Is Jesus Really Dead? The Islamic View on Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Every year, Christians across the world celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday to commemorate the death, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus (peace be upon him). These two days are at the heart of Christian theology, reflecting the belief in Jesus as the Son of God who died for humanity’s sins and was resurrected on the third day.
However, the Islamic view differs significantly. In Islam, the belief about Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the faith, especially in relation to the events surrounding his death. Islam teaches that Jesus was neither crucified nor killed, and that he is still alive in the presence of Allah. Here’s a deeper exploration of the Islamic perspective on Jesus, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
1. The Qur’an and the Denial of the Crucifixion
One of the most important differences between Christianity and Islam is the belief in the crucifixion of Jesus. In the Qur’an, it is stated clearly that Jesus was not crucified:
"They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him for certain."
— Qur’an 4:157
This verse, one of the most crucial in understanding the Islamic view on Jesus, indicates that Allah made someone else resemble Jesus at the moment of the crucifixion. Thus, while the enemies of Jesus thought they were killing him, it was not Jesus who died on the cross. Instead, Allah took him up to Himself.
The Qur'an does not name the person who was made to resemble Jesus, but various Islamic scholars suggest it was someone who betrayed him, such as Judas Iscariot. However, the core belief remains that Jesus himself was spared from the crucifixion.
2. The Significance of Jesus’s Ascension
In Islam, Jesus is not considered to have died but was raised up by Allah to the heavens. This is a miraculous event and demonstrates Allah’s power over life and death. The belief is rooted in the Qur’an:
"Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise."
— Qur’an 4:158
The raising of Jesus is seen as a sign of his high status and special role in Islam. Muslims do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus in the Christian sense but believe that he is alive in the presence of Allah.
3. The Second Coming of Jesus
One of the most profound beliefs in Islam is that Jesus will return at the end of time to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and establish peace and justice on Earth. This is mentioned in numerous Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
“By Him in Whose Hand is my life, the son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just ruler…”
— Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), Sahih al-Bukhari
Jesus’s return is considered one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment. He will come not as a new prophet but as the follower of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and he will establish the rule of justice, denounce false beliefs, and ultimately help to lead the world to the worship of the One True God.
4. The Differences Between Islamic and Christian Views on the Death of Jesus
The key theological difference between Christianity and Islam is the concept of the crucifixion. For Christians, the crucifixion of Jesus is central to their faith, symbolizing Jesus’s sacrifice for the sins of humanity. According to Christian belief, through Jesus's death and resurrection, believers can be reconciled with God.
In contrast, Islam teaches that Jesus did not die but was rather raised to Heaven by Allah. This teaching does not negate the importance of Jesus in Islam; in fact, he is considered one of the greatest prophets, but Muslims do not view his death and resurrection as a means for salvation. Instead, salvation in Islam comes through submission to Allah, worship, repentance, and good deeds.
For Muslims, Jesus’s life and teachings are respected, but there is no concept of original sin, and thus no need for a vicarious atonement by the death of Jesus. Muslims believe that every person is responsible for their own actions and that repentance to Allah is the path to forgiveness.
5. No Resurrection, No Easter Sunday in Islam
The observance of Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, is not a part of Islamic tradition. Muslims do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus, as they believe that he never died. Therefore, there is no equivalent celebration in Islam to Easter Sunday.
In Islam, the resurrection is understood differently. Muslims believe in the resurrection of all individuals on the Day of Judgment when Allah will resurrect all human beings from their graves for accountability. Jesus will be one of those who will be resurrected in the end times, but not in the manner described by Christian tradition.
6. Why This Belief Matters for Muslims
It is important for Muslims to understand and clearly explain the Islamic perspective on Jesus and the events surrounding Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Muslims respect and revere Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) as a mighty prophet, but they do not accept the Christian doctrine of his crucifixion and resurrection.
For Muslims, understanding these differences allows for greater interfaith dialogue and promotes mutual respect between Islam and Christianity. It’s also crucial for Muslims to affirm the oneness of Allah and the finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم), as this is the cornerstone of Islamic belief.
Conclusion
The Islamic view on the death of Jesus, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday is very different from the Christian narrative. According to Islam, Jesus was not crucified, but instead, Allah raised him to the heavens, where he remains alive. Muslims believe that Jesus will return in the future as part of the major signs of the Day of Judgment.
For Muslims, it’s essential to understand these differences and explain them respectfully when discussing religious matters with Christians. This not only strengthens one’s faith but also fosters a better understanding of Islam’s teachings.
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