The story of Prophet Isa (Jesus, alayhis salam), the son of Maryam, is one of the most profound and significant narratives in the Quran. He is one of the five greatest messengers of Allah (Ulu al-'Azm), and his life, from his miraculous birth to his prophesied return, is filled with powerful signs and timeless lessons. To be a Muslim is to love and honor Prophet Isa as a mighty messenger of God.
The Annunciation and Miraculous Birth
Isa's story begins with his pure and pious mother, Maryam (Mary), the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. While she was in seclusion, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to her and announced that Allah was to gift her a righteous son. Terrified and chaste, Maryam questioned how this could be, as no man had ever touched her. The angel replied that this matter was easy for Allah, and that her son would be a sign for all of humanity and a mercy from Him.
When the pains of childbirth came upon her, she retreated to the trunk of a palm tree, crying out in distress. It was then that Allah comforted her with a miracle: a stream of water flowed beneath her, and a voice told her to shake the trunk of the palm tree, from which fresh, ripe dates would fall for her to eat. When she returned to her people carrying the infant Isa, she was met with shock and vile accusations. She responded with a command from Allah: she remained silent and pointed to the baby. They mocked, "How can we speak to one who is a child in the cradle?" It was then that the first of Isa's many miracles occurred. By the will of Allah, the infant spoke:
"[Jesus] said, 'Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet... And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I die and the day I am raised alive.'"(Quran 19:30-33)
A Messenger with Divine Signs
As he grew into manhood, Isa (AS) began his mission. He was sent specifically to the Children of Israel to call them back to the straight path of monotheism and to confirm the truth of the Torah. To support his prophethood, Allah granted him incredible miracles. By Allah's permission, he could fashion the form of a bird from clay and breathe into it to make it a living bird. He healed those born blind and the lepers. In one of his greatest miracles, he brought a man back from the dead. He could also tell people what they ate and what they stored in their homes. These were not acts of his own divinity, but clear signs from Allah to prove that he was a true messenger.
His loyal followers, the Disciples (Al-Hawariyyun), asked for a special sign to strengthen their faith. They requested a table spread with food (an Al-Ma'idah) be sent down from heaven. Isa (AS) prayed to Allah, who answered his prayer but also gave a stern warning that anyone who disbelieved after witnessing such a direct miracle would face a severe punishment.
The Plot, the Ascension, and the Truth
Despite these clear signs, the majority of the religious leaders and elites among the Children of Israel rejected him. They grew arrogant and saw his message as a threat to their power. They plotted to kill him, conspiring with the Roman authorities to have him arrested and crucified.
It is at this crucial point that the Islamic creed differs fundamentally from the Christian one. The Quran states with absolute clarity that their plot failed. Allah, in His power, saved His beloved messenger.
The Quran says: "And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.' **And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them...** Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise." (Quran 4:157-158).
Muslims believe that Allah cast the likeness of Isa (AS) onto another person, and it was this person who was crucified. Meanwhile, Allah raised Prophet Isa, body and soul, alive into the heavens, where he remains until his prophesied return near the end of time to defeat the Dajjal (Antichrist), break the cross, and rule by the law of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Timeless Lessons from Isa's Life
The virgin birth of Isa (AS) is a powerful sign that Allah is not bound by the laws of nature He has created. When He decrees a matter, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is. This strengthens our faith in His omnipotence.
Islam holds Prophet Isa and his mother Maryam in the highest esteem. Maryam is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and an entire chapter is named after her. Isa is honored as a mighty messenger, the Messiah, and a Word from Allah, but he is never to be worshipped.
Isa's miracles were performed explicitly "by the permission of Allah" to prove he was a messenger. The Quran is clear that he was a human being who ate food and was a devoted servant of God, and he never claimed to be God or the son of God.
His enemies plotted to extinguish his light, but Allah's plan was greater. By raising him to the heavens, Allah protected His messenger and guaranteed his ultimate victory. His future return to Earth will be a final triumph for truth and justice.
Share and Reflect
The story of Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) is a beautiful testament to Allah's power and mercy. How does understanding his true status as a beloved Prophet of Islam deepen your reverence for him? Share your thoughts below.
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