Prophet Isa (AS), also known as Jesus, is greatly esteemed in Islam as one of the Great Prophets sent from Allah to guide people. In the Quran, his story includes a miraculous birth, prophetic mission, miracles, and ascension.
Miraculous Birth
Maryam (AS) is the mother of Prophet Isa (AS), and the story of Prophet Isa (AS) begins with his mother Maryam (AS), who was the most pious of women. Allah chose Maryam (AS) over all other women, and she was a virgin who worshiped Allah devotedly. In the Quran, there is the much repeated story of the moment when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to her to announce the news of a pure son.
“When the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:45)
Stated Maryam (AS) in awe at this announcement: “How should I have a baby, when no man has touched me?” The angel answered that Allah creates whatever He wants; when He decides concerning a matter, He merely says to it, “Be,” and it comes to be.
“She said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ‘Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:47)
Therefore, Prophet Isa (AS) was born miraculously demonstrating Allah’s power and Maryam (AS) purity.
Speaking in the Cradle
When Isa (AS) was an infant, he spoke, which is one of the earliest miracles attributed to him. When Maryam (AS) brought her baby to her people, they were astonished and called her unchaste. Isa (AS) who was still a baby in the cradle spoke in defense of his mother and spoke of his prophetic mission.
“He [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’”
(Surah Maryam, 19:30)
This divine speech was a clear sign of his prophethood and vindicated Maryam (AS) against what people accused her of.
Prophethood and Miracles
As he matured, Allah gifted Prophet Isa (AS) with wisdom and knowledge and sent him forth as a messenger to the Children of Israel. He received the Injeel (Gospel) and was granted countless miracles by the permission of Allah, such as:
- Forming A Bird from Clay: He molded a bird out of clay, blew into it, and by Allah’s will, it became a living bird.
- Healing the Blind and the Leper: He healed the born blind and lepers, returning to them their health.
- The Dawning of the Dead: He raised the dead to life, proving Allah’s sovereignty over life and death.
- The Future of the Unseen: He told people what they were feasting on and what they stored in their homes.
“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, who will say, ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:49)
These were miracles of Allah’s power and were intended to be a testimony of Isa’s (AS) prophethood to his people.
The Disciples and the Heavenly Feast
The Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) had a band of disciples known as the Hawariyyun ,(disciples or followers) around him. They believed in his message and were with him in his mission. At one point, they asked for a celestial feast for a boost in their faith.
“[And remember] when the disciples said, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven?’ [Jesus] said, ‘Fear Allah, if you should be believers.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:112)
Isa (AS) prayed to Allah to send down the feast as a sign and a blessing for them.
“Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:114)
Indeed, Allah addressed this request and sent down a table of provisions for them; it became a sign from Allah for them as well as for other people in days to come.
Denial and Ascension
All along the Children of Israel recognized obvious signs and miracles, yet many denied Prophet Isa’s (AS) message. They conspired against him to crucify him. But Allah, in His wisdom, saved Isa (AS) from their plots.
Final Words
Prophet Isa’s (AS) life story is a clear manifestation of Allah’s Power, Mercy, and Wisdom, as revealed in the Quran. All the events of his life, from his miraculous birth to his ascension, emphasize the significance of faith, obedience to Allah, and the message of monotheism. His miracles served as signs for mankind, guiding them toward what is right and calling upon them to submit to the one who created them.
His lesson for us is to be determined during the hardships of our lives, to serve our purpose in life, and to recognize that Allah’s mercy will always prevail. May we follow in his footsteps of seeking out truth and trusting Allah in all that we do.
