Truth Between Faith and Reason: Understanding the Relationship of Jesus with God in Islam and Christianity
*Prepared by Faisal Al-Sharif*
Sometimes, we find ourselves questioning fundamental aspects of our faith, such as the nature of God and the relationship between Jesus Christ and God. Is Jesus God incarnate in human form, or is he a great prophet sent by God? These questions have long been a topic of discussion and reflection among followers of different religions. But let us explore the sacred texts, using logic and reason, to understand these truths more clearly.
Islam and Christianity share many values and principles, yet they fundamentally differ regarding the nature of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him). In Islam, Jesus is considered a great prophet sent by God, not God or the Son of God. In contrast, Christians believe that Jesus is God who became human. But what do the sacred texts in Islam and Christianity say about this matter? And when did the concept of incarnation begin in Christianity? In this article, we will try to clarify the facts based on the Holy Qur’an, the prophetic traditions, the Bible, and the emergence of the concept of incarnation.
*First: The Emergence of the Concept of Incarnation in Christianity:*
The concept of incarnation, which means that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, was not part of the original Christian belief. This idea gradually developed in Christian doctrine after the ascension of Jesus (peace be upon him) and took centuries to be formally established.
- *Council of Nicaea (325 AD):* This council marked a significant turning point in the history of Christian doctrine, where it was established that Jesus is "God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God." This laid the foundation for the idea of incarnation. However, before this council, there was a wide range of beliefs among Christians regarding the nature of Jesus.
- *Influence of Greek Philosophy:* Early Christian doctrine was influenced by Greek philosophy, particularly the concept of "Logos," which refers to divine reason or the word. These philosophical ideas helped shape the concept of incarnation as it is known today.
- *Development of Doctrine Over the Early Centuries:* In the early centuries after Christ, there were various views on the nature of Jesus. Some saw him as a prophet or an extraordinary human being, while others viewed him as God incarnate. These diverse ideas eventually led to the formalization of the doctrine of incarnation in ecumenical councils like the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Chalcedon.
*Second: Evidence from the Holy Qur’an:*
Islam teaches that God is the One, the Absolute, who has no partner or equal. Allah says in Surah Al-Ikhlas: "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him." God is exalted above all attributes of creation, including incarnation.
Also, in the Holy Qur’an, it is stated in Surah Al-Ma'idah: "They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. While Christ has said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.'" This verse clearly denies the notion that Christ (peace be upon him) is God and emphasizes his call for the worship of Allah alone.
*Third: Evidence from the Prophetic Traditions:*
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently spoke about Jesus (peace be upon him) in his Hadiths, clarifying his true nature and status.
1. *The Prophet’s Hadith on Jesus as a Prophet:*
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "I am the closest of people to the son of Mary, the prophets are paternal brothers, their mothers are different, but their religion is one" (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
This Hadith confirms that Jesus (peace be upon him) was a prophet sent by God, and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet who came after him.
2. *The Prophet’s Hadith on the Return of Jesus in the End Times:*
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, soon shall the son of Mary descend among you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the Jizya (tax), and wealth will be in such abundance that none will accept it" (Sahih Bukhari).
This Hadith foretells the return of Jesus (peace be upon him) in the end times, where he will affirm the oneness of God and end all forms of polytheism.
3. *Hadith about the Prophethood of Jesus:*
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The prophets are brothers from different mothers, but their religion is one" (Sahih Bukhari).
This Hadith confirms that all prophets, including Jesus (peace be upon him), brought the same message of worshiping the One God.
*Fourth: Evidence from the Bible:*
The Bible contains passages that align with the Islamic view of Jesus Christ:
1. *Mark 12:29:*
Jesus (peace be upon him) said: "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'" This passage emphasizes the oneness of God, and Jesus does not claim divinity for himself.
2. *John 14:28:*
Jesus (peace be upon him) said: "The Father is greater than I." This statement shows that Jesus did not consider himself equal to God but acknowledged God's superior authority.
3. *Matthew 26:39:*
In this passage, Jesus (peace be upon him) prayed to God: "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." This indicates Jesus' submission to God's will, which implies he is not God himself.
*Fifth: Testimony of His Contemporaries:*
The disciples of Jesus (peace be upon him) and the people who lived during his time considered him a prophet and messenger. In Luke 24:19, Cleopas, one of the disciples, described Jesus as "a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people." Additionally, the early disciples did not worship him as God but recognized him as a messenger from God.
In conclusion, the sacred texts of Islam and Christianity both indicate that Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) was a great prophet and messenger from God, not a deity. Islam calls for the worship of the One God, who has no partner, and affirms the oneness of God in all aspects.
