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A Biblical Response to the Islamic View on Crucifixion of Jesus
Islam, based on the Qur’an, Sura 4:157, denies that Jesus was crucified, claiming instead that it was made to appear so, and that Jesus was taken up to God without being killed. In contrast, the Bible consistently affirms Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection as central to the Gospel.
As Christians, we believe in the historical death and resurrection of Jesus not only because eyewitnesses recorded it, but also because it fulfills the prophecies and forms the foundation of God's plan to redeem humanity.
Did God save Jesus from death?
I was surprised when, in his denial of the crucifixion of Christ, his death, burial, and victorious resurrection, a Muslim friend read to me Hebrews 5:7.
‘During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission’ (Hebrews 5:7).
The Power of the Resurrection and Our Hope
Biblically, what is the power of the Resurrection, and why should believers in Jesus have hope of resurrection to eternal life?
Muslims consider belief in the Day of Resurrection, known as Yawm al-Qiyama, an essential part of their faith. However, they do not accept the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Instead, they believe that Jesus ascended into heaven without dying and being resurrected. According to Islamic belief, he will support a special Muslim leader, Mahdi, in establishing Islam during his second coming. After fulfilling this role, Jesus will eventually die. Like everyone else, he will rise again on the Day of Judgment and Resurrection.
Many people, including Muslims, often ask why we emphasize the resurrection of Jesus. Some seek a simple Biblical answer: Why should we have hope in our resurrection to eternal life?
The night when angels and the Spirit come down ... Really?
In Islam, ‘Laylat Al Qadr’ – the night of power, is traditionally celebrated during the last nights of the month of Ramadan, particularly on the odd nights (ie. the 23rd, 25th and 27th). Muslims worldwide spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in solid devotion, retreating to the mosque to read the Qur'an (i'tikaf) and reciting special supplications (du'a). Many Muslims pray continuously during the night to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. This practice is also sometimes called Ihya’ – (revival, and to spend the night in prayer).
Fasting: The Jesus Way
The traditions of Islam teach that during this month, God gives Muslims a chance to double their rewards to have a much wider chance of getting into paradise. Muslims ask for His pardon for their past sins and conduct other meritorious behavior. Every act of kindness, prayer, giving, fasting, and anything else a Muslim can do to please God is expected. Since there is no assurance of salvation by grace for the 1.9 billion Muslims on earth, they hope to do more work as prescribed in Islamic law to have more chances on the Day of Judgement.