How do Muslims believe Jesus died?
In Islamic teachings, the belief regarding the death of Jesus Christ, known as ‘Isa in Arabic, is distinct from the Christian narrative. Muslims hold that Jesus did not die on the cross, a central tenet of Christian faith, but rather that he was raised up to heaven by God. This belief is rooted in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and various Hadiths, which are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Understanding how Muslims perceive the death of Jesus is crucial for a comprehensive grasp of Islamic theology and its divergence from Christian beliefs.
The Quranic perspective on Jesus’ death is outlined in various verses. For instance, in Surah 5:75, it states, “And because of their saying: We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, Allah’s messenger — they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so.” This verse clearly indicates that Muslims believe Jesus did not suffer crucifixion, which is a significant departure from Christian doctrine.
According to Islamic teachings, Jesus was protected by God from the crucifixion. In the Hadith, it is narrated that Jesus told his disciples, “I am the Messiah, the son of Mary. I was raised up to heaven by Allah.” This Hadith, along with other sources, reinforces the belief that Jesus was not crucified and that he survived his crucifixion.
The absence of crucifixion in Islamic belief has profound implications for the interpretation of Jesus’ role in Islam. Muslims view Jesus as a prophet, one of many sent by God to guide humanity. His role is primarily one of miracles and teaching, rather than redemption and atonement, as Christians perceive him. Jesus is revered in Islam for his piety, wisdom, and his ability to perform miracles, but he is not considered divine or the son of God.
The Islamic perspective on Jesus’ death also has implications for the concept of salvation. Muslims believe that salvation comes through faith in God and adherence to the five pillars of Islam: the declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are not seen as essential components of salvation in Islam.
In conclusion, Muslims believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but was raised up to heaven by God. This belief is rooted in the Quran and Hadiths, and it has significant implications for the Islamic understanding of Jesus’ role as a prophet and the concept of salvation. While Muslims respect Jesus as a revered figure, they differ from Christians in their belief regarding his crucifixion and resurrection. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting mutual respect among followers of different religions.
