The Messiah Isa on of Maryam - Introduction
All thanks and gratitude be to Allah, The Almighty God, through whose guidance I have been able to complete this work.
{O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except in a state of Islam}1 (Surat Aal-Imran: 102).
{O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah ever watches over you} (Surat al-Nisaa’: 01).
{O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right: That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He that obeys Allah and His Messenger, has already attained the highest Achievement} (Surat al-Ahzaab: 70-71).
On 29.4.2015, and while on a trip to Italy as a guest of the Saint Aguido civil society organization, God’s Will had its own way in causing me to embark on this book. I was accompanied by colleagues Atif BuKarra and Waleed al-Lafi al-Farjani al-Tarhouni on a mission of peace and reconciliation among the warring parties in Libya. Those who attended from the organization’s side were:
• Father Angelo Romano
• Mr Andrea Trintinni
• Interpreter, Mrs Angela al-Rayyis.
The meeting took place in a Vatican owned church in Rome and during it I spoke of God’s Holy Names, including that of Peace, and how our prayers start with (God is Greatest) and end with the word “Peace”, in addition to the fact that one of Heaven’s names is also “The House of Peace”. I then spoke of Islam’s stance on Prophet Isa and his virgin mother and began by reciting the verse: {Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East} (Surat Maryam: 16). Then when I began explaining the verses: {“O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!” But she pointed to the baby. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?” He said: “I am indeed a servant of Allah. He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live} (Surat Maryam: 28-31), the interpreter began crying and her eyes filled up with tears. It was this incident that the idea came to me – most probably as a revelation from God – that we needed to highlight the verses of the Holy Qur’an which speak of Prophet Isa’s life, and that of his mother, and phrase them in an intellectually modern book that is in line with the current era and modern human discourse.
Such a book would be based upon the Words of God, first and foremost, and which would reveal the truth about Prophet Isa (pbuh) in an intellectually logical manner that resonates with human instinct’s yearning for understanding the truth about the Messiah Isa son of Maryam.
Accordingly, I embarked on collecting and purchasing all books related to Prophet Isa and read all information about Christian sects and their origins, the history of churches, the old and new testaments, the gospels of Luke, Matthew, John, Mark and Barnabas, university dissertations on these topics, persecution which Unitarian Nasraanis suffered throughout history, as well as dialogues and arguments between Islamic scholars and their Christian counterparts in both old and modern times.
I also studied Qur’anic verses in a subjective interpretive way, which is what I had specialized in as my Master’s dissertation was on “Moderation in the Holy Qur’an” while my PhD dissertation was on “Empowerment in the Holy Qur’an.” I referred to scholars’ interpretation of the Holy verses relating to Prophet Isa and his mother, including his message and status among prophets and messengers. That was when I realized how ignorant I was regarding such a blessed life and thought to myself that my life is worthy of being spent in researching and bringing to the masses all information regarding such messengers and prophets of Inflexible Purpose who The Almighty had appointed as leaders, icons of nations and humanity and truth-seekers throughout history.
This book is considered the onset of a grand civilization project in introducing mankind to the lives and messages of prophets and messengers via the Holy Qur’an which contains all truths.
It is the tip of the iceberg in explaining their ethics, messages, and the origins of that which they were entrusted with through the confirmed Hadeeths of Prophet Mohammad and the words of renowned scholars, in a modern wording that suits the phase in which humanity is experiencing wretchedness by alienating itself from Divine Guidance.
I thank God The Almighty that He has guided me toward catering to these topics and I beseech Him to aid me in carrying them out them purely for His sake. I pray for ease of printing, publishing, acceptance by the masses, a means for guiding many lost souls towards the path of righteousness; that these words may be well received by minds, instincts, hearts and souls; and that they may be a beacon that fills with light the darkened paths marred with satanic lusts. I pray that it would be reason for me, and for all who assisted and partook in publishing this book, towards an afterlife in the company of prophets, martyrs and the righteous.
I have named this book “The Messiah Isa son of Maryam, the Complete Truth” and divided it into a number of chapters.
Chapter One is on the historical roots of the nation in which Isa (pbuh) was born where I wrote about the history of Palestine; the eras of Israelites’ reign – jurists’, kings’ and the era of division, and their political, social and intellectual life; the impact of the Greek civilization and the Romans on Palestine and the Levant; the Jewish groups prevalent during the emergence of the Messiah such as the Samarians, Sadducees, Pharisees, Qumranians, Asanians, the Temple and men of religion, as well as their dogmas and beliefs; and meanings of important words in this book such as Nasraaniism and Christianity, why Isa was dubbed the Messiah, and the difference between Christians and Nasraanis.
I titled the Chapter Two: (Isa (pbuh) in the Holy Qur’an). In it, I registered all instances that mentioned Isa (pbuh) and his mother. I also traced from the Qur’an all instances that mentioned his maternal grandmother, the clan of Imran, why they were mentioned in Surat Aal-Imran, who the clan of Imran are and why God selected them from among all others. I discussed Maryam from the Qur’an’s point of view and showed that the meaning of her name is she who worships and serves God. I also shed light on the supplication of Imran’s wife to The Almighty, her beseeching of Him and submittal to His Will through calling Him by His Names of Greatness, i.e. The One God, The All-Hearing, The All-Knowing, and how He accepted her prayers and requests and took care of her daughter (and provided her with a good upbringing). The verse states the soundness of her growth and the completeness of her natural figure through pure Heavenly care. It also states how The Almighty had Zakariya commit to caring for Maryam (pbuh) and to her raising. I also wrote about the dignifying of Maryam as God provided her with her means of sustenance without having to toil for it, how Zakariya supplicated to The Almighty that He grant him good and righteous children after having reached an old age, and how The Almighty granted him his prayers.
I also spoke about Zakariya’s soft prayer to God and his beautiful prelude to the supplication, God’s good news to Zakariya as he was in the praying space, the traits of Yahya (pbuh) that were mentioned in the Qur’an and showed the lesson and reason for mentioning the stories of Yahya and Zakariya when speaking about Maryam’s life. When The Almighty spoke of the story of Yahya’s birth of an barren woman and old man – which is a supernatural matter – He followed it with the birth of Isa without the presence of a father as a matter of much more awe and greatness.
I also wrote about God’s choosing of Maryam as the purest among mankind at the time, whether she was a Siddeeqah (a conveyor of Truth) or a prophet, her prayers and supplications late at night, the angels’ glad tiding to her about the birth of Isa and informing her of a number of his traits such as being of great importance in life and the Afterlife, close to God, speaks to people as an infant and a young man and one who is righteous, along with Maryam’s response to this news.
I have also discussed the dialogue that occurred between the angel Jibreel (pbuh) and Maryam which is stated in Surat Maryam, and explained its meanings, values and lessons as per the words of Tafseer 2 jurists. I clarified what it means that Isa is God’s Word and a Spirit from Him, the nature of this Spirit, its meanings in the Holy Qur’an and the explanation thereof.
I described the birth of Isa (pbuh) through the Qur’anic verses which expressed this great event, and the physical and psychological distress which Maryam (pbuh) experienced to the point that she wished for death, as well as all Divine blessings and gifts accompanying that. I mentioned Isa’s (pbuh) ability to speak while still in the cradle in defence of his mother against the accusations attributed to her, through the Holy verses: {I am indeed a servant of Allah. He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; (He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; “So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)} (Surat Maryam 30-33).
I shed light on the deep meanings of Qur’anic verses explaining the truth about Isa (pbuh), and conveyed the stance of king of Abyssinia, al-Najaashi, upon hearing the verses from Surat Maryam when read to him by Ja’afar bin Abu Talib.
I also explained the great role Maryam played in human history, being a school of honesty with her God, self and religion, in chastity, piety, patience, worship, prayer and dependence upon Him.
I wrote exhaustively on Isa’s message to the Israelites, his humanity, the need to believe he is a servant of God and His messenger, and believe in his message of Monotheism (Tawheed). Also, that the Holy Qur’an has openly expressed these facts through sound deduction, clear logic and unequivocal proof. God Says: {The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: “Be”. And he was} (Surat Aal-Imran: 59)
Also in: {It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people: “Be ye my worshippers rather than Allah’s”: on the contrary (He would say) “Be ye worshippers of Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all: For ye have taught the Book and ye have studied it earnestly} (Surat Aal-Imran: 79)
And in: {O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not “Trinity”: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah. Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. Christ disdaineth nor to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah: those who disdain His worship and are arrogant,-He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer)} (Surat al-Nisaa’: 171-172).
And in: {They do blaspheme who say: “(Allah) is Christ the son of Mary.” But said Christ: “O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever joins other gods with Allah, Allah will forbid him the garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One Allah. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. Why turn they not to Allah, and seek His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful. Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah doth make His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth! Say: “Will ye worship, besides Allah, something which hath no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah,- He it is that heareth and knoweth all things.” Say: “O people of the Book! exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by, who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even way} (Surat al-Maa’idah: 72-77).
And in: {And behold! Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah?” He will say: “Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. “Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, to wit, ‘worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord’; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things. “If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise.” Allah will say: “This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires). To Allah doth belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He Who hath power over all things.} (Surat al-Maa’idah: 116-120).
This is in addition to other Holy verses on the truth, calling and humanity of Prophet Isa (pbuh). I also explained the status of Isa among prophets and messengers, that the source of his teachings is from The Almighty God and that he is among those of Inflexible Purpose, as per the following verse: {The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him)} (Surat al-Shourah: 13).
Also through the verses of the Holy Qur’an, I explained the origins of laws he called for; those of belief, ethics and virtues; differences among messengers, and emphasized the important truth that the religion of prophets and messengers is Islam and mentioned the proofs thereof since the times of Noah, Ibrahim and henceforth till the time of Prophet Mohammad (pbut).
I mentioned the affirmation by Isa of the Torah, how the Holy Qur’an describes it and the alteration it underwent; as well as of that of the Injeel (Gospel) after God raised Isa to the Heavens.
I also mentioned the most important studies on this topic, and the conclusions I reached regarding the gospels:
• (Distortion and Contradiction in the Four Gospels), a study by Dr Sarah Hamid Mohammad al-Abbaadi – scientific article in a book.
• (Methodology of Collecting al-Sunnah and the Gospels), a comparative study by Dr Aziyyah Ali Taha – scientific article in a book.
• (Sources of Nasraaniism), a study and critique by Dr Abdul-Razzak Abdul-Majeed – scientific article in a book.
I also listed the traits of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) as mentioned in the Torah and Bible, as well as the good news received by Prophet Isa as per the holy verse: {And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: “O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, “this is evident sorcery!” Who doth greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong} (Surat al-Saff: 06-07).
In addition, I mentioned those scholars among people of the Book who embraced Islam due to these glad tidings.
Chapter Three discusses the following: -
- Miracles of Isa (pbuh), the Hawaaris, his ascension to the Heavens, miracles’ conditions, difference between Miracles and Graces, the miracles of Isa that are mentioned in the Qur’an like his fatherless birth, granting him the assistance of the Holy Spirit, teaching him the Word of God, curing the born blind and lepers, resurrecting the dead, creating bird-like figurines from clay and breathing life into them, informing Isa about concealed matters from mankind as all miracles were granted to Prophet Isa from the One God to support him in the delivery of God’s message of testifying to His Singularity and worshipping and submitting to God’s Will.
- The Hawaaris (Disciples) and how they responded to the calling of Isa (pbuh) and supported him, the descending of the Repast, God’s inquisition of Isa witnessed by all on Judgment Day as per the verse in the holy Qur’an: {And behold! Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah?” He will say: “Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, Thou I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. Never said I to them aught except what Thou didst command me to say, to wit, ‘worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord’; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things. If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servant: If Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise”} (Surat al-Maa’idah: 116-118).
- The Israelites’ treachery of Isa, God’s protection of him, raising him to the Heavens, God’s emphasis that Prophet Isa was neither killed nor crucified as per the holy verse: {They killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them} (Surat al-Nisaa’: 157).
- The proceedings on the night the lookalike was captured, the sequence of that night’s events as mentioned by grand historian and interpreter Ibn Katheer, the verses on denying the killing and crucifixion of Isa as it was the lookalike who died, opinions of well-founded scholars on the matter, confusion among the gospels in the events leading to the death of the lookalike where the closest is that of Barnaba’s, Crucifixion and Sacrifice to Nasraanis, the descending of Prophet Isa in the future and proofs thereof from the Qur’an and well-sequenced narrations of Sunnah, the reason why he will be descended, according to what he will rule, his most important actions and how long he will remain on Earth prior to his death. Chapter Four covers the following:
- Najran’s Nasraanis and their arguing of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), their stance of Mohammad’s calling when they went to see him and how they were dressed when they arrived there, councils of arguing and debate, the most important matters argued upon and holy verses on them, calling for but fearing to go through with Mubahala as they knew of Prophet Mohammad’s honesty and the truth of his prophethood, their proven admission that the advent of Mohammad was foreseen in their holy books, requesting a truce with Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and the latter’s approval thereof.
The book concludes with:
- Calling for the reigning of the righteousness which The Almighty God ordered, as per the holy verse: {Say: “O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah. that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah.” If then they turn back, say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will)} (Surat Aal-Imran: 64).
- That prophets and messengers have called for Monotheism and the worship of The Almighty, informed mankind of their Great Creator and of the facts of the universe, life and death, heaven and hell, devils and angels and the nature of Man through Divine Revelation descended upon all prophets by Allah.
- The life stories of the prophets, histories, and origins of their callings as preserved in the Holy Qur’an, the life of Prophet Isa (pbuh) and that of his mother.
- God’s description of Himself with traits of perfection and that only He possesses them, that He is One with no other, needing of none and needed by all as per the holy verse: {Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him} (Surat al-Ikhlaas: 01-04)
Through this book, I have attempted to clarify the Complete Truth about Prophet Isa (pbuh) through objective interpretation of verses from the Holy Qur’an.
The writing of this book was concluded on Monday 25th February, 2019 in Istanbul, at 5:40pm. All thanks and gratitude be to Allah The Almighty God Who I beseech to accept from me this humble effort well. God Says: {“O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants”} (Surat al-Naml: 19).
Ali Mohammad al-Sallabi February 25th, 2019
Footnotes:
1 Translator’s note: Translations of Qur’anic verses in this book are taken from Yusuf Ali’s translation of the Holy Quran.
2 Qur’an interpreters.