النص المفهرس

was to point to the child to tell them to address their queries to the infant.
Content with the directive from Allaah, she returned to Baytul Muqaddas with
the baby in her arms.
As expected, the people immediately censured her for committing a heinous act,
adding that this was inexcusable because she belonged to a family in which piety
was a hallmark. As commanded, she pointed to the child. The people were
outraged and asked, "How can we speak to an infant in a cradle?" However, the
little baby then spoke in clear words for all of them to understand. He said, "I am
a slave of Allaah (contrary to the beliefs of the Christians who claim that he is Allaah or
Allaah's son). Allaah gave me a scripture (the Injeel) and made me a Nabi (contrary
to the beliefs of the Jews who claim that he was not a Nabi). Allaah has blessed me
wherever I may be (so that I may always be of benefit to people) and has
commanded me to perform salaah and to pay zakaah (when I return to the world
before Qiyaamah) as long as I remain alive. Allaah has also made me kind to my
mother (because I have no father) and has not made me a tyrant and a wretched
person. Peace be on me the day I was born, the day death comes to me (after I
return to this world before Qiyaamah), and the day when I shall be resurrected
(because these are the most traumatic days for people in general)" .397
After quoting the words of Hadhrat Isa v to the people, Allaah says, "This is Isa
the son of Maryam. (We have spoken) The truth about which they (the Christians)
have doubts (because the Christians claim that Isa v was Allaah's son). It is not
(necessary) for Allaah to take a son. He is Pure (does not need children) ! When He
decides (to do) anything, all He has to say is "Be!" and it comes into being".
It is evident that the claim of the Christians who say that Hadhrat Isa v was the
son of Allaah is a false claim. When Hadhrat Yahya v is not called the son of
Allaah because he was born miraculously, why should Hadhrat Isa v be called
397
Surah Mayram, verses 30-33.
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the son of Allaah when he is born miraculously? It is for this reason that Allaah
clarifies the fact that Hadhrat Isa v was created by Allaah merely saying "Be!"
In the Words of the Qur'an
The episode related above is reported in the following verses of the Qur'aan:
Verse 91 of Surah Ambiyaa all moule States:
وَالَّتِى أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيْهَا مِنْ رُّوْحِنَا وَجَعَلْنُهَا وَابْنَهَا أَيَّ لَّلْعُلَمِيْنَ (٩١)
TRANSLATION: And (remember) the woman (Maryam) who guarded her chastity.
We blew Our spirit (a spirit that We created) within her (allowing her to conceive Isa
v) and made her and her son an Aayah for the universe (to prove to people that We
can indeed create without the usual means).
Verse 12 of Surah Tahreem states:
وَ مَرْيَمَ ابْنَتَ عِمْرُنَ الَّتِىَ أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيْهِ مِنْ رُّوْحِنَا وَ صَدَّقَتْ بِكَلِمُتِ رَبِّهَا وَكُتُبٍِ وَ كَانَتْ
مِنَ الْقَنِتِيْنَ (١٢)
TRANSLATION: (For the Mu'mineen, Allaah also gives the example of) Maryam the
daughter of Imraan who guarded her chastity and into whom We blew Our
spirit (the soul We created, causing her to fall pregnant with Isa v). She believed in the
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words of her Rabb, in His scriptures and she was among the obedient (those who
were steadfast in service and obedience to Allaah).
Verses 22-40 of Surah Maryam state:
فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَانْتَبَذَتْ بِمِ مَكَانًا قَصِيًّا (٢٢) فَأَجَاءَبَا الْمَخَاضُ إِلَى جِدْعِ النَّخْلَةِ نَّ قَالَتْ يَلَيْتَنِىْ مِتُّ قَبْلَ بُذَا وَكُنْتُ
نَسْيًا مِّنْسِيًّا (٢٣) فَنَادُهَا مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الَّ تَحْزَنِيْ قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِيًّا (٢٢) وَ بُزِّئ اِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ
تُسقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا (٢٥) فَكُلِىْ وَاشْرَبِىْ وَقَرِّى عَيْنَا نَّ فَامَّا تَرَيِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ آَحَدًا ◌ٌ فَقُوْلِى إِنِّيْ نَذَرْتُ
لِلرَّحْمُنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ أُكَلِّمَ الْيَوْمَ اِنْسِيًّا (٢٥) فَأَتَتْ بِم قَوْمَهَا تَحْمِلُهُ - قَالُوا يُمَرْيَمُ لَقَدْ جِئْتِ شَيْئًا فَرِيًّا (٢٧)
يَأُخْتَ بُرُونَ مَا كَانَ أَبُوْكِ امْرَاَ سَوْءٍ وَّمَا كَانَتْ أُمُّكِ بَغِيًّا {ن٢٨َّ) فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ ﴾﴿ قَالُوا كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَنْ كَانَ
فِى الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا (٢٩) قَالَ إِنِّى عَبْدُ اللهِ ٥٥ * اثْنِىَ الْكِتُبَ وَجَعَلَنِيْ نَبِيًّا (٣٠) وَّ جَعَلَنِى مُبَرَكًا آَيْنَ مَا كُنْتُ ؟
وَ أَوْصُنِيْ بِالصَّلَوةِ وَ الزَّكُوةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا (٣٣) وَ بَرَّا بِوَ الِدَتِى ◌ْ وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِىْ جَبَّارًا شَقِيًّا (٣٢) وَالسَّلْمُ عَلَىَّ
يَوْمَ وُلِدْتُّ وَ يَوْمَ أَمُوْتُ وَ يَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا (٣٣) ذُلِكَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ نَّ قَوْلَ الْحَقِّ الَّذِىْ فِيْهِ يَمْتَرُونَ (٣٢)
مَا كَانَ لِلهِ آَنْ يَّتَّخِذَ مِنْ وَّلَدٍ { سُبْحَنَهَ * إِذَا قَضَى أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُوْلُ لَهَّ كُنْ فَيَكُوْنُ (٣٥٠) وَ إِنَّ اللّهَ رَبِّئْ
وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوْهُ ٥* بَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُسْتَقِيمٌ (٣٢) فَاخْتَلَفَ الْأَحْزَابُ مِنَّ بَيْنِهِمْ ◌َّ فَوَيْلٌ لَلَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا مِنْ مَّشْهَدِ يَوْمِ
عَظِيْمٍ (٣٧) اسْمِعْ بِهِمْ وَ أَبْصِرْ تٌ يَوْمَ يَآتُوْنَنَا لَكِنِ الظُّلِّمُوْنَ الْيَوْمَ فِي ضَلْلٍ مُّبِيْنِ (٣٨) وَ أَنْذِرْبُمْ يَوْمَ
الْحَسْرَةِ إِذْ قُضِىَ الْأَمْرُ ﴿ وَبُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ وَّ بُمْ لَا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ (٣٩) إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَرِثُ الْأَرْضَ وَ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا وَ إِلَيْنَا
يُرْجَعُوْنَ (٪٣٠)
TRANSLATION: So she conceived him (Isa v) and (when it was time to deliver the
child, she) withdrew with him to a distant place. (She travelled to Baytul Lahm
[Bethlehem], fearing the people's reaction to her pregnancy without being married.) The
labour pains brought her to the trunk of a date palm (from which she took support).
She said, "Oh! If only I had died before this and had been completely forgotten
(in that way, I would not have to suffer the difficulty of being here all alone without any
provisions and I would not have to worry about the insults of people when they see me
with a baby)." (At that moment,) He (Jibra'eel v) called to her from below (from a
place where he could not see her) saying, "Do not grieve (about your lack of
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provisions). Your Rabb has created a stream (spring) beneath you (so that you can
easily have water)." " (Allaah has also arranged for your food. All you need to do is to
lightly) Shake the trunk of the date palm towards you, causing fresh ripened
(nutritious) dates to fall on you. So eat, drink and cool your eyes (be happy with
your child and the thought that he will be one of Allaah's chosen servants). (As far as your
concern about what to tell people, Allaah will see to that as well. Therefore,) Should you
see any person (who questions you about the child) then say, 'I have vowed to fast
for Ar Rahmaan, so I cannot speak to anyone today (because the fasting during
their times entailed not speaking as well as not eating).' (Taking courage from the words
of Jibra'eel v and after regaining her strength with the dates and water, she decided to
return home. Consequently,) She brought the child before her people. They
exclaimed, "O Maryam! You have surely perpetrated a grave (sinful) act (of
fornication). O sister of Haaroon! Your father was never an evil person, neither
was your mother adulterous (unchaste. How then are you such?)." (Adhering to the
instructions of Jibra'eel v, she did not answer and) She pointed towards the child
(indicating to them that they should speak to the child). They said, "How can we speak
to one who is still a baby in a cradle?" He (the child who was Isa v) said, "I am a
slave of Allaah (contrary to the beliefs of the Christians who claim that he is Allaah or
Allaah's son). Allaah gave me a scripture (the Injeel) and made me a Nabi (contrary
to the beliefs of the Jews who claim that he was not a Nabi). Allaah has blessed me
wherever I may be (so that I may always be of benefit to people) and has
commanded me to perform salaah and to pay zakaah (when I return to the world
before Qiyaamah) as long as I remain alive. Allaah has also made me kind to my
mother (because I have no father) and has not made me a tyrant and a wretched
person. Peace be on me the day I was born, the day death comes to me (after I
return to this world before Qiyaamah), and the day when I shall be resurrected
(because these are the most traumatic days for people in general)." This is Isa the son
of Maryam. (We have spoken) The truth about which they (the Christians) have
doubts (because the Christians claim that Isa v was Allaah's son). It is not (necessary)
for Allaah to take a son. He is Pure (does not need children) ! When He decides (to
do) anything, all He has to say is "Be!" and it comes into being. (Assert your Imaan
in Allaah, as Isa v told the people when He said,) "Without doubt Allaah is my Rabb
and your Rabb (also), so worship Him. This is the straight path (of Towheed and
Islaam)." However (despite this clear statement of Isa v), the groups (among the
Christians) began disputing among themselves (some saying that Isa v is Allaah and
others saying that he is one of three gods). Woe be to the Kuffaar on the occasion of
a momentous day (the Day of Qiyaamah when they will be punished for their corrupted
beliefs). How well will they hear and see on the day when they will come to Us
(Unlike the condition of the Kuffaar in this world when they fail to see and hear the truth,
they will clearly see and hear the truth on the Day of Qiyaamah when it will be too late) !
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However, the oppressors (Kuffaar) are in open (obvious) error today (while in this
world). Warn them of the day of remorse (the Day of Qiyaamah when people will
regret the wrong they did in this world), when judgement shall be passed
(condemning them to Jahannam). Yet (today) they are negligent and do not want to
accept Imaan. Without a shadow of doubt, We will inherit (be the eventual owners
of) the earth and whoever is on it (on the Day of Qiyaamah when all creation will be
no more) and they (creation) will return only to Us (they will go nowhere else and will
have to answer to Us).
When the people heard the infant speak in this manner, they realised that the
birth was indeed a miracle and that Hadhrat Maryam Wie aul data, was blameless of
the slander they had implied. It did not take long for the news of this miraculous
birth to reach all the people in the area.
The Story from the Bani Issaa'el
The Qur'aan suffices to mention only that which is necessary to derive the
intended lessons. However, the famous narrator of stories from the Bani
Israa'eel Hadhrat Wahab bin Munabbih al das, has narrated more details
concerning the birth of Hadhrat Isa v, which also appears in the Bible.
He relates that the emperor of Persia noticed a new star in the sky when
Hadhrat Isa v was born. His courtiers informed him that this denotes the birth of
an important person, which appeared to be in the region of Shaam at the time.
The emperor then sent some perfume and other expensive gifts with some men
with instructions to present it to the person. When the delegation reached
Shaam, they made enquiries amongst the Jews about a child that was born and
who soon become the king of spirituality.
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Hearing this from the Persians, the Jews ushered the delegation before their king
Herod, who became worried when he heard what they had to say. However, he
permitted them to look for the child. The delegation eventually reached Baytul
Muqaddas and when they saw the little Isa v, they immediately prostrated
before him out of respect, as was their custom. They then applied the perfumes
to him and stayed there for a few days. During that time, one of them saw in a
dream that the Jewish king had become the enemy of the child. He therefore
warned Hadhrat Maryam wie dl hy about this before they left. They suggested that
she take the child to a place where the king could not get to him. Hadhrat
Maryam Wie dul , therefore decided to live with some relatives of hers in Egypt.
In Egypt, she lives in a place called Naasirah and returned to Baytul Muqaddas
only when Hadhrat Isa v was thirteen years of age.398
Declaration of Nuluwwal
Before the coming of Hadhrat Isa v, the Bani Israa'eel fell into many sinful
activities and had also corrupted their beliefs with their practices. They
eventually became so insolent in the matters of religion that they stooped to the
level of assassinating the Ambiyaa >wll Male whom Allaah sent for their guidance. In
fact, the Jewish king Herod had Hadhrat Yahya v killed only because his lover
wanted it. This he did only because he did not want to be told what was right
and what was not. This happened during the early days of the life of Hadhrat Isa
0.
The scholars of the Bani Israa'eel during those times used to alter the
injunctions of the Torah according to their whims and the whims of those who
rewarded them for doing so. According to the bidding of the people, they
therefore made lawful what was unlawful and vice versa. They did nothing to
398 Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.2 Pg.77).
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forbid evil when they could and even went a step further to associate with the
evil doers. They even declared evils like usury and bribery to be lawful.
Hadhrat Isa v was sent during these dark times for the guidance of the people.
From a young age he started to call the people towards good and made it clear
to them that Allaah had sent him for their guidance. He told them that he had
come to reinstate the injunctions of the Torah, which they had forsaken so that
the truth it stated is confirmed as the truth.
In the Words of the Qur'an
Verses 87-88 of Surah Baqarah state:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَّيْنَا مُؤْسَى الْكِتْبَ وَقَقَيْنَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ بِالرُّسُلِ وَأَتَيْنَا عِيْسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ الْبَيِّنْتِ وَأَيَّدْنُهُ بِرُوْحِ الْقُدُسِ - أَفَكُلَّمَا
جَاءَكُمْ رَسُوْلَّ بِمَا لَا تَجْوَى أَنْفُسُكُمُ اسْتَكْبَرْتُمٌْ فَفَرِيْقًا كَذَّبْتُمْ وَفَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُوْنَ (٨٧) وَقَالُوا قُلُوْبُنَا غُلْفٌ ﴿ بَلْ
لَعَنَهُمُ اللهُ بِكُفْرِبِمْ فَقَلِيْلًا مَّا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ (٨٨)
TRANSLATION: Undoubtedly We gave the Book (the Torah) to Moosa v and We
sent messengers after him (Moosa v) one after another. We gave clear signs
(miracles such as bringing the dead back to life, curing blind people and people who
suffered from leprosy) to Isa v, the son of Maryam and strengthened him with the
Ruhul Qudus (the angel Jibra'eel v who was with Isa v wherever he went). Why is it
that every time a messenger came to you with what did not appeal to your
desires, you behaved arrogantly? So you denied a party (of the messengers,
among them the likes of Isa v and Muhammad &) and killed another (party, among
them Zakariyya v and Yahya v). They (the Jews mockingly) say (to Rasulullaah p), "Our
hearts are covered (in a veil so we cannot understand what you say)." Not at all! (The
truth is that) Allaah has cursed them (removed them from His mercy and rejected
them) because of their disbelief (and not because of any covering on their hearts). As
a result, there are very few of them who have Imaan.
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Verse 110 of Surah Maa'idah states:
وَ إِذْ كَفَفْتُ بَنِىَ إِسْرَاءِيْلَ عَنْكَ إِذْ جِنْتَهُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ فَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا مِنْهُمْ إِنْ بَذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِيْنٌ (١١٠)
TRANSLATION: And (remember) when I restrained the Bani Israa'eel from (killing)
you when you came to them with clear signs (miracles) and the Kaafiroon from
them said, 'This (the miracles) is but obvious magic!
Surah Aal Imraan, verses 50-54 state:
وَمُصَدِّقًا لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُمْ بَعْضَ الَّذِىْ حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَجِئْتُكُمْ بِأَيَةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ
وَأَطِيْعُوْنِ (٥٠) إِنَّ اللهَ رَبِّىْ وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوْهُ - بَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ (٥١) فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيْسَى مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ
مَنْ أَنْصَارِىَّ إِلَى اللهِ ﴿ قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّوْنَ نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ اللهِ أُمَنَّا بِاللهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُوْنَ (٥٢) رَبَّنَا أَمَنَّا بِمَا
أَنْزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُوْلَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّهِدِيْنَ (٥٣) وَمَكَرُوْا وَمَكَرَ اللهُ ﴿ وَاللهُ خَيْرُ الْمُكِرِيْنَ (٥٣٪)
TRANSLATION: (Hadhrat Isa v said to the people,) "I (have come to) confirm the
(general principles and injunctions of the) Torah that was before me, to make lawful
for you some of that which was forbidden for you and I come to you with a sign
from your Rabb. So (now that you have seen the miracles, you ought to) fear Allaah
and obey me. Verily Allaah is my Rabb and your Rabb, so worship Him (Only,
without ascribing partners to Him). This (believing in Allaah, obeying His Rasool and thus
gaining His pleasure) is the straight path." When Isa v sensed kufr (the intention to
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cause enmity and harm) from them (the Jews), he said, "Who shall be my helpers
towards (spreading the Deen of) Allaah?" The Disciples replied, "We shall be the
helpers (of the Deen of) Allaah. We believe in Allaah and you be the witness that
we are indeed Muslims (subservient to Allaah). Our Rabb, we believe in what You
have revealed (the Injeel) and we have followed the Rasool (Isa v), so record us
among those who have testified (to the truth of Towheed and Isa v)." They (the Jews
and all enemies of Islaam) planned and Allaah planned, and Allaah is the best of
planners (Allaah's strategies are best and cannot be overpowered by anyone).
(Consequently, when they decided to kill Isa v, Allaah raised him to the heavens and made
someone else look like him, who was killed in his place.)
Allaah says in verse 27 of Surah Hadeed:
ثُمَّ قَفَّيْنَا عَلَى أَثَارِبِمْ بِرُسُلِنَا وَ قَقَيْنَا بِعِيْسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ وَأَتَّيْتُ الْإِنْجِيْلَ ﴿ وَ جَعَلْنَا فِيْ قُلُوْبِ الَّذِيْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُ
رَأَفَةَّ وَّ رَحْمَةً * وَرَبْبَانِيَّةٌ ابْتَدَعُوْبَا مَا كَتَبْتُهَا عَلَيْهِمْ إِلَّ ابْتِغَاءَ رِضْوَانِ اللهِ فَمَا رَعَوْبَا حَقَّ رِعَايَتِهَا ﴾
فَأَتَيْنَا الَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوْا مِنْهُمْ أَجْرَبُمْ وَّ وَكَثِيْرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فُسِقُوْنَ (٢٧)
TRANSLATION: Thereafter (after Nooh v and Ibraheem v) We successively sent Our
Rusul in their footsteps (to guide people as they did). (Eventually) We sent Isa v the
son of Maryam, gave him the Injeel and placed compassion and mercy in the
hearts of those who followed him. They invented monasticism (involving isolation
from society and forsaking marriage and pleasures) which We did not ordain for them
but they did it in search of Allaah's pleasure (to preserve their Deen from the
corruption that society introduced to it). However, they did not observe it (its
demands) as it ought to have been observed (because its demands were against
human nature). (However, after the coming of Rasulullaah p,) We granted their reward
to those of them who had Imaan (who believed in Rasulullaah p and accepted Islaam)
while many of them were sinners (choosing to stay away from Islaam).
Verse 110 of Surah Maa'idah states:
848

إِذْ قَالَ اللهُ يُعِيْسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ اذْكُرْ نِعْمَتِيْ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَى وَالِدَتِكَ ى إِذْ آَيَّدْتُكَ بِرُوْحِ الْقُدُسِ ن تُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِى
الْمَهْدِ وَكَبْلا ◌َّ وَ إِذْ عَلَّمْتُكَ الْكِتُبَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَالتَّوْرَةَ وَالْإِنْجِيْلَ
TRANSLATION: (Do not forget the Day of Qiyaamah) When Allaah will say, "O Isa
the son of Maryam! Remember My favour to you and to your mother when I
assisted you by means of the Ruhul Qudus and you spoke to the people while in
the cradle (as a little baby) and in manhood (when you returned to the world before
Qiyaamah). (Remember) When I taught you the Book (previous scriptures), wisdom,
the Torah and the Injeel
Verse 6 of Surah Saff states:
وَ إِذْ قَالَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يُبَنِىَ اِسْرَاءِيْلَ إِنِّيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ إِلَيْكُمْ مُصَدِّقًا لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَةِ وَ مُبَشِّرًّا
بِرَسُوْلٍ يَّأْتِىْ مِنْ بَعْدِى اسْمُمَ اَحْمَدُ ٥* فَلَمَّا جَاءَبُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ قَالُوْا بُذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِيْنٌ (أ)
TRANSLATION: (Also remember the time) When Isa the son of Maryam said, "O
children of Israa'eel! Indeed I am the Rasool of Allaah (who has been sent) to
you, confirming the Torah before me and giving (you) the good news of a Rasool
849

to come after me (among the Arabs), whose name will be Ahmad399 (referring to
Rasulullaah p)." When he (Isa v) came to them (his people) with clear signs (miracles
to prove that he was a Rasool), they said, "This is clear magic."
The Four Miracles
It has been the practice of Allaah to display miracles at the hands of the Ambiyaa
pul whom Allaah sent for the guidance of people. These serve to confirm to
the people that the Nabi u had been sent by Allaah and is therefore assisted by
Allaah. It has also been the practice of Allaah to give a Nabi v miracles that are
relevant to the age they live in so that it would have a more effective influence
upon the people. Hadhrat Dawood v and Hadhrat Sulaymaan u were given
miracles such as the ability to speak to the birds, to control the Jinn, to handle
iron as if it was wax, etc. Hadhrat Moosa v was given the nine miracles, which
included the staff and shining hand.
In a like manner, Hadhrat Ibraheem v was able to live peacefully in the blazing
fire, Hadhrat Saalih v extracted a camel from a mountain and Hadhrat Nooh v
summoned the great flood that engulfed the earth. Rasulullaah p was given the
greatest of miracles in the Qur'aan and also performed many other miracles such
as splitting the moon, etc.
Together with being given a divine scripture, Hadhrat Isa v was also blessed with
several miracles relevant to his times. The Qur'aan explicitly mentions the
following four miracles that Hadhrat Isa v performed:
399 The name Ahmad, which Hadhrat Isa v used to refer to Rasulullaah p has been translated in Greek
manuscripts of the Bible as "Periclytos" or "Paraclete". In English Bibles, this word is deliberately
mistranslated into words such as "Counsellor", "Comforter", "Intercessor", "Spirit of truth" and
sometimes even "Holy Spirit".
850

1. By the command of Allaah, he would raise the dead back to life
2. He would cure congenitally blind people as well as lepers
3. He would make birds out of clay and then cause them to come to life and
fly away merely by blowing onto them
4. He could tell people exactly what they had eaten and what they had stored
in their homes
People who were objective and not obstinate could see clearly that these feats
were performed with the help of Allaah. This then led them to accept his
prophethood and follow him. However, people whose hearts were blinded and
who chose to be stubborn would brush his feats off as magic. In addition to this,
the very birth of Hadhrat Isa v was a miracle in itself.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Discussing these miracles, Allaah says in verses 48-51 of Surah Aal Imraan:
وَيُعَلِّمُمُ الْكِتُبَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَالتَّوْرَةَ وَالْإِنْجِيْلَ (٣٨٩) وَرَسُوْلًا إِلَى بَنِىَ اِسْرَاءِيْلَ ﴾ آنِّئْ قَدْ جِئْتُكُمْ بِيَةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ"
أَنِّىَ أَخْلُقُ لَكُمْ مِّنَ الطِّيْنِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَانْفُغُ فِيْهِ فَيَكُوْنُ طَيْرًا بِذْنِ اللهِ وَأُبْرِىُّ الْأَكْمَرَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْيِ الْمَوْتُى
بِذْنِ اللهِّ وَأُنَبُِّكُمْ بِمَا تَأْكُلُوْنَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُوْنَ " فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ " إِنَّ فِئْ ذُلِكَ لَأَيَّ لَّكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِيْنَ (٣٩) وَمُصَدِّقًا
لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُمْ بَعْضَ الَّذِى حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَجِئْتُكُمْ بِأَيَةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ وَأَطِيْعُوْنِ (٥٠)
إِنَّ اللهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوْهُ - بَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُسْتَقِيمٌ (٥١)
TRANSLATION: He (Allaah) shall teach him (Isa v) the book (the previous scriptures
as well as the Qur'aan and the Sunnah because he will return to the world before
Qiyaamah), wisdom (of things), the Torah and the Injeel. (Allaah will also make him)
a Rasool to the Bani Israa'eel (and he shall tell them), 'Indeed I come to you with
a sign (a miracle) from your Rabb (to prove that I am Allaah's Rasool). (The miracle is
that) I can fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, then breath onto it
and it becomes (a living) bird by the permission (order) of Allaah. I cure him who
was born blind and the leper, and I raise the dead with the permission of
851

Allaah. I can (also) inform you of what you eat and what you store in your
homes. Surely in this is a sign for you (that I am truly Allaah's messenger) if you are
Mu'mineen. I (have come to) confirm the (general principles and injunctions of the)
Torah that was before me, to make lawful for you some of that which was
forbidden for you and I come to you with a sign from your Rabb. So (now that
you have seen the miracles, you ought to) fear Allaah and obey me. Verily Allaah is
my Rabb and your Rabb, so worship Him (Only, without ascribing partners to Him).
This (believing in Allaah, obeying His Rasool and thus gaining His pleasure) is the
straight path.
Verses 110-111 of Surah Maa'idah state:
وَ إِذْ تَخْلُقُ مِنَ الطَّيْنِ كَهِيَةِ الطَّيْرِ بِإِذْنِيْ فَتَتْفُغُ فِيْهَا فَتَكُوْنُ طَيْرًّا بِذْنِى وَتُبْرِىُّ الْأَكْمَرَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ بِذْنِى ◌َّ وَ إِذْ
تُخْرِجُ الْمَوْتَى بِإِذْنِيْ نَّ وَ إِذْ كَفَفْتُ بَنِئْ اِسْرَاءِيَّلَ عَنْكَ إِذْ جِئْتَهُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ فَقَالَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا مِنْهُمْ إِنْ بَذَا إِلَّا
سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ (١١٠) وَ إِذْ أَوْحَيْتُ إِلَى الْحَوَارِيِّنَ أَنْ أُمِنُوْا بِئْ وَ بِرَسُوْلِى ◌َّ قَالُوا أَمَنَّا وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّنَا مُسْلِمُوْنَ
(١١١)
TRANSLATION: (Remember also) When you would create the form of a bird from
sand, blow into it and it would become a living bird by My order. And you would
cure those born blind and the lepers by My order, and (when you would) raise the
dead (alive from their graves) by My order. And (remember) when I restrained the
Bani Israa'eel from (killing) you when you came to them with clear signs
(miracles) and the Kaafiroon from them said, 'This (the miracles) is but obvious
magic!' (Allaah will further tell Isa v to remember) "When I inspired the Disciples
with the instruction to believe in Me and in My Rasool (Isa v), they said, 'We
believe and You be witness that we have certainly surrendered (ourselves to the
obedience of Allaah)."
Verse 6 of Surah Saff states:
852

وَ إِذْ قَالَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يُبَنِئْ اِسْرَآءِيْلَ إِنِّيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ إِلَيْكُمْ مُصَدِّقًا لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَةِ وَ مُبَشِّرًّا
بِرَسُوْلٍ يَّأْتِيْ مِنْ بَعْدِى اسْمُمَّ أَحْمَدُ ٥* فَلَمَّا جَاءَبُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ قَالُوا بُذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِيِنٌ ()
TRANSLATION: (Also remember the time) When Isa the son of Maryam said, "O
children of Israa'eel! Indeed I am the Rasool of Allaah (who has been sent) to
you, confirming the Torah before me and giving (you) the good news of a Rasool
to come after me (among the Arabs), whose name will be Ahmad400 (referring to
Rasulullaah p)." When he (Isa v) came to them (his people) with clear signs (miracles
to prove that he was a Rasool), they said, "This is clear magic."
Summary of his Teachings
The message that Hadhrat Isa v preached to his people included:
· Belief in the Oneness of Allaah
. Accepting and believing in all the Ambiyaa pull peale
· Belief in the Aakhirah
. Belief in the angels
· Belief in Taqdeer
· Belief in the divine scriptures
· Adopting good character
· Avoiding sin
· Imbibing the fervour for Ibaadah
· Avoiding being preoccupied with worldly things
. Love for the creation
400 The name Ahmad, which Hadhrat Isa v used to refer to Rasulullaah p has been translated in Greek
manuscripts of the Bible as "Periclytos" or "Paraclete". In English Bibles, this word is deliberately
mistranslated into words such as "Counsellor", "Comforter", "Intercessor", "Spirit of truth" and
sometimes even "Holy Spirit".
853

Together with these basic principles, Hadhrat Isa v advised the people with the
words of the Torah and Injeel. However, with their stubborn and insolent nature
still intact, the Jews did all they could to oppose him. It was only a small group
from amongst them who accepted his message and supported him.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Describing the preaching of Hadhrat Isa v, Allaah says in verses 63-65 of Surah
Zukhruf:
وَلَمَّا جَآءَ عِيْسِى بِالْبَيِّنْتِ قَالَ قَدْ جِئْتُكُمْ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَ لِأُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ بَعْضَ الَّذِى تَخْتَلِفُوْنَ فِيْهِ نَّ فَاتَّقُوا اللهَ وَ أَطِيْعُوْنِ
(٢٣) إِنَّ اللّهَ بُوَ رَبِّئْ وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوْهُ ٥* بَذَا صِرَاطٌ مُسْتَقِيمٌ (٢٣) فَاخْتَلَفَ الْأَحْزَابُ مِنَّ بَيْنِهِمْ ثَّ فَوَيْلٌ
لٌلَّذِيْنَ ظَلَمُوْا مِنْ عَذَابِ يَوْمٍ أَلِيِمِ (٢٥)
TRANSLATION: When Isa v came with the clear signs (to prove
Towheed and the fact that he was Allaah's Nabi), he said, "I have
come to you with wisdom (to correct your beliefs) and to make
clear to you the matters about which you quarrel. So fear Allaah
and follow me. Allaah is definitely my Rabb and your Rabb, so
worship Him only. This (Towheed) is the straight path."
However, (despite his clear teachings) the parties (among his
followers) differed between themselves (and divided into many
denominations). May the oppressors (the Kuffaar) suffer the
destruction of a painful day's punishment!
Verses 6-7 of Surah Saff state:
854

وَ إِذْ قَالَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يُبَنِئْ اِسْرَآءِيْلَ إِنِّيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ اِلَيْكُمْ مُصَدِّقًا لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَةِ وَ مُبَشْرًّا
بِرَسُوْلٍ يَّأْتِى مِنْ بَعْدِى اسْمُمَّ أَحْمَدُ * فَلَمَّا جَاءَبُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ قَالُوا بُذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ (*) وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَى
عَلَى اللهِ الْكَذِبَ وَ بُوَ يُدْعَى إِلَى الْإِسْلَامِ ٥* وَ اللهُ لَا يَهْدِى الْقَوْمَ الظَّلِمِيْنَ (٧)
(Also remember the time) When Isa the son of Maryam said, "O children of
Israa'eel! Indeed I am the Rasool of Allaah (who has been sent) to you,
confirming the Torah before me and giving (you) the good news of a Rasool to
come after me (among the Arabs), whose name will be Ahmad401 (referring to
Rasulullaah p)." When he (Isa v) came to them (his people) with clear signs (miracles
to prove that he was a Rasool), they said, "This is clear magic." Who can be more
unjust than he who forges lies about Allaah (by claiming that Allaah's has partners)
when he is being called to Islaam? Allaah does not guide unjust people (the
Kuffaar who refuse to accept the truth despite acknowledging that it is the truth).
Verses 52-53 of Surah Aal Imraan state:
فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيْسِى مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنْصَارِىَ إِلَى اللهِ - قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّوْنَ نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ اللهِّ أُمَنَّا بِاللهِ ◌ّ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا
مُسْلِمُوْنَ (٥٢) رَبَّنَا أَمَنَّا بِمَا أَنْزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُوْلَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّهِدِيْنَ (٥٣)
TRANSLATION: When Isa v sensed kufr (the intention to cause enmity and harm)
from them (the Jews), he said, "Who shall be my helpers towards (spreading the
Deen of) Allaah?" The Disciples replied, "We shall be the helpers (of the Deen of)
Allaah. We believe in Allaah and you be the witness that we are indeed Muslims
(subservient to Allaah). Our Rabb, we believe in what You have revealed (the Injeel)
and we have followed the Rasool (Isa v), so record us among those who have
testified (to the truth of Towheed and Isa v)."
401 The name Ahmad, which Hadhrat Isa v used to refer to Rasulullaah p has been translated in Greek
manuscripts of the Bible as "Periclytos" or "Paraclete". In English Bibles, this word is deliberately
mistranslated into words such as "Counsellor", "Comforter", "Intercessor", "Spirit of truth" and
sometimes even "Holy Spirit".
855

The Hawaasiyeen (Disciples)
Rasulullaah p said that every Nabi has a few men who are his Hawaariyyeen
(aides) and his was Hadhrat Zubayr t. Another narration states that every Nabi
has two such aides in this world and two in the Aakhirah. Rasulullaah p then
stated that his two in this world were Hadhrat Abu Bakr t and Hadhrat Umar t,
while the two in the Aakhirah were Hadhrat Jibra'eel v and Hadhrat Mikaa'eel
v.
Hadhrat Isa v also had a few Hawaariyyeen, who assisted him in his duty, braved
trying situations in the cause and gave everything for the propagation and
preservation of the religion that Hadhrat Isa v brought. They constantly
remained in the company of Hadhrat Isa v and thus earned the title of the
'Helpers of Allaah'; meaning 'Helpers of the Deen of Allaah'. These men adopted
the lifestyle of Hadhrat Isa v and never deserted him. They were mostly from
the working class, as are the initial followers of all the Ambiyaa >>ull Moule. This is
because the wealthier classes tend to join the Nabi only after the signs of his
domination appear. It is at this stage that many of the affluent people see no
option but to follow the Nabi. Of course, there have been exceptions.
The Qur'aan lauds the Hawaariyyeen because they responded to the call of
Hadhrat Isa v by declaring that they are prepared to assist in the propagation of
the Deen of Hadhrat Isa v at a time when others were opposing him. In Surah
Saff, Allaah exhorts the Muslims to be the helpers of the Deen like the
Hawaariyyeen of Hadhrat Isa v who devoted themselves with all sincerity to
propagating the Deen of Hadhrat Isa v. In fact, Hadhrat Shah Abdul Qaadir il dang
writes in the commentary of this verse of Surah Saff that it was through the
tireless efforts of the disciples of Hadhrat Isa v that his religion flourished so
widely.
856

There are hypocrites in the following of all reformers, whose objective is to
injure the cause of the reformer for some worldly benefit. However, Allaah
always informs the Ambiyaa all role Of such persons because their potential to
cause harm is greater than the harm enemies are capable of causing. It is for this
reason that no Nabi v has ever had a hypocrite as a confidant or a close
companion. However, the Ambiyaa >ull vale do sometimes overlook such persons
for good reason. Someone once asked Rasulullaah p why he tolerated the
Munaafiqeen (hypocrites), when he knew who they were, instead of having
them executed and thereby purging the Muslims of this inside enemy.
Rasulullaah p told him that because these Munaafiqeen professed to be
Muslims, it would be improper to have them executed because the Kuffaar
would then accuse him of killing his own companions.
Nonetheless, the Hawaariyyeen of Hadhrat Isa v pledged their allegiance to him
and maintained their loyalty to him even after he was raised to the heavens.
Allaah therefore assisted them in their efforts and granted them success.
In the Words of the Qur'an
Discussing the Hawaariyyeen, Allaah says in verse 111 of Surah Maa'idah:
وَ إِذْ أَوْحَيْتُ إِلَى الْحَوَارِيِّنَ أَنْ أَمِنُوْا بِئْ وَ بِرَسُوْلِى نَّ قَالُوا أَمَنَّا وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّنَا مُسْلِمُوْنَ (١١١)
TRANSLATION: (Allaah will further tell Isa v to remember) "When I inspired the
Disciples with the instruction to believe in Me and in My Rasool (Isa v), they
said, 'We believe and You be witness that we have certainly surrendered
(ourselves to the obedience of Allaah)."
857

Verse 14 of Surah Saff states:
يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوا كُوْنُوا أَنْصَارَ اللّهِ كَمَا قَالَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ لِلْحَوَارِيِّنَ مَنْ أَنْصَارِىَ إِلَى اللهِ * قَالَ
الْحَوَارِيُّوْنَ نَحْنُ أَنْصَارُ اللهِ فَأَمَنَتْ طَّائِفَةٌ مِّنَّ بَنِئَ اِسْرَاءِيْلَ وَ كَفَرَتْ طَّائِفَةٌ ◌َّ فَيَّدْنَا الَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوْا عَلَى
عَدُوِّيِمْ فَأَصْبَحُوْا ظَهِرِيْنَ (٪١٢)
TRANSLATION: O you who have Imaan! Be the helpers of (the Deen of) Allaah (by
assisting in its propagation in every manner,) as (the disciples of Isa u did when) Isa the
son of Maryam said to the disciples, "Who will help me towards (propagating the
Deen of) Allaah?" The disciples replied, "We shall be the helpers of (the Deen of)
Allaah." (Consequently, they actively engaged in propagating the Deen that Isa v taught
them.) So (it was soon seen that) a group of the Bani Israa'eel had Imaan while a
group of them rejected Imaan (and the two parties clashed in opposition). (As is Our
promise,) We assisted those with Imaan against their enemies and they (the
Mu'mineen) became victorious over them (the Kuffaar).
The Set Table from the Heavens
Although the Hawaariyyeen were sincere devotees of Hadhrat Isa v, they were
poor and simple people and initially lacked proper knowledge and understanding
of the Deen. Just as it is important to be selfless in the effort for Deen, it is also
necessary to be independent in one's ability to provide for oneself. Despite their
loyalty to Hadhrat Isa v, the Hawaariyyeen were always struggling to find food to
feed themselves, so they once made a request to Hadhrat Isa v. Though they had
seen many miracles at his hand, they said, "O Isa, son of Maryam! Is your Rabb
able to send to us a set (fully laid) table (spread with food) from the skies?"
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The Hawaariyyeen did have immense respect for Hadhrat Isa v, but because of
their lack of training in cultural ethics, they made the request in this manner,
least realising that it appeared disrespectful. What they really wanted was for
Allaah to show them a miracle that would reinforce their conviction and also free
them of concern for food so that they could devote more time to the Deen.
Hadhrat Isa u told them that although Allaah certainly had the ability to do
anything, it does not behove the good servants of Allaah to test Allaah's
capabilities. The Hawaariyyeen immediately took heed and clarified to Hadhrat
Isa v that they did not intend to test Allaah. All they wanted was to free
themselves from earning for a while, to be able to be sustained by this gift from
Allaah and to reinforce their conviction in the prophethood of Hadhrat Isa v. In
this manner, they would be able to convey the message to the people with more
conviction and insight.
Seeing their sincerity, Hadhrat Isa v instructed them to first fast for thirty days.
Thereafter, he made du'aa, saying, "O Allaah, our Rabb! Send down to us a set
table (spread with food) from the heavens so that it may be a (day of) celebration
for those of us present here and for those of us still to come (when they recall the
day) and a sign from You (to show Your power and prove the truthfulness of my
prophethood). Provide for us, for You are the Best of providers (because You can
provide without effort or labour)".
In response to this du'aa Allaah said, "I shall certainly send it (the set table) to
you. (However) Whoever of you commits kufr after this (miracle), I will surely
punish him in a manner (so severe) that I will never punish anyone in the
universe (so severely)'.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
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