Who is Jesus? An Imam and Pastor's perspective.

Imam Zuber and Pastor Duncan are both friends of mine with whom I shared an event in 2019 organised by the Christian Union in association with the Islamic Society at Dundee University.

The significance of the pineapple is that it has been a universal symbol of hospitality and welcome for many centuries all over the world and a fitting symbol for conversation between Muslims and Christians in every context.

Imam Zuber's perspective

Jesus (peace be upon him) plays a great role in the Islamic tradition both in the Noble Quran and the utterances (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Jesus (ʿĪsā in Arabic) is a popular and significant figure in the Quran wherein he is mentioned directly and indirectly, sometimes with his name and sometimes with his titles in about 93 verses and over 187 times.[1] He is mentioned by his name 25 times, as a first-person 35 times, as a third person 48 times and the remainder by his titles and attributes.[2] Muslims believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) was the penultimate prophet and messenger of God (Allah) who was sent before the advent of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Noble Quran explicitly mentions that Jesus is the messenger of God, the Messiah, the Word of God and the spirit from God. The Noble Quran also affirms his virgin birth, rebukes and criticises the attribution of God having a son, strongly negates the belief in Trinity, while it emphatically stresses on the Oneness of God. The Noble Quran states,

“O people of the Book, be not excessive in your Faith, and do not say about Allah anything but the truth. The Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, is only a Messenger of God (Allah), and His Word that He had delivered to Maryam, and a spirit from Him. So, believe in Allah and His Messengers. Do not say “Three”. Stop it. That is good for you. God (Allah) is the only One God. He is far too pure to have a son. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is enough to trust in.” (The Quran, 4:171)

[1] Khalidi, Tarif (2001). The Muslim Jesus: Sayings and Stories in Islamic Literature. London: Harvard University Press. p. 4

[1] See McDowell, Jim, Josh; Walker, Jim (2002). Understanding Islam and Christianity: Beliefs That Separate Us and How to Talk About Them. Euguen, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.

[1] Khalidi, Tarif (2001). The Muslim Jesus: Sayings and Stories in Islamic Literature. London: Harvard University Press. p. 4

[2] See McDowell, Jim, Josh; Walker, Jim (2002). Understanding Islam and Christianity: Beliefs That Separate Us and How to Talk About Them. Euguen, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.

Pastor Duncan's perspective

Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical person who lived in the 1st Century CE in Palestine. His conception and birth were heralded by angelic announcements and he was conceived miraculously in the womb of the virgin Mary[1].

The Prophet John (the Baptist) announced the beginning of Jesus’ public career as a prophet. Jesus called disciples to himself and they quickly recognised him as the Messiah – the long-promised king in the line of King David who would redeem his people.

Jesus worked great miracles, healing the sick, the blind, the disabled, the deaf, those with leprosy and those oppressed by demons. He even raised the dead. At the same time, he taught the people announcing the good news that the reign or kingdom of God had come near.

Jesus also had enemies, particularly among the Jewish religious leadership, who saw him as a threat to their precarious position in relation to the Roman imperial overlords. They plotted against him, handed him over to the Romans, and persuaded a reluctant Roman Governor to have him put to death on false charges.

He was crucified on a Friday in Jerusalem and his body placed in a tomb. Early on Sunday morning, his grave was discovered to be empty, and later that day he appeared to his disciples, proving to them that he really was alive.

He appeared to them numerous times over the next 40 days, and then, in full view of his disciples, he was taken up into heaven

He is now reigning in heaven until the time comes for God to restore creation. There he makes intercession for all who come to him. And from their he will return to earth and usher in the eternal reign of God in all its fullness.

Here is a great summary about Jesus given by one of his disciples, Peter:

‘You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached – 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

39 ‘We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’ (Acts 10:36-43)

[1] Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, also Qur’an, Āl-‘Imrān 3:47, Maryam 19:20.