Jesus in Islam Christianity and the Jewish Talmud By Abu Iyad Amjad bin Muhammad Rafiq
Jesus in Islam (peace be upon him), who is also referred to in Arabic as ‘Isa, is a towering figure in three world religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Each faith tradition offers a distinct vision of his life, mission, and person. The book Jesus in Islam, Christianity, and the Jewish Talmud by Abu Iyad Amjad bin Muhammad Rafiq offers an in-depth comparative study of each religion’s handling of Jesus, analyzing the theological accounts and historical perspectives through the prism of scripture and tradition.
This book strives not just to point out theological distinctions but also to promote mutual understanding by putting forward the Islamic position in an unambiguous manner while criticizing misunderstandings and falsifications contained in other religious books.
About the Author
Abu Iyad Amjad bin Muhammad Rafiq is a knowledge student renowned for his in-depth comparative religion analysis. He bases his arguments on classical Islamic scholarship and interacts with biblical and Talmudic sources to expose contradictions and challenges to the dominant Christian and Jewish accounts of Jesus.
His approach is based on Islamic orthodoxy yet utilizes a rational, evidence-based method, rendering this book usable for both Muslims and non-Muslims who are interested in religious studies.
Jesus in the Islamic Tradition
Jesus is also revered in Islam as being one of the most important prophets and messengers of Allah. The Qur’an speaks of his miraculous birth, his proclamation to the Children of Israel, and the numerous signs. Islam categorically denies Jesus being a divine or son of God.
Major Islamic Beliefs About Jesus:
Virgin Birth: Born from Maryam (Mary) with no father, as in Surah Maryam and Surah Al-Imran. Prophethood, A prophet sent to direct the Children of Israel with a message affirming the Torah and predicting the advent of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Miracles, worked miracles through Allah’s authority restoring sight to the blind, raising the dead, and making birds out of clay.
No Crucifixion, islam instructs that Jesus was not crucified but was taken up into heaven, and his second coming prior to the Day of Judgment is an important eschatological tenet. The Islamic depiction of Jesus in Islam maintains his humanity and prophetic nature without any divine attributes. The book elucidates such beliefs in accordance with pertinent Qur’anic verses and hadiths.
Jesus in Christianity
Christianity is based on faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity. The book critically discusses some of the important Christian doctrines such as the divinity of Jesus, the crucifixion, resurrection, and original sin.
Key Points Discussed:
Divinity of Jesus, the author rebuts the logic and biblical basis of calling Jesus divine, both through internal Christian materials and external logic. Crucifixion and Resurrection, the discrepancies in Gospel reports are examined. The author discusses the Islamic perspective as more consistent and indicative of genuine monotheism.
Pauline Influence, much of Christian doctrine has its roots in Paul, rather than Jesus himself. The book delves into how Pauline teachings changed the initial message of monotheism taught by Jesus. The author, through the comparison of Gospel verses and Church teachings with the Qur’an, illustrates how early Christian teachings evolved over the centuries.
Jesus in the Jewish Talmud
Perhaps the most striking part of the book is the study of how Jesus in Islam is depicted in the Jewish Talmud, a foundational work of Rabbinic Judaism. Unlike the adoration found in Islamic and Christian writings, the Talmud includes very negative and sometimes blasphemous statements about Jesus.
The Book Points Out:
Derogatory Descriptions, the talmud speaks of Jesus by various names, sometimes connecting him to sorcery or apostasy. Historical Denial, jewish tradition principally denies the messianic mission of Jesus in Islam and anathematizes his adherents. Contradictions, denying the role of Jesus, certain citations indirectly recognize his miracles as caused by magic or by lying. The author states this in order not to provoke hostility, but to make it possible to compare with the contrast between Islamic reverence and Jewish dismissive or hostile approach.
Comparative Theology: Monotheism at the Core
One of the merits of the book is its Islamic Tawheed (pure monotheism) defense. According to the author, Islam’s view of Jesus in Islam keeps the balance between respecting him as a great messenger without engaging in any shirk (partnering with Allah).
He also criticizes Trinitarian theology by pointing out that Jesus in Islam never asserted divinity and that the Qur’anic revelations rectified the mistakes added to earlier revelations. The book cautiously compares the simplicity and straight-forwardness of Islamic theology with the complexity and contradictions prevailing in Christianity and Judaism.
Correcting Common Misunderstandings
The book spends a few pages on correcting misunderstandings:
“Muslims don’t believe in Jesus”: A legend the writer disproves succinctly by highlighting Islamic respect for Jesus.”Islam copied Christianity”, The Qur’an attests to a clear and prior variety of monotheism that is consistent with the preachings of Abraham and Moses, and rectifies theological inaccuracies that were later added.
“The Bible and Qur’an are the same”, The book shows how the Qur’an is preserved, clear, and of divine origin compared to the heavily edited and translated books of the Bible.
Scholarly and Scriptural Integrity
Abu Iyad’s book is well researched. He quotes from Islamic scholars as well as Western scholars, and his arguments are thus solid and balanced. Qur’anic quotations are given in context, and biblical quotes are taken from established translations. He also differentiates clearly between various Jewish and Christian sects, not unfairly generalizing any group.
Why This Book Matters Today
In a time of interfaith conversation, religious pluralism, and growing Islamophobia, it is more crucial than ever that Muslims be well-informed about their Prophet Jesus. Concurrently, non-Muslims will gain from knowing Islam’s perception of Jesus, which is commonly overlooked or misinterpreted. The book is an invitation to common understanding and a reminder that Islam contains the message of all prophets, including Jesus, in its most unadulterated form.
Conclusion
Jesus in Islam, Christianity, and the Jewish Talmud by Abu Iyad Amjad bin Muhammad Rafiq is an influential comparative religion work. It sets forth the reality of Jesus in Islam according to Islam and reconciles inconsistencies in Christian and Jewish presentations. Based on scholarship, the book challenges readers to discover the life and mission of one of the most fascinating personalities in history in a new and authentic way.
No matter if you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or just inquisitive, this book is a must-read for anyone wishing to gain a greater and truer understanding of Prophet Jesus in Islam (peace be upon him).
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