'Eissa, Jesus Christ, in the Holy Quran By Hassan Ali El-Najjar

أعوذُ باللهِ منَ الشيطانِ الرجيم

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَىٰ آدَمَ وَنُوحًا وَآلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَآلَ عِمْرَانَ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ ‎﴿٣٣﴾‏ ذُرِّيَّةً بَعْضُهَا مِن بَعْضٍ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ ‎﴿٣٤﴾‏ إِذْ قَالَتِ امْرَأَتُ عِمْرَانَ رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ‎﴿٣٥﴾‏ فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَضَعْتُهَا أُنثَىٰ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ وَلَيْسَ الذَّكَرُ كَالْأُنثَىٰ ۖ وَإِنِّي سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ‎﴿٣٦﴾‏ فَتَقَبَّلَهَا رَبُّهَا بِقَبُولٍ حَسَنٍ وَأَنبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا ۖ كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا الْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًا ۖ قَالَ يَا مَرْيَمُ أَنَّىٰ لَكِ هَٰذَا ۖ قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ ‎﴿٣٧﴾‏ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 33-37).

I seek refuge with Allah from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan)

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Noo’h (Noah) and the family of Ibraheem (Abraham) and the family of 'Imran, over the Worlds (33)

Descendants, some of them from others. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (34)

(Mention, O Mu’hammed), when the wife of 'Imran said: "My Lord, indeed, I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated (dedicated for Your service). So, accept (this) from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing." (35)

And when she delivered her, she said: "My Lord, I have delivered a female." And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. (She continued): “And I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge in You, for her and her descendants, from the stoned Shaytan (Satan, the expelled from the mercy of Allah)." (36)

So, her Lord accepted her with good acceptance, and caused her to grow in a good manner, and put her in the care of Zakariya (Zechariah). Every time Zakariya entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said: "O Maryam, from where is this (coming) to you?" She said: "It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills, without account." (37) (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 33-37).

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3. The miracle of Maryam’s pregnancy, by a Word from Allah

The Angels came to Maryam (Mary), pbuh, and told her that Allah, praise to Him, had chosen her to be the mother of ‘Eisa (Jesus), by a Word from Him. They explained to her that her conception of him would be a miracle from Allah to people, and he would be supported with many miracles, to help him persuade people of his mission (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 42-48; Maryam, 19: 16-21). Then, the Spirit of God, the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), pbuh, appeared to her and said: "I am only the Messenger of your Lord, to give you a boy, (who is) pure of sins" (Maryam, 19: 19), as follows: [3]

وَإِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَاءِ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٤٢﴾ يَا مَرْيَمُ اقْنُتِي لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِي وَارْكَعِي مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ ﴿٤٣﴾ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ ۚ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ ﴿٤٤﴾ إِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَجِيهًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ ﴿٤٥﴾ وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا وَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾ قَالَتْ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ ۖ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ اللَّـهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ ﴿٤٧﴾ وَيُعَلِّمُهُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَالتَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ ﴿٤٨﴾ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 42-48).

And (mention O Mu’hammed that) the angels said: "O Maryam (Mary), Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the worlds. (42)

O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord, prostrate, and bow with those who bow (in prayer)." (43)

That is from the news of the unknown (unseen), which We reveal to you (O Mu’hammed). And you were not with them when they cast their pens, as to who of them should be responsible for Maryam. Nor were you with them when they disputed (about it). (44)

(And mention that) the angels said: "O Maryam, indeed Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, 'Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, prominent in this life and the Hereafter, and among those close (to Allah). (45)

He speaks to the people in the cradle, as a Kahl (in his early 30s), and (he will be) of the righteous." (46)

She said: "My Lord, how will I have a child, when no man has touched me?" (The angel) said: "Thus, Allah creates what He wills. If He decrees (determines) a matter, He (only) says to it: ‘Be,’ and it is.” (47)

And He will teach him writing, wisdom, the Torah, and the Injeel (the New Testament) (48) (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 42-48).

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وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ انتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِيًّا ﴿١٦﴾ فَاتَّخَذَتْ مِن دُونِهِمْ حِجَابًا فَأَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهَا رُوحَنَا فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا سَوِيًّا ﴿١٧﴾ قَالَتْ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِالرَّحْمَـٰنِ مِنكَ إِن كُنتَ تَقِيًّا ﴿١٨﴾ قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَنَا رَسُولُ رَبِّكِ لِأَهَبَ لَكِ غُلَامًا زَكِيًّا ﴿١٩﴾ قَالَتْ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ وَلَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّا ﴿٢٠﴾ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ قَالَ رَبُّكِ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ ۖ وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَةً مِّنَّا ۚ وَكَانَ أَمْرًا مَّقْضِيًّا ﴿٢١﴾ (مَرْيَمُ ، 19: 16-21).

And mention (O Mu’hammed), in the Book ([the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew from her family to an eastern location (place). (16)

She took, in seclusion from them, a screen (a barrier). So, We sent to her Our Spirit (Jibreel, Gabriel), (who) represented himself to her as a well-proportioned human (being). (17)

She said: "I seek refuge with the Beneficent (God) from you, (so leave me alone) if you are righteous." (18)

He said: "I am only the Messenger of your Lord, to give you a boy, (who is) pure (of sins)." (19)

She said: "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me, and I have not been unchaste?" (20)

He said: "Thus, your Lord said: '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.' " (21) (Maryam, 19: 16-21).

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4. Giving birth to ‘Eisa (Jesus), and her people’s reaction

Thus, Maryam (Mary), pbuh, conceived of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, with a miracle from Allah, but she went in seclusion, to hide it, away from her people. When the time came for her to deliver him, beside a date-palm tree, she wished if she had died before it, due to the suffering from the labor pain. However, she was comforted by the voice of the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), pbuh, telling her not to be sad, as her Lord, Allah, praise to Him, provided a stream of water for her, to drink from. He also told her to shake the tree trunk, which would cause the ripe dates to fall down on her, to eat and be contented. In addition, Jibreel told her that she should not talk about him to anybody, saying that she vowed a fast from talking. So, she returned carrying him to her people, who were shocked. They told her that she had done an awful thing, particularly as a daughter of righteous parents, and a relative of the Messenger of Allah, Haroon (Aaron), pbuh, as we read in verses 19: 22-28, as follows:

فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَانتَبَذَتْ بِهِ مَكَانًا قَصِيًّا ﴿٢٢﴾ فَأَجَاءَهَا الْمَخَاضُ إِلَىٰ جِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَـٰذَا وَكُنتُ نَسْيًا مَّنسِيًّا ﴿٢٣﴾ فَنَادَاهَا مِن تَحْتِهَا أَلَّا تَحْزَنِي قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا ﴿٢٤﴾ وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا ﴿٢٥﴾ فَكُلِي وَاشْرَبِي وَقَرِّي عَيْنًا ۖ فَإِمَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ أَحَدًا فَقُولِي إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَـٰنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ إِنسِيًّا ﴿٢٦﴾ فَأَتَتْ بِهِ قَوْمَهَا تَحْمِلُهُ ۖ قَالُوا يَا مَرْيَمُ لَقَدْ جِئْتِ شَيْئًا فَرِيًّا ﴿٢٧﴾ يَا أُخْتَ هَارُونَ مَا كَانَ أَبُوكِ امْرَأَ سَوْءٍ وَمَا كَانَتْ أُمُّكِ بَغِيًّا ﴿٢٨﴾ (مَرْيَمُ ، 19: 22-28).

So, she conceived of him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place. (22)

And the pain 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." (23)

But (Jibreel, Gabriel) called her from (a place) lower than her (saying): "Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream (for you to drink from). (24)

And shake toward you the trunk of the date-palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates. (25)

So, eat, and drink, and be contented. And if you see from among humans anyone, say: 'I have vowed to the Beneficent (God) a fast (abstention from talking), so I will not speak today to (any) human.' " (26)

Then, she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said: "O Maryam, you have certainly done an awful thing. (27)

O sister (relative) of Haroon (Aaron), your father was not a man of evil, and your mother was not unchaste." (28) (Maryam, 19: 22-28). [4]

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5. His first miracle: Speaking in the cradle

In verses 19: 29-32, we learn that the Messenger of Allah, 'Eisa, Bin Maryam (Jesus, the Son of Mary), spoke while he was infant, in the cradle, defending his mother, when her people questioned her chastity. He also told them that he was a worshipper of Allah, Who granted him the Injeel (the Gospel) and made him a Prophet. He added to them that Allah blessed him and ordered him to establish prayers and to give charity, and made him good to his mother, not a wretched tyrant.

In verse 19: 33, the verb of his birth is presented in the past tense. However, the verb describing his death is presented in the present tense, and the verb of his resurrection is presented in the future tense. This is an emphasis that he has not died yet, as Allah has lifted him to heavens alive.

Verses19: 34-35 address the dispute between Jews and Christians about who truly 'Eisa (Jesus) was. Jews say that he was the son of Joseph and Mary, thus denying the miracle of creating him without a father. Christians went to the other extreme, saying that he is the son of God. The Holy Quran corrected both claims, saying that he was created without a father, as a miracle from Allah. However, he was not the son of God, as Allah, praise to Him, created him by a Word from Him. He just said to him: “Be,” and he was.

فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ ۖ قَالُوا كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَن كَانَ فِي الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا ﴿٢٩﴾ قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّـهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا ﴿٣٠﴾ وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا ﴿٣١﴾ وَبَرًّا بِوَالِدَتِي وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِي جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا ﴿٣٢﴾ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا ﴿٣٣﴾ ذَٰلِكَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۚ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِي فِيهِ يَمْتَرُونَ ﴿٣٤﴾ مَا كَانَ لِلَّـهِ أَن يَتَّخِذَ مِن وَلَدٍ ۖ سُبْحَانَهُ ۚ إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ ﴿٣٥﴾ (مَرْيَمُ ، 19: 29-35).

So, she pointed to him. They said: "How can we speak to (the one) who is in the cradle, a child?" (29)

(So, 'Eisa, Jesus) said: "I am the worshipper of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet. (30)

And He has made me blessed wherever I am, and has enjoined upon me (to perform) prayer and (give) Zakah (charity), as long as I am alive (31)

And (He has made me) dutifully good to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. (32)

And peace is upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I will be resurrected alive." (33)

That was 'Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, the Saying of the Truth, about whom they are in dispute. (34)

It is not (befitting) for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees (decides) a matter, He only says to it: "Be," and it is. (35) (Maryam, 19: 29-35).

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6. Performing more miracles: Birds from clay, healing blind and leper people, bringing the dead to life, and telling people what they eat and store in their homes

Allah, praise to Him, supported His Messenger, 'Eisa, Bin Maryam (Jesus, the Son of Mary), with the “Spirit of the Holy” (Jibreel, Gabriel), pbuh, who helped him perform many miracles, particularly medical ones, to persuade the Children of Israel of his mission, as a Messenger of Allah. [5]

Thus, with permission of Allah, he created birds out of clay, then he blew his breath in them, giving them life, and leading them to fly away. He healed heal the blind and the leper and even brought some people from the dead. He also told people what they eat and store in their homes, as mentioned in verses 19: 29-35, of the Holy Quran, as follows:

وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ ۖ وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ ۖ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٤٩﴾ وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَجِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ ﴿٥٠﴾ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ ۗ هَـٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ ﴿٥١﴾ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 49-51).

And (Allah made him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (who said to them): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I create for you from clay (that which is) like the form of a bird. Then, I blow (my) breath into it, and it becomes a bird, by permission of Allah. And I heal the blind and the leper, and I bring the dead back to life, by permission of Allah.

And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. In that, (there) is a sign for you, if you are believers. (49)

And (I have come) confirming what was before me of the Torah, and to make permissible (lawful) for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So, avoid God’s anger (be righteous), and obey me. (50)

Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So, worship Him. This is a straight path." (51) (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 49-51).

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7. The miracle of descending a table spread with food from heaven, in response to the Disciples’ test

Despite all of the miracles he performed for the Children of Israeli, to believe in him, the Messenger of Allah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was also tested by his own disciples. They wanted their hearts to be reassured that he was truthful to them. Therefore, they asked him if his Lord, Allah, praise to Him, is capable of descending down a table spread with food to them, so that they can eat from it and be its witnesses.

‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was surprised that they still wanted more proof that he was truly the Messenger of Allah. So, his initial response to their request was saying to them: “Avoid God's anger (be righteous), if you are believers" (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 112).

However, as they persisted in their request, ‘Eisa (Jesus) turned to his Lord, Allah, praise to Him, calling on Him to descend it on them, so it can be a celebration, a sign from Him, and a provision to them.

Allah, praise to Him, responded in support of His Messenger, saying that He is descending it on them, but he warned them that anyone of them who disbelieves after that, will be the most severely tormented in the worlds, as revealed in verses 5: 112-115, of the Holy Quran, as follows:

إِذْ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ هَلْ يَسْتَطِيعُ رَبُّكَ أَن يُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ ۖ قَالَ اتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ﴿١١٢﴾ قَالُوا نُرِيدُ أَن نَّأْكُلَ مِنْهَا وَتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُنَا وَنَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا وَنَكُونَ عَلَيْهَا مِنَ الشَّاهِدِينَ ﴿١١٣﴾ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ اللَّـهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ ۖ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ ﴿١١٤﴾ قَالَ اللَّـهُ إِنِّي مُنَزِّلُهَا عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بَعْدُ مِنكُمْ فَإِنِّي أُعَذِّبُهُ عَذَابًا لَّا أُعَذِّبُهُ أَحَدًا مِّنَ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿١١٥﴾ (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 112-115).

(And mention O Mu’hammed) when the Disciples said: "O 'Eisa (Jesus), Son of Maryam, can your Lord send down to us a table (spread with food) from the heaven? ('Eisa, Jesus) said: “Avoid God's anger (be righteous), if you are believers." (112)

They said: "We want to eat from it, and let our hearts be reassured, and know that you have been truthful to us, and (we want to) be among its witnesses." (113)

'Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, said: "O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table (spread with food) from the heaven, to be for us a festival, for the first of us and the last of us, and a sign from You. And provide for us, You are the Best of the Providers." (114)

Allah said: "I am sending it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterwards from among you, then, I will torment (punish) him with a torment (punishment), which I have not tormented (punished) anyone from the worlds" (115) (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 112-115).

***

8. His ordeal and ascendance alive to heavens

No matter what ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, did to convince the Children of Israel that he was the Messenger of Allah, a faction of them not only did not believe in him, but they also plotted to have him killed. However, Allah, praise to Him, saved him by lifting him alive to heavens. He did not allow them to kill him or crucify him. Instead, they had another person who was made to look like him. However, Allah, praise to Him, promised to make those who believed in him dominant over those who rejected him, as revealed in verses 61: 14, 4: 156-159, and 3: 52-58, of the Holy Quran.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا أَنصَارَ اللَّـهِ كَمَا قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ لِلْحَوَارِيِّينَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّـهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّـهِ ۖ فَآمَنَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّائِفَةٌ ۖ فَأَيَّدْنَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمْ فَأَصْبَحُوا ظَاهِرِينَ (الصَّفُّ ، 61: 14).

O you who have believed, be supporters of Allah, as when 'Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, said to the Disciples: "Who are my supporters to (the path of) Allah?" The Disciples said: "We are supporters of Allah." And a faction of the Children of Israel believed and a faction disbelieved. So, We supported those who believed against their enemy, and they became dominant (over them) (Al-Saff, 61: 14).

وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ بُهْتَانًا عَظِيمًا ﴿١٥٦﴾ وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّـهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ ۚ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلَّا اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا ﴿١٥٧﴾ بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّـهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ اللَّـهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا ﴿١٥٨﴾ وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ ۖ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا ﴿١٥٩﴾ (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 156-159).

And (We cursed them) for their disbelief and their saying against Maryam a great slander, (156)

And [(for) their saying: "We have killed the Messiah, 'Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah." And they neither killed him, nor crucified him; but he was resembled to them (by another man). And indeed, those who differed about him are in doubt about him. They have no knowledge of him except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. (157)

Rather, Allah raised (lifted) him to Himself. And Allah is Exalted in Might, Wise. (158)

And everyone from the People of the Scripture (Jews) will surely believe in him (in 'Eisa, Jesus) before his death (after his return to Earth). And on the Day of Rising (Resurrection), he will be a witness on them (159) (Al-Nisa, 4: 156-159).

فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّـهِ ۖ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّـهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّـهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ ﴿٥٢﴾ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ ﴿٥٣﴾ وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّـهُ ۖ وَاللَّـهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ ﴿٥٤﴾ إِذْ قَالَ اللَّـهُ يَا عِيسَىٰ إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَيَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ ﴿٥٥﴾ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ ﴿٥٦﴾ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ ﴿٥٧﴾ ذَٰلِكَ نَتْلُوهُ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيمِ ﴿٥٨﴾ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 52-58).

When 'Eisa (Jesus) felt disbelief from them, he said: "Who are my supporters to (the path of) Allah?" The Disciples said: "We are supporters of Allah. We have believed in Allah, and bear witness (on us) that we are Muslims (submitting to Him). (52)

Our Lord, we have believed in what You have revealed, and have followed the Messenger ('Eisa, Jesus). So, write us among the witnesses." (53)

And they (the disbelievers) planned (to kill 'Eisa, Jesus), but Allah planned (to save him). And Allah is the Best of Planners. (54)

(Mention) when Allah said, "O 'Eisa (Jesus), I am ending your record (on Earth) and raising you to Myself, and purifying you from those who have disbelieved, and making those who have followed you (dominant) over those who have disbelieved until the Day of Rising (Resurrection). Then, to Me is your return, and I will judge among you concerning that in which you used to differ. (55)

And as for those who have disbelieved, I will torment (punish) them with severe torment (punishment) in this life and the Hereafter, and they will have no supporters." (56)

But as for those who have believed and did good deeds, He will give them their rewards, and Allah does not like the transgressors (the oppressors). (57)

This is what We recite to you, (O Mu’hammed), of (Our) verses and the wise remembrance. (58) (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 52-58).

***

9. His Nature

Instead of concentrating on the message and the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, 'Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, many of his followers have focused on his nature, and many of them have worshipped him as a deity, in addition to, or together with Almighty Allah, Who created him!

The following verses of the Holy Quran tell us that ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was created by Allah, praise to Him, just like Adam was created. The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth is capable of creating both of them without a father. He is in no need of a wife or a son. He is the Eternally Living One God, Who has no partners.

Other birth miracles that Allah, praise to Him, bestowed on His Messengers and Prophets, included the birth of Is'haq (Isaac) to Ibraheem (Abraham) and his wife, Sarah, despite their old age. Another miracle is the birth of Ya’hya (John, the Baptist) to Zakariya (Zechariah) and his wife, also despite their old age. [6]

'Eisa, (Jesus), pbuh, was a Messenger of Allah, who worshipped his Creator, and who never said to the people to worship him and his mother, instead of, or beside Allah, as revealed in verses 3: 59 and 5: 116-119, as follows:

إِنَّ مَثَلَ عِيسَىٰ عِندَ اللَّـهِ كَمَثَلِ آدَمَ ۖ خَلَقَهُ مِن تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ (آلِ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 59).

وَإِذْ قَالَ اللَّـهُ يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ أَأَنتَ قُلْتَ لِلنَّاسِ اتَّخِذُونِي وَأُمِّيَ إِلَـٰهَيْنِ مِن دُونِ اللَّـهِ ۖ قَالَ سُبْحَانَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِي أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِحَقٍّ ۚ إِن كُنتُ قُلْتُهُ فَقَدْ عَلِمْتَهُ ۚ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِي نَفْسِي وَلَا أَعْلَمُ مَا فِي نَفْسِكَ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ ﴿١١٦﴾ مَا قُلْتُ لَهُمْ إِلَّا مَا أَمَرْتَنِي بِهِ أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّـهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ ۚ وَكُنتُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا مَّا دُمْتُ فِيهِمْ ۖ فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّيْتَنِي كُنتَ أَنتَ الرَّقِيبَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَأَنتَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ ﴿١١٧﴾ إِن تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ ۖ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ ﴿١١٨﴾ قَالَ اللَّـهُ هَـٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ۚ رَّضِيَ اللَّـهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴿١١٩﴾ (الْمِائِدَةُ ، 5: 116-119).

The example of 'Eisa (Jesus) to Allah is like the example of Adam. He created Him from the earth matter (soil). Then, He said to him: "Be," and he was (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 59).

Allah said (will say, on the Last Day): [7]

"O 'Eisa (Jesus), Son of Maryam, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities, instead of Allah?' " ‘Eisa said (will say): "Exalted You are! It is not for me to say that to which I have no right about. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is in myself, and I do not know what is in Yourself. You are the Knower of the Unknown (Unseen). (116)

I did not say to them except what You commanded me to (say): “Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You ended my record (by lifting me up from Earth), You were the Observer over them, and You are, over all things, a Witness. (117) [8]

If You (should decide to) torment (punish) them, they are Your worshippers; but if You forgive them, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (118)

Allah said (will say): "This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness." For them (there) are gardens (in Paradise) beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will be everlasting forever, Allah will be pleased with them, and they will be pleased with Him. That is the great winning (attainment). (119) (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 116-119).

The Concept of the Trinity

After Allah, praise to Him, had saved His Messenger, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, from death, by lifting him up to heavens, his followers committed excess in his glorification. They made him divine, by developing the Concept of the Trinity, which claims that there is One God, in three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They made him the Son of God, thus becoming one of the three persons, which they claimed to constitute one deity!

Allah, praise to Him, responded to their claim in verses 4: 171-172. He said that this claim is an excess in religion, as ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was a Messenger of Allah and His Word, not a god or son of God. He vehemently admonished them not to say: “God is Three.” Rather, He is One God. As for ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, he was a worshipper of Allah (‘Abdullah), so are the closest angels.

Then, in verse 4: 173, Allah, praise to Him, gives glad tidings to the believers, who do good deeds, that He will reward them fully and grant them extra from His bounty. He also warns the arrogant ones, who disdain His worship, that they will be tormented in the hereafter.

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ ۚ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَىٰ مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِّنْهُ ۖ فَآمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ ۖ وَلَا تَقُولُوا ثَلَاثَةٌ ۚ انتَهُوا خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ ۚ إِنَّمَا اللَّهُ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۖ سُبْحَانَهُ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ ۘ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلًا ‎﴿١٧١﴾‏ لَّن يَسْتَنكِفَ الْمَسِيحُ أَن يَكُونَ عَبْدًا لِّلَّهِ وَلَا الْمَلَائِكَةُ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ ۚ وَمَن يَسْتَنكِفْ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَيَسْتَكْبِرْ فَسَيَحْشُرُهُمْ إِلَيْهِ جَمِيعًا ‎﴿١٧٢﴾‏ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدُهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ اسْتَنكَفُوا وَاسْتَكْبَرُوا فَيُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا وَلَا يَجِدُونَ لَهُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا ‎﴿١٧٣﴾‏ (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 171-173).

O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, was but a Messenger of Allah, and His Word which He directed to Maryam, and a Spirit from Him. So, believe in Allah and His Messengers. And do not say, "Three." Desist, it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but One God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the Earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of Affairs. (171)

Never would the Messiah disdain to be a worshipper of Allah, nor would the close angels. And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant, He will gather them to Himself all together. (172)

And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty. But as for those who disdained and were arrogant, He will torment (punish) them with a painful torment (punishment), and they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper. (173) (Al-Nisa, 4: 171-173).

The Trinity Claim Is Blasphemy

In verses 5: 72-76, Allah, praise to Him, states in the clearest way that there is no other god but Him. Further, it is a blasphemy (disbelief) to say that ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, is God, or to believe in the Trinity, by saying that God is the third of three.

He also warns them that if they do not desist saying these claims, they will be faced with painful torment, in the hereafter.

Then, Allah, praise to Him, states that the Messiah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, was just His Messenger, who was preceded by other Messengers. In addition, he and his mother were just human beings, who used to eat food.

While the Holy Quran verses do not elaborate on what it means “to eat food,” it is left to the reasoning readers to think about the meaning. It means that they needed food to survive, while God is in no need. Moreover, think about what happens to people after they eat and drink. It does not suit God to experience what humans experience after they eat and drink.

Then, the verses end by a command to the Messenger of Allah, Mu’hammed, pbbuh, to tell those who took ‘Eisa (Jesus) and his mother, pbut both, as deities, that they are worshipping those who have no power to cause them harm or benefit them, while only Allah, praise to Him, as the Only God, is capable of doing that.

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۖ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ ‎﴿٧٢﴾‏ لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۚ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ‎﴿٧٣﴾‏ أَفَلَا يَتُوبُونَ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَهُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ‎﴿٧٤﴾‏ مَّا الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ وَأُمُّهُ صِدِّيقَةٌ ۖ كَانَا يَأْكُلَانِ الطَّعَامَ ۗ انظُرْ كَيْفَ نُبَيِّنُ لَهُمُ الْآيَاتِ ثُمَّ انظُرْ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ ‎﴿٧٥﴾‏ قُلْ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمْلِكُ لَكُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا ۚ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ‎﴿٧٦﴾‏ (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 72-76).

They have certainly disbelieved (committed blasphemy), who say: "Allah is the Messiah, the Son of Maryam," while the Messiah said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he, who associates others with Allah, Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are no helpers for the wrongdoers (72).

They have certainly disbelieved (committed blasphemy), who say: "Allah is the third of three." And there is no god except One God. And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict those who disbelieved, among them, a painful torment (punishment). (73)

So, will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (74)

The Messiah, Son of Maryam, was not but a Messenger; before whom Messengers have passed on. And his mother was truthful (a woman of truth). They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded. (75)

Say (O Mu’hammed to those who worship ‘Eisa and his mother): "Do you worship besides Allah (those) who hold for you no (power of) harm or benefit, (while) it is Allah who is the Hearing, the Knowing?" (76) (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 72-76).

Allah is One God, Who Did Not Beget and He Was Not Begotten

In concluding the issue of the nature of the Messenger of Allah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, Allah, praise to Him, proclaims with utmost clarity that He is One God, Who has no son, He did not give birth to anybody, and nobody gave birth to Him (Al-Ikhlas, 112: 1- 4), as follows:

أعوذُ باللهِ منَ الشيطانِ الرجيم

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ‎﴿١﴾‏ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ‎﴿٢﴾‏ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ‎﴿٣﴾‏ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ‎﴿٤﴾‏ (الإخْلَاصُ ، 112: 1-4).

I seek refuge with Allah from the stoned Shaytan (Satan)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say (O Mu’hammed): He is Allah, (the) One; (1)

Allah, the Eternal; (2)

He did not beget (give birth) and He was not begotten (given birth to); (3)

And there has never been anyone equal to Him. (4) (Al-Ikhlas, 112: 1- 4).

***

10. His Descent and Return to Earth

The following four verses of the Holy Quran mention the future decent of 'Eisa (Jesus), peace be upon him, from heavens and his return to the Earth. Verses 3:46 and 5:110 mention that he will be a Kahl (33 years of age) when he returns and speaks to people again. Verse 4:159 mentions that Jews will believe in him when he returns and Verse 43:61 mentions that the return of 'Eisa (Jesus) is a sign of the Hour, which has to happen before the Last Day.

وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا وَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ (آلُ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 46).

إِذْ قَالَ اللَّـهُ يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ اذْكُرْ نِعْمَتِي عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَتِكَ إِذْ أَيَّدتُّكَ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ تُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا ۖ (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 110).

He will speak to the people in the cradle and as a Kahl (33 years or older) and will be of the righteous (Al-i-'Imran, 3: 46).

(On the Last Day) when Allah will say: "O 'Eisa (Jesus), Son of Maryam, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother, when I supported you with the Spirit of the Holy (Jibreel, Gabriel), (enabling you to) speak to the people in the cradle and as a Kahl (33 years and older) (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 110).

وَإِن مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا لَيُؤْمِنَنَّ بِهِ قَبْلَ مَوْتِهِ ۖ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِمْ شَهِيدًا (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 159).

وَإِنَّهُ لَعِلْمٌ لِّلسَّاعَةِ فَلَا تَمْتَرُنَّ بِهَا وَاتَّبِعُونِ ۚ هَـٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ (الزُّخْرُفُ ، 43: 61).

And everyone from the People of the Book (Jews) will surely believe in him (in 'Eisa, Jesus). before his death (after his return). And on the Day of Rising (Resurrection), he will be a witness on them (Al-Nisa, 4: 159).

(O Mu’hammed, tell your people): And indeed, he ('Eisa, Jesus) will be a sign for of the Hour. So, do not be in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path (Al-Zukhruf, 43: 61).

***

‘Hadeeths about the return of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, and his reign on the Earth

In addition to the above verses of the Holy Quran, there is a number of ‘Hadeeths (sayings) of the Prophet Mu’hammed, pbbuh, about the future descent of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, from heaven and his rule on the Earth. These are known in the Islamic literature to be part of the topic of the Al-Dajjal (pronounced: ad-dajjal), who is also known as the fake messiah, and the anti-Christ (in the Christian literature).

Briefly, as Al-Mahdi (the Guided One) becomes the Islamic ruler, in Jerusalem, the fake messiah (Al-Dajjal) emerges to fight him, with huge powers. Because Al-Mahdi is no match to him, Allah, praise to Him, will command ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, to descend to the Earth to fight him. So, he descends on Damascus, then travels to Jerusalem. Then, ‘Eisa and Al-Mahdi leave together to the Sinai Peninsula, which will be the Muslim stronghold. Ultimately, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, fights Al-Dajjal and kills him. Then, he rules over the Earth, by the Islamic Law, before his death. [9]

In one ‘Hadith about the rule of Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, on the Earth, the Messenger of Allah, Mu’hammed, pbbuh, says: “The Son of Mary is about to descend among you. He will be a just ruler, who breaks the cross, kills the pig, and cancels the tax. The wealth (money) will be so abundant that nobody will accept it (for the lack of need to it). [10]

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11. His Mission: Preaching God's Message from the Torah, and updating it with the Injeel (the Gospel)

Children of Israel went astray of the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, Moosa (Moses), pbuh, and the Prophets after him. So, Allah, praise to Him, sent ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, to remind them of God’s Message, the Tawrah (Torah), to explain it, and to provide them with new clarifications, in the Gospel, as guidance for the righteous worshippers of Allah.

The Messengers of Allah were obligated to tell His Message to the people they were sent to, no matter how much difficult the mission may turn to be. They had to be persistent in their preaching, using the miracles which Allah, praise to Him, made available to them, in order to persuade their people.

In the case of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, some of the Children of Israel rejected him and even plotted to kill him. However, others believed in him and in his Message. Allah, praise to Him, placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of these believers. Some of them innovated monasticism, which Allah did not prescribe for them. They did so, seeking the approval of Allah. But later, they did not observe it with due observance.

So, it is time for followers of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, to return to his true teachings of mercy and compassion, as we read in the following verses.

وَقَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِم بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًى وَنُورٌ وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةً لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 46).

وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ مِيثَاقَهُمْ وَمِنكَ وَمِن نُّوحٍ وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ۖ وَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُم مِّيثَاقًا غَلِيظًا (الأحْزَابُ ، 33: 7).

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ ۚ كَبُرَ عَلَى الْمُشْرِكِينَ مَا تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَيْهِ ۚ اللَّـهُ يَجْتَبِي إِلَيْهِ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي إِلَيْهِ مَن يُنِيبُ (الشُّورَى ، 42: 13).

وَلَمَّا جَاءَ عِيسَىٰ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالَ قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَلِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي تَخْتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ ۖ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ ﴿٦٣﴾ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ هُوَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ ۚ هَـٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ ﴿٦٤﴾ (الزُّخْرُفُ ، 43: 63-64).

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِي ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا النُّبُوَّةَ وَالْكِتَابَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مُّهْتَدٍ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ ﴿٢٦﴾ ثُمَّ قَفَّيْنَا عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِم بِرُسُلِنَا وَقَفَّيْنَا بِعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْإِنجِيلَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِي قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ رَأْفَةً وَرَحْمَةً وَرَهْبَانِيَّةً ابْتَدَعُوهَا مَا كَتَبْنَاهَا عَلَيْهِمْ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ رِضْوَانِ اللَّـهِ فَمَا رَعَوْهَا حَقَّ رِعَايَتِهَا ۖ فَآتَيْنَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ ﴿٢٧﴾ (الْحَدِيدُ ، 57: 26-27).

And We sent, following in their footsteps, ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, confirming that which came before him in the Tawrah (Torah); and We gave him the Injeel (the Gospel), in which was guidance and light, and (it was) confirming that which preceded it of the Torah, as well as guidance and preaching for the righteous (Al-Maeda, 5: 46).

And (mention, O Mu’hammed that) when We took from the Prophets their Covenant, and from you, and from Noo’h (Noah), Ibraheem (Abraham), Moosa (Moses) and ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam; and We took from them a solemn Covenant (Al-A'hzab, 33: 7).

He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noo’h (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you, (O Mu’hammed), and what We enjoined upon Ibraheem (Abraham), Moosa (Moses) and ‘Eisa (Jesus): To establish the religion and not be divided therein. (It is) difficult for those who associate others with Allah what you invite them to. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides to Himself whoever turns back (to Him) (Al-Shoora, 42: 13).

And when ‘Eisa (Jesus) brought clear proofs, he said: “I have come to you with wisdom, and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ. So, avoid the anger of Allah (be righteous) and obey me. (63)

Allah is surely my Lord and your Lord. So, worship Him. This is a straight path” (64) (Al-Zukhruf, 43: 63-64).

And We have already sent Noo’h (Noah) and Ibraheem (Abraham) and We placed in their descendants the Prophethood and the Book; and among them is he, who is guided, but many of them are (defiantly) disobedient. (26)

Then, We sent Our Messengers, following their footsteps, and followed (them) with ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, and gave him the Injeel (the Gospel). And We placed in the hearts of those who followed him compassion, mercy, and monasticism, which they innovated; We did not prescribe it for them, except (that they did so) seeking the contentment of Allah. But they did not observe it with due observance. So, We gave the ones who believed among them their reward, but many of them are disobedient (27) (Al-‘Hadeed, 57: 26-27).

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12. Verses Mentioning ‘Eisa (Jesus) as One of the Prominent Messengers of Allah

Allah, praise to Him, dealt with His Messengers differently, as different circumstances needed. He spoke to some of them, like Adam, Ibraheem (Abraham), Moosa (Moses), and Mu’hammed, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all. But this had to be through a barrier (such as the Sinai fire), or a medium (such as the angel Jibreel, Gabriel), pbuh, because humans are incapable of having direct audio or visual communication with Him. As a result, His Messages to them were conveyed through “wa’hi” (وَحْيٌّ), which can be translated into “inspiration,” or “revelation.” [11]

He also supported His Messengers with different kinds of miracles, to persuade people in different times and different territories to follow them. Such miracles included Noo’h’s (Noah’s) arch, Ibraheem’s (Abraham’s) protection from the fire, Moosa’s (Moses) staff, and ‘Eisa’s (Jesus) many medical miracles. He supported His last Messenger, Mu’hammed, pbbuh, with the Holy Quran, as a proof for all people, at all times, that God exists and His Book is His lasting Message of guidance to humanity.

Though, Allah, praise to Him, dealt with His Messengers differently, believers are commanded not to make distinction among them, and mention all of them with utmost honor and respect, as revealed in verses 2: 252, 2: 136, and 4: 163, as follows:

تِلْكَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۘ مِّنْهُم مَّن كَلَّمَ اللَّـهُ ۖ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 253).

قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّـهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 136).

إِنَّا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ كَمَا أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ نُوحٍ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ مِن بَعْدِهِ ۚ وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَعِيسَىٰ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُونُسَ وَهَارُونَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ زَبُورًا (النِّسَاءُ ، 4: 163).

Those messengers, We distinguished some of them over others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave 'Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, the clear proofs, and We supported him with the Spirit of the Holy (Jibril, Gabriel) (Al-Baqara, 2: 253).

(O believers), Say: "We have believed in Allah, and what has been revealed to us, and what has been revealed to Ibraheem (Abraham), Isma'eel, Is'haq (Isaac), Ya'coob (Jacob), and (his) Children, and what was given to Moosa (Moses), and Eisa (Jesus), and what was given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims (in submission) to Him" (Al-Baqara, 2: 136).

We have inspired (revealed to) you, (O Mu’hammed), as We inspired (revealed to) Noo'h (Noah) and the Prophets after him. And we inspired (revealed to) Ibraheem (Abraham), Isma'eel, Is'haq (Isaac), Ya'coob (Jacob), (his) Children, 'Eisa (Jesus), Ayoob (Job), Yoonus (Jonah), Haroon (Aaron), and Sulayman (Solomon), and We gave Dawood (David) the book (of Psalms) (Al-Nisa, 4: 163).

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Conclusion

Al-Masie'h, 'Eisa, Bin Maryam (The Messiah, Jesus, the Son of Mary), pbuh, was one of the five major Messengers of Allah, who were known for their determination (Ulul ‘Azm), in conveying God’s Message of Guidance to humanity. However, he was different from them in that he was created with a miracle, without a father, just like Adam.

He was supported by Allah, through enabling him to perform various miracles, in order to convince people that he was a true Messenger of God. However, some of them not only rejected him and his message but they also libeled him with great slander. They even plotted to have him killed but Almighty Allah rescued him, by lifting him up alive to heavens, while giving them a person who looked like him.

Descendants of those who believed in him also did him injustice, by considering him as the son of God, and worshipping him as God.

The Holy Quran answers both parties, confirming that 'Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was the Messiah, a true Messenger of Allah, who was created with a miracle, without a father. However, the Holy Quran has pointed to his followers that they have committed excess in their faith, by worshipping him as God.

Because ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was rescued and lifted up to heavens, he is still alive therein, waiting for the time when he will be sent back to the Earth. When that time comes, Allah, praise to Him, will command him to descend to the Earth, in order to kill the tyrant Dajjal (the fake messiah, the anti-Christ) and establish a rule of justice and prosperity, on this planet.

Sadly, for centuries, many followers of the Messenger of Allah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, have concentrated on his nature, instead of following God's Message of Guidance which he preached, as did other Messengers of God before him.

In today's world, which has been infested with bloodshed, aggression, corruption, tyranny, greed, and indifference, followers of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, need to follow his message of righteousness, love, compassion, mercy, and peace.

***

Notes of Elaboration and Documentation

[1] "Allah" is the Arabic adjectival name which God, the Great Creator, has chosen for Himself. All His other Good Names are also adjectival names. Linguistically, the Name “Allah” is composed of two syllables. The first is the definite article “Al” (the) and the second is “ilah” (God). Thus, it is Al-Ilah (the God), but it is contracted, by deleting the letter i from ilah, to become “Allah” (the God). This Name was also known to the other Messengers of Allah, who came before His last Messenger, Mu’hammed, peace and blessings be upon them all.

To know more about Allah, see the Author’s third book about Islam, titled:

Allah, His Good Names: Who Is He? What Does He Want for Humans? by Hassan Ali El-Najjar (ccun.org)

See Endnote Number 31, in the Section about Noo’h (Noah), in the second Chapter of this book, which provides texts of the mentioned verses, about the “Messengers with Determination (Ulul ‘Azm).

[2] This author is solely responsible for the translation of the meanings of the verses of the Holy Quran in this Chapter and throughout the Book, though he has used or consulted other translations, particularly Sahih International, at www.tanzil.net.

Special credit and thanks should be given to our predecessors, particularly Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi, and Ibn Katheer, whose Arabic interpretations of the Holy Quran have been of great benefit for this author. These are published by many online websites, such as:

فهرس تفاسير القرآن الكريم - المصحف الإلكتروني

القرآن الكريم مكتوب كامل - المصحف الشريف ( سورة قرآن surah quran )

https://waqfeya.com/books/%D8%

May Allah reward all of the early and contemporary interpreters, translators, and those who made their works available online or in paper, for their great services to humanity.

[3] Allah, praise to Him, tells us that He created His Messenger, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, by a Word from Him. He just said to him “Be,” and he was, as stated in verses 3: 45 and 3: 47.

[4] The reference to Maryam (Mary) as the “sister of Haroon (Aaron)” means that she was his relative, as both were descendants of Ibraheem (Abraham). It does not mean that she is an actual sister of him. In religious contexts, Christians and Muslims may refer to each other as brothers and sisters.

[5] Allah, praise to Him, described the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), pbuh, as the “Spirit of the Holy,” in four verses of the Holy Quran. In verse, 16: 102, this came in the statement that Allah, praise to Him, sent Jibreel (Gabriel), pbuh, in support of the Messenger of Allah, Mu’hammed, pbbuh, as follows:

قُلْ نَزَّلَهُ رُوحُ الْقُدُسِ مِن رَّبِّكَ بِالْحَقِّ لِيُثَبِّتَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ (النَّحْلُ ، 16: 102).

Say, (O Mu’hammed): "The Spirit of the Holy has brought it (the Holy Quran) down from your Lord, in truth, to make firm those who believe, and as guidance, and good tidings to the Muslims" (Al-Na’hl, 16: 102).

In performing his miracles, to convince the Children of Israel that he was the Messenger of Allah, 'Eisa, Bin Maryam (Jesus, the Son of Mary), pbuh, was supported by the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), pbuh, whom Allah, praise to Him, described as the “Spirit of the Holy.”

In verses 2: 87 and 2: 253, this description came in statements of support to the Messenger of Allah, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, but without details about the kind of support which he received from him, as follows:

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَقَفَّيْنَا مِن بَعْدِهِ بِالرُّسُلِ ۖ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ ۗ أَفَكُلَّمَا جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ بِمَا لَا تَهْوَىٰ أَنفُسُكُمُ اسْتَكْبَرْتُمْ فَفَرِيقًا كَذَّبْتُمْ وَفَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُونَ (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 87).

تِلْكَ الرُّسُلُ فَضَّلْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۘ مِّنْهُم مَّن كَلَّمَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَهُمْ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَيَّدْنَاهُ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ ۗ ... (الْبَقَرَةُ ، 2: 253).

And We did certainly give Moosa (Moses) the Tawrah (Torah) and followed up after him with Messengers. And We gave ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Maryam, clear proofs and supported him with the Spirit of the Holy. But is it not that every time a Messenger came to you, (O Children of Israel), with what your souls (selves) did not desire, you were arrogant? And a party (of Messengers) you denied and (another) party you killed (Al-Baqara, 2: 87).

Those messengers, some of them We caused to exceed others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave ‘Eisa (Jesus), the Son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Spirit of the Holy … (Al-Baqara, 2: 253).

***

However, it was in verse 5: 110, the statement of support was followed by the list of the miracles, which he performed. So, this verse is just another piece of evidence that ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, was a human being, who was supported by the “Spirit of the Holy,” the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), pbuh. Had he been divine, he would not have needed any support, from anybody.

إِذْ قَالَ اللَّهُ يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ اذْكُرْ نِعْمَتِي عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَتِكَ إِذْ أَيَّدتُّكَ بِرُوحِ الْقُدُسِ تُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا ۖ وَإِذْ عَلَّمْتُكَ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَالتَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنجِيلَ ۖ وَإِذْ تَخْلُقُ مِنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ بِإِذْنِي فَتَنفُخُ فِيهَا فَتَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِي ۖ وَتُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ بِإِذْنِي ۖ وَإِذْ تُخْرِجُ الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِي ۖ وَإِذْ كَفَفْتُ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَنكَ إِذْ جِئْتَهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ (الْمَائِدَةُ ، 5: 110).

(On the Last Day) when Allah will say: "O ‘Eisa (Jesus), Son of Maryam, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother, when I supported you with the Spirit of the Holy, (when) you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing and wisdom, as well as the Tawrah and the Injeel (the Torah and the New Testament); and when you created from clay like the form of a bird, with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird, with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper, with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead, with My permission; and 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." (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 110).

[6] The birth of Ya’hya (John, the Baptist) to Zakariya (Zechariah) and his wife, in their old age, is mentioned as one of God's miracles in verses 1-11 of Soorat Maryam (Chapter 19), and in verses 38-41 of Soorat Al-i-'Imran (Chapter 3), of the Holy Quran, as follows:

أعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

كهيعص ﴿١﴾ ذِكْرُ رَحْمَتِ رَبِّكَ عَبْدَهُ زَكَرِيَّا ﴿٢﴾ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ نِدَاءً خَفِيًّا ﴿٣﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَهَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّي وَاشْتَعَلَ الرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُن بِدُعَائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا ﴿٤﴾ وَإِنِّي خِفْتُ الْمَوَالِيَ مِن وَرَائِي وَكَانَتِ امْرَأَتِي عَاقِرًا فَهَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا ﴿٥﴾ يَرِثُنِي وَيَرِثُ مِنْ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ ۖ وَاجْعَلْهُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّا ﴿٦﴾ يَا زَكَرِيَّا إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَامٍ اسْمُهُ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا ﴿٧﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَكَانَتِ امْرَأَتِي عَاقِرًا وَقَدْ بَلَغْتُ مِنَ الْكِبَرِ عِتِيًّا ﴿٨﴾ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ رَبُّكَ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ وَقَدْ خَلَقْتُكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَمْ تَكُ شَيْئًا ﴿٩﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً ۚ قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَاثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا ﴿١٠﴾ فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ مِنَ الْمِحْرَابِ فَأَوْحَىٰ إِلَيْهِمْ أَن سَبِّحُوا بُكْرَةً وَعَشِيًّا ﴿١١﴾ (مَرْيَمُ ، 19: 1-11).

I seek refuge with God from the Stoned Shaytan (Satan)

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Kaf, Ha, Ya, 'Ayn, Sad (By the letters K, H, Y, ‘A, S). (1)

(This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His worshipper Zakariya (Zechariah), (2)

He called to his Lord (in) a private supplication, (3)

He said: "My Lord, my bones have weakened, and my head has (been) filled with white (hair), and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, wretched (unhappy). (4)

And I fear the caretakers after me, and my wife has been barren. So, give me from Yourself (by Your will) an heir (5)

To inherit me and inherit from the house of Ya'coob (Jacob). And make him, my Lord, pleasing (to You)." (6)

(Allah said): "O Zakariya (Zechariah): We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Ya'hya (John). We have not assigned (this) name to any before." (7)

He said: "My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?" (8)

(An angel) said: "Thus (it will be). Your Lord said: 'It is easy for Me, for I created you before, when you were nothing.' " (9)

(Zakariya) said: "My Lord, make for me a sign." He said: "Your sign is that you will not (be able to) speak to the people for three nights, (even if you are) sound." (10)

So, he came out to his people from the prayer chamber and signaled to them to exalt (Allah) in the morning and the afternoon. (11) (Maryam, 19: 1-11).

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ ﴿٣٨﴾ فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ أَنَّ اللَّـهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَحَصُورًا وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ ﴿٣٩﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ ۖ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ اللَّـهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ ﴿٤٠﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ اجْعَل لِّي آيَةً ۖ قَالَ آيَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًا ۗ وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ ﴿٤١﴾ (آلِ عِمْرَانَ ، 3: 38-41).

At that (time), Zakariya (Zechariah) called upon his Lord, saying, “My Lord, grant me from Yourself (by Your will) a good offspring. You are the Hearer of supplication.” (38)

So, the angels called him while he was standing in prayer, in the chamber (saying): “Allah gives you glad tidings of Ya'hya (John), confirming a word from Allah, and (who will be) honorable, abstaining (from women), and a Prophet from among the righteous.” (39)

He said: “My Lord, how will I have a boy when I have reached old age and my wife is barren?” (An angel) said: “Such is Allah; He does what He wills.” (40)

He said, “My Lord, make for me a sign.” He Said: “Your sign is that you will not (be able to) speak to the people for three days, except by gesture. And remember your Lord much, and exalt (Him with praise), in the evening and the morning.” (41) (Al-i-‘Imran, 3: 38-41).

[7] In these verses, (Al-Ma-ida, 5: 116-119), the past tense is used to describe the interaction between Allah, praise to Him, and His Messenger, ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh. This is in accordance with the usage of the past tense also in other verses whenever events of the Last Day are addressed. It is an expression of certainty that it will happen, as Allah, praise to Him, knows the past, present, and the future.

[8] In verse 5: 117, the Arabic verb “tawaffa” is used to express the completion of the record of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, on the Earth, at the moment of lifting him up to heavens, to save him from the plot to kill him. The verb “maata” (died) was not used, because he did not die.

For more information about the difference between “mowt” (death) and “wafah” (completion of one’s record on the Earth), see Chapter 9 of the first book by this author about Islam (Islam: A Scientific View of God’s Message to Humanity), titled, “Spirit, Soul, Mind, Self, and Happiness, from an Islamic Perspective.”

[9] See, for example, “Riyadh Al-Sali’heen,” by Imam Al-Nawawi. Dar Al-‘Arabiya Press, Beirut, Lebanon, the paper version. In Section 370, titled “Kitab Al-Manthoorat,” there are 12 ‘Hadeeths about Al-dajjal (the fake messiah, the anti-Christ), from number 1805 to number 1816.

Many websites carry the book online, such as: فصل: باب المنثورات والملح نداء الإيمان(al-eman.com)

By entering the word, Al-Dajjal, the dorar.net website provides 482 ‘Hadeeths for non-specialists and 1576 ‘Hadiths for specialist scholars, who research the topic of Al-Dajjal (the fake messiah, the anti-Christ). Many of these are different versions of the same ‘Hadeeth. الدرر السنية - الموسوعة الحديثية - نتائج البحث (dorar.net)

[10] This ‘Hadeeth, about the rule of ‘Eisa (Jesus), pbuh, on the Earth, after his return, was authenticated as a Sa’hee’h (sound, correct) ‘Hadeeth by Shu’ayb Al-Arna-oat, in Takhreej Al-Musnad: 7269. It was also recorded as Sa’h’ih by Al-Bukhari: 2222, Muslim: 155, Al-Tirmidthi: 2233, and A’hmed: 7269, which is his version.

The Arabic text of the ‘Hadeeth and its authentication are as follows:

عَنْ أبي هُرَيْرَةَ ، رَضِيَ اللهُ عنهُ ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ ، صلى اللهُ عليهِ وسلَّمَ ، قالَ: "يُوشِكُ أنْ يَنْزِلَ فيكم ابنُ مَرْيَـمَ حَكَمًا مُقْسِطًا ، يَكْسِرُ الصَّليبَ ، ويَقتُلُ الـخِنْزيرَ ، ويَضَعُ الـجِزْيةَ ، ويَفِيضُ الـمالُ حتى لا يَقْبَلَه أَحدٌ" (صححهُ شُعيبٌ الأرناؤوط ، على شرطِ الشيخينِ ، في تخريجِ الْمُسْنَدِ: 7269. وأخرجَهُ البخاريُّ: 2222 ، ومسلمُ: 155 ، والترمذيُّ: 2233 ، وأحمدُ: 7269 ، واللفظ له).

[11] The Holy Quran describes God’s communication with humans as “wa’hi” (وَحْيٌّ). However, translators of the Bible into English used two words to describe it. These are “inspiration” and “revelation.” As can be seen online, many biblical scholars tried to differentiate between them on the basis of the kind of the conveyed communication.

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يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّـهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَاللَّـهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ (الصَّفُّ ، 61: 8).

They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it (Al-Saff, 61: 8).

رُسُلُ اللهِ إلَى خَلِيفَتِهِ عَلَى الأرْضِ