Jesus and Muhammad in Islam: How Can Muslims Explain the Difference to Christian Friends?
Introduction
Muslims and Christians share love for Jesus. Though, there's a great discrepancy regarding their definition on his personhood and his mission. Thus, it is inevitable that Christian friends will eventually inquire why Muslims believes Jesus will come again, while Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has departed from earth? The underlying inquiry behind these questions relates to a significant Islamic tenet.
When the two communities differ in what they believe about Jesus, a Muslim should remember and ensure he responds with respect towards his Christian friend. Christians have varying theological assumptions-especially those derived from bible-and it is essential for a Muslim not to attack or offend his friend, nor to distort Christian beliefs when responding.
What Islam states about Jesus?
Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) is held in high regard in Islam. Believers regard him as one of the miracles which Allah sent forth from Mary’s womb.
They regard him as a significant messenger of Allah, who performed miracles with His command and who will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment.
Yet, it's in Islam that one will never find a notion of Jesus as God or his as God's son in the literal sense. The Qur'an always speaks of Allah as one and self-sufficient, having no need of anybody. Thus, Jesus is nothing but a prophet of Allah called to worship the one Creator.
Furthermore, the Qur'an speaks of Jesus as having neither been killed nor crucified as proposed by his enemies. Instead, Allah raised him to his station in heavens. Hence, Christians believe in Jesus' special and singular role in the end times.
What about Prophet Muhammad's passing away?
However, his death doest not affect his importance since Islam has its criteria in defining the genuineness of a prophet's mission-one that does not involve whether the said prophet lived or will live again.
We understand that numerous prophets existed at various times of history. Their respective missions were decreed by Allah according to His wisdom; the Qur'an reminds us that Muhammad was a prophet, and there have been messengers of Allah before him.
Hence, the differences in beliefs about Jesus as divine and Muhammad as mortal does not constitute that one is more important than the other. It is simply an Islamic principle that different prophets assume different roles and circumstances throughout the history ordained by Allah.
"Son of God"; does it mean God?
When discussing the topic of Christianity, we should be careful when assessing the definition of "Son of God" as most Christians may have differing and unique conceptions. For Christians, Jesus' divine sonship depends on the way their theology defines this concept.
Nevertheless, it would suffice if a Christian can consider how such a phrase is used throughout the Bible. The phrase "son" or "sons of God" have been employed by many verses in the bible relating to several people other than Jesus: Exodus 4:22, Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, Deuteronomy 14:1, Matthew 5:9 and Romans 8:16.
These demonstrate that the phrase refers to different types of relationship or connection with God. Therefore Muslims argues that 'Son of God' cannot solely stand as a proof for the divinity of any person.
What about Jesus' miracles and birth?
When mentioning Jesus' birth, the Quran states he was born without the involvement of a human father but this has never been a proof for his being God.
The bible refers to creation of Jesus by stating He was born from Mary through a command from Allah. Likewise, the Qur'an argues that, just as Adam was born without a father or mother, but he is not considered God; Similarly a unique birth is not a prerequisite of divinity as such. Hence, Jesus ' miraculous birth signifies divine power but is in no way proof for his divinity.
Similarly the miracles carried out by Jesus is a proof of divine help given to him to achieve tasks he can not on his own. Every action of His, the Qur'an says, is through Allah permission, to clarify that the one who assists is not the one giving the ability.
What about Jesus' continued life?
The miraculous concept of Jesus ascending to heaven by the grace of Allah, and is supposed to return later in history, remains a central notion in Islam. The however, the belief does not constitute that He is God since the Bible itself contains a handful of descriptions of people taken up by God without passing through death.
A question remains: is whoever who miraculously ascends to heaven considered God by the scripture? The Muslims' answer is no, since a persons life, death, and ascension is ultimately subjected to divine decree.
Jesus as a messenger.
The Qur'an clearly states that Jesus' calling on mankind was solely towards worship of One Creator rather than Himself. He is referred to as a messenger and servant of Allah, and the divine book emphasizes the unique worship entitled for the One.
This is yet another aspect that Muslims and Christians can discuss regarding specific passages in the Bible that portray Jesus in His role as a servant or a creature, such as through his prayers and submission to God-which is in no ways to undermine His position and significance in Islam.
How Muslims should present this information?
A Muslim who wishes to clear the confusion should not resort to aggressive arguments. He should rather present the information by saying, "We Muslims honor and respect Jesus and believe he was a messenger of Allah, not Allah Himself. His return is a part of our belief, while Prophet Muhammad has died, having completed his work on Earth.
Neither death nor His return constitutes proof of divinity.
I think we should discuss the Bible and the Qur'an sincerely, keeping in mind that the ultimate worship belongs to Allah alone.
This is only for Islamic knowledge informations not for hurting others.