The Sunday Mail
UMALI STAMBULI
As far as Islam and Muslims are concerned, amongst the numerous points related to prophethood there are at least two that need to be clarified.
These points concern the roles of Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them both) as Prophets/Messengers of The Almighty – which are usually misunderstood.
The question of the “Divinity” of Jesus (peace be upon him). The Qur’aanic account of Jesus (peace be upon him) emphatically rejects the concept of his “Divinity” and “Divine Sonship” and presents him as one of the great Prophets of God.The Holy Qur’aan records the manner in which The Chaste Virgin Mary (peace be upon her) the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him) had maintained an upright, dedicated life of the highest moral standards.
Being under the care and custodianship of the Prophet Zacharia (peace be upon him), she was nurtured in the religious morally sound environment of the Temple. In fact, the Holy Qur’aan contains an entire chapter which is named after her – Chapter 19 – which gives the details as to how she conceived, bore and delivered this child Jesus (peace be upon him).
The Holy Qur’aan Chapter 3 verse 59 further makes it clear that the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him) without a father does not make him the “Son of God” and mentions, in this respect, Adam (peace be upon him) who was created by God Almighty without both a father and a mother. Miracles of Jesus Like other Prophets, Jesus (peace be upon him) also performed miracles. For example, he raised the dead back to life, cured the born blind and the lepers, etc., but while showing these miracles he always made it clear that it was all by the power and will of God Almighty and not of his own power.
In fact, Muslims firmly believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) never even once claimed to be part of the Godhead (“Divinity” and “Divine Sonship”) in any way. The Holy Qur’aan speaks about Jesus.
According to the Holy Qur’aan Chapter 61 Verse 6, Jesus (peace be upon him) was sent to the Children of Israel, he confirmed the validity of the Torah which was revealed to Moses (peace be upon him) and he also brought the glad tidings of a Final Messenger who was to come after him. Conspiracy and plot against Jesus However, history records that the majority of his own people (the Children of Israel) rejected his ministry.
They plotted against his life and in their opinion they even believe that they had crucified him! But the Holy Qur’aan refutes this opinion and declares that they neither killed him nor crucified him, rather he was raised up to God Almighty miraculously. (to be continued)
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department,
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel 04-614078 / 614004, Fax 04-614003
e-mail [email protected]
