The Blessed Jesus peace be upon him and Place of Jews and Christians in Islam:
The sections of this article are:
1- The Blessed Jesus and the Place of Jews and Christians
in Islam.
2- Jesus' place in Islam.
3- Did Jesus say that you must be a Christian or else you will go to hell?
4- Jesus was enforced by the Holy Spirit.
5- Only Allah Almighty is Perfect.
6- What about Jesus' Saying in John 14:5-7?
7- What is the place of the Jews and Christians in Islam?
8- Can Muslims be friends with Jews and Christians?
According to the religion of Islam, Prophet Jesus peace be upon him is one of Allah Almighty's Holiest Prophets. He was the last Messenger of GOD to be sent to the people of Israel. He preached the Gospel to his people, which mainly to love and respect others, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Jesus' peace be upon him place in Islam:
As I mentioned above, Prophet Jesus peace be upon him is one of Allah Almighty's Holiest Prophets. It is he who will come to ultimately fight the army of the Devil and defeat it. Allah Almighty will not send Muhammad, nor Moses, nor Noah, nor David, nor Solomon, nor Adam, etc... peace and blessings be upon all of them. Allah Almighty clearly chose Jesus peace be upon him to take on this huge task. Jesus is the Good that Allah Almighty wants to bring to mankind. Jesus is the Good that will fight the evil of the Devil (Dajjal).
Jesus = Good
Dajjal = Evil
Let us look at few Sayings (Hadiths) from our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him regarding our beloved Prophet Jesus peace be upon him and the enemy that he will fight, the Dajjal:
Narrated Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman: "Subay' ibn Khalid said: I came to Kufah at the time when Tustar was conquered. I took some mules from it. When I entered the mosque (of Kufah), I found there some people of moderate stature, and among them was a man whom you could recognize when you saw him that he was from the people of Hijaz. I asked: Who is he? The people frowned at me and said: Do you not recognize him? This is Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, the companion of the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him). Then Hudhayfah said: People used to ask the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) about good, and I used to ask him about evil. Then the people stared hard at him. He said: I know the reason why you dislike it. I then asked: Apostle of Allah, will there be evil as there was before, after this good which Allah has bestowed on us? He replied: Yes. I asked: Wherein does the protection from it lie? He replied: In the sword. I asked: Apostle of Allah, what will then happen? He replied: If Allah has on Earth a caliph who flays your back and takes your property, obey him, otherwise die holding onto the stump of a tree. I asked: What will come next? He replied: Then the Antichrist (Dajjal) will come forth accompanied by a river and fire. He who falls into his fire will certainly receive his reward, and have his load taken off him, but he who falls into his river will have his load retained and his reward taken off him. I then asked: What will come next? He said: The Last Hour will come. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 35, Trials and Fierce Battles (Kitab Al-Fitan Wa Al-Malahim), Number 4232)"
Narrated Mu'adh ibn Jabal: "The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The greatest war, the conquest of Constantinople and the coming forth of the Dajjal (Antichrist) will take place within a period of seven months. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 37, Battles (Kitab Al-Malahim), Number 4282)"
Narrated AbuHurayrah: "The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: There is no prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus (peace_be_upon_him). He will descent (to the earth). When you see him, recognise him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill swine, and abolish jizyah. Allah will perish all religions except Islam. He will destroy the Antichrist (Dajjal) and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him. (Translation of Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book 37, Battles (Kitab Al-Malahim), Number 4310)"
Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle said, 'There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Medina, neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal (i.e., Antichrist) will be able to enter it.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues of Madinah, Volume 3, Book 30, Number 104)"
Narrated Anas bin Malik: "The Prophet said, 'There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Mecca and Medina, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Mecca and Medina) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Medina will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Virtues of Madinah, Volume 3, Book 30, Number 105)"
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: "The Last Hour would not come until the Romans would land at al-A'maq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best (soldiers) of the people of the earth at that time will come from Medina (to counteract them). When they will arrange themselves in ranks, the Romans would say: Do not stand between us and those (Muslims) who took prisoners from amongst us. Let us fight with them; and the Muslims would say: Nay, by Allah, we would never get aside from you and from our brethren that you may fight them. They will then fight and a third (part) of the army would run away, whom Allah will never forgive. A third (part of the army). which would be constituted of excellent martyrs in Allah's eye, would be killed and the third who would never be put to trial would win and they would be conquerors of Constantinople. And as they would be busy in distributing the spoils of war (amongst themselves) after hanging their swords by the olive trees, the Satan would cry: The Dajjal (i.e., antichrist) has taken your place among your family. They would then come out, but it would be of no avail. And when they would come to Syria, he would come out while they would be still preparing themselves for battle drawing up the ranks. Certainly, the time of prayer shall come and then Jesus (peace be upon him) son of Mary would descend and would lead them in prayer. When the enemy of Allah would see him, it would (disappear) just as the salt dissolves itself in water and if he (Jesus) were not to confront them at all, even then it would dissolve completely, but Allah would kill them by his hand and he would show them their blood on his lance (the lance of Jesus Christ). (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book Pertaining to the Turmoil and Portents of the Last Hour (Kitab Al-Fitan wa Ashrat As-Sa`ah), Book 041, Number 6924)"
Please visit The End of Times Battles in Islam.
Did Jesus say that you must be a Christian or else you will go to hell?
Absolutely not!. There is not a single Verse in the New Testament where Jesus promises hell fire to those who are not Christians. "And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say: 'Produce your proof if ye are truthful.' (The Noble Quran, 2:111)" The word "Christian" is not a valid word, for there is no religion of Christianity according to Islam.
According to Islam, Jesus came and Preached the Gospel. Jesus' followers were never called Christians. All of the religions of GOD Almighty taught the Oneness of GOD Almighty, which means "Islam" in Arabic.
Jesus was mostly concerned about teaching good ethics and morals to his followers. Let us look at few quotations of Jesus from the New Testament:
1- Acts 20:34-36 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
2- Matthew 5:9-11 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
3- Matthew 5:8-10 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
4- Matthew 5:5-7 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
5- Matthew 5:6-8 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
6- Matthew 5:7-9 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
7- Matthew 5:3-5 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
8- Matthew 5:4-6 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
9- Mark 12:29 "Here, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." See Answering Trinity
In the above Sayings of our beloved Prophet Jesus peace be upon him, we clearly see that he was most concerned with "righteousness". It doesn't make any sense that Allah Almighty would bless a person and throw him in hell at the same time. When Jesus said that GOD or Allah Almighty will bless those who do righteousness, he meant it.
This is the Gospel that we Muslims believe that Jesus peace be upon him taught. Believe in One True Living GOD Almighty, and love each others. Please see why Muslims only believe in Jesus' quotes to be the closest to the truth in the Bible.
Allah Almighty said in the Noble Quran: "They do blaspheme who say: 'Allah is Christ the son of Mary.' But said Christ: 'O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Whoever joins other gods with Allah- Allah will forbid hi the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help. (The Noble Quran, 5:72)"
Jesus was enforced by the Holy Spirit:
It is important to know that Jesus peace be upon him was strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Jesus' place to Allah Almighty is very special.
Every word that Jesus peace be upon him spoke during his ministry was the Word of Allah Almighty, because the Holy Spirit literally took over his tong; "We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers; We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit....(The Noble Quran, 2:87)"
Important Note: Except for Allah Almighty's Revelations to His Prophets, not every word they spoke or instructed during their daily lives was truly inspired by Allah Almighty, because non of them except for Jesus peace be upon him had the Holy Spirit in him. Note that in the Bible, we don't see Jesus saying things such as "GOD Almighty said....." Jesus taught GOD Almighty's Revelations directly through his personal teachings. Muhammad and Moses peace be upon them on the other hand, did separate Allah Almighty's Revelations from their daily Conversations/Sayings with people.
Jesus is not Allah Almighty, nor part of Allah Almighty. Jesus was no more than a Messenger from Allah Almighty: "O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say Of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah, (The Noble Quran, 4:171)"
Jesus peace be upon him taught his followers to be Muslims: "And behold! I inspired the Disciples to have faith in Me [Allah] and Mine Messenger [Jesus]; they said, ''We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims.' (The Noble Quran, 5:111)"
Noble Verse 5:111 seems to agree perfectly with Jesus' teachings in the Bible's New Testament in Luke 6:40 "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher."
Let us look at what Jesus said in Luke 6:40 in the language of Aramaic translated into Hebrew as shown below:
"Ein talmeed na'leh 'al rabbo; shekken kal adam she'MUSHLAM yihyeh
k'rabbo."
Taken from the Aramaic bible
society.
Note: Aramaic and Hebrew are read from right to
left, which is apposite to English.
Translation in English: "No student can be above
his teacher, but everyone that is a MUSLIM, can be as his teacher."
Important Note: The Hebrew word "Mushlam" comes from the root "Sh L M". "Shalom" which comes from the same root means "peace". The Arabic word "Muslim" comes from the root "S L M". "Salam" means "peace". "Salem" means "safe". Also taken from the Aramaic bible society.
So as we've seen above, Prophet Jesus peace be upon him was strengthened by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit however is not just for Jesus peace be upon him. We too can receive it; "Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims. (The Noble Quran, 16:102)" This means that we can receive the Guidance, and be under Allah Almighty's supervision and control all the time.
Jesus peace be upon him spoke Aramaic during his ministry.
See Jesus predicting the coming of Muhammad after him in the Bible.
Only Allah Almighty is Perfect:
According to Islam, no one is perfect except for Allah Almighty. Non of Allah's Prophets (including Jesus) were perfect. But however, they were all sinless. Jesus peace be upon him was in no way GOD Almighty, nor related to GOD Almighty. Jesus was not Divine. Jesus was a beloved Prophet from GOD Almighty whom GOD decided to strengthen him with Holy Spirit that He [GOD] did not give to any other of His Messengers.
What about Jesus' Saying in John 14:5-7?
Let us look what Jesus said in John 14:5-7 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
According to Islam, as I mentioned above, Jesus is the chosen Prophet of GOD Almighty who will come to fight the army of Satan and defeat him. Jesus is the Good that GOD Almighty will use to defeat the bad here on earth. As we've seen above, Allah Almighty according to Jesus' quotes, honors those who do righteousness. Jesus didn't say in these quotes that you have to believe in me as the GOD Almighty Himself and then do righteousness in order for you to be blessed. No mention of any Triune GOD by Jesus. Jesus was clear about teaching us what pleases Allah Almighty, and what doesn't; believing in One Mighty GOD and doing righteousness is what Jesus taught.
This is the same exact message the Noble Quran (The Muslims' Holy Scripture) teaches; "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted. (The Noble Quran, 49:13)" See also Noble Verses 2:130, 2:212, 2:241, 3:15, 3:39, 3:46, 3:114, 3:133, 3:193, 3:198, 4:34, 4:69, 5:27, 5:65, 5:84, 6:32, 6:69, 6:85, 6:153, 6:155, 7:35, 7:128, 7:168, 7:169, 7:170 and many other Noble Verses.
If I do good, then I belong to the army of Jesus; the army of Good. If I do good, then I am alive in the sight of Allah Almighty and I would have Jesus in me, my leader in this life against Satan. If I do bad and continue to be an evil doer, then I would not gain the after life.
In order for someone to be a Muslim, he must believe in Allah Almighty's teachings in the Bible, through what Jesus peace be upon him taught in the Gospel and what was Revealed to Moses peace be upon him; "It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). (The Noble Quran, 3:3)" That's why Muslims only believe in Jesus' quotes to be closest to the truth in the Bible.
After we believe in Allah Almighty's previous Messages in His Gospel, then we must believe in the Noble Quran, Allah Almighty's Revelations to His Messenger Muhammad peace be upon him. Prophet Muhammad was the Seal of the Prophets, and he was sent to all of mankind.
Please see Prophet Jesus predicted the coming of Muhammad after him in the Bible.
What is the place of the Jews and Christians in Islam?
According to Islam, the righteous people from the Jews and Christians will have their Great Reward from Allah Almighty and will enter Paradise. Let us look at the following Noble Verses:
"And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book [Jews and Christians], those who believe in God, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to God: They will not sell the Signs of God for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their Lord, and God is swift in account. (The Noble Quran, 3:199)"
"Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in God and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in the ranks of the righteous. (The Noble Quran, 3:113-114)"
The above Noble Verses clearly speak about the righteous Jews and Christians who believe in Allah Almighty and do righteousness and will have their Great Reward and enter Paradise.
However, according to Allah Almighty, from among the people of the Book, most of the ones who will gain Paradise are Christians; few of them are Jews. Let us look at the following Noble Verses:
"Strongest among men in enmity to the believers [Muslims] wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, 'We are Christians': because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. (The Noble Quran, 5:82)"
"The Jews say: 'God's hand is tied up.' Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He giveth and spendeth (of His bounty) as He pleaseth. But the revelation that cometh to thee from God increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them we have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, God doth extinguish it; but they strive to do mischief on earth. And God loveth not those who do mischief. (The Noble Quran, 5:64)"
"But because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard; they change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them, nor wilt thou cease to find them- barring a few - ever bent on (new) deceits: but forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds): for God loveth those who are kind. (The Noble Quran, 5:13)"
We must also know that according to Islam most of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) are perverted transgressors, deceiving, in some cases are hypocrites, and most of them are considered Truth rejecters! Let us look at the following Noble Verses:
"Ye [Muslims] are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in God. If only the People of the Book [Jews and Christians] had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors. (The Noble Quran 3:110)"
"And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say: 'Produce your proof if ye are truthful.' (The Noble Quran, 2:111)"
"A section of the People of the Book [Jews and Christians during Prophet Muhammad's time] say: Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers [Muslims], but reject it at the end of the day; perchance they may (themselves) turn back (from Islam). (The Noble Quran, 3:72)"
"Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion. Say: 'The Guidance of God,-that is the (only) Guidance.' Wert thou to follow their desires after the knowledge which hath reached thee, then wouldst thou find neither Protector nor helper against God. (The Noble Quran, 2:120)"
"They say: 'Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation).' Say thou: 'Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with God.' (The Noble Quran, 2:135)"
"They do blaspheme who say: 'Allah is Christ the son of Mary.' But said Christ: 'O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Whoever joins other gods with Allah - Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help.
(The Holy Quran, 5:72)"
Can Muslims be friends with Jews and Christians?
Does Islam really order Muslims to not take Jews and Christians as friends?
Further topics to read:
Was Jesus crucified according to Islam?
Questions and Answers about Jesus and the Bible and their place in Islam.
Why do Muslims only believe in Jesus' personal quotes from the Bible to be closest to the truth?
Answering Trinity. Jesus is not the Creator of the Universe.
Back to Jesus, Jews, Christians and non-Muslims in Islam section.
What is the best way to convert a Christian to Islam?
The End of Times Battles in Islam.
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