Why is Jesus predicting his death and raising to life in Sura 19?
In Surah 19, Jesus (Isa) speaks about his mission and the events surrounding his life, including his death and resurrection. The Qur'an clarifies that God would protect him from being killed by his enemies. Specifically, in Surah 3, verse 55, it states: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve...
3:55. This verse indicates that God is raising Jesus to Him, signifying his protection and elevation.
Furthermore, in Surah 3, verse 157, it mentions: And what though ye be slain in Allah's way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.
3:157. This verse addresses the concept of martyrdom and the ultimate reward for those who sacrifice for God's sake, suggesting that whether Jesus dies or ascends, the mercy of God remains paramount.
In the context of these verses, Jesus' prediction of his death is intertwined with his role as a prophet and the divine plan for salvation. The assurance of his return and the belief that all followers will ultimately recognize him is also emphasized, which aligns with the teachings found in various hadith. For instance, it is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: The son of Mary will descend among you as a just judge... and none of the People of the Scripture but will believe in him before his death...
Sahih al-Bukhari 60:118.
This combination of Qur'anic verses and hadith illustrates the belief in Jesus' eventual return and his significant role in the final judgment, reinforcing the themes of faith and divine mercy present in Islamic teachings.
Sources
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3:55 · Aal-i-Imraan
3:55 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
إِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَىٰٓ إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
(And remember) when Allah said: O Jesus! Lo! I am gathering thee and causing thee to ascend unto Me, and am cleansing thee of those who disbelieve and am setting those who follow thee above those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then unto Me ye will (all) return, and I shall judge between you as to that wherein ye used to differ.
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3:157 · Aal-i-Imraan
3:157 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَلَئِن قُتِلْتُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْ مُتُّمْ لَمَغْفِرَةٌۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَحْمَةٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ
And what though ye be slain in Allah's way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 60:118
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 60, Hadith 118 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, soon the son of Mary will descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizya tax, and wealth will overflow to such an extent that no one will accept it. A single prostration will be better than all the worldly possessions. Abu Huraira added, 'Recite if you wish: "And none of the People of the Scripture but will surely believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness."'
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