“GOOD FRIDAY”
In Commemoration of Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm?
Easter is celebrated by Catholic Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of the Prophet Jesus Alayhis-Salâm. The death of Jesus on the cross is the basis of all Christian theology – it is the basis for their belief in ‘god’ and the concept of sin and atonement. Christians believe that following the crucifixion; Jesus was given a new life in the form of God. This is why during Easter we see eggs that are symbolic of new life and resurrection. The rabbit is also a sign of fertility and new life.
One of the most controversial personalities in the annals of history was Isa Alayhis-Salâm. He was revered by some as the son of ‘god’ or regarded as god himself, while others believed that he was an impostor and liar. This day (Good Friday) according to Christian theology is regarded to be the day when Jesus was nailed to the cross and crucified. His crucifixion and his blood paid for the sins of mankind.
What is the status of Isa Alayhis-Salâm? How was he born and what is the Islamic position regarding his ‘end’? Muslims have often been called anti-Christ – and labelled as intolerant. Is this true?
His birth:
The miraculous birth of Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm is from among the signs that bear testimony to Allâh’s unconstrained power. Prior to the birth of Isa Alayhis-Salâm reproduction was understood in three different ways.
“Normal birth’ – through the agency of a male and female
“Birth’ of Adam Alayhis-Salâm - without the agency of a male and female
“Birth of Howa Alayhis-Salâm – without the agency of a female
The birth of Isa Alayhis-Salâm demonstrated the fourth possibility – Birth without the agency of a male.
Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm was miraculously born to Miryam Alayhas-Salâm who was not married. She was accused of infidelity and was cleared of all blame by her very own suckling child.
The Qur’ân states:
“Relate in the Book the (story of Miryam) when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East... then we sent to her our angel... He said “Nay I am only a messenger from your Rabb (to announce) to you the gift of a pure son” She said: “How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?” ... and the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree… at length she brought the (baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary truly a strange thing have you brought!” ... but she pointed to the baby. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?” He (Isa) said: “I am indeed a servant of Allâh...” (19: 16 30)
A Chosen Messenger of Allâh:
Muslims do not believe that Isa Alayhis-Salâm (Jesus) was the begotten son of the Almighty, or that he died for the sins of mankind. In fact he was a chosen messenger of the Almighty sent to guide the Jews from their errant ways. The Holy Qur’ân states:
“O People of the Book! Do not overstep the bounds of truth in your religious beliefs and do not say of Allâh anything but the truth. The Christ Jesus, son of Mary, was but the Messenger of Allâh – (the fulfilment of His promise, which He conveyed to Mary – and a soul created by Him. Believe, then in Allâh and His Prophets and do not say that (God) is trinity. Stop (from making such claims) for your on good. God is but one God; far away is He from having a son…”
His Miracles:
The Holy Qur’ân states:
Behold the angel said: "O, Maryam - Allâh gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, His name will be Masîh [Messiah]- Isa the son of Maryam, held in honour in this world and the hereafter... and Allâh will teach him the book of wisdom - the Taurat and the Injîl and appoint him messenger to the children of Israel. His message will be: "I have come to you with a sign from the Lord. In that I make for you - out of clay - as if it were the figure of a bird, I breath into it and it becomes a bird, by Allâh’s permission - and I heal those born blind and the lepers - and I bring the dead to life - by Allâh’s permission, and I will inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses - therein is a sign for you - if you believe."
Crucifixion?
"They (The Jews) said in boast, "We killed Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allâh," but they killed him not nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts with no certain knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for a surety they killed him not, but Allâh raised him up unto Himself, and Allâh is exalted in power, wise." 4/157-158
The Jews opposed Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm and eventually plotted to kill him. According to the commentators of the Qur’ân there are two views regarding what happened when the Jews surrounded the house of Isa Alayhis-Salâm with the intent to murder him. About 4000 people surrounded the house of Isa Alayhis-Salâm who was with his disciples at that time. He asked his disciples if anyone from among them was prepared to leave the house and face martyrdom in lieu of being with me in Jannah. One of his disciples volunteered and wore the garb of Nabî Isa and went out to confront the enemy. They mistook him for Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm and
killed him, whilst Allâh raised Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm to the heavens. The enemy of 4000 appointed a person from among them to enter the house of Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm. Before he entered the house Allâh had lifted Nabî Isa (as) to the heavens. When this person came out of the house Allâh transformed him to resemble Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm. The Jews grabbed fold of him and killed him thinking that he was Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm
The Descent of Jesus
"There are none of the people of the book, but will believe in him before his death and on the Day of Judgement he will be a witness upon them." 4/158.
Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm will once again descend from the heavens as a follower of Nabî Muhammad Alayhis-Salâm. He will marry and die a natural death.
"Imâm Bukharî has narrated upon the authority of Abû Hurayrah, that the prophet Muhammed said, "By He in whose hands my soul rests, Jesus, the Son of Maryam (Mary), is to descend amongst you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pig, abolish Jizya and wealth will increase to such an extent that one prostration will be more valuable than the whole world and all that it contains."
The future role of Isa Alayhis-Salâmhas been related in this Hadith to show that he is destined to play the role of a mighty, just ruler, who will destroy the power of modern Christianity, materially and spiritually. He will annihilate the biggest emblem of Christianity - the Cross. Wealth will abound to such an extent that people will begin to reject it. In contrast to this, one prostration [Sajdah] to the lord, will become so precious as to render it more valuable that the entire world and all it
Anti-Christ?
Muslims are often labelled as intolerant and uncompromising. The reality is that a Muslim who lives in an Islamic state would be put to the gallows if he rejects the prophet hood of Nabî Isa Alayhis-Salâm whilst a kâfir in an Islamic state despite rejecting Nabî Muhammad (saw) is granted the status of a ‘dhimmi’ one whose honour and life is protected by the state. Likewise Islam recognizes both the Taurah and Injîl as divinely revealed scriptures, yet the adherents of both Christianity and Judaism reject the divinity of the Qur’ân! A person cannot lay claim to Islam if he does not accept, and honour the ALL the prophets.
Source: Jamiatul Ulama South Africa
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