17 Sep 2023 5:18 pm
Nor the same kind of streets paved with gold heaven we do, either.
Jesus is to the Jews a false messiah.
And to Muslims Jesus is the second most honored prophet.
——Jesus' Birth
Th orthodox position in the Islamic narrative of Jesus’ birth is that he was born of a virgin. Although Joseph in not mentioned, Mary has an exalted position among women. She is the only woman mentioned in the Qur’an with an entire chapter named after her (Surah 19). Jesus is often called the “Son of Mary” and referenced together with his mother. One account (Surah 3:45-47) sounds similar to the Bible (Luke 1:26-38), but others from the Apocrypha, like when Jesus speaks from the cradle, forms birds from clay and gives them life (Surah 5:110). Or, when provided drinking water during pregnancy, Mary returns home and is accused of immorality. At that point, the infant Jesus defends her character and his own prophethood (Surah 19:29-30).
Jesus' Passion-
Relevant qur’anic passages, and exposition by Muslim scholars over the last several centuries, reveal a variety of explanations as to what really happened on the cross. The most widely held view is that God caused someone else to die (substitute theory); he was then rescued from the cross, and another (most likely, Judas), his accuser) died in his place–despite the fact that of four passages on him (Surah 3:55; 5:117; 19:33), three seem to suggest he died. This is clear from the words (and idioms) used. Only the fourth (Surah 4:157-158) denies the crucifixion: “They killed him not, nor crucified him.” In this light, the Muslim jury may still be out on what took place on a Friday in Jerusalem, two thousand years ago.
Jesus' Return—-
Many Muslim theologians consider Jesus’ return extremely important in Islamic eschatology. Though the Qur’an is somewhat unclear, two verses are cited: First, “And there is none of the people of the Book but must believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them” (Surah 4:159). Second, “And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment)” (Surah 43:61). The Hadith adds certain details: he will be a just ruler who breaks the cross, kills the pig, and abolishes the Jizya (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, 233-234). Finally, an Islamic historian says that when Jesus returns, he will descend at the white minaret in Damascus, marry, have children, and die after forty years (see our Field Guide on the Islamic Apocalypse).
——
Well raised Christian children know Muslims believe in Jesus, too.