Prophet Isa (Jesus) and his journey on Land

In Islam, Jesus, known as ‘Isa’, is recognised as one of the great prophets and messengers of Allah swt. His story is mentioned in the Qur’an, and while there are similarities with the Christian narrative, there are also key differences in the Islamic understanding of Jesus.

Much of the western Christian world believes that the Prophet ’Isa (as) was born on 25th December. Muslim scholars have said that he was most likely born in spring or summer, based upon the previously mentioned ayah:

’And shake the trunk of this palm tree towards you, it will drop fresh, ripe dates (rutaban janiyyan) upon you’. [The Noble Qur’an, 19:25].

In Islam, Isa (as) is regarded as a prophet and messenger of Allah swt, similar to other figures such as Moses (as) and Muhammad (pbuh).

The Quran emphasizes the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus (as) to Mary.

Like in Christianity, Islam acknowledges that Jesus (as) performed miracles, including healing the sick, by Allah’s permission.

Unlike the Christian belief in the Trinity, Islam strictly rejects the divinity of Jesus (as). In Islam, God is singular and indivisible.

While there are different interpretations, the Quran states that Jesus (as) was not crucified but was instead raised up by Allah swt.

There are several destinations associated with the life and legacy of Jesus (as) in Islamic tradition.

On Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj, the miraculous Night Journey and Ascension, the Angel Jibril (as) instructed the Prophet (saw) to dismount Buraq and pray in certain locations between Makkah and Al-Quds (Jerusalem). Among these locations was Bethlehem, where ’Isa (as) was born. In Arabic, this is called Bayt Lahm, literally ‘the house of meat’. Later that night, the Prophet (saw) led all the prophets – including ’Isa (as) – in prayer in the Blessed Masjid Al-Aqsa. Angel Jibril (as) then ascended with the Prophet (saw) from the Dome of the Rock through the seven layers of the sky. At the second layer, the Prophet (saw) met ’Isa (as) once more, along with ’Isa’s cousin Yahya (as). SubhanAllah, they greeted him by saying, ‘Welcome, O pious prophet and pious brother!’ [Bukhari]

Image by: Kole Keister, Al Aqsa Mosque, Unsplash

Visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque, believed to be the location from which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended to the heavens in the Night Journey. The city is also significant in Christian tradition as the place of Jesus (as) crucifixion and resurrection.

Explore the city of Nazareth, Palestine where Mary received the news of her miraculous pregnancy and where Jesus (as) grew up.

In Bethlehem, Palestine – visit the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus (as).

Image: Sameeh Karram, Nativity Church, Unsplash

Mount Sinai, Egypt – Wwile not directly associated with Jesus (as), this mountain is significant in Islamic tradition and is believed to be the place where Prophet Moses (as) received the Ten Commandments.

When visiting these destinations, it’s essential to be mindful of the cultural and religious sensitivities associated with them.

Image – Artem Laburns, Mount Sinai, Unsplash

Additionally, consider the historical and religious significance of these places to both Muslims and Christians.

Regarding his miraculous birth, Allah says: ’So she (Maryam (as)) conceived him and withdrew with him to a remote place. Then the pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She cried, “Alas! I wish I had died before this, and was a thing long forgotten!” So a voice (either ’Isa (as) or Jibril (as)) reassured her from below her, “Do not grieve! Your Lord has provided a stream at your feet. And shake the trunk of this palm tree towards you, it will drop fresh, ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink, and put your heart at ease. But if you see any of the people, say, ‘I have vowed silence to the Most Compassionate, so I am not talking to anyone today’”’. [The Noble Qur’an, 19:22-26]

This passage clearly indicates that Maryam (as) was alone when she gave birth to the Prophet ’Isa (as). She was under a date palm tree by a freshwater stream – not in a stable accompanied by Joseph the carpenter, as mentioned in the Christian nativity account. We also know that she was in the valley of Bethlehem, some six miles south of Jerusalem.

There are many hadith which refer to the return of ’Isa (as): ‘’Isa, son of Maryam (as), will descend at the white minaret in the eastern side of Damascus, wearing two garments lightly dyed with saffron and placing his hands on the wings of two Angels. When he would lower his head, there would fall beads of perspiration from his head, and when he would raise it up, beads like pearls would scatter from it’. [Muslim]

The Hour will not be established until the son of Maryam descends amongst you as a just ruler; he will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the Jizyah tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts)’. [Bukhari] ’Isa (as) will also pray in Masjid Al-Aqsa, behind Imam Mahdi: ‘‘Isa the son of Maryam (as) would then descend, and their (the Muslims’) commander (Imam Mahdi) would invite him to come and lead them in prayer, but he would say, “No, indeed some of you are commanders over each other as Allah’s honour for this Ummah”’. [Muslim]