"Look unto me, and
be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and
[there is] none else." [Isaiah 45:22]
The following is a short, and by no means
comprehensive, selection of verses from the Qur'an with regard
to Jesus (peace be upon him), Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace
be upon her), the prophets of Allah in general, and some basic
foundations of Islam:
First mention of Jesus (pbuh) in the
Qur'an:
"We
gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of
Apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary clear (Signs) and
strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there
comes to you an Apostle with what ye yourselves desire not ye
are puffed up with pride? Some ye called impostors and others ye
slay!" [Al-Bakarah(2):87]
Mention made of some of the prophets of
Allah:
After
speaking about Abraham (pbuh) Allah says: "We
gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him
We guided Noah and before him We guided Noah and among his
progeny David Solomon Job Joseph Moses and Aaron: thus do We
reward those who do good: And Zakariya and John and Jesus and
Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous:And Ismail and Elisha
and Jonas and Lot: and to all We gave favor above the
nations:" [Al-Anaam(6):84-86]
The message of the prophets was ONE
message:
"Say
(O Muhammad): "We believe in Allah and in what has been
revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham Isma`il Isaac
Jacob and the Tribes and in (Books) given to Moses Jesus and the
Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and
another among them and to Allah do we bow our will (in
Islam)." If anyone desires a religion other than Islam
(submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him; and in
the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost
(all spiritual good). How shall Allah guide those who reject
faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Apostle
(Muhammad) was true and that clear signs had come unto them? But
Allah guides not a people unjust." [A'al-Umran(3):84-86]
What was this message?:
"For
We assuredly sent amongst every People an apostle (with the
Command) "Serve Allah and eschew Evil": of the people
were some whom Allah guided and some on whom Error became
inevitably (established). So travel through the earth and see
what was the end of those who denied (the Truth). " [Al-Nahil(16):36]
Summary of Allah's message from Jews to
Christians to Muslims:
"Allah
did aforetime take a Covenant from the Children of Israel and We
appointed twelve captains among them and Allah said: "I am
with you: if ye (but) establish regular prayers practice regular
charity believe in My apostles honor and assist them and loan to
Allah a beautiful loan verily I will wipe out from you your
evils and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but
if any of you after this resisteth faith he hath truly wandered
from the path of rectitude." 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 Allah loveth
those who are kind. From those too who call themselves
Christians We did take a Covenant but they forgot a good part of
the Message that was sent them: so We estranged them with enmity
and hatred between the one and the other till the Day of
Judgment. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have
done. O People of the Book! there hath come to you Our Apostle
(Muhammad) revealing to you much that ye used to hide in the
Book and passing over much (that is now unnecessary): There hath
come to you from Allah a (new) Light and a perspicuous Book.
Wherewith Allah guideth all who seek His good pleasure to ways
of peace and safety and leadeth them out of darkness by His Will
unto the light guideth them to a Path that is Straight. In
blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son
of Mary. Say: "Who then hath the least power against Allah
if His Will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary his mother
and all everyone that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth
the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is
between. He createth what He pleaseth. For Allah hath power over
all things." (Both) the Jews and the Christians say:
"We are sons of Allah and His beloved." Say: "Why
then doth He punish you for your sins? Nay ye are but men of the
men He hath created: He forgiveth whom He pleaseth and He
punisheth whom He pleaseth: and to Allah belongeth the dominion
of the heavens and the earth and all that is between: and unto
Him is the final goal (of all)." O people of the Book! now
hath come unto you making (things) clear unto you Our Apostle
(Muhammad) after the break in (the series of) Our apostles lest
ye should say: there came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and
no warner (from evil): but now hath come unto you a bringer of
glad tidings and a warner (from evil): and Allah hath power over
all things. " [Al-Maidah(5):12-19]
Allah's covenant with His prophets:
"And
remember We took from the Prophets their Covenant as (We did)
from thee (O Muhammad): from Noah Abraham Moses and Jesus the
son of Mary: We took from them a solemn Covenant: That (Allah)
may question the (Custodians) of Truth concerning the Truth they
(were charged with): and He has prepared for the Unbelievers a
grievous Penalty." [Al-Ahzab(33):7-8]
"O
ye apostles! enjoy (all) things good and pure and work
righteousness: for I am well-aware with (all) that ye do. And
verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood and I
am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).
But people have cut off their affair (of unity) between them
into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself.
But leave them in their confused ignorance for a time. Do they
think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and
sons. We would hasten them on in every good? Nay they do not
understand. Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord;
Those who believe in the Signs of their Lord; Those who join not
(in worship) partners with their Lord; And those who dispense
their charity with their hearts full of fear because they will
return to their Lord. It is these who hasten in every good work
and these who are foremost in them. On no soul do We place a
burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a record which
clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged. But their
hearts are in confused ignorance of this; and there are besides
that deeds of theirs which they will (continue) to do. Until
when We seize in Punishment those of them who received the good
things of this world behold they will groan in supplication! It
will be said: "Groan not in supplication this day; for ye
shall certainly not be helped by Us. "My Signs used to be
rehearsed to you but ye used to turn back on your heels "In
arrogance: talking nonsense about the (Qur'an) like one telling
fables by night." [Al-Muminoon(23):51-67]
"The
same religion has He established for you as that which He
enjoined on Noah -- the which We have sent by inspiration to
thee (O Muhammad) -- and that which We enjoined on Abraham Moses
and Jesus: Namely that ye should remain steadfast in Religion
and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things
than Allah hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah
chooses to Himself those whom He pleases and guides to Himself
those who turn (to Him)." [Al-Shurah(42):13]
The mission of Jesus (pbuh):
"And
in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary confirming the
law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein
was guidance and light and confirmation of the law that had come
before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear
Allah." [Al-Maidah(5):46]
The endurance of moses, Jesus, and
Muhammad:
"And
remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! why do ye
vex and insult me though ye know that I am the apostle of Allah
(sent) to you?" Then when they went wrong Allah let their
hearts go wrong: for Allah guides not those who are rebellious
transgressors. And remember Jesus the son of Mary said: "O
Children of Israel! I am the apostle of Allah (sent) to you
confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad
Tidings of an Apostle to come after me whose name shall be
Ahmad." But when he came to them with Clear Signs they said
"This is evident sorcery!" Who doth greater wrong than
one who invents falsehood against Allah even as he is being
invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong. Their
intention is to extinguish Allah's Light (by blowing) with their
mouths: but Allah will complete (the revelation of) His Light
even though the Unbelievers may detest (it). It is He Who has
sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth that he
may proclaim it over all religion even though the Pagans may
detest (it). O ye who believe! shall I lead you to a bargain
that will save you from a grievous Penalty? That ye believe in
Allah and His Apostle and that ye strive (your utmost) in the
Cause of Allah with your property and your persons: that will be
best for you if ye but knew! He will forgive you your sins and
admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow and to beautiful
mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the supreme
Achievement." [Al-Saf(61):5-12]
Jesus' conception, birth, and mission:
"Behold!
a woman of Imran said: "O my Lord! I do dedicate unto thee
what is in my womb for Thy special service so accept this of me
for Thou hearest and knowest all things." When she was
delivered she said: "O my Lord! behold! I am delivered of a
female child!" And Allah knew best what she brought forth,
"and nowise is the male like the female. I have named her
Mary and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from
the Evil One the Rejected." Right graciously did her Lord
accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty; to the care
of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her)
chamber to see her he found her supplied with sustenance. He
said: "O Mary! whence (comes) this to you?" She said:
"From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He
pleases without measure." There did Zakariya pray to his
Lord saying: "O my Lord! grant unto me from Thee a progeny
that is pure; for Thou art He that heareth prayer!" While
he was standing in prayer in the chamber the angels called unto
him: "Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya witnessing
the truth of a Word from Allah and (be besides) noble chaste and
a Prophet of the (goodly) company of the righteous." He
said: "O my Lord! how shall I have a son seeing I am very
old and my wife is barren?" "Thus" was the answer
"doth Allah accomplish what He willeth." He said:
"O my Lord! give me a sign!" "Thy Sign" was
the answer "shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for
three days but with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy
Lord again and again and glorify Him in the evening and in the
morning." Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath
chosen thee and purified thee; chosen thee above the women of
all nations. "O Mary! worship thy Lord devoutly; prostrate
thyself and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down."
This is part of the tidings of the things unseen which We reveal
unto thee (O Muhammad!) by inspiration; thou wast not with them
when they cast lots with arrows as to which of them should be
charged with the care of Mary; nor wast thou with them when they
disputed (the point). Behold! the angels said "O Mary!
Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will
be Christ Jesus the son of Mary held in honor in this world and
the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
"He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity
and he shall be (of the company) of the righteous." She
said: "O my Lord! how shall I have a son when no man hath
touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He
willeth; when He hath decreed a plan He but saith to it `Be' and
it is! "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom the
Law and the Gospel. "And (appoint him) an Apostle to the
Children of Israel (with this message): I have come to you with
a sign from your Lord in that I make for you out of clay as it
were the figure of a bird and breathe into it and it becomes a
bird by Allah's leave; and I heal those born blind and the
lepers and I quicken the dead by Allah's leave; and I declare to
you what ye eat and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein
is a Sign for you if ye did believe. "(I have come to you)
to attest the Law which was before me and to make lawful to you
part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you
with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me. "It
is Allah who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is
a way that is straight." When Jesus found unbelief on their
part he said: "Who will be my helpers to (the work of)
Allah?" Said the Disciples: "We are Allah's helpers we
believe in Allah and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.
"Our Lord! we believe in what thou hast revealed and we
follow the Apostle; then write us down among those who bear
witness." And (then unbelievers) plotted and planned and
Allah too planned and the best of planners is Allah." [A'al-Umran(3):35-54]
"Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary when she withdrew
from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to
screen herself) from them: then We sent to her Our angel and he
appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: "I
seek refuge from thee to (Allah) Most Gracious: (come not near)
if thou dost fear Allah." He said: "Nay I am only a
messenger from thy Lord (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy
son." She said: "How shall I have a son seeing that no
man has touched me and I am not unchaste?" He said:
"So (it will be): thy Lord saith `That is easy for Me: and
(We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from
Us': it is a matter (so) decreed." So she conceived him and
she retired with him to a remote place. And the pains of
childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: she cried (in
her anguish): "Ah! would that I had died before this! Would
that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!" But (a
voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-free): "Grieve
not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee;
"And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: it
will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. "So eat and drink
and cool (thine) eye. And if thou dost see any man say `I have
vowed a fast to (Allah) Most Gracious and this day will I enter
into no talk with any human being.' " At length she brought
the (babe) to her people carrying him (in her arms). They said:
"O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought! "O
sister of Aaron! thy father was not a man of evil nor thy mother
a woman unchaste!" But she pointed to the babe. They said:
"How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?"
He said: "I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me
revelation and made me a prophet; "And He hath made me
Blessed wheresoever I be and hath enjoined on me Prayer and
Charity as long as I live; "(He) hath made me kind to my
mother and not overbearing or miserable; "So Peace is on me
the day I was born the day that I die and the Day that I shall
be raised up to life (again)"! Such (was) Jesus the son of
Mary: (it is) a statement of truth about which they (vainly)
dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He
should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter
He only says to it "Be" and it is. Verily Allah is my
Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that
is straight. But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to
the Unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a momentous
Day! How plainly will they see and hear the Day that they will
appear before Us! But the unjust today are in error manifest!
But warn them of the Day of Distress when the matter will be
determined: for (behold) they are negligent and they do not
believe! It is We Who will inherit the earth and all beings
thereon: to Us will they all be returned." [Maryam(19):16-40]
"When
Jesus came with Clear Signs he said: "Now have I come to
you with Wisdom and in order to make clear to you some of the
(points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me.
"For Allah; He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship ye Him:
this is a Straight Way." But sects from among themselves
fell into disagreement: then woe to the wrongdoers from the
Penalty of a Grievous Day! Do they only wait for the Hour that
it should come on them all of a sudden while they perceive not?
Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except the
Righteous. My devotees! no fear shall be on you that Day nor
shall ye grieve (Being) those who have believed in Our Signs and
bowed (their wills to Ours) in Islam. Enter ye the Garden ye and
your wives in (beauty and) rejoicing. To them will be passed
round dishes and goblets of gold: there will be there all that
the souls could desire all that the eyes could delight in: and
ye shall abide therein (for aye). Such will be the Garden of
which ye are made heirs for your (good) deeds (in life). Ye
shall have therein abundance of fruit from which ye shall have
satisfaction. The Sinners will be in the Punishment of Hell to
dwell therein (for aye): Nowise will the (punishment) be
lightened for them and in despair will they be there
overwhelmed. Nowise shall We be unjust to them: but it is they
who have been unjust themselves. They will cry: "O Malik!
would that thy Lord put and end to us!" He will say
"Nay but ye shall abide!" Verily We have brought the
truth to you: but most of you have a hatred for Truth." [Al-Zukhruf(43):63-78]
Some of the miracles of Jesus mentioned
again:
"Then
will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! recount my favor
to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the
holy spirit so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood
and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom the
Law and the Gospel. And behold! thou makest out of clay as it
were the figure of a bird by My leave and thou breathest into it
and it becometh a bird by My leave and thou healest those born
blind and the lepers by My leave. And behold! thou bringest
forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the
Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show
them the Clear Signs and the unbelievers among them said: `This
is nothing but evident magic'." [Al-Maidah(5):110]
How Allah saved Jesus from the crucifixion
by ascension:
"Behold!
Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to
Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who
blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those
who reject Faith to the Day of Resurrection; then shall ye all
return unto Me and I will judge between you of the matters
wherein ye dispute. As to those who reject faith I will punish
them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter nor
will they have anyone to help. As to those who believe and work
righteousness Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but
Allah loveth not those who do wrong. This is what We rehearse
unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom." " [A'al-Umran(3):55-58]
"That
they said (in boast) "We killed Christ Jesus the son of
Mary the Apostle of Allah"; 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 of a surety they killed him
not. Nay Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted
in Power Wise. " [Al-Nissa(4):157-158]
"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 wrong-doers be no one to help. They do
blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there
is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word
(of blasphemy) verily a grievous penalty will befall the
blasphemers among them. Why turn they not to Allah and seek His
forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful. Christ
the son of Mary was no more than an Apostle; many were the
Apostles that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of
truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah
doth makes His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they
are deluded away from the truth! " [Al-Maidah(5):72-75]
Jesus (pbuh) was not the son of God but
His creation (like Adam):
"This
similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created
him from dust then said to him: "Be" and he was. The
truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt. If
anyone disputes in this matter with thee now after (full)
knowledge hath come to thee say: "Come! let us gather
together our sons and your sons our women and your women
ourselves and yourselves: then let us earnestly pray and invoke
the curse of Allah on those who lie!" This is the true
account: there is no god except Allah; and Allah He is indeed
the Exalted in Power the Wise. But if they turn back Allah hath
full knowledge of those who do mischief. Say: "O people of
the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: that we
worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him;
that we erect not from among ourselves Lords and patrons other
than Allah." If then they turn back say: "Bear witness
that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's will)."
" [A'al-Umran(3):59-64]
"And
behold! Allah will say "O Jesus the son of Mary! didst thou
say unto men `worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of
Allah"? He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say
what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing Thou
wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart
though I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all
that is hidden. "Never said I to them aught except what
Thou didst command me to say to wit `Worship Allah my Lord and
your Lord'; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst
them; when Thou didst take me up thou wast the Watcher over them
and Thou art a Witness to all things. If Thou dost punish them
they are Thy servants: if Thou dost forgive them Thou art the
Exalted the Wise. Allah will say: "This is a day on which
the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens
with rivers flowing beneath their eternal home: Allah
well-pleased with them and they with Allah: that is the great
Salvation (the fulfillment of all desires). To Allah doth belong
the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is
therein and it is He who hath power over all things." [Al-Maidah(5)116-120]
"They
say "Allah hath begotten a son!" Glory be to Him! He
is self-sufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on
earth! No warrant have ye for this! Say ye about Allah what ye
know not? Say: "Those who invent a lie against Allah will
never prosper." A little enjoyment in this world! and then
to Us will be their return. Then shall We make them taste the
severest Penalty for their blasphemies. " [Yunus(10):68-70]
"They
say: "Allah hath begotten a son"; Glory be to Him. Nay
to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth;
everything renders worship to Him. To Him is due the primal
origin of the heavens and the earth; when He decreeth a matter
He saith to it: "Be"; and it is. " [Al-Bakarah(2):116-117]
"And
they say: "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten
offspring." Glory to Him! they are (but) servants raised to
honor. They speak not before He speaks and they act (in all
things) by His command. He knows what is before them and what is
behind them and they offer no intercession except for those who
are acceptable and they stand in awe and reverence of His
(glory). If any of them should say "I am a god besides
Him" such a god We should reward with Hell: thus do We
reward those who do wrong." [Al-Anbia(21):26:30]
"They
said (in boast): "(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a
son!" Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous! At
if the skies are ready to burst the earth to split asunder and
the mountains to fall down in utter ruin. That they should
invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious. For it is not consonant
with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a
son. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must
come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant. He does take and
account of them (all) and hath numbered them (all) exactly. And
every one of them will come to him singly on the Day of
Judgment. On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness
will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow Love. So have We made the
(Qur'an) easy in thine own tongue, (O Muhammad) that with it
thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous and warnings to
people given to contention." [Maryam(19):88-97]
"In
blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son
of Mary. Say: "Who then hath the least power against Allah
if His Will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary his mother
and all everyone that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth
the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is
between. He createth what He pleaseth. For Allah hath power over
all things."" [Al-Maidah(5):17]
"The
Jews call Uzair a son of Allah and the Christians call Christ
the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this)
they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say.
Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the
truth! They take their priests and their anchorites to be their
lords in derogation of Allah and (they take as their Lord)
Christ the son of Mary; Yet they were commanded to worship but
one Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to him: (far
is He) from having the parents they associate (with him). "
[Al-Tauba(9):30-31]
Rejection of the concept of the
"Trinity":
"O
mankind! the Apostle hath come to you in truth from Allah:
believe in him: it is best for you. But if ye reject faith, to
Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and Allah
is All-Knowing All-Wise. O people of the Book! commit no
excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but truth.
Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an Apostle of
Allah and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit
proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Apostles. Say
not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for
Allah is One Allah: glory be to him: (for Exalted is He) above
having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on
earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. Christ
disdaineth not to serve and worship Allah nor do the angels
those nearest (to Allah): those who disdain His worship and are
arrogant He will gather them all together unto himself to
(answer). But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness He
will give their (due) rewards and more out of His bounty: but
those who are disdainful and arrogant He will punish with a
grievous penalty; nor will they find besides Allah any to
protect or help them." [Al-Nissa(4):170-173]
The miraculous birth of prophet John (the
Baptist):
"(This
is) a recital of the Mercy of thy Lord to His Servant Zakariya.
Behold! he cried to his Lord in secret Praying: "O my Lord!
infirm indeed are my bones and the hair of my head doth glisten
with grey: but never am I unblest O my Lord in my prayer to
Thee! Now I fear (what) my relatives (and colleagues) (will do)
after me: but my wife is barren: so give me an heir as from
Thyself (One that) will (truly) represent me and represent the
posterity of Jacob; and make him O my Lord! one with whom Thou
art well-pleased!" (His prayer was answered): "O
Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: his name shall be
Yahya: on none by that name have We conferred distinction
before." He said: "O my Lord! how shall I have a son
when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old
age?" He said: "So (it will be): thy Lord saith `That
is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee before when thou hadst
been nothing!' " (Zakariya) said "O my Lord! give me a
Sign." "Thy Sign" was the answer "shall be
that thou shalt speak to no man for three nights although thou
art not dumb." So Zakariya came out to his people from his
chamber: he told them by signs to celebrate Allah's praises in
the morning and in the evening. (To his son came the command):
"O Yahya! take hold of the Book with might": and We
gave him wisdom even as a youth. And pity (for all creatures) as
from Us and purity: he was devout And kind to his parents and he
was not overbearing or rebellious." [Maryam(19):2-14]
The Feast:
""And
behold! I inspired the Disciples to have faith in Me and Mine
Apostle: they said `We have faith and do thou bear witness that
we bow to Allah as Muslims'. Behold! the disciples said: "O
Jesus the son of Mary! can thy Lord send down to us a table set
(with viands) from heaven?" Said Jesus: "Fear Allah if
ye have faith." They said: "We only wish to eat
thereof and satisfy our hearts and to know that thou hast indeed
told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the
miracle. Said Jesus the son of Mary: "O Allah our Lord!
send us from heaven a table set (with viands) that there may be
for us for the first and the last of us a solemn festival and a
sign from Thee; and provide for our sustenance for Thou art the
best Sustainer (of our needs). Allah said: "I will send it
down unto you: but if any of you after that resisteth faith I
will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on
anyone among all the peoples. " [Al-Maidah(5):111-115]
The response of Jesus' people:
"Then
in their wake We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles:
We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary and bestowed on him the
Gospel; and We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him
Compassion and Mercy. But the monasticism which they invented
for themselves We did not prescribe for them: (We commanded)
only the seeking for the Good pleasure of Allah; but that they
did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed on
those among them who believed their (due) reward but many of
them are rebellious transgressors. " [Al-Hadeed(57):27]
"When
(Jesus) the son of Mary is held up as an example behold thy
people raise a clamor thereat (in ridicule)! And they say "
Are Our gods best or He?" This they set forth to thee only
by way of disputation: yea they are a contentious people. He was
no more than a servant: We granted Our favor to him and We made
him an example to the Children of Israel. " [Al-Zukhruf(43):57-59]
Christians and Islam:
"Strongest
among men in enmity to the believers 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. And when they
listen to the revelation received by the Apostle thou wilt see
their eyes overflowing with tears for they recognize the truth:
they pray: "Our Lord! we believe; write us down among the
witnesses." [Al-Maidah(5):82-83]
The relationship of Islam and the Qur'an
to the previous messages and scriptures:
"(O
beloved Muhammad!) To thee We sent the Scripture in truth
confirming the scripture that came before it and guarding it in
safety; so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed and
follow not their vain desires diverging from the truth that hath
come to thee. To each among you have We prescribed a Law and an
Open Way. If Allah had so willed He would have made you a single
people but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you:
so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to
Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in
which ye dispute. And this (He commands): Judge thou between
them by what Allah hath revealed and follow not their vain
desires but beware of them lest they beguile thee from any of
that (teaching) which Allah hath sent down to thee. And if they
turn away be assured that for some of their crimes it is Allah's
purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious."
[Al-Maidah(5):48-49]
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