The Quran provides a detailed and profound explanation regarding the fate of Jesus (ʿĪsā, peace be upon him), emphasizing that he did not die through crucifixion. This belief is central in Islamic theology, refuting claims of his death and establishing his honored status as one of Allah’s messengers.
Quran Verses About Jesus Not Dying
The Quran mentions Allah’s intervention to protect Jesus from harm in three different instances:
1. Hint For Jesus’ Divine Saving From Plots Mentioned In Surah Al-Ma’idah:
Allah reminds Jesus of His divine protection from the plots of the Children of Israel when Jesus presented clear signs to them:
“When I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs, and those who disbelieved among them said, ‘This is not but obvious magic.'”
This verse highlights how Allah restrained the Israelites from harming Jesus during his mission.
2. Protection Of Jesus Mentioned In Surah Aal-Imran:
Allah speaks about His plan to raise Jesus to Himself, purifying him from the disbelievers:
“When Allah said, ‘O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [free] you from those who disbelieve…'”
Here, the word “take you” (mutawaffīk) is interpreted by Islamic scholars to mean putting Jesus into a state of sleep before raising him to the heavens. This affirms that Jesus was not killed or crucified.
3. Jesus Was Not Crucified Quran Verse In Surah An-Nisa:
The verses (4:157-159) categorically deny Jesus’ crucifixion and emphasize that Allah raised him to Himself. Let’s explore their meaning in detail:
Refuting the Death of Jesus
The Quran directly addresses the claims of some Jews who arrogantly boasted about killing Jesus:
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah… .'”
This claim not only reflects their arrogance but also their mockery of Jesus and his divine mission. While they used accurate titles for him—“the Messiah,” “Jesus,” “Son of Mary,” and “Messenger of Allah”—these were said sarcastically rather than as an acknowledgment of his true status.
Allah firmly refutes their claim in the same verse:
“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. … And they did not kill him, for certain.”
This verse unequivocally denies the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Instead, Allah made it appear as though Jesus had been killed, leaving his enemies in confusion and doubt.
Confusion Among People of the Book in the Truth
The Quran also points out the confusion surrounding Jesus’ fate among Jews and Christians:
“And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.”
This verse illustrates that neither group has definitive knowledge about the incident. Their differing accounts are based on assumptions rather than certainty.
Jesus Didn’t Die & Will Return
Islamic theology affirms that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment:
“And there is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in him before his death. And on the Day of Resurrection, he will be against them a witness.”
This verse signifies that all people of the scripture will eventually believe in Jesus as a servant and messenger of Allah, and he will bear witness against those who distorted his message.
The Islamic Belief about Jesus
Islam teaches that Allah protected Jesus from harm, raising him to the heavens while making it appear to his enemies that they had succeeded in killing him. The person who was crucified was someone made to resemble Jesus, leading to confusion among his enemies.
This belief underscores Allah’s ultimate power and wisdom, as well as the honored status of Jesus in Islam.
Conclusion
The Quranic verses about Jesus not dying provide a compelling narrative that refutes claims of his crucifixion and death. By emphasizing Allah’s protection of Jesus and highlighting the confusion among his enemies, these verses establish the Islamic perspective on this significant event.
Through these revelations, Allah affirms the truth about Jesus’ fate, underscoring his mission as a prophet and his eventual return as a sign before the Day of Judgment. This perspective not only reaffirms the divine wisdom but also calls for reflection on the importance of relying on authentic revelation for understanding theological truths. Start your journey with Quran today for more insights about truth in doubting issues!
