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The idea of Jesus dying on the cross is central to the
Christian belief. It represents the conviction that Jesus died for the sins of
mankind. The crucifixion of Jesus is a vital doctrine in Christianity; however
Muslims reject it completely. Before describing what Muslims believe about
Jesus’ crucifixion, it may be useful to understand the Islamic reaction to the
notion of original sin.
When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree in
paradise, they were not tempted by a serpent. It was Satan who deceived and
cajoled them, whereupon they exercised their free will and made an error in
judgement. Eve does not bear the burden of this mistake alone. Together, Adam
and Eve realised their disobedience, felt remorse and begged for God’s
forgiveness. God, in his infinite mercy and wisdom, forgave them. Islam has
no concept of original sin; each person bears responsibility for his own deeds.
“And no bearer of burdens shall bear another’s burden”. (Quran
35:18)
There is no need for God, a son of God, or even a
Prophet of God to sacrifice himself for mankind’s sins in order to buy
forgiveness. Islam refuses this view entirely. The foundation of Islam rests
on knowing with certainty that nothing should we worshipped but God alone. Forgiveness
emanates from the One True God; so, when a person seeks forgiveness, he must
turn to God submissively with true remorse and beg forgiveness, promising not
to repeat the sin. Then and only then will sins be forgiven.
In the light of Islam’s understanding of original sin
and forgiveness, we can see that Islam teaches that Jesus did not come
to atone for the sins of mankind; rather, his purpose was to reaffirm the
message of the Prophets before him.
“.. None has the right to be worshipped but God, the One and
the Only True God…” (Quran 3:62)
Muslims do not believe in the crucifixion of Jesus, nor
do they believe that he died.
The Crucifixion
Jesus’ message was rejected by most of the Israelites as
well as the Roman authorities. Those who believed formed a small band of
followers around him, known as the disciples. The Israelites plotted and
conspired against Jesus and formulated a plan to have him assassinated. He was
to be executed in public, in a particularly gruesome manner, well known in the Roman Empire: crucifixion.
Crucifixion was considered a shameful way to die, and
“citizens” of the Roman Empire were exempt from this punishment. It was
designed to not only prolong the agony of death, but to mutilate the body. The
Israelites planned this humiliating death for their Messiah – Jesus, the
messenger of God. God in his infinite mercy prevented this abominable event by
putting the resemblance of Jesus on somebody else and elevating Jesus alive,
body and soul, to heaven. The Quran is silent about the exact details of just
who this person was, but we know and believe with certainty that it was not
Prophet Jesus.
Muslims believe that the Quran and the authentic narrations
of Prophet Muhammad contain all the knowledge mankind needs in order to worship
and live according to God’s commandments. Therefore, if small details are not
explained, it is because God in His infinite wisdom has judged these details to
be of no benefit to us. The Quran explains, in God’s own words, the conspiracy
against Jesus and His plan to outwit the Israelites and raise Jesus to heaven.
“And they plotted to kill Jesus and God planned too. And God
is the Best of the planners.” (Quran 3:54)
“And because of their boasting, "We killed Messiah Jesus,
son of Mary, the Messenger of God." But they killed him not, nor crucified
him, but the resemblance of Jesus was put over another man, and those who
differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge; they
follow nothing but conjecture. For surely, they killed him not. But God raised
him Jesus up unto Himself. And God is Ever All Powerful, All Wise.” (Quran
4:157)
Jesus Did Not Die
The Israelites and the Roman authorities were not able
to harm Jesus. God says clearly that He took Jesus up to Himself and cleared
him of the false statements made in Jesus’ name.
“O Jesus! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear
you of the forged statement that Jesus is God’s son.” (Quran 3:55)
In the previous verse, when God said He “will take”
Jesus, he uses the word mutawaffeeka. Without a clear understanding of
the richness of the Arabic language, and knowledge of the levels of meaning in
many words, it may be possible to misunderstand God’s meaning. In the Arabic
language today the word mutawaffeeka is sometimes used to denote death,
or even sleep. In this verse of Quran, however, the original meaning is used
and the comprehensiveness of the word denotes that God raised Jesus to himself,
completely. Thus, he was alive at his ascension, body and soul, without any
injury or defect.
Muslims believe Jesus is not dead, and that he will
return to this world in the last days before the Day of Judgement. Prophet
Mohammad said to his companions:
“How will you be when the son of Mary, Jesus
descends amongst you and he will judge people by the Law of the Quran and not
by the law of Gospel.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
God reminds us in the Quran that the Day of Judgement is
a Day that we cannot avoid and cautions us that the descent of Jesus is a sign
of its nearness.
“And he, Jesus, son of Mary shall be a known sign for the Hour.
Therefore have no doubt concerning it. And follow Me! This is the Straight
Path.” (Quran 43:61)
Therefore, the Islamic belief about Jesus’ crucifixion
and death is clear. There was a plot to crucify Jesus but it did not succeed;
Jesus did not die, but ascended to heaven. In the last days leading up to the
Day of Judgement, Jesus will return to this world and continue his message.
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