“A Muslim Jesus?”
By: Shahina Bashir
Tags: Christmas, Jesus

“And relate the story of Mary as mentioned in the Book. When she withdrew from her people to a place to the east, and screened herself off from them, then We sent Our angel to her, and he appeared to her in the form of a perfect man. She said, ‘I seek refuge with the Gracious God from thee if indeed thou dost fear Him.’ He replied, ‘I am only a Messenger of thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a righteous son.’ She said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me, neither have I been unchaste?’ He replied, ‘Thus it is.’ But says thy Lord, ‘It is easy for Me; and We shall do so that We may make him a Sign unto men, and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing decreed.’”

You ask, what part of the New Testament are these verses from? What will you say if I tell you that these verses are not from the New Testament but are from the Muslim holy Scripture, the Qur’an, chapter 19, titled, Maryam (verses 17–22)? Surprised? Well, many Christians are unaware that Jesus (peace be on him), known as Isa in Arabic, holds a very special place in Islam. The Muslims know him as a prophet of God, honored in this world and the next and his mother, Mary, has been held in high esteem.

Now, compare the Qur’anic verses to the one from the New Testament, Gospel of Luke:

“…God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus…”. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (1:26–35)

It were the verses quoted above from the Qur’an which brought tears to the eyes of the Abyssinian ruler, Negus, when he heard them for the first time from a Muslim who had come to him to seek asylum. Negus, who was caught by surprise at the mention of his Lord Jesus, knew without any hesitation that the small group of Muslims, who fled Mecca due to persecution, could not be telling lies and thereby granted them refuge in his land.

One may find it interesting that the Qur’an mentions Jesus many more times than the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him). It is indeed an article of faith that the Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet. His life is as much a model for the followers of Islam as is emulating the Prophet Muhammad himself. He has been said to be strengthened with the Holy Spirit. The Qur’an supports this in chapter 2, verse 88.

“…and to Jesus, son of Mary, We gave manifest Signs, and strengthened him with the Spirit of holiness.”

He has been honored in this life and the next. We read in the Qur’an, “When the angels said, ‘O Mary, God gives thee glad tidings of a word from Him; his name shall be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honored in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness to God;” (3:46).

Even, as a Muslim, if I don’t celebrate Christmas I can’t help feeling good during this time of the year. It is a great joy to see the neighborhood light up with beautiful sparkling lights. Each house owner seems to want to outdo the other down the street. Children are waiting to see what gifts Santa will bring them. Mothers are already planning the menu for the family dinner. In the midst of the commercialism that Christmas has brought we should reflect upon the true meaning of this great holiday. Just as Jesus came to spread peace in the world, so should we endeavor to achieve the same. This Christmas would be a perfect time to see Jesus through the eyes of a Muslim.