How do Muslims believe Jesus was born?
In Islam, the birth of Jesus (known as ‘Isa in Arabic) is a significant event, although it is not as detailed as in Christian narratives. Muslims believe that Jesus was born to Mary (Maryam in Arabic) as a miraculous child, without a father. This belief is rooted in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, which provides a concise account of Jesus’ birth and his role in Islamic teachings. Understanding how Muslims perceive the birth of Jesus requires an exploration of Islamic scripture and historical context.
The Quranic account of Jesus’ birth is found in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). It states that God (Allah) chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, emphasizing her purity and piety. The Quran describes how the angel Gabriel (Jibril) appeared to Mary in the form of a human being and revealed to her that she would give birth to a son. Initially, Mary was hesitant and asked how she could have a child without a husband. The angel replied that God creates what He wills, and that she should believe in God and His words.
According to Islamic belief, Jesus was born through a miraculous conception. The Quran emphasizes that Jesus was not the son of God, nor was he divine. Instead, he was a messenger and a prophet sent to guide the Children of Israel. Muslims believe that Jesus performed many miracles during his lifetime, such as speaking from the cradle, healing the blind and the lepers, and raising the dead, all by the will of God.
The Quran also mentions that Jesus was born in a lowly state, emphasizing his humanity. Muslims believe that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as mentioned in the Bible. The Quranic narrative of Jesus’ birth is concise and focuses on the miraculous aspect of his conception and his role as a messenger.
While the Quran provides a brief account of Jesus’ birth, Islamic history and tradition offer further insights into the event. The Hadith, the collections of sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, include stories about the birth of Jesus. These stories often reflect the Islamic emphasis on the miraculous and the divine nature of Jesus’ birth.
One notable Hadith, reported by Imam Muslim, narrates that when Jesus was born, the sun and moon were seen together in the sky, signifying the uniqueness of his birth. Another Hadith, reported by Imam Bukhari, mentions that Jesus was born in the month of Ramadan, further highlighting the significance of his birth in Islamic tradition.
It is important to note that while Muslims believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus, they do not worship him as a god or a divine figure. Instead, they view him as a revered prophet and a messenger of God. The Islamic perspective on Jesus’ birth is centered on his role as a messenger and his miraculous nature, rather than the details of his birth as in Christian narratives.
In conclusion, Muslims believe that Jesus was born to Mary as a miraculous child, without a father. The Quran and Islamic tradition provide a concise and divine account of his birth, emphasizing his role as a messenger and his miraculous nature. While the Islamic perspective on Jesus’ birth may differ from Christian beliefs, it is an integral part of Islamic teachings and history.
