This paper sets out to examine the presence of Jesus Christ as presented in the Holy Quran. This is presented from the perspective of a twentieth century African Christian after an objective reading of the Holy Quran and some Hadith literature. Jesus comes through as a prophet and messenger of Allah, with whom Allah has established unique relationship and about whom the last word is not yet spoken. The Quran comes through as a great defender of what it reveals as the true nature and identity of Jesus, against different and conflicting misrepresentations of Jesus by rival Christian groups. The Quran presents a Jesus in whom Allah is greatly interested.
Allah identifies and prepares Mary the mother of Jesus and entrusts her to the care of Zachariah. Allah gives a gift of a son to Zachariah in their old age; this son is John and called “Yahya” in the Quran. Allah then gives a Word from Himself to Mary. This word from Allah given to Mary becomes Jesus a son born of a virgin mother. Allah himself through the ministry of Angels and nature arranges for and takes care of Mary’s confinement and post-delivery care till Allah presents her back to her people with her infant son Jesus who as an infant miraculously spoke in defense of his mother.
The Quran presents a Jesus who delivers a message to the children of Israel only. A Jesus who performs miracles and a Jesus who is rescued by Allah from the threat of being crucified by the Jews Allah takes Jesus unto Himself and before the day of judgement Jesus will come to do the will of Allah.
After reading all the references of Jesus in the Quran, one develops an interest in this Prophet and Messenger of Allah and asks many questions about him.
However, the Quran is silent. This silence of the Quran about so much historical information about Jesus becomes very loud and problematic. The quotations from the Holy Quran in this paper are from Ali, Abdullah Yusuf: The Holy Quran: Arabic Text, Translation and Commentary, University of New York Press, 1991. The purpose of this paper is:-
1. Trace Jesus in the Holy Quran
2. Compare and contrast the Jesus in the Quran and the Bible 3. Help Christian to understand Islam Religion and being able to answer the basic system of doctrine of a Muslim.
4. Have a picture of Jesus through the eyes of a Muslim and a Christian.
Table of Contents
1 – Introduction
2 - Background – The Books of God
3 – Muhammad’s Acquaintance with Jesus
4 - Jesus in the Quran
5 - The Christology of the Quran
6 - Jesus Christ According to the Bible
7 – Theological Implications of the Christ-Event
8 – Conclusion
APPENDICES
1. Some Facts on the Christian and Muslim Communities in Kenya, East Africa
2. The Spread of Islam in Kenya
3. Percentage of Christians and Muslims
4. Can the Muslims live together peace Fully with other religious communities In Kenya?
5. Is there Islamic Terrorism in Kenya?
Objectives and Research Focus
This doctoral thesis examines the presentation and identity of Jesus Christ as found within the Holy Quran, analyzed from the perspective of a twentieth-century African Christian. The work seeks to compare these Islamic portrayals with the biblical account of Jesus to clarify theological differences and provide a foundation for inter-religious understanding.
- Tracing the presence and identity of Jesus within the Quranic text.
- Comparing and contrasting the portrayal of Jesus in the Quran versus the Bible.
- Analyzing the historical and theological context of Muhammad's acquaintance with Jesus.
- Evaluating the Christology of the Quran in relation to Christian doctrines.
- Exploring the role of the Christ-event and resurrection in biblical theology.
Excerpt from the Book
JESUS – LET THE QURAN SPEAK FOR ITSELF:
The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be’ and he was (Sura 3:59)
Behold the angels said “O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee, chosen thee above the women of all nations (Sura 3:42). “O Mary! Worship thy Lord devoutly. Prostrate thyself and bow down in prayer with those who bow down”(Sura 3:43)
Behold! The angels said. “O Mary! Allah giveth thee 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 the company of those nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be of the company of the righteous. (Sura 3:46).
She said “O my Lord! How shall I have a son, when no man hath touched me?” He said “Even so: Allah createth what he willeth: when He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it “Be” and it is! (Sura 3:47).
And Allah will teach him The Book and wisdom, The Law and the Gospel (Sura 3:48). And appoint him a messenger to the children of Israel,……(Sura 3:49).
Summary of Chapters
1 – Introduction: Sets the stage for examining the presence of Jesus Christ in the Quran from the viewpoint of an African Christian, establishing the scope and purpose of the research.
2 - Background – The Books of God: Discusses the historical context of the Quran and the Bible, specifically focusing on the Islamic view of the four revealed books.
3 – Muhammad’s Acquaintance with Jesus: Explores the historical circumstances through which Prophet Muhammad may have encountered Christian teachings and perspectives on Jesus.
4 - Jesus in the Quran: Provides a comprehensive sampling of references and verses in the Quran that describe the life, nature, and miracles of Jesus.
5 - The Christology of the Quran: Analyzes the honorable titles attributed to Jesus in the Quran and how these reflect and react to the Christian controversies of that era.
6 - Jesus Christ According to the Bible: Examines the New Testament portrayals of Jesus, focusing on his humanity, his role as Rabbi and prophet, and the significance of the resurrection.
7 – Theological Implications of the Christ-Event: Discusses the significance of various titles given to Jesus, such as Christ, Lord, and Son of God, within the context of early Christian theology.
8 – Conclusion: Summarizes the key differences and similarities between the biblical and Quranic portraits of Jesus, emphasizing the superiority of the biblical revelation regarding his nature and work.
Keywords
Jesus Christ, Holy Quran, Bible, Islam, Christianity, Christology, Resurrection, Muhammad, Prophet, Son of God, Revelation, Inter-religious dialogue, Salvation, Theology, Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental objective of this doctoral thesis?
The work aims to trace the presence of Jesus Christ in the Quran and compare it with the biblical portrait, ultimately seeking to help Christians understand Islamic doctrine better.
Which specific religious perspective does the author adopt?
The analysis is written from the perspective of a twentieth-century African Christian who has conducted an objective reading of the Quran and Hadith literature.
What is the primary methodology used in this work?
The author uses a comparative approach, analyzing Quranic verses and biblical texts side-by-side to highlight distinct theological frameworks and historical developments.
How does the Quran describe the birth of Jesus?
The Quran confirms the virgin birth of Jesus, referring to him as a "Word from Allah" given to Mary, who was chosen and purified above all women.
Does the author consider the Quran's depiction of Jesus to be comprehensive?
No, the author argues that the Quran provides a muted and distorted presence of Jesus, failing to address the essential New Testament message of his role as Savior.
What role does the resurrection play in the author's argument?
The author emphasizes that while both religions view Jesus as a prophet, Christianity centers its faith on the resurrection, whereas Islam denies the crucifixion and resurrection.
How does the author interpret the Islamic claim regarding the "Comforter"?
The author contends that the paraclete mentioned in the Gospel of John refers to the Holy Spirit, contradicting the Islamic interpretation that it predicts the coming of Muhammad.
What is the significance of the "Mother of the Book" mentioned in the thesis?
It refers to the Heavenly Transcript in Islam, which the author uses to explain the source of the Quranic revelations concerning Jesus.
- Quote paper
- Fred Maina Macharia (Author), 2003, Tracing Jesus in the Bible and the Quran, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/22816
