Introduction

What are the beliefs of a Muslim in relation to Prophet Jesus? Does a Muslim actually revere and respect him? Today, the media is responsible for spreading a negative image about Islam, and due to that, Islam would appear to be a religion of hate and intolerance to the average person. In reality, anyone who has met a practicing Muslim will know that they are a very peaceful and tolerant people.

The belief system of Islam clearly indicates that it is a religion of tolerance. A key belief a Muslim adheres to is a belief in all of the Prophets and Messengers sent by God; accounts of each of them are detailed in the Quran and in Prophetic Traditions. Before delving into the details of the life story of Jesus, I believe it is important that this topic be preceded by a brief introduction to the purpose behind the creation of humankind and the important role spiritual guidance plays in our lives.

In general, spiritual guidance is essential in keeping us balanced in all aspects of our lives. The Quran is the divine scripture of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad who is the last of all Prophets and Messengers. Due to this fact, certain intrinsic qualities are found in Islam. It is an all-encompassing faith, applicable to people of all times and places. It is applicable to all humankinds’ problems. Islam is not simply a religion; rather, it is a complete way of life.

Another intrinsic quality of Islam is that it is a religion of common sense and is very logical. Take into consideration some of the following examples of Islamic beliefs to clarify this point. As Muslims we believe that God is the Creator of all and He has no partner. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad mentioned the stages of creation, as narrated by his companion, Imran bin Husain. He said: “People came from Yemen and they said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, we have come to you to learn the Deen , so inform us of the first thing created!’ He said: ‘Allah was always there and nothing was with Him. His Throne was above water and all things that would come to pass were recorded and then the heavens and the earth were created.’”

God was always there, unlike His creation, who have a sure beginning. God, the Exalted, says: “He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the One Who has infinite knowledge, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” (Quran 57:3)

God was the First. Nothing was before Him. He brought all creation into existence. He is unlike any of His creation. There are no similarities between Him and us. God, the Exalted, says: “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Quran 42:11) God has clarified to us that it is impossible for anyone to describe Him, and that no one can encompass His greatness. This alone puts us in awe of God, and affirms our belief in His uniqueness and our need to worship Him alone. God, the Exalted, says: “Allah knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, but they do not encompass it in knowledge.”(Qur’an 20:110)

Everything besides God is a created being, brought into existence by God, Himself. He brought forth these creations into existence from mere nothingness. God, the Exalted, says: “That is Allah, your God, Creator of all things; there is no deity except Him, so how are you deluded?” (Qur’an 40:62)

One of the key beliefs a Muslim adheres to is that Allah creates whatever He wills and does as He pleases. Nothing can withstand the decrees of God. God, the Almighty, says: “And your Rubb There is no proper equivalent for Rubb in the English language. It means the Creator, the Fashioner, the Provider, the One upon Whom all creatures depend for their means of subsistence, and the One Who gives life and causes death. creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allah and high above what they associate with Him.” (Qur’an 28:68)

Allah does not create without purpose; neither would He leave His creation without guidance. No creature has been created in this universe except that behind its creation is a divine wisdom and purpose. At times we know this wisdom, and at times we do not. Modern science in many situations has been successful in deciphering the wisdom behind certain things that may seem to have no purpose.

The Wisdom Behind the Creation of Man

Now that we have spoken on the creation of the earth, a few important questions arise: What is the significance of the creation of man? What is the goal behind this creation? ...