them, he said, Who are my helpers to [the cause of] Allah?"
This verse, like a cry in the darkness, reflects Jesuss (PBUH) disappointment with his nation and his effort to find loyal supporters.
The disciples, like stars in the night, responded to Jesuss (PBUH) call and identified themselves as helpers of God:
قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ اللَّهِ ۖ آَمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ
"The disciples said, We are the helpers of Allah. We have believed in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting]."
The disciples, as a pure-hearted and loyal group, demonstrated their faith and submission to God and the mission of Jesus (PBUH) with this response.
The disciples asked God to record them among the witnesses:
رَبَّنَا آَمَنَّا بِمَا أَنْزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ
"Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the Messenger, so write us among the witnesses."
This request, like a Divine pledge, signifies the disciples commitment to the mission of Jesus (PBUH) and their readiness to testify to the truth of Gods religion.
Some of Jesuss (PBUH) nation plotted deception, but God also plotted, and God is the best of plotters:
وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ
"And they plotted, and Allah also planned; and Allah is the best of planners."
Divine plotting, like a mirror of justice, utilises the strengths of the servants rather than their weaknesses. This plotting signifies Divine wisdom and chivalry, which, in response to the enemies' deception, brings about guidance or punishment.
No prophet was spared from the mockery of his nation. The Holy Qur'an states this reality as follows:
وَمَا مِنْ نَبِيٍّ إِلَّا كَانَ بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِئُونَ
"And there was no prophet but that they mocked him."
Mockery was not merely ridicule but also torment and humiliation of the prophets, arising from the ignorance and selfish interests of their peoples. This behaviour, like a dark shadow, has been observed throughout the history of all prophets, from Adam to the Seal of the Prophets.
The nations, except for the family of prophethood and saints who were chosen descendants, did not remain loyal to the prophets. This disloyalty, like a wound upon the body of the mission, prevented the complete realisation of Divine guidance. Jesus (PBUH) was no exception to this rule, and his nation, except for a few disciples, did not follow him.
This writing, like a journey into the depths of Qur'anic knowledge, depicted the exalted status of Jesus (PBUH). He was a prophet who, through Divine miracles such as bringing the dead to life and healing the sick, and through his connection with the Holy Spirit, ignited a light in the darkness of ignorance. However, his nation, except for a few disciples, did not follow him and fell into the traps of superstition and disbelief. The Holy Qur'an, by rejecting beliefs such as the Trinity and the crucifixion, revealed the truth of Jesuss (PBUH) mission and emphasised monotheism and worship of the One God. Divine plotting, as a wise response to the deception of enemies, demonstrates Gods justice and chivalry. This exegesis, through reflection on luminous verses and precious traditions, paves the way for a deeper understanding of religious truth and calls humanity towards knowledge and perfection.
