Did Jesus practise the ideals of Islam?
In a religious context, it implies the peace that reaches out to one, when one completely submits oneself to the will of Almighty God. This is achieved only when the individual acts in accordance with the direction of his Creator in all spheres of life (http://www.nicheoftruth.org). The relevance of this definition can be further discussed […]
In a religious context, it implies the peace that reaches out to one, when one completely submits oneself to the will of Almighty God. This is achieved only when the individual acts in accordance with the direction of his Creator in all spheres of life (http://www.nicheoftruth.org).
The relevance of this definition can be further discussed in the context of the time difference between the death of Jesus and the birth of Muhammad (SAW). The time difference between the death of Jesus and the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was about five centuries—that means that there was no physical contact between them.
However, the five pillars of Islam, namely: faith, prayer, fasting, generosity (Zakkah) and pilgrimage (to Jerusalem) as a child (Luke 2, 43) were part of Jesus’ teaching and practice before Muhammad (SAW) was born. Consequently, Islam is not just a religion but a way of life. The goal therefore is the salvation of the human person and the glory of God. This calls for respect for life and God, the giver of life.
The question, “did Jesus practice Islam?” is another way of asking if Jesus preached and lived the life of peace in obedience to God on earth. A brief definition of the words peace and submission may help our enquiry. Perhaps we can rely on the dictionary for a simple explication of the word “peace”. The etymology of the word “peace” can be located in the Hebrew word, “shalom” which indicates the absence of war or other hostilities; freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations; inner contentment and serenity. Peace of mind is achieved through respect for law and order.
According to Harper Douglas, “the Arabic word salaam (peace) has the same root as the word Islam”. The word “obey” comes from the Greek “hupakou” which means to listen attentively to a command or authority. The word “submit” comes from the Greek “hupeiko” which means to yield or surrender to an authority.
Submission and obedience are similar in the sense that this action is performed in freedom without force and cohesion. Thus Jesus teaches that those who hear the word of God and put it into practice are ever more blessed (Luke 11, 28). Even in his suffering Jesus was submissive to the will of God. (Luke 22:39-42).
At the birth of John the Baptist, his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “and you, my child, will be called a prophet of God Most High; for you will go ahead of the Lord to prepare the way before him, to make known to his people their salvation through forgiveness of all their sins, the tender mercy of the heart of our God, who visits us like the dawn from heaven. He will give light to those in darkness, those who dwell in the shadow of death and guide us into the way of peace” (Luke 1, 76-79).
Consequently, Jesus gave a special place to peace makers: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5, 9). He thought his disciples not to resist those who do evil (Matthew 5, 38-42) by vengeance as practised by the Jewish ancestors who believed in “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” (Matthew 5, 38; Exodus 21, 24).
He encourages the disciples to love even their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5, 43; Luke 6, 27). The desire of Jesus for human beings is to be at peace (Mark 9, 50). He lamented and wept for Jerusalem for their ignorance of the message of peace. He wished that if only Jerusalem had known the value of peace…(Luke 19, 42).
Jesus did not only preach and teach the message of peace. He practised what he preached by living the life of peace (Islam). During his trial, “One of the guards standing there hit him. The guard said, ‘You should not talk to the high priest like that!’ Jesus answered, ‘If I said something wrong, then say it. If the things I said are right, then why do you hit me?’” (John 18, 21-23).
While Jesus did not condone injustice, he did not fight back. In his most excruciating pains and agony on the cross, he forgave his executioners. He offered salvation to the thief who asked that Jesus should remember him in his kingdom. Jesus forgave his enemies even at the point of death; “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (Luke 23, 34). After his resurrection, Jesus greeted the apostles, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24, 36)! Peace was his parting gift: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14, 27). He warned his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16, 33).
In commissioning his disciples Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you” (John 20, 21) (John 20:26).
This validates the testimony of the evangelist that Jesus was sinless (2 Corinthians 5, 21) and so he never had to ask for forgiveness of sins like every other person who “have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3, 23).
The Qur’an affirms that Mary was given a sinless son who is faultless and perfect in the eyes of God so that Jesus, the son of Mary, would be an example to all the nations of the world (cf. Sura Maryam 19, 19). Isaiah had prophesied, “ a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the authority will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9, 6).
If it is accepted that Islam is peace and submission to God, then the teaching and the life of Jesus should be a model for every peace loving person. The whole world can be Islamized in heart, spirit and truth in our various religions as long as Islam is not seen as a monopoly of a particular religion. In other words, you can preach and practise Islam (peace) no matter where you profess your faith in one God. Let us remember that no religion preaches violence, though some permit violence under certain circumstances. Unfortunately some religions have substituted the exceptions for their norm. Life is a gift from God and must not be destroyed for any ideology of any particular sect or any particular religion.
Rather, every ideology and religion should protect life and promote human dignity. Therefore, any form of violence “in the name of God or religion” is an abuse of Islam and an insult on God who is our peace and to whom we must submit in graceful obedience now and forever.
Fr (Prof) Omonokhua is the Director of Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja and Consultor for the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims (CRRM), Vatican City, Rome