Islam holds Jesus (Isa in Arabic) and Mary (Maryam) in high regard, recognizing their spiritual significance while portraying their lives in a way that has many similarities with Christianity, but different ones as well. Both are celebrated for their piety, miraculous experiences, and dedication to God’s will, but the Islamic narrative offers unique insights into their roles and contributions to humanity’s spiritual journey. While we have many articles on the similarities of Jesus in Islam and Christianity, this article will focus on what unique aspects Islam teaches about him.
Mary: The Greatest Woman in Islam
The Qur’an explicitly declares Maryam as the greatest woman to ever live:
And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. (Qur’an 3:42)
This verse highlights Mary’s unparalleled purity and devotion, setting her apart not only in Islam but also across all traditions. She is revered for her chastity and unwavering trust in God, especially as she miraculously conceives Jesus without a father.
While Christianity venerates Mary as the mother of Jesus, often emphasizing her role as an intercessor, Islam celebrates her as a symbol of absolute submission to God. She is portrayed as a human being of remarkable virtue and integrity, free from any divine association. Her life exemplifies faith and reliance on God in the face of societal judgment and immense personal trials.
Adding to her distinction, the Qur’an dedicates an entire chapter, chapter 19 is named the Chapter of Mary, an honor not accorded to any other woman. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran and this chapter narrates her spiritual journey, emphasizing her role as a devout servant of Allah, a theme that is unique to Islam.
The Miraculous Birth of Jesus and Speaking as a Baby
The Qur’an mentions the miraculous birth of Jesus in vivid detail, beginning with Mary’s astonishment when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) announces her pregnancy:
She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?’ He said, ‘Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, “It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed. (Qur’an 19:20-21)
This event underscores Allah’s omnipotence and emphasizes Jesus’s role as a miraculous sign for humanity. Unlike the Christian tradition, where Jesus’s miraculous birth is linked to his divine nature, Islam attributes it entirely to God’s will, reinforcing the concept of monotheism
One of the most distinctive aspects of Jesus’s story in Islam is his ability to speak as a newborn. After Mary gives birth and faces accusations of immorality from her community, the infant Jesus defends her honor:
He 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. (Qur’an 19:30-31)
This miracle is absent in the Christian Gospels, making it a uniquely Islamic portrayal of Jesus’s early life. It establishes his prophetic mission from the moment of birth, providing a divine testimony to Mary’s chastity and Jesus’s role as a servant of Allah.
His Miracles as a Sign of Prophethood, Not Divinity
In Islam, Jesus is unequivocally regarded as a prophet and a servant of God, not a divine being. The Qur’an firmly rejects the notion of his divinity or the concept of the Trinity:
They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary. (Qur’an 5:72)
Instead, Jesus is celebrated for his humility, devotion, and unwavering commitment to spreading Allah’s message. While Christianity often associates Jesus’s miraculous deeds with his divine nature, Islam emphasizes that his miracles were performed by God’s permission as signs of his prophethood. He is a Prophet in the line of Messengers sent by God.
The miracles attributed to Jesus in the Qur’an are striking, and their purpose is to affirm his prophethood and the power of Allah. These include: Speaking as an infant in defense of his mother and a declaration of his mission. He also created birds from clay, blew into them and gave them life. However, this was done by God’s will. It was a miracle by God through Jesus: By Allah’s leave, Jesus shapes a bird from clay and brings it to life (Qur’an 5:110). He was also given the miracle of healing the blind and lepers and reviving the dead.
These miracles are unique in their attribution to God rather than any intrinsic ability of Jesus himself. They reflect the Islamic emphasis on the oneness of God and the complete reliance of prophets on divine authority.
The Second Coming of Jesus
Another unique feature of Jesus’s story in Islam is the belief in his second coming. Islamic teachings holds that Jesus will return near the end of time to restore justice and correct misconceptions about his life and mission. This differs significantly from Christian beliefs about Jesus’s return as the divine judge.
In Islam, his return will include defeating the Antichrist where Jesus will lead the fight against the forces of evil. He will also uniting humanity under monotheism. He will affirm the oneness of Allah and align with Islamic teachings. Just as when he was born he clarified that he was a servant of God, similarly when he returns he will also do this by clarifying that he is not God’s son or divine, rather a Prophet of God. Additionally, when he returns he will reinforce the message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Conclusion
Together, Mary and Jesus represent the pinnacle of faith and submission in Islam. Mary is an unparalleled example of purity and trust in God, while Jesus exemplifies humility and reliance on divine guidance. Their stories serve as reminders of God’s power and mercy, providing timeless lessons for believers. The Qur’an’s portrayal of their lives is unique in its focus on their humanity and their unwavering servitude to Allah. This perspective challenges misconceptions and invites deeper reflection on their roles as central figures in Islamic theology.
Jesus and Mary occupy extraordinary positions in Islam, with their narratives offering unique insights that differ from the Christian tradition. From Jesus’s miraculous birth and his ability to speak as an infant to Mary’s unparalleled status as the greatest woman, their stories in Islam emphasize the power of God, the significance of submission, and the essence of pure monotheism. These unique aspects not only inspire Muslims but also provide an opportunity for interfaith dialogue, fostering mutual respect and understanding between Islam and Christianity. Have questions? Call 877-WhyIslam, you deserve to know!