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Yahya Ibrahim | Love Jesus-‘Isa Son of Mary
From a distance, you notice his aura, piercing, brilliant and engaging. The choicest Praise and Mercy of Allah be upon him. The Anointed one – Al-Maseeh, Jesus, son of Mary was flesh and blood. Human. The Proclaimed Word of God.
I can picture him, 
– Praise and Mercy of Allah be sent to him, from the detailed descriptions provided about him in our sacred texts.
He, , is of average height. Not too tall that he stands out in a crowd, nor too short that you notice a disparity between him and others. Gentleness and modesty define his character. When he spoke, the disciples paid heed. The words he chose, of course, where divinely inspired and concurrent to all that they knew.
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A flowing head of hair that settle upon his shoulder-blades distinguishing him from others. From a distance, you would mistakenly suppose that his hair was wet and that drops of water were beading off it. They are in fact pearls dropping from his hair whenever he bows his head slightly to acknowledge those who recognize him.
From a young age, really young age, something about him was different to all other male children born into this world – he never cried. Rather, he spoke with intelligent fluency and cognitive wisdom from the moment he entered life.
As his mother, the Pure Virgin, Maryum alihas-Salaam- Peace of Allah be upon her, stood in prayer in an inner sanctum of the Jerusalem temple, the angel Jibreel came to her in the form of a man. With unwavering devotion and certainty of faith, she asked in the Name of the Most Merciful the man to do her no harm. He explained that he was an emissary sent from High Above to bid her good tidings.
Mary or Maryum was protected from birth by Allah, in honor of her mother’s supplication and intention to place her unborn child in the service of the Al-Mighty. Mary grew up to become the Chosen Woman. She would converse with the angels who would pray to the Al-Mighty along with her and bring her gifts from High Above.
Mary, you will carry a child. A child destined to become a manifest Sign unto humanity.
How? When? Why? I have been with no man. How can this be?
The likeness of the immaculate virginal conception of Jesus by his mother Mary is similar to the initial creation of humanity through Adam. In fact, the creation of Adam is more astounding. Adam, – Praise and Mercy of Allah be upon him, was brought into life from clay.
Be. The Word of Allah.
Be and it is.
Mary, you are now heavy with the weight of a pure, male child, The WORD of Allah.
Jesus always taught the Word of Allah. Before receiving the Gospel, at a young prepubescent age, Jesus would teach the Torah to the Rabbis he encountered.
Jesus , is a blessing wherever he is. Food that was sufficient for 10 would, through Allah’s blessing provided in honor of Jesus, amplify to feed hundreds, if not thousands. Jesus, – Praise and Mercy of Allah be sent to him, with the power given to him by Allah, would mold the shape of a bird out of clay and breathe on it and it would come alive!
Word quickly began to spread that a new teacher had arrived. The Children of Israel were accustomed to Prophets and Messengers. Allah would send a multiplicity of prophets “peace be upon all of them“ to Bani Israel. Zakariya and Yahya “ my namesake, more commonly known as John the Baptist along with Jesus and others, all were Prophet’s of the Al Mighty.
All the Prophets and Messengers are brothers through bloodlines that lead back to Abraham and beyond to Noah- peace be upon them all. They all called their respective communities to the same message -unadulterated monotheism. Only the One God is worthy of devotion and worship.
And in their footsteps We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.
Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.
Qur’an Surah 5, al-Maaida Ayat 46-47
Mary alihas Salaam, hid the news and concealed her pregnancy by moving away for the duration of her 9 months. Alone and without guidance from others, the pangs of labor came upon her. Exhausted and without aid, she lamented her condition and wished to have rather never been born. She could sense the enormity of the mission that lay ahead of her. Soon, she would return to her family and people with a child who was without father. Accusations would certainly manifest and callous tongues would wag. To whom does this child belong? How could you shame your family? Were you not the chaste pupil of the Prophet Zakariya?
Jesus – Praise and Mercy of Allah be sent to him, would debate the establishment. He would enjoin the good upon them and forbid the evil. All the while, he would preach submission to the Creator. Come to the Maker and seek His Favor. He would recite to them the Torah and correct the alterations and corruption that had entered into it. He would speak and live out the Gospel.
The establishment could not tolerate his message or more accurately, they despised the Messenger. They would receive stories,daily, of Jesus – Praise and Mercy of Allah be sent to him, curing the blind through his invocation of the Merciful One. They witnessed the dead being brought back to life by the Will of Allah through Jesus. Nevertheless, their disbelief increased to a palpable level that Jesus could sense.
“‘(I, Jesus, have come to you Children of Israel), to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear God, and obey me.”
“‘It is God who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a way that is straight.'”When Jesus found disbelief on their part He said: “Who will be My helpers to (the work of) God?” Said the disciples: “We are God’s helpers: We believe in God, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims (those who Submit to God).
“Our Lord! we believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger (Jesus); then write us down among those who bear witness.”
Qur’an, 3: 49-53
(Remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection). “O Jesus, son of Maryam (Mary)! Remember My Favor to you and to your mother when I supported you with Ruh ul Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)] so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al Hikmah (the power of understanding), the Torah and the Injeel (Gospel); and when you made out of the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’ “
”Qur’an, 5: 110
Jesus – Praise and Mercy of Allah be sent to him, is Wajeeh worthy of esteem in this world and the next, mubarak “blessed and a source of benefit for others.” These two descriptions establish a man who is sound in his relationship with the Creator and the creation. His mother preceded him in gracious conduct and was honored with his guardianship.
Maryum ˜alihas-Salaam, endured the pain of labor and delivered Jesus singularly, but not independently. Allah sent the angels to quench her thirst by establishing a spring of water near her and commanding her to shake a date palm so as to nourish herself and gain strength to face the adversity that was sure follow. As expected, all who encountered her requested an explanation. She pointed to Jesus and said nothing.
At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms).
They said: “O Mary! truly an amazing thing that you have brought!
“O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!”
But she pointed to the babe.They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”
He said: “I am indeed a servant of Allah:He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet;
And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on mePrayer and Charity as long as I live;
(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;
So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!
Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.
Qur’an, Surah 19 (Maryam), Ayat 27-35
From that day onwards, Jesus was a marked man. Those who Loved the Al Mighty, loved him and cared for him and absorbed his blessing and teachings. Those who preferred the worldly life and its status opposed Jesus, openly and privately.
Assassination and murder were on the hearts and minds of many. However, Jesus was destined for a greater purpose that was beyond the times he lived in. He would prophesy to his companions of the one who will come as a comfort to the worlds. Some scholars point to:
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”, John 14-16, 14-17
As Muslims, we refer to Muhammed – Praise and Mercy of Allah be upon him, as Rahmaatan lill ˜aalamin “ The Mercy/Comfort to all that Exists.
Jesus, was saved by Allah from the hate of those plotting his death.
(They have incurred divine displeasure): In that they broke their covenant; that they rejected the signs of Allah; that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word; We need no more)”;- Nay, Allah hath set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe;-
That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah”;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:-
Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise;-
And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them;-
Qur’an, Sura 4 (An-Nisa) ayat 155-159
So in heaven, awaiting instruction from Allah to return as the heralded Messiah, Jesus, the Son of Mary resides. His mother, conception, birth, speaking in infancy, teaching the Torah in pubescence, receiving the Divine answer to his supplications in the assistance of curing the blind, deaf and leper, his raising the dead, his ascension to heaven and escape from death and his eventual return as the Messiah are all Signs of the Al Mighty\’s Power and unchallenged and indivisible Authority.
Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
Qur’an, Surah 3 (Al-i-Imran) Ayah 55
How can anyone not accept Jesus in their life?
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Rafasyeda
April 24, 2011 at 12:54 AM
Jazak Allah for this! It’s always refreshing to read about some of the other great prophets. To be reminded of how great they were, and then to realize that even then, none could ever come close to the greatness that was Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Really puts things into perspective.
Yousef A
May 11, 2013 at 12:25 PM
The Christian’s believe that too… Christians believe that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and that he was sent from God as the messiah to save people from their sins. Christians also believe that Jesus was taken up to heaven and is coming back again. The only difference is that Christians have read the Injil and understand what Jesus spoke. Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life no man can come to the Father except by me”.
Who was Jesus’ father? It could not be Joseph as Jesus was born of the virgin Mary…therefore wasn’t God his father? I don’t understand why Muslims have such a problem understanding what Jesus said and what Christians believe.
I hope all of you will ask this question for yourself and seek out the truth for yourselves.
God bless,
Yousef
Gibran
May 11, 2013 at 1:32 PM
The creation of Adam was more miraculous. Adam was created without a father and a mother. Yet we don’t ascribe divinity to him. He and Jesus salawatu wasalamu alayhi have this in common. Allah said be and they were. That is the miracle.
AbdulQawi
December 26, 2013 at 9:19 AM
We believe what Jesus pbuh ascribed to himself, which is in your bible in RED LETTERS (JESUS WORDS) HeCalled himself A Prophet. Refer to Mathews 13 vs 49-end. We are not inclined to Opinion or Revamped Scripture. Noones word is Superior to The Creators word and NOONE has the right to change ONE LETTER. The real question is: Jesus callef himself a PROPHET, who are we to call him anything other than that? May ALLAH save us from our tonguesand false sense of inspired intellect
Tom Vetter
December 21, 2014 at 1:22 AM
Very well put, praises to our God in all ways and means can surely lead us all into His Hands and Heart! Thus, we can truly love one another as True Brothers in Christ and God – Allah, Our Father in Heaven. Thanks be to God – In every moment and in every way. Tom
Rafasyeda
April 24, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Jazak Allah for this! It’s really refreshing to read about some of the other great prophets. To be reminded of how great they were, and then to realize that even then, none could ever come close to the greatness of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. Really puts things into perspective.
Carlos
April 24, 2011 at 1:21 AM
Jesus had some ideas that, for his time, were impressively humanitarian. But
a virgin birth? Um . . . yeah . . . right.
If Islam buys into Christianity, then it has to also buy into the Old Testament. And, if it buys into the Old Testament, then it has to accept all the baggage from the Old Testament, and weaken itself.
Islam’s praise of Jesus/Isa seems, to me, like a sixth century PR campaign, an attempt to convert Christians to the new Islamic faith.
Amad
April 24, 2011 at 1:53 AM
Okay, let’s talk about your style first and how you could discuss the same thing in a manner that would be fruitful and keep you out of trouble with mods. Here’s your comment modified:
Amad
April 24, 2011 at 6:06 AM
We don’t “buy into Christianity”. If you like a feature in a car, it doesn’t mean you like/accept the entire car.
For Muslims, Jews and Christians are ahl-kitaab (people of the book). Their founders (our prophets) received divine revelation. A lot stayed unscathed from the pens of men, a lot got changed. So, we agree with Christians on many of Jesus’s (AS) miracles because our rejection of trinity doesn’t mean we reject miracles that were given to all the Prophets. Just like we accept miracles of Musa (Moses) AS. Does that mean we are buying into Judaism as well?
As for praise being 6th century PR, pls note that there were few Christians around the Prophet (S) in Makkah or Madinah. His main, closest companions were not Christians or Jews. So, by simple logic, there was no need to pander to a section of people who weren’t even in the area (for the most part). It’s like me going to China’s Buddhist regions and raving about Jesus– hardly PR!
As for praise now in the 21st century, we only repeat what was given to the Prophet (S) centuries ago… For us, those who don’t love Jesus (S) or don’t believe him to be a Messenger, are not Muslims. That’s the simple truth, no PC gimmick.
Yahya Ibrahim
April 24, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Bismillah,
To answer you simply:
Allah says:
“The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like that of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.
29:42
Indeed, Allah knows whatever thing they call upon other than Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
29:43
And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.
29:44
Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth. Indeed in that is a sign for the believers.
29:45
Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.
29:46
And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, “We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.”29:47
And thus We have sent down to you the Qur’an. And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture believe in it. And among these [people of Makkah] are those who believe in it. And none reject Our verses except the disbelievers.
29:48
And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.
29:49
Rather, the Qur’an is distinct verses [preserved] within the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers.
29:50
But they say, “Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “The signs are only with Allah , and I am only a clear warner.”
29:51
The Light of the Quran was proceeded by the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel. They all contained the Light of Revelation.
Our Quran, to us, is a continuation and broadening of that Light. Islam is not for a People or a locality. It is universal in its message and its adherents are a testament to that.
When I read about Kosher Laws or Halakha (interestingly it is liguistically equivalent to the word Shariah) or read about modesty and headscarf or hijab requirements , I see the Light of Revelation.
So I am a committed lover of all the 124,000 Prophets of God of which only 25 or so are mentioned to us in the Quran.
Finally, I did not write this piece for a non-Muslim Audience. It isnt PR. Simply this is what we believe. I love Isa (as) and would have chosen his path or the path of Moses or any of the other Prophet’s of Allah.
The Call is to discovering the One. Eternally Unique. Incomparable. Relied Upon even by those who deny Him.
Jesus and his compassion and unfettered love for the meek and oppressed leads me to Allah.
yahya
http://www.facebook.com/yahya.adel.ibrahim
Yahya Ibrahim
April 24, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Laws that relate to our Cousins in Faith, the Jewish community.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosher_foods
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halakha
Sin and redemption – the Way to go or live life
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzniut
(Headscarf and veiling
Russell
April 24, 2011 at 10:07 AM
You must not have any knowledge of true Islamic faith, just as some, if not most Muslims, have very little knowledge of Christianity. I was born into a Christian household, going to Christian school most of my young life. We Muslims do believe in the Torah, Isa’s (Jesus’s) books, and in the entire Quran. But the educated ones know where the brunt of Christian teaching comes from: Rome. The Bible has been manipulated by so many other present day leaders, such as King James, so this baggage that you speak of is man made. Man has allowed Satan (iblis) to whisper falsehood into the true teachings of Allah (God), manipulating Jesus’ true teachings, even the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH). It only takes an open mind and the willingness to seek the truth in order for you to find the knowledge I found. I used to believe that Muslims were the anti-Christ for real. But I want to approach all things with a truly open mind, and found knowledge. Please do not project your lack of understanding onto the majority, because there are Muslims who also have no knowledge and speak wrongfully. Study the truth before you speak.
bint Qamar
April 24, 2011 at 12:21 PM
No PR – believing in Jesus (peace be upon him) is just part of being Muslim. The difference is we believe he was human, a creation of God. We don’t believe he was God nor the son of God. Because God is ONE, He has no child and He is no child of anyone.
Nobody is truly Muslim if he/she does not believe in the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, David, Solomon, Jacob, Joseph, Lot, Aaron, Moses, Abraham, John, Jesus and of course Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon all of them).
Maybe in future articles we talk about other prophets too :)
Yousef A
May 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM
The Christian’s believe that too… Christians believe that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and that he was sent from God as the messiah to save people from their sins. Christians also believe that Jesus was taken up to heaven and is coming back again. The only difference is that Christians have read the Injil and understand what Jesus spoke. Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life no man can come to the Father except by me”.
Who was Jesus’ father? It could not be Joseph as Jesus was born of the virgin Mary…therefore wasn’t God his father? I don’t understand why Muslims have such a problem understanding what Jesus said and what Christians believe.
I hope all of you will ask this question for yourself and seek out the truth for yourselves.
God bless,
Yousef
Mohammed J
December 26, 2013 at 6:27 PM
Yousef,
Who was Adams Father/ Mother?
Mohammed
Faith
April 24, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Presumably then Buddhism is just an attempt to appeal to pacifists and Hinduism to those who like meditating huh? How about approaching things with an open mind?
Abdullah
April 25, 2011 at 12:35 AM
“If Islam buys into Christianity, then it has to also buy into the Old Testament. And, if it buys into the Old Testament, then it has to accept all the baggage from the Old Testament, and weaken itself.”
Carlos,
That’s actually not the case. I would presume that critical historical scholars of the OT would say that that OT has a variety of authors.
There are stories that Muslims totally reject as false since there are stories attributed to Prophets which would put them in prison in modern days rather than make them guides for humanity.
In fact, the Quran encourages not following the mistakes of those of the past:
“Say, “O People of the Scripture, do not exceed limits in your religion beyond the truth and do not follow the inclinations of a people who had gone astray before and misled many, and have strayed from the soundness of the way.” [5:77]
Muslims would look for one author, namely God Himself, which is why they turn to the Quran. Muslims in fact take the stories related in the Quran about the Prophets of the past – upon whom be peace – as the most historically accurate and authentic reports of the stories of the Prophets, including Jesus and Moses, and other Prophets, peace be upon them all. If God wants to tell something to us about past Prophets, He can, and He did, and it was preserved in the Quran without any doubt whatsoever.
We actually believe that the people who truly followed the Prophets of the past – upon whom be peace – as part of the tradition of submission and surrender to God, Islam, which is also demonstrated in what God revealed regarding the disciples of Jesus – peace and blessings of God be upon him -:
“But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, “Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah ?” The disciples said,” We are supporters for Allah . We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]. [3:52]
The Arabic says Muslimoon – in other words – Muslims.
Peace.
Junaid
April 25, 2011 at 12:00 PM
lol I feel bad for poor Carlos. This doesn’t seem like a fair fight.
Carlos
April 25, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Thanks, Junaid, but don’t feel too bad for me. I haven’t read any response to my post that I would consider to be very enlightening, just apologetics and dogma. It is difficult to argue with dogma. Dogma is, by definition, beyond reason. If I saw a response that warranted a reply, I would reply. Also, the fact that my opinions might be unpopular with those who frequent this website does not necessarily mean my opinions are thereby weakened. Popularity and truth are not the same thing. If I were the last person in the world to say the sky is blue, when everyone else on Earth has joined some absolutist religion that says the sky is green, I would continue to say the sky is blue.
Also, my comments are censored and “moderated” by the MM moderators, probably because I am a non-Muslim who speaks his mind. I cannot speak as freely as I might want. And, even if I could speak freely, I prefer not to get in peoples’ faces, because I don’t think combativeness is a good way to reach hearts and minds.
Finally, I am pretty sure that, in a “fair fight,” I would kick intellectual butt. If someone wants to take the proverbial gloves off, I say “Bring it on.”
Amad
April 26, 2011 at 1:29 AM
Pls stop acting like a cry baby ;)
I presented to you logic and facts about demographics around the time of revelation. Are you interested in actual discussion or is your goal here, as it seems to me, to be (in your mind) to civilize us religious (specifically Moozlim) folk?
Really, we are not here to endlessly argue about our foundational texts or to keep playing with bait and switch on topics.
Nabeel Azeez
April 24, 2011 at 3:58 AM
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh
Jazakallahu khairan sheikh. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala have mercy on you and your family.
I have a few questions, which I believe are related to the topic, inshaaAllah-
1) By rejecting ‘Isa alayhis’salaam, are the Jews guilty of kufr?
2) If the above is true, then by rejecting Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, aren’t the Christians also guilty of kufr?
3) It is my understanding that disbelief in any one of the Prophets or Messengers (alayhimus’salaam) is disbelief in them all. Is this correct?
4) What does Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mean he says in the Qur’an “they have certainly disblieved” and “they have imitated the saying of those who disbelieved”, in reference to the People of the Book (i.e. Jews and Christians.)
5) With respect to question 4, is it correct or incorrect to understand, from these verses, that Jews and Christians are kuffaar regardless of their exposure to Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and the teachings of Islaam, i.e. “laa ilaaha illallaah muhammad ar’rasoolullaah”.
Barakallahu feek sheikh, may Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala raise your rank in the dunya and aakhirah and may he join you with as’Saabiqoon al Awwaloon in Jannah.
Isa Ali
April 24, 2011 at 6:34 PM
Nabeel,
No, they are not kafirs. Classical Islamic doctrine to refer to those who “disbelieve†in one God – atheists and polytheists, as kafir, not the Ahl Al Kitab or People of the Book.
Do you think that the Messenger of Allah would refer to kafir in this way? How is there any ambiguity when you read these verses? Salaam.:
“… thou wilt surely find that, of all people, they who say, “Behold, we are Christians,†come closest to feeling affection for those who believe [in this divine writ]: this is so because there are priests and monks among them, and because these are not given to arrogance.†5:82
“Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of God during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf and forbid Al-Munkar ; and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knows well those who are Al-Muttaqûn.†(3:113-115)
“And there are, certainly, among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), those who believe in God and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before God. They do not sell the Verses of God for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, God is Swift in account.†(3:199)’
“Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve . [Qur’an 2:62]“
Addo
May 11, 2013 at 8:42 PM
Alright, now I’m not a scholar or even distantly close to being one, but you have to read those verses in context, just like any other verse in the Quraan. You have to differentiate between Jews and Christians in historical light and in modern life. Those who came before Prophet Muhammed and followed what they perceived as the guidance, which was to be cherry picked from their scriptures, and did good are those who are to go to heaven because they followed what was morally right in their corrupted scriptures and that was their test. But here is the thing, what those pre-Muhammed righteous people followed was an identical copy of what we Muslims do, which is believing in one God with all his attributes and doing right, and Warraqah who is Khadijahs uncle, I think, is a good example to that. And this gets clear when we are told that those that who claimed that Allah had a son ‘Qad Kafaru’ or have disbelieved, becoming therefore Kuffars. You see, just believing in God does not suffice, you need to believe in Him like He tells you He is and not make up stories about him, like the Jews do when they claim some rabbi debated with God and convinced him or that he made God cry, or attribute to him human characteristics, like the Christians do when they he had begotten a son.
We have scientific, scriptural, historical, logical, spiritual proof that Quran was not manly-written, and the test to mankind is whether they will accept that proof or out of their arrogance and stupidity reject it, making them therefore Kaffirs.
And I don’t understand why Muslims keep on trying to appeal to the Christians and the Jews when the Latter ones do nothing but insult Islam, Muslims, and the Quraan. And to them, we are Kaffirs too who are bound to burn in hell. P.S, Kaffir means being a disbeliever. So when they so proudly shout that they disbelieve in Islam, who are we to force the ‘Believer, label upon them?
Gibran
May 11, 2013 at 9:13 PM
Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Isa Ali, you have to read those ayat in context.
Salman Al-Farisi reported: I asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, about the people of religion who had been with me, mentioning their prayers and acts of worship. Then, Allah revealed the verse, “Verily, those who believe, those who are Jewish, Christian, or Sabians – whoever believed in Allah and the Last Day and worked righteousness – they will have their reward with their Lord and they will not fear nor grieve.” (2:62)
Source: Tafseer Ibn Abu Hatim, verse 2:62
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Ibn Taymiyyah and Al-Busiri
قَالَ سَلْمَانُ سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ أَهْلِ دِينٍ كُنْتُ مَعَهُم فَذَكَرَ مِنْ صَلاتِهِمْ وَعِبَادَتِهِمْ فَنَزَلَتْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالَّذِينَ هَادُوا وَالنَّصَارَى وَالصَّابِئِينَ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِر
2:62 تفسير ابن أبي حاتم سورة البقرة قوله إن الذين آمنوا والذين هادوا
المحدث ابن تيمية خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح
المحدث البوصيري خلاصة حكم المحدث إسناده رواته ثقات
The Christians and Jews today are all mushrikeen and whoever of them hears of the Rasulullah sallahualayhiwasalam and does not believe in him will take his seat in the fire.
umtalhah
April 24, 2011 at 4:38 AM
as salam alaikum,
i loved this piece ma shaAllah. may Allah reward everyone involved in bringing this timely article to us. i was just speaking with my maid yesterday about the virgin birth of jesus (alaihi assalam).
:)
faba
April 24, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Mashallah very nice article :)
Abdul-Baasit
April 24, 2011 at 5:13 PM
May Allah reward u abandontly for bringing us dis refreshing moments of Prophet Isa’s Story.
felicity
April 24, 2011 at 5:27 PM
Really enjoyed this. JazaakAllaah khayran brother Yahya. :)
Isa Ali
April 24, 2011 at 6:33 PM
Nabeel,
No, they are not kafirs. Classical Islamic doctrine to refer to those who “disbelieve” in one God – atheists and polytheists, as kafir, not the Ahl Al Kitab or People of the Book.
Do you think that the Messenger of Allah would refer to kafir in this way? How is there any ambiguity when you read these verses? Do you harbor an agenda that includes a hatred of Christians and Jews? Salaam.:
“… thou wilt surely find that, of all people, they who say, “Behold, we are Christians,” come closest to feeling affection for those who believe [in this divine writ]: this is so because there are priests and monks among them, and because these are not given to arrogance.” 5:82
“Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of God during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf and forbid Al-Munkar ; and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous. And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for God knows well those who are Al-Muttaqûn.” (3:113-115)
“And there are, certainly, among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), those who believe in God and in that which has been revealed to you, and in that which has been revealed to them, humbling themselves before God. They do not sell the Verses of God for a little price, for them is a reward with their Lord. Surely, God is Swift in account.” (3:199)’
“Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve . [Qur’an 2:62]”
Abdullah
April 25, 2011 at 12:16 AM
Asalamu Alaykum,
Actually, I was hoping Shaykh Ibrahim could explain this. Because there are ayaat that do call disbelievers those who hold to certain doctrines of Christianity:
They have certainly disbelieved who say, ” Allah is the third of three.” And there is no god except one God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment. [5:73]
They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, “Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?” And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent. [5:17
Also, there is the ayah:
Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] – those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. [2:62]
So, are those who believe among them – which the above 2:62 verse talks about – those who do not commit shirk, associating others with Allah, such as in the case of calling Jesus Alay Salam God, or explaining God by way of the trinity?
Jazakum’Allahu khayran.
Asalamu Alaykum
Heather
April 25, 2011 at 12:53 PM
I didn’t not know that Muslims had just a regard for Jesus. But I get confused because Jesus says he is the “Son of God,” and makes other claims like:
“Very truly I tell you,†Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!†John 8:58
What do you as a Muslim do with these statements?
Zakariya
April 25, 2011 at 5:06 PM
The Bible isn’t 100% authentic so we have no need to reconcile with individual statements simply because individual statements may not even be authentic to begin with.
Nevertheless, son of God may simply mean someone who is close to or beloved of God. All of mankind has been referred to as being the children of God in the Bible and we’d agree that doesn’t mean all of manking are also gods.
There seems to me to be some contradiction in how Jesus peace be upon him is described in the bible for Jesus peace be upon him ‘aparantly’ said on the cross “why hast thou forsaken me?” It seems to me like whoever said that didnt want to die. He is also reported to have said “for your will will be done, not mine”, whoever said that also did not have his own will in line with the will of God. Jesus peace be upon has also been reported to have said “I of my self can do nothing except by the will of God”, whoever said that isn’t all powerful, and thefore not God.
Generally speaking we accept from the bible what is in accordance with our own teachings, if not we do not say it is false. If it contradicts our own teachings we say it is false and not from God.
Hope that helps Heather,
Yahya Ibrahim
April 25, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Sadly, the regard we display as muslims towards Jesus alihis salaam – peace be with him is deficient.
In our understanding the Father is equal to the word Rabb or “Lord.”. The Lord brings up, raises, educates, protects, and fosters those who rely on Him. The concept of Father and Rabb is really simple to be understood by us as Muslims.
All wasKnown by Allah before the creation came into being. We therefore understand the I Am comment to mean that Jesus affirms the divine Knowledge and Lordship of Allah in the ordainment of his life and mission. Muhammed peace be upon him and Jesus saidsimilar words.
Jesus is ti us one of the Five foundational Messengers of God – Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammed.
Abdullah
April 26, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Heather,
First things first, we actually do not know who wrote the gospels. I learned this from a devoted Christian teacher who is well-learned. You should be able to ask any well-learned priest or pastor who was schooled in seminary and see what you find.
So why would a person, much less a Muslim, try to derive or take theology from them?
Perhaps, God-willing, some understanding would be granted to you by the following verse explaining how humanity bore witness to the Oneness of God:
And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam – from their loins – their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes, we have testified.” [This] – lest you should say on the day of Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of this unaware.” [7:172]
Muslims know without any doubt whatsoever where the Quran came from, and so that is why they believe in it. And the true accounts of the life of Jesus and Mary – peace be upon them both – are available there for any who can to read, learn and God-willing, receive an understanding that is free from doubt and confusion:
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah [2:2]
If you wanted to read more about the topic of Jesus, peace be upon him, the Bible, and more, you could try looking for a book entitled “The True Message of Jesus Christ”, peace be upon him, by Dr. Bilal Philips. God-willing that would give you some insight. He in fact, used to be atheist at one point in his life.
Peace
worthy lamb
December 21, 2012 at 6:23 PM
Peace be upon everyone reading these in jesus name.
I have few questions to ask:
1: how can one be sure that quran was written by God himself?
2:all the history of the lord jesus in the quran were they written by God?
When jesus was baptised, a white dove came upon him which was the holy spirit and a voice came from heaven saying THIS IS MY BELOVED SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED, are u saying this is one of the manipulations in the bible as u claimed?
3:what does the quran record of the mission of the lord jesus christ?
Jesus left his glory,mightiness,pureness,greatness,……. In heaven to come to this earth to die for our sins.
4:how holy does the quran discrib God?
A muslim woman who met Christ.
March 26, 2013 at 8:58 AM
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”, John 14-16, 14-1
Please note that the comforter, is to abide with us forever, dwelling with us and in us. Unfortunately, Prophet Muhammad died, so how can he dwelleth in us and forever?!
A muslim woman who met Christ.
March 26, 2013 at 9:02 AM
I would also like to point out how, as a previous Muslim I am aware that many Muslims are quick to point out that the New Testament is false, or has been “corrupted” yet the same Muslims will selectively use it to support certain things in Islam.
Addo
May 11, 2013 at 9:07 PM
No we don’t. We don’t need to support Islam with anything, the Quraan is enough and more. Besides, Muslims aren’t the only ones that claim the New Testament is corrupted, your biblical scholars do too. And regarding prophet Muhammed dying, the Quraan addresses that saying,
(Did you think that this cause of Islam subsisted not by God but while Muhammad was alive among you? If so, know that this cause depends on God and as for his part in it, know that) Muhammad is but a Messenger, and Messengers passed away before him. If, then, he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels can in no way harm God. But God will (abundantly) reward the thankful ones (those who are steadfast in God’s cause). 3.144
*This comment was edited by the MM Comments Team in order to comply with our Comments Policy*
Yahya Ibrahim
March 26, 2013 at 9:12 AM
As Muslims we understand that the Quran & prophetic model of life is the Comfort that the Mercy to the Universe, Muhammed sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam, exhibited in his life and remain intact to this day and until the day of Reckoning.
We are not attached to the physical world. Comfort is not physical… Its internal.
Allah bless you with good.
Yahya Ibrahim
March 26, 2013 at 9:18 AM
In the New Testament there is what we as Muslims can verify as Truth and there is what we verify to be false and altered. There is also what is unverifiable and we neither deny it nor do we condone it.
All guide you to good
A muslim woman who met Christ.
March 26, 2013 at 10:01 AM
In that case, many great people could be the comforter, after all people like Mother Theresa or even Buddha for that matter exhibited extraordinary lives and left legacies that remain in tact till now.
Please tell me how you as a Muslim can verify what is truth and what isn’t? Based on what manuscripts? Because again many Muslims claim that the New Testament is false due to the fact that the manuscripts are corrupted copies
Yahya Ibrahim
March 26, 2013 at 11:01 PM
We verify Truth as being the uncorrupted Word Of Allah.
Theology that is inconsistent with the Message of the Quran to a Muslim is not Truth. Any claim that Jesus is God incarnate or is a Biological form of God to Muslims is inconsistent with the message of the Quran and Monotheism.
Sections in the Bible that ring true are statements similar to:
1. Deuteronomy 4:35,39 — Unto thee it was shown, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. (39) Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
This is similar to our belief as Muslims as you find here in The Quran:
Taha 20:6-8 “To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on the earth and what is between them and what is under the soil. And if you speak aloud – then indeed, He knows the secret and what is [even] more hidden. Allah – there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.”
OR
1 Chronicles 17:20 — O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
This is similar to:
al-Ikhlas 112:1-4 “Say, “He is Allah , [who is] One,Allah , the Eternal Refuge.He neither begets nor is born,Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
What is not Truth, to Muslims, is what contradicts this elemental message of Monotheism.
Allah lead you to success.
A muslim woman who met Christ.
March 27, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Based on your logic and method of debate using the Quran as the basis to validate what is true /false in the Bible, then we could also use the Bible to validate that what is in the Quran is false. We can only ever come to agreement if there was a neutral manuscript available in which proved that one was true and one incorrect. It’s a back and forth debate. We have all these theologies floating around which there will always be an answer to and yet another question arises but you cannot debate what God has done in a person’s life- their personal testimony of encountering God. Also the verse that you quoted from John, where is the verse in the Qur’an that verifies that Prophet Muhammad is the comforter of which Jesus spoke of?
Yahya Ibrahim
March 27, 2013 at 2:24 AM
There is no debate. Monotheism to us as Muslims is clear. Jesus to us as Muslims, as depicted above in my writing, is clear.
The debates within you are personal to you. I simply am providing you clarity from an Islamic perspective. I have answered all your questions in the simplest terms possible, in sha Allah.
In the Quran our Prophet Muhammed sala Allahu ‘alihi wasSalam is Rahmatan lil ‘aalameen – A Mercy to all that exists sala Allahu alihi wasSalam. Surat Chapter 21:107
My only advice is to worship the one Jesus worshiped. Surely he wasnt worshiping himself?
I leave you in peace.
Parvez Khan
December 31, 2013 at 7:23 PM
“And when Allah said: O Isa, I am going to take you and cause you to ascend unto Me and purify you of those who disbelieve…” [3:55]
The above verse is extremely clear and lucid that it reveals Allah’s statement of physically raising and purifying the messiah Isa (as).
‘Cleanse you’ in verse [3:55] refers to Eisa’ (A.S.) departure from the evil company of the Jews. The very fact the verse reads ‘cleanse you of those who disbelieve’ shows it was physical separation and not spiritual for disbelievers could have never been close to the Mighty Prophet Isa (A.S.) in spiritual sense. This cannot be a reference to his being relieved from the false accusations of Jews and Christians because context has nothing to do with it. It refers to the evil plot of the Jews (verse 54) and Allah’s plan to save him from their dirty trick. Same is evident in light of the scholarly opinions see e.g. Tafsir Kabir of Al-Raazi and Tafsir Kashshaf of Zamakhshari. Al-Raazi has been recognized as Mujaddid of the 4th century.
“And for their saying, .We have certainly killed the Masih Eisa the son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah., while in fact they did neither kill him, nor crucify him, but they were deluded by resemblance. Those who disputed in this matter are certainly in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, but they follow whims. It is absolutely certain that they did not kill him. But Allah lifted him towards Himself. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [4: 157-158]
Another important proof of this event is the Arabic word bal, which appears in Qur’an, 4:158, and has the literal translation of “on the contrary.” The features of its meaning and use in Arabic linguistics indicate a very important fact: According to the rules of Arabic linguistics, the sentence that comes after it must have a meaning that is completely opposite to the preceding statement. That being the case, it is likely that the verses referring to Jesus (pbuh) “… They did not kill him,” (Qur’an, 4:157) “on the contrary [bal] God raised him up to Himself…” (Qur’an, 4:158) refer to the state of being alive, rather than the state of being dead. (God knows best.) Sheikh al-Islam Mustafa Sabri offered the following interpretation:
If the term bal, which appears in Qur’an 4:158 and which I have translated as “on the contrary,” comes after a sentence expressing a negativity, then, according to the rules of Arabic linguistics, the sentence following it must mean the exact opposite of the one preceding it. The opposite of death is life. This is a requirement of the rules of linguistics. If we say that “the ascension here is a spiritual one” and “Jesus (pbuh) died in the normal sense,” then we are violating that rule. In that case, the ascension following the expression “on the contrary” would not represent the opposite to the verbs of “killing” and “crucifying” in the negative sentence preceding it. That is because it may be possible for a person to be killed and for his or her soul to rise to the skies. Otherwise, this term would be meaningless, and there are no meaningless terms in the Qur’an … According to those who support the thesis that the ascension is only one of the soul, the meaning of the verse is this: “They did not kill him and did not crucify him … on the contrary, God raised his station.” There is no particular oratory here, let alone succinctness.
The mutual compatibility between the verse’s previous and later sections necessarily reveals a fact. For example, if an Arab says: “I am not hungry; on the contrary, I am lying on my side,” this is not a correct sentence. In the same way, there is a discrepancy between the components in the sentence: “Khalid did not die; on the contrary, he is a good man.” What would be correct is to say: “Khalid did not die; on the contrary, he is alive.” To say: “The chairman was not killed; he is a man with a superior station in God’s presence” also leads to a break in meaning in the sentence, for his having a high station in God’s sight is no obstacle to his being killed. The term bal expresses a negation between the preceding and the following words. In other words, bal cancels out a previous statement.