What does Jesus say in the Quran? 5 Key Verses Explained

What Does Jesus Say in the Quran? 5 Key Verses Explained

Have you ever wondered, what does Jesus say in the Quran directly to its readers? Did you know that with millions globally seeking interfaith understanding, exploring what does Jesus say in the Quran offers unique insights? This article delves into five crucial verses revealing Jesus’s (peace be upon him) role as understood through Islamic scripture, enriched with Quranic guidance and contextual details beneficial for those seeking a comprehensive understanding. We’ll explore his status as a prophet, the miracles he performed, the importance of prayer and charity, his confirmation of the Torah, and his prophecy about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Get ready to deepen your understanding of Jesus (peace be upon him) from an Islamic perspective.

Introduction

Did you know that Jesus, or Isa as he’s known in Islam, is mentioned 25 times in the Quran? This highlights his significant status as a prophet. But what does Jesus say in the Quran exactly? This article explores five key verses to uncover the teachings and the Islamic perspective on Jesus, offering a foundation rooted in Quranic guidance and consistent with Sunnah practices. We aim to clarify misconceptions and provide a clear understanding of Jesus’s role in Islam, based on the Quran and the scholarly interpretations of Islamic texts.

Key Teachings of Jesus in the Quran

The Quran emphasizes several core teachings attributed to Jesus (peace be upon him). Here, we break down five key principles, supported by relevant verses and framed within Islamic ethics. Understanding these principles can foster greater interfaith dialogue and a more accurate understanding of Islamic teachings.

1. Prophethood and Divine Message

• Quranic Verse: “He [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.'” (Quran 19:30)

• Explanation: This verse clearly establishes Jesus as a prophet in Islam, chosen by Allah to deliver a divine message. He identifies himself as a servant of Allah, emphasizing servitude and submission. This aligns with the broader Islamic understanding of prophets as messengers of God, tasked with guiding humanity. It is vital to note that in Islam, prophethood is a great honor and a responsibility.

• Practical Steps:

  1. Recognize Jesus as a vital link in the chain of prophethood.
  2. Study the Quran to understand his role as recognized in Islamic texts.
  3. Appreciate this understanding to strengthen interfaith relations and see common ground.

2. Performing Miracles by Allah’s Will

• Quranic Verse: “…when you would bring forth the dead, by My permission.” (Quran 5:110)

• Explanation: The Quran acknowledges the miracles performed by Jesus, emphasizing these were done by the permission and will of Allah, illustrating the complete dependence of even the greatest prophets on the Almighty. This reaffirms the Islamic concept of Tawhid, emphasizing that all power and ability come from Allah alone. The ability to perform miracles is not inherent but granted by God.

• Practical Steps:

  1. Acknowledge miracles as signs of Allah’s power, not independent acts.
  2. Understand that all power and authority ultimately come from Allah.
  3. Reflect on these miracles as reminders of faith and the power of God.

3. The Importance of Prayer and Charity

• Quranic Verse: “[Jesus said], ‘And He has enjoined upon me prayer and charity as long as I remain alive.'” (Quran 19:31)

• Explanation: This verse showcases the importance of prayer (Salat) and charity (Zakat) in Jesus’s teachings, reflecting core tenets shared within Islamic ethics and practice. These acts of worship are fundamental to a Muslim’s life, fostering a connection with God and serving humanity. The emphasis on prayer and charity highlight the importance of spiritual and worldly well-being.

• Practical Steps:

  1. Prioritize daily prayers, reflecting on their meaning and purpose. Consider setting specific times and locations for prayer to enhance commitment.
  2. Engage in regular charitable giving, supporting those in need. Explore different avenues for giving, such as supporting local charities or international relief efforts.
  3. Integrate these practices into your daily routine for spiritual growth and contributing to the well-being of the community.

4. Confirming the Torah

• Quranic Verse: “[Jesus said], ‘And [I have come] confirming the Torah which was before me…'” (Quran 3:50)

• Explanation: Jesus confirmed the original message of the Torah, aligning with the Islamic belief that prophets confirm previous scriptures while delivering updated guidance for their specific time. This demonstrates a continuity of divine messages, with each prophet building upon the teachings of those before him. It is important to note that Islamic theology acknowledges alterations and interpretations happened in the Torah throughout history.

• Practical Steps:

  1. Study the commonalities between scriptures to understand shared values and teachings.
  2. Respect the divine origin of earlier texts, acknowledging their role in guiding humanity.
  3. Promote harmony by recognizing shared roots and building bridges of understanding.

5. Foretelling the Coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

• Quranic Verse: “And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you, confirming what has preceded me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.'” (Quran 61:6)

• Explanation: Jesus prophesied the coming of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), identified here by the name “Ahmad,” a variation of Muhammad, fulfilling a continuous chain of prophecy according to Islamic theology. This prophecy signifies the completion of divine guidance with the final revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It reflects the Islamic belief in a series of prophets sent throughout history, each confirming and building upon the messages of their predecessors.

• Practical Steps:

  1. Learn about the prophecies within different religious texts, understanding how they connect and complement each other.
  2. Acknowledge the role and importance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final prophet in Islam.
  3. Deepen your understanding of Islam, exploring its teachings and practices.

Addressing Misconceptions About Jesus in Islam

Common misconceptions surround Jesus’s role in Islam. Some believe Muslims deny Jesus’s importance, but the Quran affirms his status as a prophet. Contrary to claims, Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus (peace be upon him), as detailed in Surah Maryam. Islamic scholars emphasize that attributing divinity to Jesus contradicts the core Islamic principle of Tawhid (the oneness of God). Understanding these nuanced perspectives requires careful study and engagement with reliable Islamic sources. It is from these principles that Muslims hold a high regard for Jesus, viewing him as a revered figure in their faith. A key difference in Islamic belief lies in the concept of Tawhid, which emphasizes the absolute oneness of God, without any partners or offspring.

Conclusion

Exploring What does Jesus say in the Quran reveals a figure deeply respected and revered within Islam. Understanding these key Quranic verses provides valuable insights into Islamic teachings about Jesus, His prophethood, miracles and the Islamic perspective on Jesus. It is crucial to seek knowledge to enhance understanding and foster interfaith harmony. Take the next step. Continue exploring the Quran and Sunnah to deepen your understanding of Islamic perspectives and interfaith commonalities. Learn more about Islamic teachings, explore reputable Islamic scholars’ works, and nurture your faith.