The Blessed Prophet Hazrat Esaa (AS)

Hazrat Maryam (AS), the symbol of purity and piety:

Hazrat Imran (AS) did not have a child as his wife was barren. But he was promised by Allah that he would be granted a child. His wife yearned and prayed to Allah to grant her a child. Allah listened to her prayers and she became pregnant. As a gesture of gratitude to Allah, she promised to give her child to the House of God. As it turned out, Hazrat Maryam (AS) was born. But the wife of Hazrat Imran (AS) kept her promise and gave her daughter to the custody of Hazrat Zakariya where she grew up submitting herself completely to the worship of Allah.

The blessed Prophet Hazrat Esaa (AS):

One day when Hazrat Maryam (AS) was busy in her worship in the House of God, angel Gabriel (AS) appeared before her in the form of a man. Startled by the appearance of a man she questioned him and sought refuge from Allah. Angel Gabriel (AS) told her that he came from Allah to give her the glad tiding of a pure and righteous son.

Hazrat Maryam questioned, “How, since no man has had contact with me and I am not a fornicatress.”

“Your God,” said the angel, says that this work is easy for Him; that it may be appointed as a sign and an indication of His Mercy.”

After that, Hazrat Maryam (AS) went through a lot of despair and misery as people hurled obscene remarks on her character and chastity. Deeply grieved by such an attitude, she had to go to an isolated place. When the time of delivery came, she was alone and deserted. That is when she heard a comforting voice:

“Do not grieve; your God has set under your feet a stream, refreshing to the soul. And shake the trunk of the withered date palm that fresh dates may tumble down for you. Eat, drink and calm your mind, and if you see any man point and say, “I have vowed a silent fast, and today I will not speak to any man.”

After delivering the pious child, Hazrat Esaa (AS), Hazrat Maryam returned back where people chided her again. Without replying to them she pointed to her son. Allah gave power to the little child to speak in a clear voice and testify to his mother’s chastity and purity.

“I am God’s servant. He has given me the Book and has appointed me to be a prophet. And wherever I may be He has put me as the bearer of good news and with His blessing; and He has commanded me that as long as I live I should pray and give zakat and he has made me loving towards my mother Maryam.”

Miracles of Hazrat Esaa (AS):

Allah revealed the Holy book Injil to his beloved Prophet Hazrat Esaa (AS) for the guidance of the people of Israel. Allah had granted many miracles to Hazrat Esaa (AS) so that the people could believe in his truth. For example, the ability to speak just after birth, curing a sick person and bringing the dead back to life are some of the miracles of Hazrat Esaa (AS).

Hazrat Esaa (AS) being raised to the Heavens by Allah:

The growing number of people who brought faith in Hazrat Esaa’s (AS) God greatly perturbed the Jews of Israel. They plotted to crucify him. Hazrat Esaa (AS) was aware of their evil plans. By the command of Allah, Hazrat Esaa (AS) was raised back to the Heavens before the Jews could materialize their mischievous intents. They crucified a person who looked alike Hazrat Esaa (AS) instead.

It is part of Islamic faith that Hazrat Esaa (AS) is alive and shall return to this world. According to a hadith:

“Jesus, the son of Mary, shall descend among you. Know him. He is a man of average height. His hair is smooth, not curly. He is neither thin nor heavy. He will remain on Earth for forty years. All religions will be destroyed except the Religion of Islam.”