1 The Nativity Q [3:33-48], Q[19:1-33]

* The wish of the wife of `Imran (mother of the Virgin Mary)
* Early wonders in the life of Mary
* Zechariah, in old age, prays for and is granted a son, John
o Seeking a son is a human need and desire
* Qur’an conveying this ‘unseen knowledge’ to the Unlettered Prophet
* Glad tidings of miraculous virgin birth
* Labor and further marvels
* Miraculous speaking, and affirmation of servitude.

2 Status of Mary (peace and blessings be upon her)

* mentioned by name 30 times in Qur’an (only such woman)
* cited as an example for those who believe. Q[66:12]
* attained perfection [Muslim]
* is stated to be the head of the women of Paradise Q[3:42] and [Bukhari]
* some scholars classify her as a prophetess.
* she and her son were uniquely safeguarded from the touch of Satan at birth Q[3:36] and [Muslim]

3 Description of Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him), his Life and Teachings

* Miraculous birth affirmed, as a sign of Allah’s power, but not of divinity (cf. Prophet Adam, as in Q[3:59])
* Described by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) [Bukhari, Muslim]
o In a vision [Bukhari, Muslim]
o Encounter on the night of Mi`raj (the wondrous night-journey from Makkah, to Jerusalem, to the heavens, by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him))
o Jesus greeting the Prophet as a brother
* Basic message (belief) of all prophets same (Q[3:51] Q[19:36]); true faith requires belief in all prophets (Q[3:81], Q[4:150-151], Q[61:14]),
o Brotherhood of the prophets, and Prophet Muhammad being closest to Prophet Jesus in this world and the Hereafter. [Bukhari]
* Miracles:
o speech in the cradle
o birds, healing the blind and lepers, reviving the dead Q[3:49-50]: all by permission of Allah [cf. Luke 11:20, John 5:30, 11:41, Acts,2:22]
o Descent of Table: Q[5:11-115]
* verses of Qur’an about some of his teachings, and the Injil in particular
o guidance, light, confirmation of Torah, admonition Q[5:46]
o regulations of Torah [cf. Mark 13:31-32] and some change
o the narration about his seeing a man stealing.

The Prophet said, “Jesus, seeing a man stealing, asked him, ‘Did you steal?, He said, ‘No, [I swear] by Allah, besides Whom there is None worthy of worship!’ Jesus said, ‘I believe in Allah and disbelieve my eyes.” [Muslim]

4 Status of Prophet Jesus

* Among the great Prophets and Messengers
* also called word and spirit, and explanation that these terms do not connote divinity
* described by the Prophet as ‘the righteous slave’ and emulation of his words from Q[5:118]
* he and his mother described as a sign Q[23:50]
* Disciples
o Compassion and mercy placed in their hearts Q[57:27]
o Muslims called upon to hearken like them Q[61:14]
* negation of divinity and sonship Q[5:116-118]
o Clarification of Islamic concept of Tawhid, as contrasted with Shirk (the unforgiveable sin Q[4:48])
* His glad tidings of the Final Prophet Q[61:6] cf. [John 14, 16]

5 Departure from this World

* Death and killing are rational possibilities, but factually, we believe they simply did not take place
* Not killed, nor crucified Q[4:157-159]
* Raised up, a fitting departure for a man whose entry into the world was also extraordinary

6 Second Coming

* Second coming indicated by Q[3:46], [4:159], [43:61], as well as a large number of hadith.
* Hadith from the night of the Mi`raj, in which Prophet `Isa admits he has no knowledge of the Hour (cf. [Mark ,13:31-32] as well), but knows he will be sent back prior to it.
* Prophet Muhammad asks those of his followers who meet Prophet Jesus to convey salam to him [Hakim, Ahmad]

Overview of some of his activities after descent:

* prior emergence of the Dajjal (False Messiah / Antichrist)
o Incarnation is rejected by Islam
* slaying of Dajjal, and the great battle between good and evil
* emergence of Gog and Magog, their corruption and eventual perishing
* Prophet Jesus invites to Islam
* period of amazing prosperity accompanying widespread faith and piety
o milk, pomegranates, no poison, abundant wealth, no hatred, no war
* marriage, pilgrimage, death and burial