As many anticipate the upcoming “Saving the Savior: Jesus in Islam” event scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, it naturally brings up the question about the role Jesus plays in Islam.

Source: thenorthwestern.com

Muslims and Christians share many beliefs. For example, the Quran asserts that Jesus was born to a virgin, Mary, and rejects the accusation levied against her at that time that she had not been pious and that her pregnancy was illegitimate. In fact, Mary is held in such high esteem as an incredibly pious and dedicated person of God that chapter 19 of the Quran is given her name (“al-Maryam”).

Mary’s story in the Quran begins with an account of her own mother’s pregnancy, who dedicated her unborn child to be a humble servant of God. It testifies that Mary lived a very pious life — even from a young age — and that God had exalted her to a very high station. The Quran states, “And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah has chosen thee and purified thee and chosen thee above all women of the time.’” Thus, in Islam, Mary is considered to have a very high status, which is why all Muslims — men and women — are told in the last verse of chapter 66 that God “sets forth as an example” Mary as a lesson in obedience to God and righteousness.

The Quran then confirms the account of the virgin birth of Jesus by describing the moment when Mary was visited by an angel sent by God to deliver the message that she would give birth to a blessed son. The angel told her that although a virgin, God will grant her a son whose virgin birth will be a great sign for the Israelites and whose humility and modesty toward the Jews will be a great mercy for them. Referring to her son as a sign for his people and a mercy from God indicates his prophethood.

The Quran describes Jesus as intelligent from a very young age. When the angel told Mary that she would become a mother, he shared the following words from God about her son: “He shall speak to the people in the cradle and when of middle age, and he shall be of the righteous.” Thus, Islam asserts that Jesus possessed extraordinary wisdom and knowledge both as a child and as an adult.

The Quran also records the mission with which God sent Jesus: “And [God] will teach him the Book and the Wisdom and the… read more at thenorthwestern.com