Lent, Passover and Ramadan often converge in April, and it is a reminder that there are many similarities between the main Abrahamic faiths. As one Muslim writer put it:
It’s a time for prayers and family gatherings for Jews, Christians and Muslims. In their own ways, the three Abrahamic faiths seek to remind us of our responsibility for each other and for the world.[1]
Easter can be celebrated to varying degrees in the Islamic world. Easter is illegal in Saudi Arabia, but it is celebrated by some Muslims in other countries in the Gulf States and the Far East.
What does the Holy Qur’an say about Jesus?
Jesus is an important figure in the Islamic tradition.[2] He is often considered the most important prophet after Muhammad[3] and he is described as one of ‘the righteous.’ He is referred to frequently in the Qurʾan (by the name Isa) where he is born to a virgin called Mary, carried the title ‘Messiah’ and performs miracles.
The angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].( Surah Al-Imran Ayat 45)
And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me. (Surah Al-Imran Ayat 50)
There are many similarities between the Qur’an and Passion Plays. However, unlike in the Passion Plays Jesus does not die during the crucifixion. The Holy Qur’an states that Jesus was protected by God from the people who wanted to kill him:
And their saying, ‘We did kill the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah;’ whereas they slew him not, nor crucified him, but he was made to appear to them like one crucified. (4:158/ Sura 4:157)
Muslims believe Jesus described himself as Jonah. Just as Jonah survived the trial inside the belly of the fish, so likewise Jesus survived the tribulation on the cross.[4] Some Muslims believe that another more guilty man was crucified in Jesus’ place, or a willing martyr was substituted in his place.[5]
Ultimately, Passion Plays and the Qur’an share the same belief: Jesus did ascend to Heaven and Christ is literally risen.[6]
Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. [4:158]
Allah said, “O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ. Surah Al-Imran Ayat 55
However, the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God is not shared by Muslims because the Holy Qur’an is clear that Allah is one and he has no son and no consort.
The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded. (Surah Al-Ma’idah Ayat 75)
O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, “Three”; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs. (Surah An-Nisa Ayat 171)
[1] ‘Easter and Ramadan converge in April’ https://www.islamicity.org/80531/easter-passover-and-ramadan-converge-in-april/
[2] For a list of quotes about Jesus from the Qur’an, see https://myislam.org/quran-verses/jesus-isa/
[3] For a list of books on Jesus and Islam see https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195390155/obo-9780195390155-0110.xml
[4] https://www.patheos.com/blogs/islamahmadiyya/2015/04/a-muslims-views-on-the-theology-of-easter/
[5] See the Wikipedia article “Islamic views of Jesus’ death” for a comprehensive overview of various interpretations of the crucifixion.
[6] https://www.islamicity.org/19419/easter-in-islam-christ-is-risen-and-will-return/
