Muslims love Jesus (pbuh) too

June 14, 10:09 AMBaltimore Muslim ExaminerJ. Samia Mair

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Many Christians (and others) are surprised to learn that Muslims revere Jesus (Isa), peace be upon him, and his mother Mary (Maryam), may God be pleased with her.

When a participant in a Muslim-Christian interfaith group learned of Islamic teachings in this regard, he told me that this is exactly the type of information that should bridge understandings between Muslims and Christians--hence, this post.

Jesus (pbuh) is mentioned in many places in the Qur'an. Such things as Jesus' birth, infancy, his role, and being raised to God, exalted and glorious is He, are revealed.

Like Christians, Muslims believe that Jesus (pbuh) did not have a mortal father.

"Verily, the likeness of Jesus before Allaah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust then said to him: "Be!" -- and he was." (al-Qur'an, 3:59)

Muslims, like Christians, also believe that Jesus (pbuh) will come at the end of the world. (al-Qu'ran, 43:61) Islam teaches, among many other things, that before the world ends Jesus (pbuh) will descend from Heaven and kill al-Dajjal (anti-Christ). Islamic eschatology is far more detailed, but the point here is that both Muslims and Christians believe that Jesus (pbuh) will return.

Islam also teaches, like Christianity, that Jesus (pbub) performed miracles such as speaking from the cradle, breathing life into a bird made of clay, and healing the blind and lepers. (al-Qur'an, 5:110).

Muslims believe that the Bible (Injeel) is a Holy Book, that Jesus (pbuh) preached about One God, and was persecuted for his beliefs and teachings.

The major significant difference, of course, is Jesus' (pbuh) role. Muslims believe that Jesus (pbuh) was a prophet and not the Divine.

Likewise, Islam holds Mary, may God be pleased with her, in high esteem. An entire chapter of the Qur'an--Chapter 19--is named after her.

Notably, Mary is the only woman in the Qur'an mentioned by name. One scholar explained that at the time the Qur'an was revealed it was the practice to call female servants by their given name, but not other women out of respect. In the Qur'an, God refers to Mary as one of His devout servants. (al-Qur'an, 66:12) For Muslims, there is no greater honor than becoming a true servant of God. Thus, God's specific mentioning of Mary's name demonstrates a special and intimate relationship.

In fact, Islam teaches that Mary is one of the four most virtuous women in human history. Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, stated:

"Sufficient for you among the women of mankind are Maryam bint 'Imran (Mary), Khadijah bint Khuwailid (first wife); Fatimah bint Muhammad (daughter), and Aasiyah the wife of the Fir'awn (Pharoah)." (At-Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, also said:

"Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, was the best among the women (of the world of her time) and Khadijah is the best amongst the women (of this nation)." (Bukhari)

The above discussion is only a brief introduction. Much more can be said on this topic, as well as Islam's respect for Moses (Musa) and other prophets mentioned in both the Bible and Torah. And although there are differences in beliefs, a fuller understanding of Islamic teachings should help to dispel some common misconceptions.

For more info: Walk on Water: The Wisdom of Jesus (pbuh) from Traditional Arabic Sources