Of all the major religions in the world, Islam is the only non-Christian faith that recognises Jesus Christ (called ‘Isa in Arabic) as a prophet of God. Muslims love Jesus (peace be upon him) as they love other prophets including John the Baptist, Jacob, Abraham, Moses, Noah and Adam (peace be on all of them) - to name just a few other prophets that Muslims revere. Muslims are required by God to believe in all of the prophets (peace be on all of them) that came to this world to guide humanity.  Muslims hold Virgin Mary as the most pious and noble woman, chosen over all of the women of the world of her time.

The prophetic status of Jesus (peace be upon him), his miraculous birth, his works and miracles form part of the verses of the Qur’an and are recited by Muslims all over the world. Some of the chapters of the Qur’an Aale-Imran, Al-Maida and Maryam (chapters 3,5 and   ) are so named because of their references to Jesus and his work. There are about ninety verses spread across fifteen chapters of the Qur’an that refer to Jesus (peace be upon him).

The Qur’an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. In one of the verses, the Qur’an states: “Behold! the angels said, ‘Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous… And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel’” (3:45-48).

Further, there are numerous Ahadith, traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which portray the life, the miraculous birth, the miracles, the teaching and the ultimate purpose of his first and second coming to this earth. There are also many references to Jesus in other Islamic literature.

Hence, on Good Friday, Deen Foundation shall hold an event Jesus in Islam at Leeds Makkah Masjid which is open to all.

Time: Friday 10 April 2009 at 2.45pm
Venue: Leeds Makkah Mosque

Filed under: Events, Inter-Faith