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Names and titles of Jesus in the Quran

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Calligraphic seal of "Isa" (Jesus) in Arabic
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There are a variety of titles used to refer to the penultimate prophet of Islam, Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus), in the Quran. Islamic scholars emphasize the need for Muslims to follow the name of Isa (Jesus), whether spoken or written, with the honorific phrase alayhi al-salām (Arabic: عليه السلام), which means peace be upon him. Isa is mentioned by name or title 78 times in the Quran.[1]

Names

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Isa ibn Maryam

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Main article: Isa (name)

The name Isa is derived from Arabic: عيسى, romanized: ʿīsā, meaning the "salvation of God". Isa is also referred to as Isa ibn Maryam, meaning Isa, son of Maryam.[2] In the Quran, Isa is referred to by name 23 times.[note 1]

Masih

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Main article: Masih (title)

Isa is the Messiah in Islam[3][4][better source needed] and is the called Īsā al-Masīḥ by Muslims. It is one of several titles of Isa, who is referred to as Masih or Al-Masih 11 times in the Quran.[note 2] It means 'the anointed', 'the traveller', or 'one who cures by caressing'.[3][better source needed]

Titles

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Spirit from God

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See also: Rūḥ

In Quran 4:171, Isa is called Rūḥ minhu (Arabic: رُوحٌۭ مِّنْه), meaning 'a Spirit from him' (i.e., from God).[5] The word rūḥ originally meant "breath", "wind". In post-Quranic tradition, rūḥ became equated with nafs, "spirit", but in the Quran itself, it means "a special angel messenger and a special divine quality".[6] In three passages (2:87, 2:253; 5:110), Isa is also said to be supported by the Rūḥ al-qudus ("the holy spirit" or "spirit of holiness").[7]

Pure Boy

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According the Quran and Hadith, Isa and his mother Maryam were the only two people whom Shaitan did not touch and so were without sin, so Isa is called a pure boy (Arabic: غُلَٰمًا زَكِيًّا, romanized: ġulammā zakīwā).[8][9][10][better source needed] He is referred to as pure boy nine times in the Quran.[note 3]

Word of God

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Main article: Logos (Islam)

Isa is called Kalima (Word) or Kalimat Allah (Word of God) six times in the Quran. The concept of Logos also appears in the Targums (Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible dating to the first centuries AD), where the term Memra (Aramaic for "The Word") is often used instead of 'The Lord', especially when referring to a manifestation of God that could be construed as anthropomorphic.[11][better source needed][note 4] However, in light of Islam, the title refers to the miraculous birth of Jesus through God's Will despite being fatherless, likened to the creation of Adam without a father or mother as stated in the third chapter of the Qur'an.[12]

Sign

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In Islam, Isa's return is one of the ten major signs of Day of Resurrection. In the Quran, Isa is four times called an Āyah (Arabic: آيَة, lit. 'sign', also used to designate a verse of the Quran).[note 5]

Wajih

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In Surat al-Imran verse 3:45,[13] Isa is called wajīḥ (وَجِيه, 'honourable' or 'distinguished'), a title also used for Musa (Moses) in Surat al-Ahzab 33:69. Many Muslims refer to Isa as Īsā al-Wajīḥ, since he is an honoured Prophet in Islam.[8][14][better source needed]

Notes

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  1. ^ Isa Ibn Maryam: Quran 2:87, 2:253, 3:45, 4:157, 4:171, 5:17, 5:46, 5:72-78, 5:110-116, 9:31, 19:34, 23:50, 33:7, 43:57, 57:27, 61:6, 61:14
  2. ^ Messiah or Al Masih: Quran 3:45, 4:171-172, 5:17, 5:72-75, 9:30-31
  3. ^ Pure boy: Quran 9:19-21, 9:29, 9:35,9:88-92
  4. ^ Kalima or Kalimat Allah: Quran 3:39, 3:45, 3:48, 4:171, 5:46, 5:110
  5. ^ Sign: Quran 19:21, 21:91, 23:50, 43:61

References

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  1. ^ Parrinder 1965, p. 16.
  2. ^ "Compare Surah 2. Al-Baqara, Ayah 87 Online from Holy Quran | Islamic References & Recitation | Compare.Alim". www.alim.org. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  3. ^ a b "Why do Muslims call Jesus "Masih"? What does it mean? What is the role of Christ in the religion of Islam? » Questions on Islam". Questions on Islam. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  4. ^ Studies (2019-03-11). "The Meaning of Al-Masih". Dreams of Isa Al-Masih. Retrieved 2021-06-18.
  5. ^ Quran 4:171 -Pickthall
  6. ^ Calverley, E. E.; Netton, I. R. (2012). "Nafs". Encyclopedia of Islam (2nd ed.). doi:10.1163/1573-3912_islam_COM_0833.
  7. ^ Quran 2:87 -Pickthall; Quran 2:253 -Pickthall; Quran 5:110 -Pickthall.
  8. ^ a b "Life of Maryam (as): 5 Lessons on Trusting Allah | Muslim Hands UK". muslimhands.org.uk. Retrieved 2021-06-23.
  9. ^ Quran 19:19
  10. ^ "Prophet Isa | Quran Online Reading with Meaning & Audio". SalatTimes.com. 2018-02-21. Retrieved 2021-06-23.
  11. ^ "Jesus as Kalimat Allah, The Word of God". youtube.com. 2018-05-21. Retrieved 2021-06-23.
  12. ^ Quran 3:59
  13. ^ Quran 3:45
  14. ^ "Surah Ali 'Imran - 45". quran.com. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
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