Question

Christians believe that Prophet Isa (Jesus) was the son of God and was born without a human father. Please can you briefly explain the Islamic perspective on Prophet Isa (Jesus).

Answer

The Quran repeatedly refutes this belief of Christians as it contradicts the fundamental belief of Tawhid, believing in the oneness and the sole sovereignty and legislative authority of Almighty Allah, who has no partners and no children. Christians view Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, as the son of God who has divine powers as part of their belief in trinity. From an Islamic perspective, Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him was a great Prophet sent by Almighty Allah like Prophet Musa (Moses), Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and other Prophets, peace be upon them all. Muslims also believe that Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, was born without a father by the will and power of Almighty Allah.

The Prophet warned his nation to avoid exaggerating in his praise in the way that the Christians exaggerated in the praise of Prophet Isa (Jesus) and advised the Ummah to simply state that he is the servant and messenger of Allah (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3445). It is this exaggeration of Christians that eventually led to their belief in his divinity and his status as the son of God whose crucifixion atoned for the sins of mankind. They could not comprehend that miracles performed by the Prophets are signs from Almighty Allah who according to his will gives them the power to perform miracles. The Quran (5: 116) clearly states that Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, did not once preach about his divinity. Thus, to believe in trinity is a form of major shirk (attesting partners to Allah) which is the greatest of sins.

For further information please refer to: What is Christianity? by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani (b. 1362/1943) and Taqwiyah al-Iman (Strengthening of the Faith) by Shah Ismail Shahid (d. 1246/1831).

Allah knows best

Yusuf Shabbir

5 Rabi al-Thani 1428 / 22 April 2007