Story of Jesus/Eesa AS
I would like to know what is the correct understanding according to Islam of what happened to Jesus/Eesa AS.
Christians believe he was crucified/died on the cross and then he was buried. He then was resurrected and presented himself only to his disciples, the people I speak to have a limited understanding of what Jesus did after he was resurrected or what happened to him AS.
In Islam what is the correct belief regarding the crucifixion, was Eesa raised to the heavens before he was crucified and who then was in fact killed on the cross.
Or is there some other explanation of what happened (did a crucifixion actually occur? )
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Islamic belief is that Prophet ‘Isa (peace be upon him) was raised to the skies after a failed assassination attempt remaining alive. He never died and will descend and return to the earth before the end of time and will lead a normal life, will marry, have children and die a natural death.
Christian belief is based on their sources while our belief is based on our sources; the Quran and Sunnah.
Allah Most High says,
And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the messenger of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure but Allah raised him to Himself. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Quran, 4: 157-158]
Remember) when Allah said, “O Jesus! I will take you and raise you up to Myself. I will deliver you from those who disbelieve and elevate your followers above the disbelievers until the Day of Judgment. Then to Me you will (all) return, and I will settle all your disputes.” [Quran, 3:55]
Muslims believe Prophet ‘Isa’s (peace be upon him) return to be during the end of times.
“He is alive in the heavens and will descend before the end of time in Damascus.” [Muslim]
He will establish a just and prosperous rule [Bukhari}
And will follow the teachings of our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).