In the rich tapestry of Islamic tradition, the story of Prophet Isa (Jesus) stands out as a profound testament to divine intervention, compassion, and unwavering faith. Revered by Muslims around the world, Prophet Isa’s life is a remarkable narrative that bridges the gap between the Abrahamic religions, offering lessons of humility, piety, and devotion.
This blog post delves into the life and miracles of Prophet Isa, highlighting his significance in Islam and the timeless wisdom that his story imparts.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) Birth of a Miracle
Prophet Isa’s story begins with an extraordinary event – his immaculate conception. According to Islamic teachings, his mother, Maryam (Mary), was a devout and pious woman chosen by Allah for a momentous role. One day, while she was in seclusion, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to her with a message from Allah. In the Quran, this encounter is described as follows:
وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ انْتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِيًّا
فَاتَّخَذَتْ مِنْ دُونِهِمْ حِجَابًا فَأَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهَا رُوحَنَا فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا سَوِيًّا
قَالَتْ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِالرَّحْمَنِ مِنْكَ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَقِيًّا
قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَنَا رَسُولُ رَبِّكِ لِأَهَبَ لَكِ غُلَامًا زَكِيًّا
قَالَتْ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ وَلَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّا
قَالَ كَذَلِكِ قَالَ رَبُّكِ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَةً مِنَّا وَكَانَ أَمْرًا مَقْضِيًّا
فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَانْتَبَذَتْ بِهِ مَكَانًا قَصِيًّا
“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, ‘Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.’ He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.’ 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.”‘ So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place.” (Quran 19:16-22)
This miraculous birth signifies the beginning of Isa’s divine mission, emphasizing the power and will of Allah in shaping human destiny.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) Early Miracles and Divine Wisdom
From his infancy, Isa exhibited signs of his prophetic nature. One of the most notable miracles occurred when Maryam brought her newborn son to her people. Accused of unchastity, she remained silent and let Isa speak on her behalf. The Quran narrates this miracle:
_”Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, ‘O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.’ So she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?’ [Jesus] 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 And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.'” (Quran 19:27-33)
This extraordinary event not only defended Maryam’s honor but also established Isa’s divine mission from an early age.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) Prophetic Mission and Miracles
As Prophet Isa grew older, his divine wisdom and ability to perform miracles became more apparent. He was sent to the Children of Israel, who had strayed from the teachings of previous prophets. Isa’s mission was to guide them back to the path of righteousness and to confirm the teachings of the Torah.
Some of the notable miracles performed by Prophet Isa, as mentioned in the Quran, include healing the blind and lepers, bringing the dead back to life, and creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it by the will of Allah. These miracles were signs to affirm his prophethood and to demonstrate the power of Allah.
_”[The Day] when Allah will say, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] 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.'” (Quran 5:110)
These miracles were not performed by Isa’s own power but by the permission and will of Allah, underscoring his role as a servant and messenger of God.
Message of Monotheism and Compassion
Prophet Isa’s teachings emphasized the worship of one true God and the importance of compassion, humility, and righteousness. He called people to adhere to the commandments of Allah and to live lives of piety and justice. His message was a continuation of the monotheistic teachings of previous prophets, aiming to reform and guide his people back to the true path.
Isa’s sermons were filled with parables and wisdom, encouraging people to reflect on their lives and to seek the pleasure of Allah in all their actions. His compassion for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized exemplified the moral and ethical conduct that he preached.
Trials and Tribulations
Despite his miracles and divine message, Prophet Isa faced severe opposition from many of the religious leaders of his time. His teachings challenged the established norms and threatened the authority of those in power. This led to conspiracies against him, and eventually, plans were made to crucify him.
However, Islamic teachings diverge from the Christian narrative at this point. According to the Quran, Isa was not crucified but was raised up by Allah, and someone else was made to resemble him and was crucified in his place.
_”And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Quran 4:157-158)
This divine intervention protected Isa from harm, and he was taken up to the heavens, where he remains until the time of his return.
The Awaited Return
One of the unique aspects of Prophet Isa’s story in Islamic tradition is the belief in his second coming. Muslims believe that Isa will return to earth before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and to defeat the false messiah (Dajjal). His return will be a sign of the end times, and he will lead people back to the true worship of Allah.
_”And indeed, Jesus will be a sign for [the coming of] the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.” (Quran 43:61)
Isa’s second coming is a reminder of the continuity of the divine message and the ultimate triumph of truth and justice.
Conclusion
The story of Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islam is a profound narrative that highlights the power of faith, the importance of compassion, and the unwavering commitment to divine principles. His life and miracles serve as a beacon of guidance for Muslims, emphasizing the oneness of Allah and the moral and ethical conduct that believers should strive for.
Isa’s teachings and his prophetic mission continue to inspire millions around the world, bridging gaps between different faiths and reminding humanity of the timeless values of love, humility, and righteousness. As we reflect on his miraculous journey, let us strive to embody the virtues he exemplified and to seek the pleasure of Allah in all our endeavors.
