Introduction
Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him), known in English as Jesus, holds a significant place in Islamic tradition and is revered as one of the great prophets of Islam. His life story, teachings, and miracles are detailed in the Quran and Hadith (the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). While there are parallels between the Islamic account of Jesus and the Christian tradition, there are also important differences. This article explores the life of Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) in Islam, highlighting his birth, mission, and teachings.
Birth of Prophet Eesa (Peace Be Upon Him)
The Quran narrates the miraculous birth of Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). According to Islamic tradition, his mother, Maryam (Mary), was a pious and devout woman who received divine guidance. One day, the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) appeared to Maryam and informed her that she would give birth to a son, despite being a virgin. This miraculous conception was a sign of God’s divine power.
Maryam withdrew to a remote location, where she experienced the pain of childbirth under a date palm tree. It was during this moment that a voice from above comforted her, instructing her to shake the trunk of the palm tree, causing fresh dates to fall. She was also told to eat and drink from the nearby stream, giving her strength during labor. Eventually, Maryam gave birth to Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) under the palm tree, and he spoke as an infant, affirming his prophethood.
Mission and Message of Prophet Eesa (Peace Be Upon Him)
Prophet Eesa’s (peace be upon him) mission was to guide the Children of Israel back to the true monotheistic faith and to confirm the message of the previous prophets. He was not sent to abolish the Law of Moses (Taurat) but to fulfill and clarify it. In the Quran, Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) is referred to as “Isa ibn Maryam” or “Jesus, son of Mary,” and his message revolved around the worship of the one true God, Allah.
One of the central aspects of his message was the concept of “Tawheed,” the belief in the oneness of God. Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of worshiping Allah alone and living a life in accordance with His guidance.
Miracles of Prophet Eesa (Peace Be Upon Him)
Like other prophets in Islam, Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) was bestowed with various miracles to confirm his prophethood. Some of the notable miracles attributed to him include:
- Healing the Sick: Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) had the ability to cure the sick and heal those afflicted with various ailments. The Quran mentions his ability to heal the blind and lepers.
- Raising the Dead: Perhaps one of the most remarkable miracles associated with Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) is his ability, with God’s permission, to raise the dead back to life. This incredible act was a testament to his prophethood.
- Speaking as an Infant: As mentioned earlier, Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) spoke as an infant to testify to his prophethood and the purity of his mother, Maryam.
- Providing Food Miraculously: On multiple occasions, Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) was able to multiply food to feed the hungry, demonstrating God’s abundant provision.
The Crucifixion Controversy
One of the key differences between the Islamic and Christian narratives concerning Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) is the event of the crucifixion. While Christian tradition holds that Jesus was crucified and later resurrected, Islamic tradition has a different perspective.
In Islam, it is believed that Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) was not crucified. Instead, Allah raised him to the heavens before any harm could befall him. This event is referred to as “Isra and Mi’raj.” According to Islamic teachings, Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) will return to Earth in the future, and his return is associated with the end times and the final judgment.
Conclusion
Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) occupies a special place in Islamic tradition as one of the revered prophets of Islam. His miraculous birth, mission, teachings, and miracles serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for Muslims worldwide. While there are parallels between the Islamic and Christian narratives concerning Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him), there are also important differences, particularly regarding the crucifixion event.
In Islam, Prophet Eesa (peace be upon him) is a symbol of God’s power and mercy, and his life serves as a reminder of the importance of monotheism and devotion to Allah. His teachings continue to influence and inspire Muslims in their faith and practice, emphasizing the timeless message of submission to the one true God.
