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Isa is the arabic name for Jesus used in al-Qur'an, the scripture of Islam. It is believed to be derived from the Western Aramaic name Eesho or Eesaa, referring to something white in color mixed with darkness or reddishness.
Muslims believe that Isa was sent down as a Prophet of Allah (God) and as the Messiah.
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary, Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him; his name will be Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
(al-Qur'an 3:45)
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The understanding of Jesus in Islam is not unlike the Jewish tradition, and even the Mandean religion (which views John the Baptist as the faithful one, and Jesus as a trickster). Many of the so-called "literal" differences can be attributed to a differing interpretations of the meaning of the Christ. For example, the claim in Christianity that Isa was the "son of God" need not imply that his holiness or divine origin was beyond that of other men -- but can be interpreted to mean that all men are brothers, and God is the spiritual father of all men.
In the Gospel of Thomas, unaccepted by orthodox Christian doctrines, Isa is quoted as saying that "the kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it." This too can be interpreted as Jesus attempt to bring enlightenment through his teachings that mans existence is not as much material as it is spiritual -- -- hence his claims to his own divinity were come with an implied stipulation that this "divinity" was not limited to himself, rather belongs to anyone who is born-again spiritually.
The passage above gives rise to an interpretation that disbelieves that Isa was killed or crucified --but claims rather, that he was raised into Heaven and remains there awaiting the time appointed by Allah (God) to descend back to earth. This in fact is not different from the prototypical Christian view --that Jesus went to the cross to conquer death, and proof of his "victory" (over death) was his resurrection. The term "resurrection" provides the source of a central difference between Christian and Muslim views: According to orthodox Christians, Christ's resurrection was "physical", a bodily resurrection after being killed and entombed for three days. Other Christians reject this doctrine, and understand the "resurrection" of Christ to be spiritual. Christ's "resurrection" as a being of spirit would be no different than any man's "resurrection" (upon death) as a spiritual being. These Christians are in agreement with the Muslim view of the resurrection.
Muslims do not believe Isa "is God," nor was he the "son of God." They claim that this view is different from Christianity.
Muslim's believe Isa will descend back to earth after ad-dajjal (the False Messiah) appears.
Abu-Dawud Book 37, Number 4310:
After he slays ad-dajjal (the False Messiah) at the Gate of Hudd in Palestine, Muslims believe he will marry, die and be buried in the Masjid al Nabawi
See also: Jesus, Muhammad, Prophets of Islam, divinityIsa, Eashua, and Jesus
Isa Not Crucified nor Killed
That they said (in boast) "We killed the Messiah Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah"; - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for, of a surety they killed him not.
No, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
(al-Qur'an 4:157-158)
Isa Not the Son of God
O People of the Book, commit no excesses in your religion; nor say of Allah anything but the truth. The Messiah Jesus son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not "Trinity": desist! It will be better for you: for Allah is One: Glory be to Him! (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.
(al-Qur'an 4:171)
Narrated Abu Hurayrah:
The Prophet (Muhammad) said: There is no prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus. He will descent (to the earth). When you see him, recognise him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill swine, and abolish jizyah. Allah will perish all religions except Islam. He will destroy the Antichrist and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him.
