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"The
Life of Isa in Islam"
by: Ahmad Musa Jibril
(to view Arabic properly, right click the page, choose encode, choose arabic)
The life of the Prophet Isa alayhe salam
has been a topical issue of late in the media as well as in popular culture.
There is a new awareness and heightened curiosity worldwide regarding
the amazing life and miracles of Isa alayhe salam. His personality has
impacted the three major religions of this world, namely Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam. Given the importance of his time on earth, it is critical for
mankind to fully understand his pivotal role in shaping history as well
as the final days.
The importance of Isa alayhe salam is
apparent in the status that is assigned to him in Islam. He was the last
messenger and prophet before the Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe
wasalam, as well as the last messenger of Bani Israel. Allah has bestowed
a special favor on the family of Isa alayhe salam by mentioning his name
25 times, and his mother's 31 times in the Quran. Isa's name is mentioned
in the Quran even more than the Prophet Muhammad's name. Prophet Isa's
mention is noted in ten different situations in the Quran. There is even
an entire chapter (surah) named after Isa's mother, Maryam alayha salam,
as well as his grandparents, Al-Imran alayhum asalam, who were chosen
over all of mankind. This surah, Surat Al-Imran, also reveals the story
of Maryam alayha salam. It outlines a description of her lineage and upbringing.
It also relates the pure conception and birth of Isa alayhe salam.
The fact that Isa's story is mentioned
in the Quran, highlights his importance. There are incidents mentioned
related to him or his mother in one part, and then completed in another.
This adds to the reader's curiosity concerning his status and keeps one
interested in his story, and his revered status in Islam.
At the crux of the Isa story is how he is caught between two groups. On the one hand, there are the Jews, who in their hatred claim that he is not a messenger and want nothing less than his crucifixion. On the other hand, there are the Christians, who raised him to a level of extreme glorification, claiming he is the son of God and God's incarnate.
There were among the children of Israel many pious people, and from them was the family of Imran alayhum asalam, as stated in the Quran.
إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَى
آدَمَ وَنُوحًا وَآلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَآلَ عِمْرَانَ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ
ذرِّيَّةً بَعْضُهَا مِنْ بَعْضٍ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of
Abraham and the family of Imran above the Alaamin (mankind and jinns)
(of their times). Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is the All-Hearer,
All-Knower. 3:33-34
Imran alayhe salam was a pious, adherent, worshiping man whose family chain linked back to Dawud alayhe salam. It was due to the piety of Al-Imran family that Allah saved their generation from mischief and evil. However, Imran's wife, Hannah bint Fakood alayha salam, was unable to give birth to children. One day after having seen a mother bird care for its young by regurgitating food into their mouths, it was then Hannah desired children for herself. This, however, was not conceivable since she was beyond the child-bearing age, and was not even able to do so during those years. She prayed to Allah for a child, and He who responds to his servant by "Kun Fayakun", answered her prayer. As soon as she felt the child's movements in her womb, she promised to dedicate the child to the service of Allah, as gratitude to Allah.
(Remember) when the wife of Imran said, "Oh my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing. 3:35
إِذْ قَالَتِ امْرَأَةُ عِمْرَانَ رَبِّ إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِي بَطْنِي مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
She wanted a male child to give to the
maintenance of Beit AlMaqdis, a place of worship in Jerusalem, since that
was the tradition of the time. There were many reasons for having a male
in this position. The main reason was due to the predominately male atmosphere
which preferentially required men to be the family delegate in the social
setting. Another reason was when a woman is on her period, she would be
unable to attend to the place of worship's needs, which is a day-to-day
responsibility. Finally, the caretaker of Beit AlMaqdis would have to
reside there or in its proximity, potentially compromising the security
of a female caretaker.
Finally, Hannah gave birth to a girl:
Then when she delivered her (child Mary),
she said:
"Oh my Lord! I have delivered a female child,"-and Allah knew
better what she delivered- "And the male is not like the female,
and I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge with you (Allah) for her
and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast." 3:36
فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَضَعْتُهَا أُنْثَى وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ وَلَيْسَ الذَّكَرُ كَالْأُنْثَى وَإِنِّي سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
Despite Hannah's disappointment, Allah
knew ultimately what was best. He had planned for Maryam alayha asalam
to be the first female caretaker of Beit AlMaqdis.
Allah had bestowed upon Maryam alayha salam many blessings. The Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam said she is of the best of women. She is among the four women that are guaranteed heaven. The others being Khadija, the wife of the Prophet, Asiya, the wife of Fir'aun, and Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad. Maryam was the only woman whose son is attributed to her, rather than the father. She was the only woman to have been chosen for the pure birth of a prophet. She was also honored as being the mother of one of the most important figures in history.
وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
"And I seek refuge with you (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast." 3:36
In Bukhari, the Prophet said, "There
is no newborn except the Shaytan pokes him in his side, thereby coming
out crying, except Maryam and her son." Abu Huraira then recited,
"وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا
This hadith is evidence that Hannah's dua to seek refuge in Allah for her progeny from the devil was answered. In fact, this dua was answered fully since Maryam alayha salam and Isa alayhe salam did not have the effect of the devil on them. This would have been true for any offspring that followed. However, her lineage ended with Isa.
فتَقَبَّلَهَا رَبُّهَا بِقَبُولٍ حَسَنٍ وَأَنْبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا
"So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in good manner and put her under the care of Zakariya." 3:37
"Fataqaballaha" meaning Allah accepted Hannah's pledge and desire to give Maryam to the service of Beit AlMaqdis. Allah gave her an outer appearance of peace and tranquility. Hannah alayha salam then took Maryam alayha salam to reside among the pious, so that she would learn and worship with them.
ذَلِكَ مِنْ أَنْبَاءِ
الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا كُنْتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ
أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنْتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ
"This is part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen) which We inspire you with (Oh Muhammad). You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary; nor were you with them when they disputed. 3:44
A crowd gathered as Hannah alayha salam
carried Maryam alayha salam to Beit AlMaqdis. Hannah addressed them and
said she had given an oath to Allah that her offspring would be dedicated
to the service of Beit AlMaqdis. She was unable to enter the masjid due
to her menstrual cycle, and refused to take Maryam back home because of
the oath she had given. Hannah needed someone to take care of and watch
over Maryam by giving her food, water, and clothing.
Zakariya alayhe salam, who was also a messenger, stepped forward for her
care. He volunteered to take care of Maryam alayha salam, since his wife
was Maryam's aunt (her mother's sister), or his wife was Maryam's sister
(depending on the conflicting narrations; however, it is probable that
he was Maryam's brother-in-law).
However, others also wanted the honor
of caring for Maryam alayha salam. The dispute continued and the decision
was made to draw lots, kur'ah. There are two different narrations as to
how the dispute was settled. The first narration states that pens that
were used for writing the Tawrah were cast into the river. A young child
who had not reached the age of puberty would select a pen and the owner
of it would be the one responsible for the care of Maryam alayha salam.
This was done three times, and each time Zakariya's pen was chosen. The
second narration states that several pens were cast out. The owner of
the pen that went against the current would be responsible for Maryam's
care. This was done three times, and each time Zakariya's pen was chosen.
Allah chose Zakariya alayhe salam to be Maryam's caretaker since he was the best among the people of that time. He was a messenger of Allah with the most knowledge and fiqh and could convey it to Maryam alayha salam. In addition, Allah wanted to inspire Zakariya alayhe salam through miracles Maryam alayha salam received.
كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا
زَكَرِيَّا الْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِنْدَهَا رِزْقًا قَالَ يَا مَرْيَمُ أَنَّى
لَكِ هَذَا قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَنْ
يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ
Every time that he entered (her) chamber
to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Maryam!
From where have you got this?" She said, "From Allah."
Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit."3:37
Every time Zakariya, who was the only person to enter upon Maryam, came into the mihrab (chamber), he found with Maryam sustenance that was out of season.
أَنَّى لَكِ هذاَ
"O Maryam! From where have you got this?"3:37
قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ
اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ
She said: "From Allah." Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit."3:37
This sustenance was not from a creation, but rather from Allah, the one who provides without limits. Allah made Zakariya alayhe salam notice that Maryam alayha salam was truly blessed and because of the miracles he witnessed, Zakariya asked Allah for a child in order to further carry on the message of Allah. Instantly, his dua was answered.
هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا
رَبَّهُ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ
سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرَابِ أَنَّ
اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَى مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَسَيِّدًا
وَحَصُورًا وَنَبِيًّا مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
3:38-39
"At that time Zakariya invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation." 3:38
"Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in al-Mihrab (a praying place) (saying): "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John) confirming (believing in) the Word from Allah (i.e. creation of Jesus the word from Allah "Be! And he was!), noble, keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous." 3:39
He said: "Oh my Lord! Make a sign for me." Allah said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much (by praising Him again and again), and glorify (Him), in the afternoon and in the morning." 3:40
In another verse Allah mentions that Zakariya alayhe salam used to praise him. Though seemingly contradictory, Zakariya alayhe salam refrained from engaging in worldly matters, but continued to utter the praise of Allah.
From this example, Allah shows us his
supremacy in his provision whether or not the means are available. This
is specifically illustrated in three ways. The first being where the means
are provided and one receives the offspring. In this case, a male and
female are healthy and are able to conceive children. The second is a
situation where the means are available but one is unable to conceive,
as was the case with Zakariya alayhe salam. Finally, a situation where
the means are not available and yet one is able to conceive. Isa and Adam
are two examples of the latter situation. That is why depending entirely
on the means is shirk. Allah teaches us through the story of Maryam alayha
salam that his powers are limitless and he reigns supreme over all things.
Therefore, our trust should be placed with Him.
As Maryam alayha salam was praying the angels came to her and said:
وَإِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَا مَرْيَمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَى نِسَاءِ
And (remember) when the angels said:
"Oh Mary! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism
and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind
and jinns)."
3:42
In one verse Allah, subhana watala has
shown Maryam alayha salam his favor twice by choosing her over the rest
of the women of creation.
The story and Maryam alayha salam and Isa alayhe salam is revealed in Surat Maryam.
وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ انْتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِيًّا
And mention in the Book (the Quran, O
Muhammad, the story of) Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her
family to a place facing east. 19:16
Maryam alayha salam left the mihrab towards the east of Jerusalem. There are three narrations as to why she left the mihrab. One states she needed to relieve herself. Another one states that because she was on her menstrual cycle she was unable to stay in the mihrab. The third narration states she wanted to worship alone in seclusion. There is not one narration that is stronger than the other. However, the emphasis is on her desire to stay apart from society, which is indicative of her nature.
فَاتَّخَذَتْ مِنْ دُونِهِمْ حِجَابًا فَأَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهَا رُوحَنَا فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا سَوِيًّا
She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her our Ruh (Angel Jibril), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. 19:17
In this aya, Maryam screens herself with a hijab, which means a physical barrier or piece of clothing, which prevents her from being seen.
فَأَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهَا
رُوحَنَا
"We sent to her Our angel" 19:17
In the Quran, Allah uses the word "rooh",
or soul, which refers to Angel Jibril. Angel Jibril is called the soul
for three reasons. He is the soul of human kind and delivers what is needed
for salvation, as well as what fuels the spirit. Second, the term "ya
roohy" is like a term of endearment, expressed to the most beloved
creation of Allah. Finally, Angel Jibril is a spiritual being that exudes
all things good and pure, without being tainted by evil.
Angel Jibril has appeared in different
forms, depending who the message was being carried to. When he came to
the Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam, he came in his original
form. When he asked Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam to recite
he lifted one wing which covered the horizon. The Prophet was so terrified
that he went running back in fear to his wife and cried to her, cover
me, cover me.
However, when he appeared to Maryam alayha
salam, he revealed himself as a man.
فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا
سَوِيًّا
19:17
means in a beautiful handsome male figure.
Based on the premise that Angel Jibril
revealed himself to her, can one say that Maryam was a prophet or messenger?
There are two opinions on this issue. The former being that few scholars
adopt the opinion that she was a prophet since Angel Jibril came to her.
Though, a vast majority say she was not a prophet and is actually a waliya,
or one who is close to Allah.
One who receives revelation is not necessarily
a prophet. An aya in the Quran in Surat Al-Nahl states, "Wawha rabuka
ila al-nahl"16:68, Allah gave revelation to the bees. This supports
the fact that mere reception of revelation does not mean prophethood.
Another reason that supports her being a waliya is that a female messenger
would be required to travel, which would be unsafe for her. It would also
be difficult for a female prophet to convey the message of Allah due to
menstruation, pregnancy, or childbirth. The most decisive proof is the
aya in surah 5, verse 75 which states, "Wa Ummuhu sideeqa",
his (Jesus) mother was a woman of truth (high ranked believer).
The term "sawia" (19:17) in this verse describes Angel Jibril. This word implies he has no deficiency in his character, nor is he a horrible sight. All angels come in this form. In order not to frighten Maryam alayha salam, Angel Jibril appeared to her as a handsome man. Due to her lack of contact with men, and Angel Jibril's actual alarming form, it was important that he appeared to her as a handsome man.
قَالَتْ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِالرَّحْمَنِ مِنْكَ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَقِيًّا
She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah." 19:18
When Angel Jibril came to Maryam alayha salam, she was horrified and speechless, but her response was that of a pious woman. Her warning to stay away would apply only to one who fears Allah. It would be useless to make such a statement for those who do not have any fear from Allah. Of all the possible names and attributes of Allah, Maryam alayha salam referred to Him as ArRahman, the merciful, rather than the Vengeful or the Mighty. She appealed to His having mercy on her weakness, on being female, on being alone.
قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَنَا رَسُولُ رَبِّكِ لِأَهَبَ لَكِ غُلَامًا زَكِيًّا
(The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger
from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son."
19:19
Angel Jibril comforted her and tried to calm her by saying he was a messenger
from Allah. She believed him because she saw in him purity, or some say
that Allah inspired her to believe in him.
لِأَهَبَ لَكِ
Here the verse says to grant you (it refers to granting something with nothing expected in return). Angel Jibril was sent to grant Maryam a baby boy by the will of Allah.
غُلَامًا زَكِيًّا
One of the attributes of that boy is zaky, meaning that he is pure and not an illegitimate child.
قَالَتْ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِي بَشَرٌ وَلَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّا
She said: "How shall I have a son,
seeing that no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" 19:20
Maryam alayha salam was appalled to hear that she would bear a child when
she was not married nor had been touched by a man. Her modesty and honor
would be compromised.
بَغِيًّا
The term "baghiyya"
(19:20) implies someone who prostitutes and desires men. Maryam adamantly
exclaims that she is not one who follows such desires.
قَالَ كَذَلِكِ قَالَ رَبُّكِ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً
لِلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَةً مِنَّا وَكَانَ أَمْرًا مَقْضِيًّا
He said: "So (it will be), your
Lord said: 'That is easy for Me (Allah): and (We wish) to appoint him
as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already)
decreed, (by Allah).' " 19:21
Jibril informs Maryam alayha salam that Allah's commands are effortless
and He wills it and so it happens. Just as Allah granted Zakirya a child,
he is capable of doing the same for Maryam alayha salam.
هَيِّنٌ وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ
آيَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَة
He (Jesus) was a miracle who brought miracles to mankind.
وَرَحْمَةً مِنَّا
He also was a mercy to humanity and a beacon of salvation through the teachings Allah revealed to him.
وَكَانَ أَمْرًا مَقْضِيًّا
Angel Jibril conveyed to Maryam alayha salam this was something destined by Allah.
The question of Isa's conception was
answered in three different ways.
There are those whose iman overrides
their thinking, and this would be the pinnacle of belief, like Abu Bakr
and Maryam alayha salam. Abu Bakr was told the Prophet salla allahu alayhe
wasalam went from Mecca to Jerusalem and from Jerusalem to the seven skies
and returned, all the while his bed was still warm. When questioned by
the Kuffar as to if he believed the Prophet salla allahu alayhe wasalam,
he replied without hesitation that if he had said it, it was the truth.
Another example is the story of Maryam
alayha salam. She was told she would conceive and she questioned the manner
of how that would be possible. After Jibril explained "kathalik",
she immediately accepted the supreme power of Allah.
The second group of people are those
whose thinking governs their iman. They question everything that is told
to them. An example of this group is the mu'atazilah. Anything that is
presented to them, they use their thinking and rationale to accept or
reject it.
Another example of this category is the
story of Yousef Al-Najjar, who was Maryam's cousin and caretaker of Beit
Al-Maqdis. He asked Maryam alayha salam concerning her unique pregnancy.
He had seen her during her pregnancy and was unable to overlook her condition.
He approached her hesitantly, knowing that she is a pious believer. He
wished to receive an explanation to satisfy the questions in his mind
about her pregnancy. Maryam alayha salam permitted him to ask, emphasizing
that he be understanding and kind. He asked her if trees, grass, and plants
grow without water. She replied yes, explaining that the One who was able
to create it the first time from nothing, can make it grow with and without
water. She then asked him who made water before it was water. He replied
that Allah did. He asked her can a baby be conceived without a husband.
She answered him by saying the One who created Adam without a father or
a mother can create a baby without a father. Then he responded by saying
"Inna Allah 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer, Allahu Akbar", Allah
has the power over all things, Allah is great, and he believed.
Finally, the third group is one who has
no iman and no proper thinking, at times even rejecting concrete or tangible
proof. An example of such a people would be the Jews, who repeatedly denied
the truth because of their lack of faith and lack of thinking. They had
reached a conclusion before hearing an explanation from Maryam alayha
salam, due to their stubbornness and arrogance. We can deduce that the
best way to deal with such people is through silence. Even after they
were shown another miracle, which was Isa alayhe salam speaking as an
infant, they still denied Allah's power.
Maryam alayha salam was ordered to remain
silent so the infant Isa alayhe salam could speak. This was ordained so
Allah could show mankind that he can put words into the mouth of a breast-feeding
infant, just as He can create a child in the womb without a father. Yet
they do not see, so it is best for one to remain silent.
Jibril blew into the opening at the neck
of Maryam's garment and his breath traveled down to her womb and Isa alayhe
salam was conceived. She gave birth to Isa alayhe salam, yet remained
a virgin. This serves as a lesson to those that try to fathom the power
of Allah. One cannot comprehend his power since our intellect is limited,
in comprehension.
Who is it that created the earth and
formed within it the oceans and grew from it the trees? Who created the
wheat and enveloped within it that which preserves it?
The creation of Isa alayhe salam is akin
to the creation of Adam alayhe salam. A healthy couple who is unable to
bear children compared to another that is blessed with offspring; one
must ask who is the provider for one and not the other. Without a doubt,
it would be Allah.
According to Ibn Kathir, Maryam alayha salam and her sister, Um Yahya alayha salam, who is also Zakariya's wife, were pregnant at the same time. When Um Yahya was near Maryam, the child in her womb would bow to the child in Maryam's, since at that time sujood was permissible. Um Yahya alayha salam and her unborn baby also felt most comfortable and at peace when they were around Maryam alayha salam. Indeed it was miraculous for the two messengers to communicate before their actual birth. Isa alayhe salam would even speak to his mother while in her womb. If he is not speaking to her, she hears his constant praise and tasbeeh to Allah.
فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَانْتَبَذ
به مكانا قصياََ19:22
And she conceived him, and she withdrew
with him to a far place. 19:22
She was aware of the type of society that surrounded her and what their
reaction would be. She did not want to submit herself to their accusations,
as well as to the agony and anguish of childbirth. It was then she decided
to withdraw and seclude herself in a faraway place.
Some narrations say she was pregnant
for seven or eight months, however the most authentic narration states
that she was pregnant for nine.
At the time of childbirth, she traveled to Beit Lahem, which is present day Bethlehem.
فَأَجَاءَهَا الْمَخَاضُ إِلَى جِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ قَالَتْ يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ هَذَا وَكُنْتُ نَسْيًا
And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!"19:23
Usually one holds the hand of a husband or a mother during this trying time, however, with no one around her, Maryam alayha salam grasped onto the branch of a tree. The Quran does not explicitly describe Maryam's childbirth and seems to skip over that fact since it is obvious and apparent, and to maintain the eloquence of the Quran.
يَا لَيْتَنِي مِتُّ قَبْلَ
هَذَا وَكُنْتُ نَسْيًا
She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" 19:23
وَكُنْتُ نَسْيًا منسيا
During this time of hardship, Maryam
alayha salam wished she was "nasiya mansiya", something forgotten
or trivial. From these ayat, one might surmise she questioned Allah's
destiny for her, due to a couple of reasons. The first being Maryam alayha
salam did not want to be a cause of fitnah for her people. She knew Isa's
birth would be a cause of people either believing or disbelieving in the
oneness of Allah. She did not want her unique situation to be the cause
of others going to hell. Maryam's conception of Isa alayhe salam without
a father, would lead to the claim that Isa was the son of God, therefore
implying she is the wife of God.
Another reason was Maryam alayha salam
knew her honor would be attacked, and that was difficult for a woman of
piety. Finally, some sects claim Maryam alayha salam raised her head to
the sky after giving birth and witnessed Allah's Looh Al-Mahfooth, the
book where everything is written. She was shown that she would be worshipped
by some instead of Allah. However, the latter opinion is false.
Based on Maryam's example, if one was
faced with an insurmountable tribulation, it is permissible to ask Allah
to take their soul. There are two examples from the time of the Prophet
salla allahu alayhe wasalam that illustrate this. It was narrated the
Prophet asked Allah that if he was to test his slaves with a fitnah (a
major test in their faith), to take his soul prior to it. Umar was also
quoted as saying on one occasion, he wished his mother had not given birth
to him.
فَنَادَاهَا مِنْ تَحْتِهَا أَلَّا تَحْزَنِي قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا
Then (the babe Jesus or Jibril) cried
unto her from in front of her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has
provided a water stream in front of you." 19:24
Maryam heard a call from in front of her telling her not to grieve, and there are 2 narrations as to who the call was from. One narration states it was Angel Jibril, while the other states it was Isa.
أَلَّا تَحْزَنيِ
She should not distress about her dishonor or worry about being unable to fulfill the responsibility that Allah endowed upon her.
قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا
"Sariya" refers to a spring of water from an elevation.
وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ
النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا
"And shake the trunk of palm-tree
towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." 19:25
Allah orders Maryam alayha salam to shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards her, causing the dates to fall as sustenance for her. From this, one can learn that it is imperative for one to put in the effort and then place their trust in Allah. In Tirmidhi, it is stated a man entered the masjid without tying his camel. The Prophet inquired as to why he had not tied it, and he replied he depended on Allah. The Prophet responded by saying that he should tie it, and then depend on Allah. One should do what is in their power, and then leave the rest to Allah.
فَكُلِي وَاشْرَبِي وَقَرِّي عَيْنًا فَإِمَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ أَحَدًا فَقُولِي إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ إِنْسِيًّا
"So eat and drink and be glad, and
if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the
Most Beneficient (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this
day." 19:26
Maryam shook the tree and "balah", dates in their ripe stage, fell upon her. (Dates in their ripe stages have been proven medically to be healthy and ease the process of birth upon a women.) She ate from them, drank water, and was told to be happy after seeing her beautiful baby.
فَإِمَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ أَحَدًا فَقُولِي إِنِّي نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمَنِ صَوْمًا
Then Allah revealed to Maryam alayha salam if she was to see anyone, not to answer, and to fast from talk. In the past, people would fast from talking, and this was part of their belief. In Islam, however, it is prohibited to abstain completely from speaking. This is apparent when Abu Bakr deterred his family from fasting from talk, stating it was haram. Another example is when Ibn Masood was talking to two men, one who was refraining from talking. When asked why he did not want to talk, his friend answered he was fasting from talk. Ibn Masood said to fast from talk only applied to Maryam and her situation, and it is not from our religion, and he ordered the man to speak.
فأتت به قومها تحمله19:27
Then she brought him (the baby) to her
people, carrying him. 19:27
While Maryam alayha salam was away, her townspeople had gone looking for her. According to most narrations she was away for 40 days. She approached her people with Isa alayhe salam in her arms.
قالوا يامريم لقد جئت شَيْئًا
فَرِيًّا
They said: "O Maryam! Indeed you
have brought a thing Fariyya (an unheard mighty thing). 19:27
They saw her coming from far away, and expressed their shock at the sight
of the baby in her arms. "Fariyya" refers to something unlike
any other, and completely unbelievable.
ياأخت هارون ما كان ابوك امرئ
"O sister of Harun! Your father
was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste
woman." 19:28
In a hadith, Mugherah bin Shubah went
to debate the people of Najran who were Christians. They asked him does
the Quran state that Maryam is Harun's sister, when in fact, Harun and
Musa preceded them by hundreds of years. The Prophet salla allahu alayhe
wasalam said people used to be named in honor of the messengers. There
are three opinions to clarify this reference. The first is that Maryam
alayha salam actually had a brother whose name was Harun, who was named
after the messenger Harun. Another opinion was that Maryam had the characteristics
of Prophet Harun, being vigilant and pious. Finally, there might have
been a pious man at the time of Maryam, named Harun they attributed her
prior characteristics to.
The people accused her indirectly of being unchaste and ordered her to speak up. When she refused, they assumed her guilty. Allah chose silence for her, because in certain circumstances silence is better. She pointed to Isa alayhe salam, and they understood that to mean that he would respond. They were bewildered as to how they could speak to one who was still in the cradle.
قالوا كيف نكلم من كان في المهد صبيا
They said: How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, a young boy? 19:29
This is where the miracle begins. The
Prophet said three people spoke as infants, and Isa alayhe salam was one
of them.
قال اني عبدالله
Isa alayhe salam answered them by saying,
"I am the servant of Allah." 19:30
This verse is what made Al-Najashy cry
and say this is what Isa alayhe salam said. This statement by Isa alayhe
salam was clearly denying the status that people would later attribute
to him. By stating he was the servant of Allah, he not only negates the
curse to Allah and clarifies his status, but also acquits his mother of
any lewd behavior.
The term "abd Allah" is an honorable name, which is the highest
of human ranks. When one is a slave to Allah, no one else can become his
master. When Allah wants to favor his prophets, he gives them the name
"abd Allah."
أتاني الكتاب
Isa alayhe salam, while only a few days old, told the people he has received the scripture. He did not actually receive it at that moment, but rather he knew Allah had chosen him as a messenger and would receive it. Knowing it's something surely going to happen in the future, he words it as though it has happened.
وجعلني نبيا
The verse states Isa alayhe salam is
a prophet, that he would receive revelation and a scripture from Allah.
Again, he was in his crib describing himself as a messenger, although
it did not happen. He used such terms because it's surely to take place.
وجعلني مباركا اينما كنت
Allah blessed Isa alayhe salam because he guided people to the path of righteousness and ordained virtue and forbade evil. He also had the unique ability to cure the ill and bring the dead back to life by the will of Allah as he repeatedly stated.
واوصاني بالصلاوة والزكاة
ما دمت حيا
And he has enjoined on me prayer, and Zakat, as long as I live. 19:31
وبرا بوالدتي
And dutiful to my mother, and made me
not arrogant, unblest.
19:32
والسلام علي يوم ولدت ويوم
اموت ويوم ابعث حيا
Peace on me the day I was born, and the
day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive! 19:33
There were some who believed that she was speaking the truth. Others and
most, however, believed she was using black magic and was attempting to
deceive them. They were not convinced and continued to believe her as
being unchaste and questioned the manner in which Isa alayhe salam was
conceived.
ذلك عيسي ابن مريم
ما كان لله ان يتخذ من
ولد19:34
Such was Jesus, son of Mary. It befits
not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. 19:34
Isa alayhe salam, in the Quran, is referred
by four different attributes. The first one is "rooh Allah".
This is not to say he is the soul of Allah literally, but rather it is
a phrase used to honor Isa alayhe salam and to show his endearment to
Allah. The second phrase is "rooh minh", meaning a soul from
Allah. He is not a part of Allah physically, instead he is a soul from
His creation. Next, Isa alayhe salam is referred to as "kalimat Allah",
a word of Allah. This means he was created by words from Allah, "kun
fa yakun", be and it is. Finally, he is called "maseeh"
which means that he is "mamsooh al-khilqa", or very handsome
to look at, or from the word, "masaha" (to wipe), that he was
able to cure illness with a mere touch.
Allah showered many miracles and blessings
on Isa alayhe salam, including his very birth. The townspeople witnessed
light from where Maryam alayha salam gave birth to him. They were drawn
to the brightness of the light, but were stopped from entering the area
since it was protected by angels.
Right after Isa's birth, astrologers and fortune tellers informed the king of Persia that a messenger had been born. He sent a letter to the king of Damascus inquiring about any important births. The king of Damascus then sent a letter to Beit Al-Maqdis again wanting to know of any recent notable births. The people in Beit AlMaqdis replied that someone had been born of a miraculous birth. This child was born without a father. The king of Persia demanded he be killed. So Maryam alayha salam took her son to Egypt for their protection and she later returned.
وجعلنا ابن امريم الى ربوة ذات قرار ومعين
In Egypt, Maryam alayha salam and her
son, Isa alayhe salam, stayed in a house of a wealthy and pious worshipper.
He took them in and spent on them. He had a house for charity for the
elderly, sick, and weak. He fed them and tended to all their needs. He
had gold hidden near one of the walls of the house. One day, he discovered
it had been stolen. He gathered in his house and asked who had taken the
gold. He insisted everyone be apprehended until his gold had been recovered.
Isa alayhe salam, who was just a little boy, revealed that a blind man
and another one who was paralyzed had conspired together to take the gold.
He had confronted the two men and asserted that they return the gold or
great evil would befall them. They were amazed as to how a child would
have such knowledge and conviction. They asked him how he knew, and Isa
alayhe salam replied that Allah had revealed it to him. The gold was returned
immediately to the owner.
Isa alayhe salam received the revelation
at the age of 30 and was sent to Bani Israel. At that time, they were
living in the Al-Sham area, which is present day Syria, Palestine, Lebanon,
and Jordan. He began to spread the word of God, and revealed he was his
messenger.
When Isa alayhe salam began calling his people to Allah's way, they asked him for miracles, since they were practicing magic and medicine at that time.
وَيُعَلِّمُهُ الْكِتَابَ
وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَالتَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنْجِيل
َ
وَرَسُولًا إِلَى بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُمْ بِآيَةٍ مِنْ
رَبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُمْ مِنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنْفُخُ
فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ
وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَى بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَأُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ
وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآيَةً لَكُمْ إِنْ
كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ
And He (Allah) will teach him (Jesus) the Book and Al-Hikmah (wisdom), and the Torah and the Gospel. 3:48
And will make him (Jesus) a Messenger
to the Children of Israel (saying): "I have come to you with a sign
from your Lord, that I design 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 him who has born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead
to life by Allah's leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you
store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe."
3:49
These verses state that one of the miracles
was that Isa alayhe salam was given the book and wisdom, law, and gospel.
This, however, was not enough for them. He made a figure of a bird from
clay and breathed life into it, by the will of Allah. The bird flew away
and again this was not enough for them. At the time of Isa alayhe salam,
medical knowledge was at its height, yet they were not able to cure blindness.
The miracles from Allah is always given to the messenger to coincide with
that which is popular of their time. Isa alayhe salam was given the miracle
of restoring sight to the blind, by the will of Allah. Even though his
people were advanced medically, they understood that his ability to cure
blindness was indeed a true miracle. He also was able to cure leprosy
and gave life to the dead. Bani Israel took Isa alayhe salam to a graveyard
where they asked him to give life to a man that had died. Isa alayhe salam
brought that man back to life, by the will of Allah. He emerged from his
grave with his clothes on and questioned why he had been brought back
to life. He asked Isa alayhe salam to return him back to his grave since
that abode was a better place for him. Isa alayhe salam then made dua
and the man died once again. Even after this miracle, Bani Israel still
were skeptical.
On another occasion, Isa alayhe salam
was once passing by a graveyard when he noticed a woman crying over a
grave. He asked her who had been buried there. The woman stated it was
her daughter and swore she would not leave her because of her love for
her. In her grief, she wished to die with her daughter or her daughter
be brought back to life. Isa alayhe salam proposed to her that if he brought
her back to life again, would the woman then believe in his message. The
woman agreed and Isa alayhe salam proceeded to command three times that
the dead girl rise from her grave. The girl then was brought out of her
grave. Isa alayhe salam questioned why it had taken so long for the girl
to rise from her grave. She said that once she heard the first calling,
Allah recreated her physical form. At his second command, an angel appeared
over her head. Finally, her soul returned to her. As her soul returned
to her body, the girl's hair turned to white from the horror that it might
be the judgment day. The girl was appalled at the idea of experiencing
the agony of death again and asked Isa alayhe salam to return her to her
grave. At this point, the mother is silent and astonished at what she
saw. Isa alayhe salam maked dua to Allah to return the girl to her grave
and to ease her plight. His prayer was granted.
Bani Israel were still unconvinced of
Isa alayhe salam and his message. They asked him what food sustained them
and what they had stored in their houses. He responded correctly and yet
they still did not believe. Isa alayhe salam informed them that he was
sent to confirm the Tawrah and to make permissible what was previously
forbidden.
They continued to bring him the sick, blind, and infirmed - those that
are paralyzed or with terminal illnesses. With Allah's permission, he
was able to cure them all.
During his lifetime, Isa alayhe salam
was a humble servant to the word of Allah. He slept without a covering
and wore wool. When he was reminded of the afterlife, he would scream
and weep like a child. Before he began to preach the word of Allah, he
was a handsome, young man. After spreading the message of Allah, he was
often yellow from hunger with dry lips from thirst. He continued preaching
of the oneness of Allah and of the Injeel.
Isa's followers were from the poor and weak of the Bani Israel. He delivered
numerous messages, one of which was the coming of a later messenger by
the name of Ahmad. Even with all miracles Isa alayhe salam was given by
Allah, Bani Israel continued to disbelieve and stated that it was just
black magic.
إِنْ هَـذَا إِلاَّ سِحْرٌ
مُّبِينٌ
He traveled to Al-Nasirah in Palestine which was for him like Ta'if was for Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. However, in reality Al-Nasirah turned out to be like Madina was for the Prophet. He, too, called on the people for their support for a victory much like Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam did in Ta'if. Isa alayhe salam gained a firm amount of following in Al-Nasirah, unlike the reaction of the people of Ta'if for Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. The disciples answered to his call by confirming they were Allah's helpers. They proclaimed their belief and affirmed they were Muslims.
قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ
نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ
"We are the helpers of Allah; we
believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (we submit to Allah)."
3:52
Others, however, disbelieved and were arrogant of the message.
فَآَمَنَت طَّائِفَةٌ مِّن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّائِفَةٌ
"Then a group of the Children of
Israel believed and a group disbelieved." 61:14
The Hawiryoon were true worshippers, like the Muhajireen and Ansar, who gave commitment to our Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. There were twelve disciples, and among the disciples were those that insisted on proof and were not willing to follow blindly. They presented Isa alayhe salam with challenges and demanded that he ask Allah for a feast from heaven as a miracle. Isa alayhe salam replied that they should fear Allah if they were believers because should such a miracle be granted - and they still do not believe - doom would befall them. They insisted on the firmness of their belief, but wanted this miracle only to further strengthen it. Isa alayhe salam then invoked Allah for food to be sent to them and to those that followed until the Day of Judgment.
إِذْ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ
يَا عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ هَلْ يَسْتَطِيعُ رَبُّكَ أَن يُنَزِّلَ عَلَيْنَا
مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاء قَالَ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ(112)
(Remember) when al-Hawiryoon (the disciples) said: "Oh Isa, son of Maryam! Can your Lord send down to us a table spread (with food) from heaven?" Isa said, "Fear Allah, if you are indeed believers." 5:112
قَالُواْ نُرِيدُ أَن نَّأْكُلَ
مِنْهَا وَتَطْمَئِنَّ قُلُوبُنَا وَنَعْلَمَ أَن قَدْ صَدَقْتَنَا وَنَكُونَ
عَلَيْهَا مِنَ الشَّاهِدِينَ
They said: "We wish to eat thereof and to satisfy our hearts (to be stronger in faith), and to know what you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses." 5:113
قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاء تَكُونُ
لَنَا عِيداً لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ وَارْزُقْنَا
وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Isa, son of Maryam, said: "Oh Allah, our Lord! Send us from that heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us - a festival and a sign from You; and provide us with sustenance, for You are the best of sustainers. 5:114
قَالَ اللّهُ إِنِّي مُنَزِّلُهَا عَلَيْكُمْ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بَعْدُ مِنكُمْ فَإِنِّي أُعَذِّبُهُ عَذَابًا لاَّ أُعَذِّبُهُ أَحَدًا مِّنَ الْعَالَمِينَ
Allah said: "I am going to send it down unto you, but if any of you after that disbelieves, then I will punish him with a torment such as I have not inflicted on anyone among (all) the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn)." 5:115
Allah granted this miracle and on their
table was meat, olives, seafood, fruit, and bread. Then angels, in the
form of humans, brought the food down for them. The disciples were afraid
to eat from it. Isa alayhe salam brought the poor and needy to the table,
and so the disciples began to eat as well. Some began to steal of Allah's
blessings and so He transformed them into apes and swine. The only restrictions
Isa alayhe salam placed were that one should not deceive in their consumption,
steal, or horde the food. As they ate, the food continued to increase
in quantity. However, it is disputed by some, if the feast actually came
down, but most narrations confirm its authenticity.
The Prophet salla allahu alayhe wasalam
stated the two that will receive the most severe punishment; they will
be the people of Fir'aun and al-Ma'ida, those that disbelieved in the
feast and the other miracles of Isa alayhe salam.
Those that held knowledge and rank wanted to kill the weak, worshippers,
and believers in Isa alayhe salam. The oppressed wanted to raise arms,
but Isa alayhe salam appeased them by saying that he had come with miracles
and proof from Allah. He advised them that if one was slapped on the left
cheek, then to offer the offender the right as well. He assured them that
Allah is the granter of victory.
After going to Al-Nasirah, Isa's followers
grew in numbers. The Jews went to the Romans and all the local kings that
had taken over Palestine. They instigated fear and hatred for Isa alayhe
salam, claiming that if he was not killed, he would take over their kingdoms.
The King of Egypt called on the King of Beit Al-Maqdis and asked how long
they planned to leave Isa alayhe salam. He cited imminent danger for them,
since Isa alayhe salam called for piety, sincerity, and the resistance
of temptations. They feared he would destroy their world as it was, so
they decided to crucify him.
Allah had revealed this outcome to Isa
alayhe salam through Angel Jibril. He was told that a conspiracy calling
for Isa's death was in the works. He entered upon his disciples after
having bathed and revealed Jibril's news. Isa alayhe salam asked his disciples
who would sacrifice, and have their features altered to look like Isa
alayhe salam. They would then take his place and be crucified. This person
was promised a place in heaven with Isa alayhe salam. An adolescent volunteered
by saying he would willingly take his place. Isa alayhe salam told him
to sit and dismissed his zeal. He posed the question to the group, and
again the boy was the only one to offer to sacrifice himself. Yet again,
Isa alayhe salam disregarded him. Isa alayhe salam asked a third time,
and the same boy spoke up. This time Prophet Isa alayhe salam wiped his
head and gave him words of inspiration, as well as made dua for him. He
cautioned the youth that Romans and Jews would enter and find him with
Isa's physical features. He furthered continued to explain that he would
be taken and killed. Throughout, they would not see Isa alayhe salam,
since he would have ascended to the heavens.
The Jews and Romans discovered where Isa alayhe salam and his followers were. According to a weak narration, they found where Isa alayhe salam was, through one of the disciples who was tortured and admitted, under pressure, where Isa alayhe salam had been hiding. The Romans and Jews entered upon the young boy, thinking he was Isa alayhe salam, and began to torture him. The boy, who was made to look like Isa alayhe salam, was taken and on his head they placed a crown of thorns. They nailed his feet and hands to a cross and he was crucified.
وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلاَّ اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا
And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah Isa, son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah," - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of Isa was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not, Isa, son of Maryam. 4:157
The Jews not only bragged about killing a human being, but a messenger - a messenger from among ulu al'azm, and the best of messengers.
وَمَكَرُواْ وَمَكَرَ اللّهُ
وَاللّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ
And they (disbelievers) plotted (to kill Isa), and Allah planned too. And Allah is the best of those who plot. 3:54
After Isa's mother heard the news of
the crucifixion, she was in a state of shock. She cried hysterically until
she met a man who she knew to be Angel Jibril. He assured her that they
did not kill her son, but someone who was made to look like him. She insisted
that he had been crucified, but Angel Jibril revealed that Isa alayhe
salam had ascended to the heavens.
A core belief of Islam is Isa's ascension to heaven and that he is living and will return. The details of his ascension and his existence in the heavens are not known, as Allah knows best. Prior to his ascension, he had been in a state of sleep for three days. Allah said:
اذ قال الله ياعيسى اني متوفيك ورافعك الي ومطهرك من الذين كفروا
And (remember) when Allah said: "Oh
Isa! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you (of the forged
statement that Jesus is Allah's son) of those who disbelieve." 3:55
The term "wafat" that is used means sleep or death. Allah says:
الله يتوفي الانفس حين
موتها والتي لم تمت في منامها
In these verses, however, to be asleep is implied. The Prophet said that sleep is akin to death. Sleep is like a short death, just as the Prophet taught us to say after awaking, "Alhamdulilah alathy ahyana ba'ada amatna", Praise be to Allah, the One that gave us life after our death. The term "wafat" here, according to Ibn Abbas, signifies that Allah cast sleep upon him, possibly for three days.
ويكلم الناس في المهد وكهلا
"He shall speak to the people in
childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
3:46
Another term used is "kahlan", meaning the height of youth.
One attains maturity between the ages of 35-45. This period is called
"kahlan". When Isa escalated to the heavens, he was 33 years
old and will return as the same age. The miracle lies in his return to
earth to complete his mission.
After Isa's ascension, the disciples
began to spread the message and continued to follow a righteous path.
They were abused, oppressed, and tortured by the Jews of their time. So
much so, that none remained alive.
People dispersed in all directions. Some claimed that Isa alayhe salam
was God. Others claimed he was the son of God. Yet, others said that he
is one of three parts - the Trinity.
Confusion continued until the arrival of the promised messenger - Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam. He came to confirm the word of Allah and to clarify the position of Isa alayhe salam.
لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ قُلْ فَمَنْ يَمْلِكُ مِنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا إِنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُهْلِكَ الْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَأُمَّهُ وَمَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا وَلِلَّهِ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allah is the Mesiah, son of Maryam. Say: "Who then has the least power against Allah, if He were to destroy the Messiah, sone of Maryam, his mother, and all those who are on the earth together?" And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them. He creates what He wills. And Allah is Able to do all things. 5:17
لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ مَنْ يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِن أنصار
Surely, they have disbelieved who say: "Allah is the Messiah, son of Maryam." But the Messiah (Isa) said: "O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Verily whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the fire will be his abode. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. 5:72
لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ
قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَهٍ إِلَّا إِلَهٌ
وَاحِدٌ وَإِنْ لَمْ يَنْتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ
كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
They do Kuffar/infidels who say: Allah
is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One God. If they
desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will
befall the blasphemers among them. 5:73
يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَى مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِنْهُ فَآمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَلَا تَقُولُوا ثَلَاثَةٌ انْتَهُوا خَيْرًا لَكُمْ إِنَّمَا اللَّهُ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ سُبْحَانَهُ أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَكَفَى بِاللَّهِ وكيلا
O People of the Book! commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Al-Masih 'Isa the son of Maryam was (no more than) A Messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Maryam, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: glory be to Him: (far 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. 4:171
وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ
ابْنُ اللَّهِ وَقَالَتِ النَّصَارَى الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ قَوْلُهُمْ
بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ يُضَاهِئُونَ قَوْلَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ قَاتَلَهُمُ
اللَّهُ أَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ
The Jews call 'Uzair a son of Allah,
and the Christians call Al-Masih the son of Allah. That is a saying from
their mouth; (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!
9:30
The return of Isa alayhe salam is a
well-anticipated event for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Many years after
Isa's ascension, Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam met him
during Isra and Al-Ma'araj, where he saw him walking around the Ka'abah
in the second heaven. Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam also
described him in another hadith, narrated by Abu Dawood, so that one would
be able to recognize him upon his return.
He had a fair complexion with a ruddiness
to his skin. His complexion was pure and radiant, as if glowing with beads
of water. Isa alayhe salam was neither tall nor short. His hair was described
as neither curly nor straight, with a soft texture. It was long and reached
half-way down his back, glistening as if it were wet or oiled. His physical
frame was well built with broad chest and shoulders. Though he was full
figured, he was neither fat nor thin.
Since his escalation to the heavens,
it was apparent that it was not an actual death - just the end of his
existence on earth for a given time. Therefore, he must return again once
more to complete his mission and die. His return will discredit the claims
the Jews and Christians made regarding his crucifixion. The world will
be shown that the mission of Isa alayhe salam was Islamic since he will
rule with the sharia' legislation upon his return.
Isa's return is an actual sign of the
advent of the Judgment Day. He will return in the east near Damascus.
He will come down near a white minaret with each hand on a wing of an
angel. His head will be bowed down to Allah and from it will fall beads
of sweat, dripping as though they were pearls or diamonds.
He will descend upon Palestine heading
for Beit Al-Maqdis during the time of iqama for the prayer of Fajr or
Asr. The imam will have immediately recognized his presence and will ask
him to lead the prayer. Isa alayhe salam will decline stating that the
iqama was for the Muslims, and they are to lead one another. This implies
that he has not returned with a new message, but rather as a follower
of the message of Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam, since
all prophets came with the message of Islam.
After the prayer, Isa alayhe salam orders
the door of Beit Al-Maqdis be opened and that is when they see Dajjal
with 70,000 Jewish soldiers. Dajjal will melt as salt dissolves in water,
at the sight of Isa - his fear of Isa alayhe salam will be so great! This
will be Isa's first task to eliminate the Dajjal, who will attempt to
run, but Isa alayhe salam along with the help of the Muslims will strike
him down at Bab Al-Lid (door). He will end the evil reign of the Dajjal.
Another important task Isa alayhe salam will carry out upon his arrival
will be to break the cross. This action will illustrate the incorrect
belief that it has come to signify. He will then continue to slaughter
all the pigs of the world, since it was revealed in the Bible to abstain
from eating pork. However, since this revelation was tampered with, people
continued in their consumption of this unclean animal. This action will
illustrate the incorrect detailed belief of the Christians after their
tamper. Lastly, we will also call people to tawheed, or the oneness of
Allah.
It is described in one hadith that Isa
alayhe salam will live on earth for 40 years, while another states he
will live for seven. This has been a cause of confusion, though the matter
is relatively simple, meaning that his life on earth will total 40 years
(his ascension at the age of 33 plus the seven upon his return). He will
die at the age of 40 and the Muslims will perform janazah prayer upon
him, and according to scholars he will be buried in Medina next to the
prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam.
During the seven years, Islamic rule
will have been established as the supreme religion. Peace and tranquility
will have been spread on the earth and iman (faith) will have been instilled
in the hearts of mankind.
Allah reveals to Isa alayhe salam during
this time that there are people called Gog and Magog will attack mankind.
At that point in time, they established their dominance on earth and will
then wish to reign what is in the skies. As they spread their rule, they
will eat all crops and drink an equivalent of an ocean. They destroy pillage
and ravage all that comes in their path. It is said that as the first
of them pass by a body of water, the last of them will say there once
was water here. Their mischief and oppression was limitless and Allah
ordered Isa alayhe salam and his followers to seek refuge in the mountain
of Al-Tur. There they plead with Allah and made dua for Him to destroy
them. The oppressor is always destroyed by the most innocuous means to
illustrate the insignificance of their existence. Therefore Allah brought
about their destruction through worms in their neck which killed each
one.
After Gog and Magog are killed, Isa alayhe
salam and his followers leave Al-Tur and find the earth full of their
rotting corpses. Their smell and the froth that will come from their mouths
will be so potent that it will corrupt the world and make it unlivable.
Again Isa alayhe salam and his believers will make dua to Allah to remove
their bodies. Allah will answer their prayers and will send birds with
long necks like those of a camel to do away with their bodies. The stench
of the bodies will still be prevalent so Allah will send wind and rain
which will leave the earth clean and pure.
Allah then will order the earth to bring forth its blessings and all evil
will be eliminated and the inhabitants of the earth will reside in peace.
Finally, Isa alayhe salam will perform Hajj, travel to Madina, and will
pass away there. The Muslims pray upon him, and he will be buried next
to the Prophet Muhammad salla allahu alayhe wasalam and Abu Bakr. Soon
after all the good people of the earth will die by a breeze, leaving only
the evil ones behind who will hear the final trumpet. The evil will reach
a point where there will be open lewdness and rampant transgression. This
will indicate the end of time and the beginning of the judgment.
The final days will be trying times for all. The return of Isa alayhe salam will be a blessing for the righteous and an eradication of all evil and wrong doers. Allah's supreme plan for mankind and his messenger's (Isa) role on earth will be fulfilled. The story of Isa alayhe salam is one that brings hope and comfort for believers during the most dire times in the history of the world. All things will perish before the Day of Judgment and all things destined will have been accomplished. So the role of Isa alayhe salam is one of the most critical one's in Allah's plan.
May He strengthen the hearts of the believers and have mercy on them during those desperate times. May He hold our hearts steadfast to the religion of truth and not allow them to digress (stray) from it. He alone we ask, He alone we seek for our strength, and He alone we ask to accept our doings. Allahumma Ameen.
Allah burdens not a person beyond his
scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished
for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if
we forget or fall into error, Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that
which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden
greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness.
Have mercy on us. You are our Maula and give us victory over the disbelieving
people." (Surat Al-Baqara: 286)
References:
Holy Koran
Sunan Alhakem
Sunan Abu Dawood
Saheeh Al Bukhary
Saheeh Muslim
Tafseer Ibn Jareer Al-Tabary
Tafseer Alkoran Alatheem - Ibn Katheer
Albidayah Walnihayah - Ibn Katheer
Kisas Al-Anbiyaa' - Ibn Katheer Vol. 2
Alhuda Wal-Nur - Munkith Al-Sakkar
Fateh Albary Sharh Saheeh Albkuhary - Ibn Hajar Al-Askalany
Sunan Alnisae'y
Sunan Ibn Majah
Sunan Altirmithy
Musnad Ahmad
Tafseer Alkurtuby
Tayseer Alkareem Al manna Fe Tafseer Al Rahman -Abdrahman Bin Naser AlSa'dy
Adwa' Al bayan fe Edah AlKoran BilKoran - Alshankeety
Aldurar Almanthoor fe altafseer bil ma'thoor - Alsuyooty
Ethar Al Hak - Alhindy
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