There are many versions of the story of Jesus in different religions and denominations, but the beautiful thing is that all stories lead to hope for mankind and humanity that despite a manifest end in view, the long-term vista can be bright and pleasing.
Anyone who knows and understands this story should never think of desperation, abandonment or giving up a just cause. These stories teach us and lead us to godly lives to live in this world and the hereafter. The fatherless birth points to the possibility of an extraordinary occurrence not a fluke of nature, but rather a grand plan for a chain of events in the present and the future.
"Surely, the case of Jesus with Allah is like the case of Adam. He created him out of dust, then he said to him, 'Be,' and he was" (Quran, 3:59/60).
Jesus was reported in the Quran (19:31-33) as saying while counting favors of God on him, "He has made me blessed wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined upon me Prayer and almsgiving so long as I live. And, he has made me dutiful towards my mother. And, has not made me arrogant and graceless."
The favors mentioned in his words are a boon to anyone who strives to perfect his humanity and seeks pleasure of God in this world and the next. The virtues mentioned here-mindfulness for worship, spending one's hard earned livelihood in the sympathy of God's creatures, service to parents, humbleness in one's demeanor and showing grace in all circumstances-all beautify a man and his environs. These are the qualities that led to greater blessings, "To Jesus, son of Mary, We gave manifest Signs, and strengthened him with the Spirit of holiness" (Quran 2:87/88). "We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Spirit of holiness (Quran 2:253/254).
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We read further details of the favor as God will state, "O Jesus, son of Mary, remember My favor upon thee and upon thy mother; when I strengthened thee with the Spirit of holiness so that thou didst speak to the people in the cradle and in middle age; and when I taught thee the book and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when thou didst fashion a creation out of clay, in the likeness of a bird, by my command; then thou didst breathe into it a new spirit and it became a soaring being by my command; and thou didst heal the night-blind and the leprous by My command; and when thou didst raise the dead by My command..." (Quran 5:110/111).
An effective and sure step was taken to silence his blessed existence, but his voice rose from the depths of his soul, mind and heart and has been traveling and expanding through time and space illuminating the hearts, minds and souls of generations past, present and future.
Ahmad is a regular contributor to The Forum’s opinion pages. He has translated, compiled and co-authored “A Gift for the Queen,” “Points to Ponder,” “Why Islam is my choice” and “Words of Wisdom.” He lives in Fargo and can be reached at syedsajidahmad@yahoo.com
