On Islam and its Emergence in the West: The Compelling Figure of the Son of Mary

On Islam and its Emergence in the West: The Compelling Figure of the Son of Mary

As I have discovered through conversation and research, it would seem as though Islam is the fastest growing religion that this marble has to offer. To my mind, this is an alarming question for not only its societal and moral implications, but it also appeals to my curiosity intellectually. To many Christians and Westerners alike, the interests and beliefs held by Muslims are either impertinent or too frightening to investigate. Yet I feel as though it warrants some research and inspection, for one of the most salient and controversial figures in all of human history makes a guest appearance in this narrative as well. Jesus, the veritable son of god and the sacrificial lamb for the Christians, does not have his character monopolized by Paul's visions. Here I will attempt to briefly address some tenets of Islamic faith that I think are relevant to the discussion. Islam makes it an article of faith to believe in Jesus as a prophet of Allah, who was specifically designated to deliver a message to Ban' Israil (the people of Israel, or the Jews). Constantly referred to as Isa Ibn Maryam or Isa alayhi salaam (Jesus son of Mary or Jesus peace be upon him), he was said to have a carried a revelation known as Al Injil, or, the Gospel. The overwhelming consensus among Muslims is that this message was lost amidst history due to corruption and human interpolation to the unalterable word of god (a topic for another day). Thus, the only remaining authentic recording of Jesus' words in the Bible are those which agree with Koranic claims. A rather presumptuous and incoherent method of discerning the truth, nonetheless it is the way in which many Muslims espouse their beliefs. 

In the Islamic tradition, Jesus shares many similar characteristics and life experiences to that of the Christian Jesus - yet they are in no way identical. The Koran states that Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary in the middle of the desert (probably during the summer months) next to a date tree. Verses from Surah Al Maryam state that she endured such an intense pain, she wished herself dead. After much suffering and toil, the prophet was born and Allah replenished Mary's energy with fallen dates and by creating a stream of water adjacent to her from which she could drink. Contrary to the first miracle of Jesus in the Bible (The Wedding at Cana where Jesus purportedly turned water into wine for party consumption), Jesus' first miracle in the Quran involves him speaking as an infant and professing the veracity of his prophecy. This occurs after several Jewish clergymen accuse Mary of being impure for having a child out of wedlock. In addition, there are repeated injunctions against worshiping anyone other than Allah, and Jesus is mentioned in context several times. Different verses assert the blasphemy behind ascribing a son to almighty god, and how the squalor of this claim is so wretched that it causes various meteorological and natural anomalies to take place. Of course, there is also the promise of departing into ever-lasting fire for maintaining the Christian faith. 

Another major distinction between the faiths includes the alleged crucifixion and resurrection of the Nazarene. There are discrepancies and schisms here among Muslims as to what exactly occurred during the latter stages of Jesus' life, but the majority believe that Allah saved him from the ignoble and naked death of the cross by raising him to the second heaven where he currently resides with his cousin, John the baptist (Prophet Yaya alayhi salaam). This was feasible by extracting Jesus through a window in his home and (in some narrations) likening the countenance of Jesus onto Judas Iscariot, and having him killed in Jesus' place. Some schools of Islam (like the Ahmadiyya) state that Jesus was crucified, but did not die and was nursed back to health by a doctor while he was in the sepulcher. The whole point behind the rejection of this narrative is to state that Jesus is in no way divine, the vicarious redemption of humanity through a blood pagan sacrifice is immoral, that there is no such thing as original sin, and that a god should not need an intermediary through which one can pray and to whom one can appeal for guidance/salvation. All of these repudiations are more than accurate in my view. Of course I am not and will never be a Muslim, but these are essential and worthwhile meditations for Christians of any stripe to consider. 

Finally, there are a few distinctions made between miracles and the nature of their power. Muslims believe Jesus blew into a clay bird and caused it to fly, cured the sick, and plays a special role in Qiyamma (judgment day) all by god's permission. In essence, Jesus was an instrument and conduit through which Allah demonstrated his might - the Nazarene can of his own self do nothing (John 5:30). The last of these three claims is not blatantly stated in the Quran, but is drawn from the equally respected tradition of the Hadith (the supposed sayings of the prophet Muhammad). One of which addresses Sayyidina Isa returning on the final day, as he descends from the clouds on the arms of two angels onto the hill of Damascus. Here, it is said that Jesus (adorned will golden and wet hair) will join the remaining and scanty number of Muslims left behind the gates and will join the throng in prayer behind the twelfth Imam -Al Mahdi. Following tales describe Jesus opening the gates to invite the vast army of Al Masih Al Dajjal (the Anti-Christ) in for a battle. It is alleged that upon sight of the Son of Mary, the Anti-Christ will attempt to flee but will instead disintegrate. Ensuing battles will involve those against the vast swathes and hordes of the armies of Gog and Magog, in which even Jesus will be helpless. Upon the final day of judgment, Allah will ask Jesus if he told the people to worship him and his mother (a tenet that as far as I know is not a belief among Christians) and Jesus will reply in denial and assert his doctrine of one god and submission to his will. Herein the Nazarene will kill the swine, break the cross and impose the Jizya (taxation of non-Muslims in Muslim lands). It is claimed that he will live for 40 years as a just ruler under Sharia and die, then to be buried next to Muhammad in Medina.

I make mention of all this scripture to make my final point - that I think the alluring character of Jesus of Nazareth is persuading Westerners to convert to Islam. Islam offers new tales about Jesus and in a way solves the omnipresent trinity problem. Islam's fanatic certainty and militancy placates and appeals to those who want to be governed over, and who think that Christianity has become too lenient in its political influence. A sentiment with which I do not completely agree, but I will always be thankful for any semblance of the dissipation and disintegration of religion from civilized society. Islam's apparent confidence pleases the credulous, and in the process provides Christians with some new editions of their favorite graphic novel hero. Ironically, many of the myths are simply semi-literate plagiarisms and hokey rehashes, but the watered-down sequels get the job done. 

Anything to keep the ascetically immoral rabbi and eccentric hippy in the mix.

As always, check your purpose, and in this case - Jesus'

Yours truly, another mammal