Islam's Jesus

“Accessible and readable. Spotlights an important theological theme in a way that both illuminates its internal development in Islamic thought and presents it as a helpful basis for interreligious discussion. The topic is very much in need of teaching and discussion and is a fine example of ‘common ground.’”—John Renard, author of __Islam and Christianity__ “Contains valuable and fascinating material about how classical Muslim theologians treated various aspects of Jesus and, in particular, the role of Jesus in Islamic eschatology. Saritoprak brings new insights from contemporary Turkish thinkers to bear on the issues raised by the Jesus figure in Islamic narratives about the Last Days.”—Marcia Hermansen, author of __Shah Wali Allah’s Treatises on Islamic Law__ “A refreshingly easy read that makes a complex world of theology and interfaith relations accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.”—Jonathan Brown, author of __Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World__ Few people realize that Jesus was a prominent messenger of God in Islam and that Muslims believe in the return of Jesus. Even among Muslims, it is not well known that there are diverse interpretations of references to Jesus in the Qur’an and the Hadith. Aiming to remedy this, __Islam’s Jesus__ takes a bold yet candid look at the highly charged topic of Jesus’s place in Islam, exploring some of the religion’s least understood aspects. Examining multiple intellectual traditions, Zeki Saritoprak makes clear the reality of pluralism in the history of Islamic religious scholarship. Actively engaged in efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and harmony, Saritoprak thoughtfully argues that the shared belief in Jesus presents an excellent opportunity for understanding between Muslims and Christians. Together, they constitute more than half of the world’s population, and such understanding may be a foundation for peace. Cover 1 Contents 8 Note on Transliteration 10 Introduction 12 1. Jesus as God’s Messenger in the Qur’an 18 2. A Qur’anic Perspective on the Eschatological Role of Jesus 39 3. Islamic Eschatology and Jesus as a Sign of the Hour 55 4. The Hadith and Jesus’s Eschatological Descent 72 5. Speculations about Jesus’s Return 88 6. The Mahdi and Jesus as Allies against al-Dajjal (the Antichrist) 101 7. Literalist Approaches to Jesus’s Eschatological Role in Islamic Theology 117 8. Symbolic, Allegorical, and Other Interpretive Approaches to Jesus’s Eschatological Role 129 9. Jesus’s Descent and Theologies of Muslim-Christian Cooperation 151 Conclusion 174 Appendix 1. Fethullah Gülen on Jesus and Interfaith Dialogue 181 Appendix 2. Excerpts from Muhammed Hamdi Yazir 193 Acknowledgments 200 Notes 202 Bibliography 220 Index 232 A 232 B 233 C 233 D 234 E 234 F 234 G 234 H 234 I 235 J 235 K 236 L 236 M 236 N 237 O 237 P 237 Q 238 R 238 S 238 T 238 U 239 V 239 W 239 Y 239 Z 239 Jesus is a central figure in the Qur'an, the Hadith, and other Islamic literature, and plays an important role in Islamic eschatology. In this tradition, at the end days Jesus will descend from heaven to bring peace and justice to the earth. Islam's Jesus takes a bold yet candid look at the highly charged topic of Jesus's place in Islam, exploring some of the religion's least understood aspects.Originally from Turkey, Zeki Saritoprak is a scholar of Islamic theology who teaches at an American Catholic university and is heavily engaged in interfaith dialogue. In this book, he examines diverse traditions and makes clear the reality of pluralism in the history of Islamic religious scholarship. Saritoprak thoughtfully argues that Jesus is essential to both Muslims and Christians, forging an excellent opportunity for communication between the adherents of two religions who together constitute more than half of the earth's population. While It Is Not Well Known Among Christians, Jesus Has An Important Role In The Quaranic Literature, And This Book Examines This Provocative Topic, Focusing On Jesus's Role In The Eschatology Of Islam, Especially On The Afterlife. Jesus As God's Messenger In The Qurʼan -- A Qurʼanic Perspective On The Eschatological Role Of Jesus -- Islamic Eschatology And Jesus As A Sign Of The Hour -- The Hadith And Jesus's Eschatological Descent -- Speculations About Jesus's Return -- The Mahdi And Jesus As Allies Against Al-dajjal (the Antichrist) -- Literalist Approaches To Jesus's Eschatological Role In Islamic Theology -- Symbolic, Allegorical, And Other Interpretive Approaches To Jesus's Eschatological Role -- Jesus's Descent And Theologies Of Muslim-christian Cooperation. Zeki Saritoprak. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 203-214) And Index.