A Prophet Born of a Miracle
Prophet Isa (peace be upon him), who is known as Jesus in English, holds a special and respected place in Islam.
He is one of the most important messengers of God, sent especially to guide the Children of Israel back to the true worship of God.His story, as described in the Quran, includes many miracles from the time of his birth until his ascension to heaven, and it does not end there—he is expected to return once more.
The Miraculous Birth
The story of Prophet Isa begins with his mother, Maryam (Mary).
She was a kind and faithful woman who lived a life devoted to God.One day, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to her with a very surprising message.She would give birth to a son, even though no man had ever touched her.
Maryam was confused and frightened.
She asked, “How can I have a son when no man has touched me?” The angel explained that it was easy for God, and that this child would be a sign for all people.
The birth itself was a great miracle.
Maryam went to a secluded place to give birth alone.The pain of childbirth made her feel very sad, and she wished she had died before this happened.Then, a voice came from beneath her: “Do not be sad!Your Lord has placed a stream beneath you.Shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you, and fresh, ripe dates will fall upon you.”
The Infant Who Spoke
When Maryam returned to her people with the baby, they were greatly surprised and accused her of a serious wrong.
However, the infant Isa, by the will of God, spoke from his cradle to defend his mother.He said, “I am truly a servant of God.He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.He has made me blessed in all the places I go, and has commanded me to pray and give charity as long as I live.”
This was the first of many miracles.
A newborn child, speaking with wisdom and clarity, silenced the accusations against his mother and announced his mission as a prophet.He was not divine, but a human messenger, chosen by God to guide people.
The Mission and the Miracles
As an adult, Prophet Isa was sent to the Children of Israel.
He was given a revelation called the Injil (the Gospel) to guide them.
To show his prophethood and the power of God, Isa was granted many miracles.
He healed the blind and the leper, and even brought the dead back to life—all by God’s permission.He also made a bird from clay, breathed into it, and it became a living bird by God’s will.These miracles were clear signs for the people, yet many still rejected his message.
He called them to worship God alone, to follow the teachings of the Torah, and to prepare for the coming of the final prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him.
The Plot Against Him
The religious leaders of the time felt threatened by Isa’s teachings.
They saw him as a danger to their power.They plotted to kill him and went to the king, saying that Isa was causing trouble and misleading the people.
They conspired to arrest him and crucify him.
However, their plan failed.God revealed their scheme to Isa and saved him.
The Ascension
In a remarkable event, God raised Isa up to Himself, saving him from his enemies.
The Quran says that although they tried to kill and crucify him, they did not succeed.Instead, God made another man look exactly like Isa, and this man was captured and crucified in his place, while Isa was taken to heaven.He was not killed; he was protected by God’s mercy.
His Return
According to Islamic belief, the story of Prophet Isa is not over.
He did not die but was taken up to God.He is destined to return to the earth before the Day of Judgment.
When he returns, he will come down near Damascus.
He will not come as a new prophet, but as a follower of Prophet Muhammad.He will break the cross, kill the false messiah (the Dajjal or Antichrist), and bring peace and justice to the world.He will live on earth, marry, have children, and eventually die a natural death, and will be buried next to the Prophet Muhammad in Medina.
The story of Prophet Isa is a powerful example of God’s mercy and power.
From a miraculous birth to a miraculous ascension, his life serves as a sign for those who reflect upon it.He was not God’s son, but a beloved messenger who called people back to the worship of the One True God.His legacy of mercy, truth, and justice continues to inspire millions, and his promised return gives hope for a future filled with peace.