Isa and Islam

As Muslims, we find Jesus (Isa) a figure of immense respect and deep admiration. He is mentioned in our Qur'an over 25 times; is this not a testament to his significance in our beliefs? Isn't the fact that some of us even bear his name further evidence of our profound reverence for him?

However, our reverence isn’t just confined to discussions or names. It is embedded in our belief system. Our beliefs focus on the miracles and the manners of Isa (as). His miracles are not random acts of divine intervention; rather, these miracles are proof of a divine mission blessed upon him.

Every miracle Allah (SWT) blessed him with serves a unique understanding and a profound purpose. Whether it was giving life to inanimate clay or healing the blind or the leper, every miracle was by the permission of Allah (SWT), not by Isa’s will alone.

In the Qur'an, an emphasis is placed on the phrase 'by the permission of Allah' with every miracle mentioned, illustrating that these miraculous acts are not the deeds of a divine being in themselves but rather a human being carrying a divine mission.

Moreover, these miracles were not random; they had a deep sense of wisdom and purpose. They challenge illusions, call out false healers, and truly uphold the power of Allah (SWT). Each miracle fits a particular goal and advances proof, pointing to the ultimate power of the One that sent him.

However, the miracles are just a part of who Isa (as) is in Islam. His manners are equally if not more important for us. The manners and character traits of prophets are not merely admired but meant to be absorbed and reflected in our lives. Hence, while we marvel at the miracles of Jesus (as), we also understand that part of honoring and loving him is to strive to exemplify his manners and character.

Every story about Jesus (as) in the Quran teaches us about his humility, devotion, piety, and perpetual striving in Allah's path (SWT). It teaches us the essence of servanthood, of devotion to our Creator, and of maintaining our character in the face of trials.

As Muslims, we need to understand and appreciate the great position Isa (as) holds within our beliefs, respect his piety, miracles, and manners, and strive to incorporate these teachings into our lives. This is how we maintain our identity, our beliefs, and how we channel our love and reverence for Jesus (as) in a way that is in harmony with our belief system.

So, in these discussions around the holiday season, let us highlight the real person behind it all, the man himself, and his actual mission. Let us have productive conversations about Isa (as); his miracles far removed from societal commercialization, his manners, his teachings, his life, his mission, his return, and of course, his love for humanity.

Let's focus on the humanity of Isa, the humility of Isa, the miracles, and the manners of Isa (as); by doing this, we honor him truly appreciate and showcase our love for him, and strengthen our own beliefs in the process.

You can learn more about Isa in this powerful khutbah by Imam Omar.

IMPORTANT: Our beloved Isa (as) is from the land of Palestine. To honor him is to honor our brothers and sisters in Gaza by supporting him. Our partners at MATW are actively working to get aid organized and distributed to those in dire need.

Make your contribution count when they need it the most, insha allah.