Voices of Faith: The miracle birth of Jesus is part of Muslim faith, too

Many people may be surprised to learn that Muslims not only believe in the teachings of Jesus (peace be upon him) but that his teachings and lessons are essential in Islam. As we approach the holiday season, I am reminded of the many similarities in knowledge between Muslims and Christians. The knowledge in the Quran about the miracle birth of Jesus, son of Mary (peace be upon her), is very similar to the understanding Christians have from the gospels. The difference is the details that the Quran provides, especially about the mother of Jesus and the miracle birth.

Christians know Jesus’s mother as Mary; Muslims, reading Quranic Arabic, know Jesus as the son of Maryam. Maryam is the only woman mentioned by name in the Holy Quran. She is mentioned in different places in the Quran. However, Maryam’s place in Islam is recognized as significant with a whole chapter, Chapter 19 in the Holy Quran, titled “Maryam.” Muslims, like Christians, acknowledge that Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus (PBUH). The Quran says, "O Mary! Surely God has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world." (Quran 3:42).

The Quran details Maryam’s life before she was born, the dedication of her life to God growing up, and the details of the miracle birth of her son Jesus.

Like Christian, Muslims know that the Angel Gabriel approached Mary. The Quran details that Mary was a pious woman who had devoted her life to worship God. Hence, she was shocked and frightened by the appearance of the Angel Gabriel, who said he is only a messenger sent by your Lord to give good tidings that she is blessed with a pure son (Quran 19:19). Mary replied, “How can I have a son while no man has touched me, and I have not been unchaste? (Quran 3:47).

The Angel Gabriel then responds that God merely says “Be” and the matter will be — God creates what He wills (Quran 3:47; 19:22, 36). When it was time for her to give birth, God provided her fresh water and dates, and she was told to take a vow not to speak. When she brought the baby to her people, they were shocked and assumed she had sinned. They asked her “why?” Having taken a vow of silence, Mary just pointed to the baby. This was Jesus’s first miracle, speaking to the people and saying he was a servant of God.

The knowledge of the miracle birth of Jesus, son of Mary for Christians and Muslims, is very similar. I was raised in a Baptist Christian family and when I learned about other religions, mainly Islam, I used to think the two religions were opposed but in reality, they are very similar. While as a Muslim I may not celebrate Christmas, I share the belief of the miracle birth. With the holiday season in full swing and Christmas coming soon, I would like to encourage each of us to reflect on how we honor the miracle birth and try to build a bridge between our communities. Greet each other with kindness and try to make everyone in our communities feel welcome during the holiday, regardless of what faith we may follow. Happy Holidays!

Luna Quinn is a public relations intern at the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Voices of Faith: Muslims also recognize the miracle birth of Jesus