POSITION OF JESUS CHRIST (PBUH) IN ISLAM

One may ask that “If Muslims and Christians, both love and respect Jesus Christ (peace be upon him); where is the parting of ways?”

The major difference between Islam and Christianity is the Christians’ insistence on the supposed divinity of Jesus (peace be upon him) and they say that he was crucified on the cross and he died for the sins of humanity.

Since Muslims and Christians both believe in Jesus Christ (pbuh), it is obligatory to put forth both the Muslim and the Christians point of view. As far as the Muslims point of view is concerned, we believe that the most authentic and sacred book is the Glorious Qur’an.

Allah, the Exalted states very clearly in Surah An-Nisa’a Chapter 4 verse 157-158:

That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah";- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not:- Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.

Al-Qur'an 4:157-158

Therefore the Quranic verdict is very explicit and unambiguous, making it very clear. The Islamic viewpoint is: ---They killed him not, neither did they crucified him, but it was only made to appear so --- for a surety, they killed him not.

No one can be more explicit, more unambiguous, and more equivocal than the Glorious Qur’an in this verse saying “he was not killed”. If I conclude – this artefact – without expressing the biblical viewpoint; the understanding of the alleged crucifixion of Jesus Christ (pbuh) remains neutral. So, let prove from the Bible itself which the Christians believe is the word of God, that Jesus Christ (pbuh) was not really crucified.

Let me first clarify that as Muslims; we do not consider the present Bible to be the word of God because it is not the Injeel that was revealed to Jesus Christ (pbuh). The present-day Bible may contain certain portions which may be considered as the Words of God – It contains the words of the Prophets, the words of the historians - It also contains absurdities, obscene statements and contradictions.

However, many Christians and Missionaries alike agree the Bible to be the word of God. So, we prove from their evidence because the Qur’an affirms:

And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian." Those are their (vain) desires. Say: "Produce your proof if ye are truthful."

Al-Qur'an 2:111

With all the piety of the Muslims, with all their zakat (obligatory charity), hajj (pilgrimage), salaah (programming towards righteousness), the mark on their forehead, and all their righteousness; the Jews and Christians says: “they shall never attain salvation” – that they shall never enter Jannah (Paradise) - all their act of worship is useless unless they become a Jew or Christian.

Allah, the Exalted states very clearly that:

These are their wishful thinking, vain desires; say (tell them) – produce your proof, but if you are truthful.