Make this world less of a Hell! What do Muslims think of Jesus?
By Marianne Farina, C.S.C., in US Catholic , September 19, 2016
Jesus himself had asked his disciples the question: “Who do people say that I am?” Today that question is answered by Muslims in a very fierce to friendly terms. Everybody understand the times when each were trying to exterminate each other during the Crusades.
Now the relationships are fast changing under Pope Francis; only one wonders if it is a one sided change. If it is mutual, it would be all for the better. When one speaks of heaven and hell it is always about a life after death. Let no man drag those unseen realities down to this world to put an end to man’s job of making this world a bit more heavenly and little less hellish. james kottoor, editor CCV.
Read below What Muslims think of Jesus
Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet who was given a special message—injil, or the gospel—to convey to all people.
“Who do people say that I am?” Jesus asked his disciples. Their answers—from John the Baptist to Elijah or one of the prophets—reveal how his followers understood his life and mission. Today, asking Muslim communities around the world the same question—who do you think that Christ is?—is equally revealing.
The Quran mentions Jesus, or Isa, 25 times, but differently each time. The Quran explains that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary (19:20–21) and is “high honored in this and the next world” (3:45–47). Thus, he is called Isa ibn Maryam, or Jesus son of Mary. The Quran also refers to him as ruh min Allah (“Spirit from God”), mushia bi’l baraka (“the Messiah—someone blessed by God”), kalimah min Allah (“Word from/of God”), and rasul (Prophet-Messenger) of God.
Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet who was given a special message—injil, or the gospel—to convey to all people. This message both confirmed what was taught in the Torah and foretold the coming of Prophet Muhammad. Thus, Jesus has a vital and unique role to play in the Muslim faith.
However, while Muslims accept that Jesus was a servant, teacher, and lover of God’s Word, they do not believe that he was divine or the son of God. The Quran describes the miracles Jesus performed, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, but does not ascribe these miracles to his divinity. Instead, Jesus is a sign to all humankind of God’s endless mercy.
Muslims do not believe in original sin. They see no need for a savior and, moreover, do not believe in Jesus’ crucifixion. The Quran states that Jesus was assumed into heaven (3:169) before his actual death. Islamic tradition explains that Jesus was spared death because he was God’s holy one. Muslims believe Jesus’ enemies could not triumph over him because he is God’s chosen servant.
Like Christians, Muslims believe that Jesus will return. Islamic texts say that Jesus will come back on the Day of Judgment, when he will destroy the ad-dajjal—anti-Christ or imposter. Throughout history and today many Islamic thinkers have used Jesus as an important religious model.= Eleventh- and 12th-century scholar Abu Hamid al-Ghazali encouraged Muslims to pray as Jesus prayed. Thirteenth-century philosopher Ibn ‘Arabi called Jesus wilaya (“seal of the friend of God”) because he possessed the highest knowledge of and intimacy with God. Mahmoud Ayoub, a modern Islamic theologian, has developed an Islamic Christology that explores how Jesus exemplifies the fulfillment of humanity by being fully illuminated by God’s light (tajalli).f course Islamic thought on Jesus differs from Christian teachings. But we also share many common beliefs: the virgin birth of Jesus to Mary, profound respect for the mystery of God, love for Jesus, and a willingness to learn from his life as we seek happiness with God. Perhaps here is an opening for a productive conversation between our faiths.(This article also appears in the September 2016 issue of U.S. Catholic(Vol. 81, No. 9, page 49).
There are typos in my post. Please read 'S' as 'a'. Also "god" in place of 'got'
My reading of Bible makes me lean more towards Muslim's understanding of Jesus. He was a prophet, differing from others before him only in his parentage. Those who came before him, notably Elijah and Elisha, had performed miracles similar to Jesus' but the Jews did not regard them as gods. There are several verses in the Bible where Jesus himself is seen revealing his identity – notably John 17:3 – as someone subservient to God the Father. It is my understanding that with emperor Constantine accepting Christianity, the faith lost its Jewish origin credentials and began to lean more towards pagan beliefs and traditions. It was the need of the hour thent in order to keep the ordinary Romans interested in the new faith, that S human got be found. For the Romans, the emperor was a god and any unseen god could hardly be expected to inspire. Hence theologians of the time had to come up with a god, though unseen, but one who was around among the people in the not too long distant past. The need to upgrade Jesus to god-equivalent was completed by the invention of the concept of Trinity. I understand that it was the council of Nicea, held in middle of 4 th Century, that did the tweaking to give a "promotion" to Jesus. Christians barrin S minority accept this belief . I would think that it is time to look at this beliefs' compatibilty with the written words in the Bible, given that there are overwhelming evidence to the contrary in it.
A very fine article. It can do immense good to spread fellowship among communities. The editorial staff must be congrtulated for giving space to such precious subjects.