What is the Scriptural Basis for Islam's Belief in Jesus as the Messiah?

[meltzerboy]

In other words, why does Islam believe that Jesus is the Messiah? And why does it NOT believe He is the Son of G-d? Surely Islam does not follow the Jewish interpretation of the Hebrew Bible since this interpretation, according to the Masoretic text at least, claims Jesus did not fulfill any of the prophecies that the Messiah was to fulfill. On the other hand, Judaism does not believe in a Divine Messiah but only in a Human Messiah. Does Islam also believe this? I’m aware Islam does not equate Jesus with G-d, but I was wondering whether Jesus is thought to have certain extra-human or divine characteristics, similar to those of angels. In addition, does Islam incorporate any of the teachings of the Gospel with respect to Jesus: evidently not His being the Son of G-d, but perhaps His Messiahship? Further, I think Muhammad is considered the Seal of the Prophets according to the Qur’an. Is Jesus regarded as a lesser Prophet even at the time of His Second Coming when He is supposed to proclaim the Truth of Islam? And what else is Jesus supposed to do at that time? Finally, where does the idea of the anti-Christ–whom the Jews are prophesied to accept as the Messiah according to Islamic teaching–come from in Islam?

These are a lot of questions regarding Jesus based on the Islamic perspective. No one has to, or perhaps can, answer all of them, so take your pick! I’m interested in a knowledgeable Muslim response, but all religious scholars and non-scholars are welcome to reply.

 

[The_Scott]

It’s tricky to look at Islam and try to incorporate Christian and Jewish Scripture into it. I believe they think that the Scripture we adhere to (both Old and New Testament) were corrupted and tainted. So if you go to a Muslim and say, “I don’t see where [insert Muslim belief] in either part of the Christian Bible,” they can easily reply “That’s because it is tainted - the Qu’ran is the true, uncorrupted religious text.” In my opinion, that begs the question.

With regards to belief in Jesus, they believe he was born of the Virgin Mary, and, at the end of the world, will return to judge the living and the dead. He’s Islam’s #2 prophet - next to Mohammed, obviously.

 

[Bezant]

It’s tricky to look at Islam and try to incorporate Christian and Jewish Scripture into it. I believe they think that the Scripture we adhere to (both Old and New Testament) were corrupted and tainted. So if you go to a Muslim and say, “I don’t see where [insert Muslim belief] in either part of the Christian Bible,” they can easily reply “That’s because it is tainted - the Qu’ran is the true, uncorrupted religious text.” In my opinion, that begs the question.

But then Christians are in a similar position as Muslims, when we try to incorporate the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, as Meltzerboy pointed out.

To be sure, we’re not saying that the Old Testament is ‘tainted’ or ‘corrupted’, but in saying Jesus ‘fulfilled’ the Old Covenant, certain passages from Paul and the catechism, we’re implying that the Old Covenant was imperfect.

In a sense, that also puts us in an awkward position in Jewish-Christian debates; it seems like we also want to have our cake and eat it: justifying the New Testament with our reading of the Hebrew Scriptures, but using it only as a framework.

This is a very interesting question Meltzerboy posed and I would particularly want to know how Jesus as the Messiah works with (Twelve/Sevener) Shiites’ idea of the Mahdi.

 

[runningdude]

But then Christians are in a similar position as Muslims, when we try to incorporate the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, as Meltzerboy pointed out.

To be sure, we’re not saying that the Old Testament is ‘tainted’ or ‘corrupted’, but in saying Jesus ‘fulfilled’ the Old Covenant, certain passages from Paul and the catechism, we’re implying that the Old Covenant was imperfect.

In a sense, that also puts us in an awkward position in Jewish-Christian debates; it seems like we also want to have our cake and eat it: justifying the New Testament with our reading of the Hebrew Scriptures, but using it only as a framework.

This is a very interesting question Meltzerboy posed and I would particularly want to know how Jesus as the Messiah works with (Twelve/Sevener) Shiites’ idea of the Mahdi.

To address this point, Jesus nor Saint Paul never claimed the Old Covenant wasn’t perfect. They claimed that the particular schools of Jewish thought in apostolic times were imperfect. In several New Testament books, the inspired authors go to great lengths to show how perfectly Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies. For instance, read Psalm 22, compare it to the story of Christ’s passion, and try to hold back a shudder - a text several centuries predating Christ tells exactly what was too come!

 

[hamba2han]

What is the Scriptural Basis for Islam’s Belief in Jesus (pbuh) as the Messiah?

The short and simple answer is that the Qur’an and ahadith says so… and to elaborate just a bit, the thing to understand is that from the point of view of a Muslim, everything regarding faith is seen from a perspective based on the Qur’an and the ahadith and this means that what is found in earlier scriptures merely assumes at best, a supporting role for what is mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Many people are confused about the teachings of Islam because they are assuming that stories regarding earlier Prophets (peace be upon them all) like Jesus (pbuh) were copied from Jewish and Christian teachings and this is an assumption which is completely and absolutely not true.

The teachings of Islam stand entirely on it’s own without the need for any support whatsoever from the teachings found in earlier scriptures and thus the confusion starts when people assume erroneously that previous scriptures somehow influenced the teachings found in the Qur’an and ahadith.

Try to look at it this way → Suppose there were 4 brothers of different ages who all went to the same school over a period of say 20 years and who all attended the same classes and were even taught by the same teacher… would it come as a surprise then if all 4 brothers brought home similar notes of the lessons that were taught to them?

For reasons best known to the headmaster of the school, the 3 elder brothers were not instructed to preserve their notes and hence over a period of time, the lessons taught to them gradually became lost and forgotten… but the youngest of these 4 brothers was indeed instructed to preserve everything that he was taught in school and therefore his notes have remained intact for years and years to come.

 

[Sam_777]

why does Islam believe that Jesus is the Messiah?And why does it NOT believe He is the Son of G-d?

Because it’s literally mentioned in Quran.

but I was wondering whether Jesus is thought to have certain extra-human or divine characteristics, similar to those of angels.

There is nothing other than what was mentioned in Quran (speaking when infant, creating birds, healing people, raising the dead).

does Islam incorporate any of the teachings of the Gospel with respect to Jesus: evidently not His being the Son of G-d, but perhaps His Messiahship?

No Quran does not reference to any teaching of the Gospel with respect to Jesus.

Is Jesus regarded as a lesser Prophet even at the time of His Second Coming when He is supposed to proclaim the Truth of Islam?

Unfortunately yes even in the Judgement day, read this thread.

And what else is Jesus supposed to do at that time?

• Breaking the cross.
• Praying behind a Muslim Imam in a mosque.
• Marrying and live on earth for 40 years and then die.

Finally, where does the idea of the anti-Christ–whom the Jews are prophesied to accept as the Messiah according to Islamic teaching–come from in Islam?

This link has more information regarding that.

 

[1ke]

Unfortunately the Christians that Mohammed became exposed to were Arians. Thus, he picked up their heretical ideas regarding the Godhead.

 

[Bezant]

But then Christians are in a similar position as Muslims, when we try to incorporate the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, as Meltzerboy pointed out.

To be sure, we’re not saying that the Old Testament is ‘tainted’ or ‘corrupted’, but in saying Jesus ‘fulfilled’ the Old Covenant, certain passages from Paul and the catechism, we’re implying that the Old Covenant was imperfect.

In a sense, that also puts us in an awkward position in Jewish-Christian debates; it seems like we also want to have our cake and eat it: justifying the New Testament with our reading of the Hebrew Scriptures, but using it only as a framework.

This is a very interesting question Meltzerboy posed and I would particularly want to know how Jesus as the Messiah works with (Twelve/Sevener) Shiites’ idea of the Mahdi.

---

To address this point, Jesus nor Saint Paul never claimed the Old Covenant wasn’t perfect. They claimed that the particular schools of Jewish thought in apostolic times were imperfect. In several New Testament books, the inspired authors go to great lengths to show how perfectly Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies. For instance, read Psalm 22, compare it to the story of Christ’s passion, and try to hold back a shudder - a text several centuries predating Christ tells exactly what was too come!

I’m wasn’t making a point on theology, so much as making a point on our PR.

The catechism says it most directly – the Law is inherently imperfect:

“According to Christian tradition, the Law is holy, spiritual, and good, yet still imperfect. Like a tutor it shows what must be done, but does not of itself give the strength, the grace of the Spirit, to fulfill it. Because of sin, which it cannot remove, it remains a law of bondage. According to St. Paul, its special function is to denounce and disclose sin, which constitutes a “law of concupiscence” in the human heart. However, the Law remains the first stage on the way to the kingdom. It prepares and disposes the chosen people and each Christian for conversion and faith in the Savior God. It provides a teaching which endures for ever, like the Word of God.”

My point is, that opens us open to criticism in ecumenical discussions, in a similiar way it opens up Muslims to criticism when they at once justify and refute the Gospels with the Quran: “You use the ultimate test of the Sinai Covenant to back up Jesus’ authenticity, but officially you say the Sinai Covenant was inherently lacking? You’re just finding Jesus in the Hebrew Bible retroactively.”

 

[meltzerboy]

What is the Scriptural Basis for Islam’s Belief in Jesus (pbuh) as the Messiah?

The short and simple answer is that the Qur’an and ahadith says so… and to elaborate just a bit, the thing to understand is that from the point of view of a Muslim, everything regarding faith is seen from a perspective based on the Qur’an and the ahadith and this means that what is found in earlier scriptures merely assumes at best, a supporting role for what is mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Many people are confused about the teachings of Islam because they are assuming that stories regarding earlier Prophets (peace be upon them all) like Jesus (pbuh) were copied from Jewish and Christian teachings and this is an assumption which is completely and absolutely not true.

The teachings of Islam stand entirely on it’s own without the need for any support whatsoever from the teachings found in earlier scriptures and thus the confusion starts when people assume erroneously that previous scriptures somehow influenced the teachings found in the Qur’an and ahadith.

Try to look at it this way → Suppose there were 4 brothers of different ages who all went to the same school over a period of say 20 years and who all attended the same classes and were even taught by the same teacher… would it come as a surprise then if all 4 brothers brought home similar notes of the lessons that were taught to them?

For reasons best known to the headmaster of the school, the 3 elder brothers were not instructed to preserve their notes and hence over a period of time, the lessons taught to them gradually became lost and forgotten… but the youngest of these 4 brothers was indeed instructed to preserve everything that he was taught in school and therefore his notes have remained intact for years and years to come.

In other words, you’re saying that the Qur’an stands on its own as a non-corrupted Scripture, unlike the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. I think the confusion lies in the fact that Islam accepts the Prophets of the Hebrew Bible as well as Jesus. It seems to me that Mormonism is saying something similar in relation to the New Testament. I much appreciate the information, Hamba2han.

 

[hamba2han]

In other words, you’re saying that the Qur’an stands on its own as a non-corrupted Scripture, unlike the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. I think the confusion lies in the fact that Islam accepts the Prophets of the Hebrew Bible as well as Jesus. It seems to me that Mormonism is saying something similar in relation to the New Testament. I much appreciate the information, Hamba2han.

It is imperative that you do not miss an important point that I was making here i.e. it is not just the Qur’an which stands alone as non-corrupted scripture, it is also the ahadith which stands alone as completely independent and non-influenced scripture.

The Bible is most definitely NOT equivalent to the Qur’an.

At best, the Bible might be considered to be somewhat similar to the ahadith… and even then, it would really be stretching belief to think that the Bible approaches the ahadith in terms of accuracy and integrity of report.

 

[Sam_777]

it is also the ahadith which stands alone as completely independent and non-influenced scripture.

It’s good that you acknowledge the importance of ahadith, because it seems that non-Arabic Muslims seems to concentrate on Quran alone and forgetting the importance of ahadith to fully understand Islam.

The Bible is most definitely NOT equivalent to the Qur’an.

I totally agree with you on this one, they are diffidently not equivalent, one is a heavenly one (The Bible) and the other one is a man made religious book…

 

[meltzerboy]

It is imperative that you do not miss an important point that I was making here i.e. it is not just the Qur’an which stands alone as non-corrupted scripture, it is also the ahadith which stands alone as completely independent and non-influenced scripture.

The Bible is most definitely NOT equivalent to the Qur’an.

At best, the Bible might be considered to be somewhat similar to the ahadith… and even then, it would really be stretching belief to think that the Bible approaches the ahadith in terms of accuracy and integrity of report.

Where does Islam’s perspective concerning the inaccuracy and corruption of the Hebrew Bible (particularly the Torah) and the Gospels come from? Is it stated by Muhammad and others in the Qur’an or perhaps in the ahadith? And, if so stated, what is the basis of this belief: prophetic revelation, historical evidence, or some other factor?

 

[hamba2han]

Where does Islam’s perspective concerning the inaccuracy and corruption of the Hebrew Bible (particularly the Torah) and the Gospels come from? Is it stated by Muhammad and others in the Qur’an or perhaps in the ahadith? And, if so stated, what is the basis of this belief: prophetic revelation, historical evidence, or some other factor?

The are a number of verses in the Qur’an which leaves no doubt that the Bible has indeed been corrupted and one such example is:

That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not. … [Qur’an 4:157]

This verse clearly exposes the falsehood entered by the scribes that Jesus Christ (pbuh) was crucified by stating in clear terms that Jesus was not crucified.

The Qur’an also says that those who claim that Jesus was crucified do not have knowledge and only follow mere assumptions. Who then is saying that Jesus was crucified? The Bible suggests so and Christians follow and believe it. Thus the Qur’an is actually exposing the corruption of the Bible.

Since there is no Christian or Jew in the world who can answer the question of who was it that wrote the Bible, then the onus is really on Christians and Jews to prove that the Bible that we have today has not been corrupted by unknown hands through the ages.

 

[hamba2han]

It’s good that you acknowledge the importance of ahadith, because it seems that non-Arabic Muslims seems to concentrate on Quran alone and forgetting the importance of ahadith to fully understand Islam. …

Sunni Muslims constitute around 90% of the world’s Muslim population and the very definition of a Sunni Muslim is that they follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) of which the ahadith is a very major and integral part of.

And so, I am not sure why you are saying that non-Arab Muslims are not paying much attention to the ahadith.

 

[schaick]

Where does Islam’s perspective concerning the inaccuracy and corruption of the Hebrew Bible (particularly the Torah) and the Gospels come from? Is it stated by Muhammad and others in the Qur’an or perhaps in the ahadith? And, if so stated, what is the basis of this belief: prophetic revelation, historical evidence, or some other factor?

From the Muslims it didn’t come about until after 1,000 becaue the Quran actually confirms the Torah and Gospel. The realization that the Quran didn’t match up with the Torah and Gospel came much earlier for the Jewish and Christian.

TORAH
5.43 But why do they come to thee for decision, when they have (their own) law before them?- therein is the (plain) command of Allah; yet even after that, they would turn away. For they are not (really) People of Faith.
5.44 It was We who revealed the law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah’s will, by the rabbis and the doctors of law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear me, and sell not my signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.

GOSPEL
5.46 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.
5.47 Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.

LAW and GOSPEL, entire BIBLE
5.68 Say: “O People of the Book! ye have no ground to stand upon unless ye stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” It is the revelation that cometh to thee from thy Lord, that increaseth in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow thou not over (these) people without Faith

TORAH
6.87 (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way.
6.88 This is the guidance of Allah: He giveth that guidance to whom He pleaseth, of His worshippers. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.
6.89 These were the men to whom We gave the Book, and authority, and prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, Behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new people who reject them not.
6.90 Those were the (prophets) who received Allah’s guidance: Copy the guidance they received; Say: “No reward for this do I ask of you: This is no less than a message for the nations.”

The Quran is pretty vague about which scripture/book Mohammad is speaking of at any given time. Supposedly while not yet compiled into a book this is about the Quran. Notice it again confirms what came before it:
*6.92 And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the mother of cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in guarding their prayers. *

 

[schaick]

The are a number of verses in the Qur’an which leaves no doubt that the Bible has indeed been corrupted and one such example is:

That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not. … [Qur’an 4:157]

This verse clearly exposes the falsehood entered by the scribes that Jesus Christ (pbuh) was crucified by stating in clear terms that Jesus was not crucified.

The Qur’an also says that those who claim that Jesus was crucified do not have knowledge and only follow mere assumptions. Who then is saying that Jesus was crucified? The Bible suggests so and Christians follow and believe it. Thus the Qur’an is actually exposing the corruption of the Bible.

Since there is no Christian or Jew in the world who can answer the question of who was it that wrote the Bible, then the onus is really on Christians and Jews to prove that the Bible that we have today has not been corrupted by unknown hands through the ages.

All that shows is that Mohammad didn’t know historical fact.

So allah was so deceiving that he caused a false belief to arise by faking Jesus’ crucifxion?

Did he not realize what a huge mistake he was making in his deception?

 

[lude0r]

The reason why god told mohammed that jesus wasn’t crucified is the same reason why god told mohammed that the jews believed in the son of god Ezra in the quran!!

“The Jews call Ezra a son of God, and the Christians call the Christ a son of God. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!” (Quran 9:30)

 

[Ginger2]

In a nutshell, I witnessed some Muslim men a few years ago.

This situation stems from a belief their birthright was stolen by Isaac. Abraham’s first born son was Ishmael, and Muslims are the decendents of Ishmael. However, Ishmael is not the heir God promised, because Ishmael is not Sarah’s son, but the son of her handmaid Hagar.

Muslims believe Jews corrupted the Scriptures to make Isaac fit the criteria of “first born.”

So instead of the line of the Messiah coming from Isaac Jacob and Jacob’s twelve sons, they say the linage is Ishmael, Kedar and Kedar’s twleve sons.

It is interesting to note, this linage never appears in the koran. Instead it goes: Abraham, Ishmael, Jacob and Jacob’s twelve sons!

In fact Kedar is never mentioned in the koran - ever!!!

I think this is God’s way of showing us the book is corrupt, but **Muslims claim it is written this way only to show the linage of prophets, not of the Messiah. Therefore, Jesus, to them, is a great prophet, not the Messiah.**I have this all written down somewhere, but that’s a summary to the best of my memory.

 

[jakasaki]

Therefore, Jesus, to them, is a great prophet, not the Messiah.

Muslims do believe that Jesus, whom they call Isa, is the Messiah.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

In other words, you’re saying that the Qur’an stands on its own as a non-corrupted Scripture, unlike the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. I think the confusion lies in the fact that Islam accepts the Prophets of the Hebrew Bible as well as Jesus. It seems to me that Mormonism is saying something similar in relation to the New Testament. I much appreciate the information, Hamba2han.

wow you are the first one I’ve heard of (except me!) to see the similarity of Mormanism and Islam. They are both written by “restorationalists”, using old religious books as their foundation, and then adding new material. Both Mohammed and Joseph Smith had quite the imaginations!