On Monday, the 25th of December, 2023, our compatriots who follow the teachings of Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ upon him be peace) shall be celebrating his birthday. Even though much controversy exists over his birth and death, there is consensus among Christians on his mission while on earth.
In contrast, much ignorance exists outside Islam on his position and status in Islamic annals and culture, Prophet Isa remains an adorable prophet and one in whom Muslims must express their belief, and strive to emulate.
In other words, “many Christians are unaware that the true spirit of reverence which Muslims display towards Jesus and his mother Maryam spring from the fountainhead of their faith as prescribed in the Holy Quran. Most do not know that a Muslim does not mention the name of Jesus without saying alayhi salaam i.e. upon him be peace.
Many Christians do not know that in the Holy Quran Jesus is mentioned by name 25 times. For example, the Almighty says: … We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit (Q 2:87); Behold! the angels said: “O Mary! Allah gives thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be al-Masih Isa (Christ Jesus), the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. (Q3:45); Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah .. Quran 4:171
Thus a Muslim who scorns or treats Prophet Isa (alayhi salam) with disrespect has disbelieved a cardinal principle of Islam. To read and reread his life history, though short but eventful, is to lead a successful life here on earth and partake of the eternal bliss in the hereafter.
Aside from the Quran, one book that constantly reminds me of Prophet Isa (alayhi salam) is al-Mawardi’s Adab al-din wa Dunya (Ethic of Religion and the World). I am always fascinated by the report that Prophet Isa (a.s) was once asked by his followers: “Why don’t you get married?” Prophet Isa was reported to have said: “We prefer the prosperity and the plenitude of the hereafter”.
Thus one of the challenges confronting Christendom today is how to bridge the gap between the eternal messages preached by Prophet Isa (a.s) while he was alive – the message of abstinence and contentment, the message of asceticism and humility – and the “gospel” of prosperity and success which now appears to hold Christian praxis in the jugular.
Prophet Isa’s birth, upon him be peace, was a sign of and from the Almighty. His prophetic enterprise while on earth, like that of all Prophets of the Most High, was a touchstone of service, integrity, love, and compassion. Thus, his life on earth will forever remain an important point of reference, particularly for those who truly identify with his path and desire eternal redemption. Commemoration of his birthday, therefore, should be an opportunity for the church to do self-introspection.
The Christian world should use the occasion to question the chasm between what Jesus stood for while on earth and what Christianity has become today. In other words, to what extent is the argument valid that material prosperity occupies the epicenter of Jesus Christ’s ministry? Is it true that to be a true Christian is to be affluent?
The above has become an issue nowadays when leaders of faith now live a luxurious life. Many arguments have been canvassed for and against the trend. Some have said that the acquisition of private and luxurious properties by those who should be exemplars of a spartan and ascetic life is a sign of the end-time. Others have countered saying nothing is wrong with the trend. To the latter, if something better than jets is in existence leaders of faith should be the first to acquire them!
In other words, when leaders of faith begin to compete with politicians in the acquisition of worldly properties, concern should necessarily be raised by those imbued with discernment. Unfortunately, we live in austere times; discerning minds are becoming rare to come by the day.
Brethren, I sought to know whether Prophet Isa had a means of transportation. What I found is his refusal to own even a camel. He said he did not want to be a servant to a mule or a donkey. His abode consequently became the emptiness of the cathedral. His wealth became the constant search for the blessing of the Almighty.
Prophet Isa (a.s) led a life he knew could end the next moment. He was wise enough to know that all material acquisitions are destined for ruin. To celebrate his birth, therefore, is to seek to establish the same empire for which he was pilloried and attacked by the Jews.
