This church in Bethlehem, is one of the oldest in the world, was built on the site where a Christian tradition claims that Isa [Jesus] (peace be upon him) was born. Marble floor in the basement indicates the exact location. The stone block marks the place where the palm tree once stood, which Maryam [Mary] (peace be upon her) shook during the pains of labour.
Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) is often mentioned in the Quran. He is mentioned by name 25 times, by name Al-Masih 11 times and by name Ibn Maryam (the son of Mary) 23 times.
The Quran claims that Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) was the result of a virgin birth. The most detailed account of evangelism and the birth of Isa (peace be upon him) is presented in surah Al-Imran Quran 3 and surah Maryam Quran 19, in which it is written that Allah sent an angel to announce that she could soon have a son, despite the fact that she is a virgin: “(Remember) when the angels said oh mary! Allah gives you good news about a son through the Word of Him! His name will be Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, revered in this world and in the hereafter, and of those who are given nearness to Allah! And he will talk to the people in the cradle, and when of middle-aged, and he will be of the righteous. She said, my Lord! How will I have a son when no man has touched me? He said: so be it. Allah creates what He wants. When He declares something, He says to it: “Be,” and it will be! “[Quran 3: 45-47]
Muslims do not accept the virgin birth of Jesus as evidence that Jesus was God. The Qur’an further states: “The likeness of Jesus before God is the same as in Adam; He created it from dust, and then told him: “Be.” And he was. ” [Quran 3:59]
Maryam (peace be upon her) gave birth to Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) at the age of 13. She did not marry and did not give birth to other children. She lived a long life and was still alive when Isa (peace be upon him) was ascended to heaven at the age of 33 years. Her grave is in Jerusalem.
READ MORE: 10 Incredible Benefits Of Converting To Islam
Please note that some Muslim scholars do not believe that the location of this church is the birthplace of Isa (peace be upon him), but the place is a few kilometers away.
Byzantine Queen Helena began the construction of the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ in 339 CE on the spot where the Roman emperor Hadrian built a temple dedicated to Adonis. The Basilica was destroyed and rebuilt by Emperor Justinian in 531 CE, and Tancred – in 1169 CE. During Ottoman rule, the main entrance was reduced to the existing small door (called the Door of Humility), to prevent the horsemen riders from entering the church during the ride.
READ MORE: 6 things you didn’t know about Jesus in Islam
On March 30, 2003, an anti-war protest was held in front of the church, at which Father Pancratius, the parish priest, banned George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Tony Blair and Jack Straw forever into the church for their role in Iraq. war. He described them as child murderers who would cast a shadow over the church if they entered it.
VIDEO:
Sources: Wikipedia, Atlas of the Quran – Dr. Shauqi Abu Khalili, The Tafsir of Surah Maryam – Sheik Abdur Raheem