The story of Jesus in the Quran unfolds as a tale of divine miracles, piety, and unwavering faith. Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) holds a revered place in Islam as one of the greatest Prophets. The narrative, as told in the Quran, begins with Maryam (Mary), his mother, and moves through the miraculous events of Jesus’s life.
Who is Jesus in the Quran?
In the Quran, Jesus (referred to as ʿĪsā in Arabic) is one of the most revered prophets and messengers of God. He is mentioned as the Messiah, the son of Mary, who was born miraculously without a father by the command of Allah. The Quran highlights Jesus’ unique attributes, his miracles, and his mission as a messenger to the Children of Israel. Importantly, Jesus is portrayed as a servant of God, not as divine or the son of God, as emphasized in several verses. For example, Allah states:
“The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth.”
Thus, the Quran underscores the humanity of Jesus while affirming his high status as a prophet and messenger, thus distinguishing the Islamic perspective from Christian theological doctrines.
Below is a detailed account based on Quranic verses that provide insight into his life.
Mary: The Chosen Woman
Mary, the daughter of Imran, was known for her piety and dedication to worship. She was chosen by Almighty One God to play a unique and significant role in history.
“And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].’”
Glad Tidings of Jesus’ Birth
Maryam received an astonishing message from the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), who appeared to her as a man. He brought the news that she would bear a pure son by Allah’s command.
“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]. He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous.’”
“She said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ‘Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.’”
(Quran 3:45-47)
The Unique Creation of Jesus
Allah’s ability to create is unparalleled. Just as He created Adam from dust without parents and Eve from Adam without a mother, He created Jesus from Mary without a father.
“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.”
Maryam Seeks Solitude
After conceiving Jesus, Maryam withdrew from her people to a distant place. When the time for childbirth came, she endured the pains alone under a palm tree, crying out in anguish.
“So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, ‘Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.’”
Divine Assistance During Childbirth
In her moment of despair, Allah provided Maryam with comfort and sustenance. A stream of water appeared beneath her, and the dates from the palm tree nourished her.
“But he called her from below her, ‘Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. So eat and drink and be contented.’”
Jesus’s Miraculous Speech as an Infant
When Maryam returned to her people carrying baby Jesus, they were shocked and questioned her chastity. In her silence, she pointed to the infant, and Jesus miraculously spoke in defense of his mother.
“So she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?’ [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive.’”
The Miracles of Jesus
As Jesus grew, Allah blessed him with wisdom, knowledge of the Torah and the Gospel, and the ability to perform miracles. Jesus healed the blind and the leper, brought the dead back to life, and crafted a bird from clay that came to life—all by Allah’s permission.
“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who 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. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.’”
Jesus’s Mission: Calling to Worship Allah Alone
Jesus’s mission was to guide the Children of Israel back to the worship of Allah alone and to confirm the teachings of the Torah. He emphasized righteousness, obedience, and the importance of fulfilling divine commandments.
“And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. … Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.”
Rejection by the Disbelievers
Despite his miracles and clear signs, many among the Children of Israel rejected Jesus’s message and plotted against him. They accused him of blasphemy and sought to have him killed.
“And [they] plotted, and Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners.”
The Ascension of Jesus
Allah protected Jesus from the disbelievers’ schemes. Instead of being killed, he was raised to the heavens, and his enemies were left in confusion. The Quran emphasizes that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified but was saved by Allah’s decree.
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. … Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”
Jesus’s Return Before the Day of Judgment
The Quran and prophetic traditions affirm that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment. He will descend to establish justice, clarify misconceptions, and uphold the truth.
“And indeed, Jesus will be a sign for the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.”
The return of Jesus will mark the defeat of falsehood, as he will testify against those who distorted his message and call people back to the pure worship of Allah.
Conclusion: Story of Jesus in the Quran
To sum up, the story of Jesus in the Quran reflected his position in Islam as a noble Prophet who called to the worship of Almighty God alone and performed miracles by God’s permission. His mission emphasized faith, righteousness, and obedience to divine commands. Despite the rejection and plots of his opponents, Allah protected Jesus, raising him to the heavens, and he will return before the Day of Judgment to establish justice and clarify his true message. This understanding of Jesus in Islam highlights his honored role as a messenger and servant of Allah, distinct from the misconceptions surrounding him.
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