Lots of people think muslims don't believe in Jesus, peace be upon him. This is very wrong. Islam teaches that Jesus, pbuh, known in Islam as Isa, was one of the greatest prophets. View this for an explaination of why Jesus can't be the son of God. We call him Isa because this was his real name. Isa as well as all the other prophets spoke aramaic, not latin or english. The letter 'J' is not in the aramaic language, thus the english names Joseph (Yusuf), Joshua (Yusha), and John (Yahia) are incorrect. There is a chapter in the Quran (19) called Maryam (Mary) dedicated to the story of Jesus' mother Mary, her experience, and the birth and miracles of Jesus, pbuh. Jesus is mentioned in the Quran 25 times, while the prophet Muhammad, pbuh, is only mentioned 5 times by name. Muslims hold high esteem and respect for Jesus and his teaching. We believe that Jesus, pbuh, is in Heaven (Jennah) and will return to earth to defeat the anti-christ. Click here for a better understanding of what Islam teaches about Jesus, pbuh.
I'm very curious why it seems people who accept Christianity as the true religion and claim that Jesus, pbuh, is the son of God, aren't following his teachings. I experience first-hand the reactions and actions of people responding to me as a muslimah and I will tell you it's anything but Christian. I'm confused and surprised. Who are we following and obeying? God or the media? God or the government? Where does it say in the Bible and where did Jesus, pbuh, say to treat anyone different badly? Didn't Jesus, pbuh, sit and eat with the tax collectors, who in that time was considered lowest of the low? In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus, pbuh, answered a question of a Pharisee asking what the greatest commandment is. Jesus, pbuh, answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments." He didn't say love those like you. He said love your neighbors. In Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus says 'You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'
If you buy into the media messages that Islam and muslims are violent, hateful, harmful people so be it. If you don't find it your responsibility to be educated and have an understanding of Islam, so be it. If you find Islam and muslims the enemy, so be it. However, as Christians it is your duty to obey God. Therefore, you must put your personal feelings aside, and love your neighbors, no matter who they are, even if they're your 'enemies.'
Put yourself in other's places. Would you appreciate being treated differently because of your appearance? Because of your religion? Because of your nationality? America boasts of it's diversity. 'The melting pot.' Suddenly the pot is closed to muslims and I'm challenging you all to question why. I'm also challenging you all to educate yourselves the correct way. To gain knowledge about science, you go to a scientist. To gain knowledge about medicine, you go to a doctor. To gain knowledge about Islam, you go to a muslim, who should lead you to the Quran. If you are secure in your religion and your beliefs, what is the harm in researching Islam? What do you have to lose? Perhaps with genuine education people will know Islam and even if you don't agree or accept it, you will understand it. Fear and ignorance will be replaced with understanding and knowledge. And then it will be easier to love your neighbors.
This is a link for you to explore the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, pbuh (hadiths), the Quran, Bible, articles, and more.
