The Truth about Jesus : The Muslim Nation is More Worthy of Jesus Than All Others

 Yahya Adel Ibrahim

All Praise is for Allah alone. He is the Rabb of all that exists. Surely, we send the highest Salah and Salaam upon the Final Prophet, the leader of the pious and upon his family, companions and those who follow their example with Ih’san till the Day of Reckoning.

One of the greatest hurdles confronting Muslims today is a lack of knowledge about certain essential beliefs that we as Muslims must unwaveringly adhere to. Of the most pertinent issues facing Muslims living in localities that are heavily influenced by western culture is how we view ‘Isa bin Maryam – Jesus the Son of Mary – alaihis salaam (AS).

On a cyclical basis we are confronted with different “religious” occasions that are marked by our Christian neighbours, coworkers and acquaintances. It is paramount that we as Muslims have a firm understanding of what he – ‘Isa (AS) represents to us as Muslims. Whether it is Easter Monday or Christmas day, we as Muslims should know what Islam says about the issues that are presented to us on a regular basis.

The Muslim Nation is more Worthy of ‘Isa than all the other nations.

The one who claims that ‘Isa (AS) is God, or that ‘Isa (AS) is the Son of God, or that God is a Trinity that includes ‘Isa is in fact the most distant from the teachings of ‘Isa (AS) even if he calls himself a devout Christian. Claiming love for someone implies that you adhere to what that individual stood for and called to. ‘Isa (AS) was never one who claimed any one of the previous three statements for himself. In fact neither did his true followers.

For this to become clear we will analyze four main points:

• The Prophets of Allah are all Related.
• The Only accepted Deen (Religious Way of Life) is Islam.
• ‘Isa was but a humble Messenger and Prophet of Allah.
• ‘Isa distances himself from the slander and unjustified claims of Christians.

The Prophets of Allah are all related

Rasool Allah (SAW) said:

“I am the most worthy of ‘Isa bin Maryam in this life and in the hereafter.” They (Sahabah) asked: “Why is that O Messenger of Allah (SAW)?” He (SAW) replied: “The Prophets are paternal (bloodline) brethren (from fathers side). Their mothers may be different (races, peoples, bloodlines) yet their Deen is always one (Islam).” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim.)

Therefore this necessitates that he who disputes the validity of one of the true Prophets and Messengers has in fact reviled and disputed all of them. One cannot believe in Muhammad (SAW) and not believe in ‘Isa (AS). Equally, one cannot truly believe in ‘Isa and not believe in Muhammad (SAW). To truly accept one Prophet or Messenger necessitates the acceptance of all those who came before him and all who will come after him, ending with Muhammad (SAW).

This concept is clearly portrayed in the Quran. Allah (SWT) mentions the first Messenger to humanity Nuh or Noah (AS) in the Quran. What is very interesting is that Allah (SWT) states in Surah Al Shu’ara’ (26:105) that “The people of Nuh (Noah) rejected the messengers.” The point of relevance is that a plural (Messengers) is used in this ayah, yet we know that there were no Messengers sent to his people or humanity as a matter of fact. Allah only sent Nuh (AS) to his people and none other before him. This same concept is further emphasized in the same Surah. Allah (SWT) says:

“The ‘Ad (people) rejected the messengers.“ [Surah Al Shu’ara’ 26:123]

“The Thamud (people) rejected the messengers.” [Surah Al Shu’ara’ 26:141]

“The people of Lut (Lot) rejected the messengers.” [Surah Al Shu’ara’ 26:160]

We know that to each of these people only one Messenger was sent to them.

Disbelieving in one Prophet or Messenger is disbelief in all the Prophets and Messengers.

Allah (SWT) says:

“The Apostle (Muhammad) believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles (Messengers). “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles.”…” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:285]

Therefore all the Prophets and Messengers are a fraternity of brethren through the lineage of their fathers. Even ‘Isa (AS), who was born without a fathers’ input into the equation of procreation is from the family of Bani Israel the descendant of Ishaq (Isaac) son of Yaqub or Jacob (AS).

Even more important is to know that all the Prophets called to one and the same thing – Islam. This brings us to the second point of our analysis:

The Only accepted Deen (Religious Way of Life) is Islam

Allah (SWT) says: “The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will):…” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:19]

All of the Prophets and Messengers came calling to the one true faith. They all were sent with one mission. They were selected to call people to singling out only Allah in worship and to disavow all other gods or deities while establishing Allah (SWT) alone as the One deserving all worship. All the Prophets and Messengers called their respective peoples to Islam.

Nuh (AS) called to Islam:

Allah (SWT) says: “(Nuh said) “But if ye turn back, (consider): no reward have I asked of you: my reward is only due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah’s will (in Islam).”” [Surah Yunus 10:72]

Ibrahim and Yaqub or Abraham and Jacob (AS) called to Islam: Allah (SWT) says:

“And who turns away from the religion of Ibraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: And he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.

Behold! His Lord said to him: “Bow (thy will to Me):” He said: “I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe.”

And this was the legacy that Ibraham left to his sons, and so did Yaqub (Jacob); “Oh my sons! Allah hath chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the State of Submission (to Allah).

Were ye witnesses when Death appeared before Yaqub? Behold, he said to his sons: “What will ye worship after me?” They said: “We shall worship Thy God and the God of thy fathers- of Ibraham, Isma’il and Ishaaq (Isaac),- the one (True) God: To Him we bow (in Islam).”” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:130-133]

Musa or Moses (AS) came with nothing other than Islam. Allah (SWT) says:

“And Musa said: “O my people! If ye do (really) believe in Allah, then in Him put your trust if ye submit (your will to His).”” [Surah Yunus 10:84]

Yusuf or Joseph (AS) came calling his people to Islam. Allah (SWT) says:

“(Yusuf supplicated) My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams – the (Only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You (O Allah) are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian) in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim (submitting to You alone) and join me with the righteous.” [Surah Yusuf 12:101]

In turn, ‘Isa bin Maryam (AS) came calling his people only to Islam. Allah (SWT) says:

“Then when ‘Isa came to know of their disbelief, he said: ‘Who will be my helpers in Allah’s Cause?’ The disciples said: ‘We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims.’” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:52]

And the finality of Prophethood, the Imam of the Messengers and the Leader of the Righteous, Muhammad (SAW) was sent calling all of humanity not just a single people to Islam. Allah (SWT) says:

“This day I have perfected your religion for you (all humanity), completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Surah Al Ma’idah 5:3]

The religion of all those truly sent by Allah as Messengers was Islam.

‘Isa was but a humble Messenger and Prophet of Allah.

What is quite amusing to see is that there are those who accept the concept of Monotheism (Jews and Christians) yet reject it at the same time. The Jews reject known Prophets and Messengers of Allah. They at times went as far as executing them. This was planned for ‘Isa as will be explained. Allah (SWT) describes this vividly in the Quran:

“Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some you disbelieved and some you killed.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:87]

On the other hand, those who claimed Christianity went too far in the veneration of their Prophet and Messenger ‘Isa. They corrupted his teachings by claiming for him things that he never stated for himself. They elevated ‘Isa after his departing them to a paganistic status that nullified whatever Monotheistic faith they had in their hearts.

Allah (SWT) says:

“And they say: ‘The Most Gracious (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children).’ Indeed you have brought forth (said) a most terrible, evil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, that they ascribe a son (or offspring) to the Most Gracious.

But it is not befitting (the Majesty) of the Most Gracious (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring).

There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious as a slave.” [Surah Maryam 19:88-93]

Shaykhul Islam Ibn al-Qayyim has a beautiful poem dispelling the falsities and irrational of Christians past and present. He poetically states:

To the worshippers of the Messiah (‘Isa) we put forth a question.
We seek an answer from those who have comprehension.
If a god was to be put to death by a people
Can he be truly godly?
Stranger than a god being interned in a grave,
Is being confined in a womb
Remaining for nine months
In darkness; nourished from his mothers blood
Finally exiting the birth canal a small weak child
With open mouth seeking a breast to suckle
Suckling thus necessitating urination and defecation
Is this the God that you claim?!

Quite simply he is but a man who was chosen by Allah (SWT) as a caller to guidance and righteousness. Allah (SWT) says:

“The Messiah (‘Isa) bin Maryam, was no more than a Messenger, many who were Messengers have passed away before him. His mother (Mary) was a Sidiqah (believed in Words of Allah). Both of them used to eat food (as all other human beings). Look how We make the Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, examples) clear to them; yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth).” [Surah Al Ma’idah 5:75]

Some will ask, how can someone be born to a virgin mother and not be divine?

Allah (SWT) answers:

“Verily, the likeness of ‘Isa before Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him (Adam) from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!’ – and he was.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:59]

Surely the creation of a complete physical man from dust is greater than the creation of ‘Isa. If Adam (AS) is not thought of as being divine, then why has the same claim been made for ‘Isa (AS)?

‘Isa distances himself from the slander and unjustified claims of Christians.

Allah (SWT) gives us a glimpse of what will be spoken by ‘Isa on the Day of Judgment in defense of himself and proclaiming his innocence and freedom from the unjustified claims of those who ascribed to him abominable lies.

Allah (SWT) mentions this to us in the concluding verses of Surah Al Ma’idah:

“And (remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Ressurection):

‘O ‘Isa, son of Maryam! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah?’’

He (‘Isa) will say: ‘Glory is to You (Alone)! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You surely, have known it. You know what is in my inner-self though I do not know what is in Yours; truly You, only You, are the All-Knower of all that is hidden and (unseen).’

‘Never did I say to them except what You (Allah) commanded me to say: ‘Worship Allah, My Lord and Your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them; and You are a Witness to all things.’

‘If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily, You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.’

Allah will say: ‘This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: Theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) – they shall abide therein forever.’ Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. That is the great success (Paradise).

To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things.” [Surah Al Ma’idah 5:116-120]

These are the words of truth that are undeniable by the one who possesses insight, rational and a clear understanding of Allah.

Who was Maryam? And the Truth about the Immaculate Conception and the Birth of ‘Isa (AS).

It has been aptly stated that behind every successful man there is a woman. In most cases, ones’ mother is by far the single most profound shaping force behind a young man or woman. From the moment of conception the mother to be undergoes emotional, physical and psychological changes that ready her for the responsibility of shaping the life a new human being. The mother is an institution of higher learning. She is a bastion of blind love for her child. She is a proprietor of undying devotion. The mother is a source of physical nutrition and safety, emotional attachment, psychological comfort and spiritual guidance to her growing child.

Therefore, we are compelled as Muslims to honour, elevate, adore, protect, esteem, respect, revere, strengthen, recognize, be dutiful to, give comfort to, show loyalty and allegiance to, pay homage to and supplicate for ones mother.

The mother-son relationship is one of great importance and value in Islam. As such, we have been given many great examples in the Quran and the Sunnah to model ourselves after. One can see examples in the Quran of all of the different forms of family structure. To see the relationship of a foster mother with her adopted son look to the example of Musa or Moses (AS) and his foster mother Asiya (AS). To see the relationship of a single mother raising her son alone look to the example of Ismail or Ishmael (AS) and his mother Hajar (AS). To see the relationship of an unrighteous mother with her children look to the example of the daughters of Lot or Lut (AS) and their unrighteous mother.

Of the most poignant and telling mother-son relationships in the Quran is that of ‘Isa bin Maryam (AS). For the first and last time in history a Prophet would not be addressed by his father’s name. Rather, he is referred to as Jesus the son of Mary.

To assess and grasp the true virtue of ‘Isa (AS) it is necessary to learn about his mother Maryam ibnata ‘Imran (AS).

Who is Maryam (AS)?

Maryam (AS) simply is of the most complete women of all humanity, past, present and future.

Rasool Allah (SAW) said: “Many men have reached completion (in their relationship with Allah such as the many thousands of Prophets; Ibn Hajr). (Yet,) only four woman have reached (this same level of) completion. Maryam bint (daughter of) ‘Imran, Asiya the wife of Pharaoh, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (wife of Rasool Allah) and Fatimah bint Muhammad (reached completion). The excellence and superiority of ‘Aisha (wife of Rasool Allah) in relation to the rest of women is the equal of that of Thareed (Meat filled dish) in relation to other dishes.” [Agreed upon its authenticity by both Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim.]

Maryam is the daughter of one of the most well known and respected men from the Jewish nation. She is from the house of ‘Imran. Her mother is Hinah bin Faqoud (Ibn Kathir’s Bidayah).

Hinah bint Faqoud was unable to bear a child for a number of years. She turned in sincere supplication to Allah (SWT) beseeching Him (SWT) to bless her with a child whom she vowed to dedicate to the service of Allah. Allah (SWT) says:

“Allah chose Adam, Nuh (Noah), and the family of Ibrahim and the family of ‘Imran above the ‘Alameen (all creation during their respective times). Offspring, one of the other and Allah is the All-Hearer, All-Knowing.

(Remember) when the wife of ‘Imran said: ‘O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for your services (free from all worldly work and obligations; solely for your worship) so accept this from me. Verily you are the All-Hearer (You hear my Du‘a) and the All-Knowing (and you know my sincere intention in fulfilling this vow).’

Then when she gave birth to her (Maryam), she said ‘O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child (Ibn Abbas states that the Jews only accepted males into dedicated service).’ – And Allah knew better what she brought forth (He is the Creator), – ‘And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (literally = pure maidservant of Allah), and I see refuge with You (Allah) for her and her offspring from the Shaytan (Satan), the outcast.’

So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya (Prophet Zachary).” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:33-37]

Rasool Allah (SAW) mentions:

“No new born escapes the prick (touch) of the Shaytan at the time of their birth. (The touch is what) causes them to begin to scream. Only Maryam and her son (escaped being molested by the Shaytan).” [Reported through authentic narrations in the Musnad of al-Imam Ahmed and the Sahih of al-Imam Muslim.]

Allah (SWT) thus answered the supplication by Hinah for Maryam and her future offspring.

Maryam was taken under the tutelage of the great Prophet of Allah Zakariya (AS). In fact Allah chose Zakariya (AS) for the great task of spiritually rearing Maryam (AS). Allah (SWT) describes this in the Quran:

“This is part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, news of past nations of which you have no knowledge prior to this) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad). You were not with them when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam; nor were you with them when they disputed.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:44]

The pious leaders of Bani Israel gathered in dispute as to whom would be given charge of Maryam. They decided to throw their pens in the river (Jordan). The owner of the pen that flowed against the current would be given charge of Maryam (Ibn Kathir al-Bidayah).

To truly appreciate the virtue of Maryam we remember the words of Allah:

“And (remember) when the angels said: ‘O Maryam! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from Shirk and disbelief and sin), and chosen you above the woman of the ‘Alameen (all creation during her time). O Maryam! Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord and prostrate yourself, and bow down along with those who bow down (to Him).’” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:42-43]

The angels would openly address her and bring her what she desired in forms of sustenance. Allah (SWT) says:

“So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya (Prophet Zachary). Every time he entered the praying place to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, ‘O Maryam! From where have you received this?’ She said, ‘This is from Allah.’ Verily Allah provides sustenance to whom He Wills, without limit.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:37]

This honoured woman was therefore chosen by Allah for a unique mission that would test her faith and resolve.

The Immaculate Conception

Owing the delicate and confusing nature of this great occurrence, Allah (SWT) records this happening in the Quran with precision and point by point detail. In a Surah titled Maryam (Chapter 19), Allah (SWT) describes to us the Immaculate Conception and the birth of ‘Isa (AS). To gain full benefit and strengthen our grasp of this great happening we will at times insert explanatory words and arguments (derived from the Tafsir of the Rabbani Scholars).

Allah (SWT) says in Surah Maryam (19:16-21):

“And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad the story of) Maryam, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing the east.

She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them. We then sent unto her our Ruh (Jibreel or Archangel Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects (physically). In the midst of her screen and secluded state a strange man confronted her in her private quarters. Feeling threatened she turned to Allah.

She said: ‘Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.’ [Instead of saying I seek refuge with the Most Mighty she mentioned Allah with His attribute of Rahman (Most Gracious) to remind the seemingly threateningly stranger of Mercy and Grace rather than Anger and Wrath. Her immediate impulse was to turn to Allah the Protector rather than to seek what may be the futile aid of others on the onset of the happening.]

(The angel) said: ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.’

She said: ‘How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor was I unchaste?’

He said: “So (it will be), your Lord has said, ‘That is easy for Me (Allah)! And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter already decreed.’”

By whose Power and Might were the heavens created and raised above one another without supports?

By whose Power and Might was the earth created as a sphere yet made flat for those who tread upon its surface?

By whose Power and Might was Ibrahim (AS) saved from the fire?

By whose Power and Might was Musa (AS) Saved from Pharaoh?

By whose Power and Might was Yunus or Jones (AS) saved from the whale?

By Whose Power and Might was ‘Isa (AS) eventually going to be saved from the plots of the Jews and Romans?

The answer is found in Surah Al Hashr (59:22-24):

“He is Allah, beside Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He. (Allah is) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

He is Allah beside Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He. (Allah is) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of Security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, The Supreme. Glory is to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.

He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the Heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Surah Al Hashr 59:22-24]

He said: “So (it will be), your Lord has said, ‘That is easy for Me (Allah)! And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter already decreed.’” A sign of Tawheed during his stay with Bani Israel and a sign of the nearness of the Day of Judgment after his descent from the heavens to say the one eyed liar or the Dajjal.

So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (Bethlehem about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). She remained in Jerusalem until the signs of her pregnancy began to manifest themselves. When the signs began to show themselves she moved to Bethlehem for privacy. After the conception she went to visit her sister, the mother of Yahya (AS) bin Zakariya (AS) and told her of what had transpired.

Imam Malik (RA) states: “It has reached me that Yahya bin Zakariya and ‘Isa bin Maryam are cousins from the side of the mother, and that their conception was in the same day.” [Reported by Ibn Kathir in Bidayah.]

And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date palm. It should not be misunderstood that after conception Maryam immediately and simultaneously gave birth to a child. This should not be misconstrued due to the nature of the wording or in misunderstanding the placement of the Faa (Faa ut-Ta‘qeeb). The previous verse is preceded with the verse of Conception. The verse of conception does begin with a Faa, as does this one. This usually means that the two acts are linked in a specific time constraint, and in sequence. The important point is that the time constraint and sequence is relative to the action in question. The Faa is also used in Surah Al-Mu’minoon verse number 14. Allah says: “Then we made the Nutfah (semen and ovum) into a clot, then We made the clot into a little lump of flesh, then We made out of that little lump of flesh bones….” The Faa (translated to the word Then in this example) is used in the same manner of linking the respective phases. Yet there is no claim that these phases are done simultaneously, rather it implies that they are consecutive in nature. As well, we will soon see that the people accused Maryam of immorality because she came carrying a newborn. This implies that the time frame caused them to uniformly suspect that the child was hers. Ibn Kathir states that the majority of the scholars (Ibn Jareer, Ibn al-Qayim, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Taymiyyah) contend that she carried ‘Isa (AS) for full term (9 months).

“So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place.

And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: She cried (in her anguish): “Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!”

But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): “Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee;

“And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee.

“So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye. And if thou dost see any man, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to (God) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into not talk with any human being’”” [Surah Maryam 19:22-26]

A spring sprout from beneath her and food was made available for nourishment. Taking a vow of silence was the preferred from of fasting during those times. It is deemed Haraam (prohibited) in Islam.

The conception was Divinely Ordained. This is the undeniable, verified truth of what truly transpired more than 2000 years ago. It has been eternally recorded for humanity in the Quran so that there is to be no discrepancy or disillusion.

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