The Story of Jesus and Mary in the Qur’an (Part 3): Jesus and the Final Truth
The Qur’an presents a clear and detailed account of Jesus (ʿIsa) focusing on his mission, his followers, his exalted status, and his final return to God. It also corrects many beliefs that developed later about him, reaffirming the central message of all prophets: worship of One God alone.
The Mission of Jesus and His Followers
When Jesus sensed rejection from those who disbelieved, he called upon his followers for support in God’s cause. The disciples responded with sincerity, declaring their faith and submission to God. They affirmed that they are Muslims in the sense of surrendering to the will of God and asked to be recorded among those who testify to the truth.
“At the same time, opposition to Jesus grew, and people plotted against him. However, the Qur’an makes it clear that God’s plan prevails over all plans, and that He ultimately protected and elevated Jesus.
God informed Jesus that He would take him and raise him to Himself, purifying him from those who disbelieved. Those who followed Jesus would remain supported, while ultimate judgment over disagreements would belong to God alone.
The Crucifixion and Divine Protection
The Qur’an strongly rejects the claim that Jesus was killed or crucified. It explains that people only thought they had killed him, but in reality, they did not. Instead, God raised Jesus to Himself, and He is All-Powerful and All-Wise.
This establishes a fundamental point in Islamic belief: Jesus was not defeated or humiliated, but rather honored and protected by God.
The Qur’an calls for dialogue based on truth and clarity. It invites people of earlier scriptures to agree on a common foundation: worshiping God alone without associating partners with Him.
“The Qur’an corrects several beliefs that arose about Jesus and other figures. It rejects the idea that Jesus is divine or the son of God, affirming instead that he is a noble messenger of God. It also warns against elevating religious figures or leaders to a status that belongs only to God.
The Second Coming of Jesus
The Qur’an indicates that Jesus will be a sign of the approaching Hour (the Day of Judgment). Before his death, he will be recognized by those who had misunderstood his message, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness over them.
This highlights his honored role within Islamic belief and his connection to the events of the end times.
Jesus on the Day of Judgment
On the Day of Resurrection, God will remind Jesus of His favors upon him: supporting him with the Holy Spirit, enabling him to speak in miraculous ways, teaching him scripture and wisdom, and granting him miracles by God’s permission.
“Jesus will be asked whether he instructed people to worship him and his mother instead of God. He will respond by declaring his complete innocence from such claims, affirming that he only instructed people to worship God alone.
He will testify that he conveyed the message as commanded, and that God remained the ultimate witness over all events. The final outcome will be clear: those who were truthful will receive Paradise, where they will remain forever in God’s pleasure.
Conclusion
The Qur’an’s account of Jesus presents a consistent message: he was a prophet of God, honored and supported, calling people to pure monotheism. He was not crucified as commonly believed, but rather raised by God and protected. His return and testimony on the Day of Judgment reflect his elevated status and his role in affirming the truth.
Ultimately, the message is one: worship God alone, follow His guidance, and prepare for the final meeting