Islam

Do Muslims Believe in Jesus Christ?

In Islam, Muslims are taught to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, Belief in Judgment Day, and divine decree. If you reject any of these mentions then you are not a Muslim. With that being said, Jesus Christ Pbuh was considered to be one of Allah's the top 5 messengers above thousands of other messengers and prophets that were sent to mankind. However, there is a difference between the Christian perspective and the Islamic perspective.

In Christianity, there are several iterations of Jesus Christ depending on what denomination one belongs too. Some Christians believe that Jesus is the only begotten son of God. Many believe that he is part of a holy trinity in which all three figures are all separate gods, but are one. Some believe that he is God in the flesh. Contrarily, Islam teaches us that God is one, and has no sons, no daughters, no brothers, no sisters, no mother, no father, no anything. God is one and He has no partners. Islam also teaches us that Jesus pbuh was a messenger who was sent to convey the word of God.

A similarity that Christians and Muslims share about Jesus pbuh is that he was born of a miracles birth. His mother Mary ra (whom Muslims believe was the greatest woman to walk the face of this world, may Allah be pleased with her) birthed him with no male intervention. We also agree that he will return before the day of judgement to restore order in the world. However, Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and will be resurrected, whereas, -uslims believe that his return will not be a resurrection because he didn't actually die on the cross. We believe that Allah raised him into the heavens and will allow him to return before the day of judgement, to destroy the Dajjal(anti-Christ) and then live in a then peaceful world. Below are a few mentions of Jesus pbuh and Mary ra in the Qur'an:

“And mention in the Book (the Qur'an), Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.  She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her a spirit from Us, (the angel Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.  She said: ‘Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (God) from you, if you do fear God.’  (The angel) said: ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.’  She said: ‘How can I have a son, when no man hath touched me, nor am I unchaste?’  He said: ‘So (it will be), your Lord said That is easy for Me (God): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (God), and it is a matter (already) decreed (by God).’” (Quran 19:16-21)

“Indeed, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam.  He created him of dust, then He said to him: ‘Be!’ and he was.’” (Quran 3:59)

Are women oppressed in Islam?

The topic of women in Islam has been the subject of careful examination in recent history. And for some reason the west seems to believe that women are somehow oppressed in Islam. But why is this? Why have people been lead to believe that women in Islam are somehow restricted and are being held back? Is it because Muslim women fully cover themselves and wear the Hijab (a head cover worn by Muslim women)? If anything, I believe that Muslim women are being attacked because those that wear the hijab and are fully clothed refuse to conform to mainstream standards.

Let's take a second to examine two different, but similar scenarios. Scenario one has a woman proudly walking down a busy Manhattan street on a nice warm day with her hair out, wearing super tight shorts just managing to cover her buttocks, a tight tank top, 3 inch heels, and wearing a very nice fragrance. Scenario two basically has the same setting, but the only difference is that the woman in this scenario is wearing a hijab and abaya (full length outer garment worn by women in )slam). Now that the stage is set, I have a question to ask you. Which of the two women described do you think will garner the most attention, the most stares and the most cat calls from men? Is it the woman that is fully clothed, or the one showing off her goods?

That's an easy question to answer. It is quite obvious that the woman from scenario one will get more attention. And that is because she is dressed in a way that attracts men, regardless of what she may think of it, or if she even realizes it or not. Now of course this is no justification for a man to act like a dog towards women. But one must admit that the more provocative you dress, the more unwanted attention you will get. Let's compare that with the woman from scenario two, the one fully covered in her hijab and abaya. It is almost a guarantee that she won't even get a second look from a man, therefore being able to go about her business unbothered. Furthermore, dressing modestly and fully clothed would force a man to engage a woman based on her intellect and personality, rather than her sexuality. Say what you want but this is how the real world works. The way you present yourself most certainly plays a major factor in how people will treat and engage you.

Those who think women are oppressed in )slam are viewing it wrong. What )slam actually does is protect women against western cultures that sexually exploit women. Think of advertisements. You would find that in many ads, a very attractive woman is being used to sell a product. And more often than not you will find that the woman is in her 20s (normally mid to early 20s), more attractive than average or made to appear that way using make-up and other enhancements. She is probably taller than the average woman and a lot slimmer in her size. Many times this woman is dressed in a provocative manner. What message is this sending to women who aren't as attractive or as well put together? What do you think that will do to her psyche? One must really sit down to ponder a little and ask themselves some questions such as, what does this super attractive woman have to do with selling cars or buying beer? This is an obvious attempt to lure men in subconsciously by using a super attractive woman as the bait. Will that new car you buy come with a woman? No! Will you walk out of the store with a fine looking woman by your side after purchasing that beer? No! Unless of course you already came in with a fine looking woman. The point being made is that you have never seen an ad that used a fully covered Muslim woman or a nun to sell products to men.

An argument could be made that Muslim women are being oppressed. View below article for a list of countries that have banned veils worn by Muslim women. Some of these countries have and support nude beaches but are frightened by a woman who fully covers herself.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/burka-bans-the-countries-where-muslim-women-cant-wear-veils/

True liberation was given to women through )slam 1400 years ago. In a time when women had no say so whatsoever, and was treated as such, )slam gave women Human, Civil, Social, Political, and Economic rights. )slam gave women a voice, and a seat at the table. Also, in )slam, women are not forced to work. If she wants to she can and all the wealth she accumulates belongs to her and only her. Her husband has no rights over her wealth at all. But it is mandated for a man to provide for his wife and family. A man must share his wealth and be just with his wife or he will be questioned by Allah on the day of judgement. Furthermore, when other religions condemns Eve for causing Adam to eat from the forbidden garden. Allah actually defends her honor by giving them shared and equal blame. In other words, Eve did not influence Adam to sin. It was the devil who deceived them both but the most important thing to remember is that they both immediately repented after they realized that they have wronged themselves.

Hopefully one could see that )slam doesn't oppress woman but instead gives them rights.