Discuss the life of īsa b. Maryam from the Islamic point of view.

Answer Details

'Isa b. Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) is a highly honoured prophet in Islam. The Islamic view of his life is drawn from the Qur'an and differs from the Christian belief in several respects.

1. Miraculous birth: He was born of Maryam (Mary), a chaste and devout woman, without a father, by the command of Allah. Allah says, His likeness is that of Adam whom He created from dust (Q.3:59). Maryam conceived him miraculously (Q.19:16-22).
2. Speaking in the cradle: As a newborn he spoke to defend his mother's honour, declaring himself a servant of Allah and a prophet (Q.19:29-33).
3. A prophet and messenger: 'Isa was sent to the Children of Israel with the Injil (Gospel) to confirm the Tawrah and to call the people to worship Allah alone (Q.3:49-51). He is not the son of God, for Allah is far above having a son.
4. His miracles: By Allah's permission he healed the blind and the leper, gave life to the dead, moulded a bird from clay and breathed life into it, and told people what they stored in their houses (Q.3:49).
5. His disciples (Hawariyyun): A group of sincere followers believed in him and supported his mission.
6. He was not crucified: The Qur'an states that the Jews did not kill or crucify him; rather it was made to appear so, and Allah raised him up to Himself (Q.4:157-158).
7. His second coming: Islamic tradition holds that he will return before the Last Day to establish justice and affirm the truth.

Thus Islam honours 'Isa as a great prophet and servant of Allah, while rejecting any claim of his divinity or sonship.