Jesus in Islam

Jesus in Islam

Jesus is generally known to have been born on December 25th. Christians as well as some non-Christians will be celebrating Christmas this Monday. They colorfully decorate their homes with lights and even after Thanksgiving Day people start shopping until a day or two before Christmas. Many people know who Jesus was. But do they know the actual origin of this Holiday?

For me, Jesus is known as Isa (peace be on him) and he is mentioned as a prophet of God in the Holy Qur’an. Islam is the only religion which requires its followers to believe in all prophets of God including Jesus (2: 137). It further states about his mission as follows: “And we caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, fulfilling that which was revealed before him in the Torah; and we gave him the Gospel which contained guidance and light, fulfilling that which was revealed before in the Torah and a guidance and a admonition for the God- Fearing”(5:47). The Qur’an is also clear that Jesus was born in summer and not winter (19:26).

As a Muslim I do not partake in the traditional festivities of this Holiday because neither the Qur’an nor the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) talk about celebrating the birth of any prophet. But regardless of these differences of opinion, I respect and love Jesus (pboh).

Happy Holidays Everyone. And a Happy New Year Too!