The Qur'an recognizes Jesus as 'Isa al-Masih. Historically, Jesus was a Jew and he spoke Aramaic. In Eastern Aramaic, a variant of the Aramaic language, Jesus' name is Isho. This traditional name is widely used for Jesus in Eastern Christian traditions, notably in the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church. Hence, in his mother tongue, Jesus' original name is Isho Mshiha.
The portrayal of Jesus Christ in the Bible differs from that of Isa in the Quran. In the Bible, Jesus Christ is often depicted as a rebel or revolutionary figure, while Prophet Isa is characterized by his gentleness, compassion, humility, and a passage in the Quran (19:33) that attributes the word "peace" to Prophet Isa himself [10].
In the Gospel of Mark (3:33), Jesus Christ appears to dismiss his mother and brothers, and similar sentiments are echoed in the Gospels of Matthew (12:48) and Luke (8:19). These passages suggest a lack of interest or detachment from his family [11]. However, in the Quran (19:32), Prophet Isa is portrayed as kind and obedient to his mother, in stark contrast to the portrayal in the Gospel of John (2:4), where Jesus addresses his mother as 'Woman.'
The Ten Commandments emphasize the importance of honoring one's father and mother (Exodus 20:12). Yet, in the Gospel of Matthew (8:21-22), Jesus Christ does not permit one of his disciples to bury his father, and in the Gospels of Matthew (10:35-37) and Luke (12:51-53), he suggests that those who love their parents more than him are unworthy of him. Additionally, in the Gospel of Luke (14:26), Jesus implies that his disciples must prioritize him over their families.
Despite being sent for the Children of Israel, Prophet Isa is portrayed as humble and not arrogant (Quran 19:32). This is in contrast to the Gospel of Mark (7:24), where Jesus Christ refers to gentiles as 'dogs.' Such casual racial insults appear incongruent with his perceived character in the Bible [12].
In the Quran, Prophet Isa is depicted as a righteous individual, akin to other revered prophets like Prophet Zakariya (Zechariah), Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist), and Prophet Elias (Elijah) (Quran 6:85). However, in the Gospel according to Matthew (11:19) and Luke (7:34), Jesus Christ is accused of being a 'glutton and a drunkard,' suggesting that during the time these texts were written, there was a prevailing perception that Jesus was associated with unbridled revelry [13]. Consequently, the characteristics attributed to Jesus Christ in the Gospels diverge from the portrayal of Prophet Isa in the Quran.
The depictions of Jesus Christ in the Bible and Prophet Isa in the Quran diverge significantly. Jesus is often portrayed as a rebel, displaying detachment from his family and making statements seemingly against traditional values. In contrast, Prophet Isa in the Quran is characterized by his gentleness, compassion, and humility, emphasizing obedience to parents and humility even in the face of his mission. These differences highlight contrasting narratives in the two religious texts, shaping the perception of these revered figures in Christianity and Islam.
Fascinatingly, there is a compelling possibility that Prophet Isa could be identified as The Teacher of Righteousness, a mysterious figure referenced in the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered at Qumran. Scholars and researchers have engaged in ongoing debates and discussions about a possible link between the Teacher of Righteousness from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Quranic figure of Prophet Isa Jesus. Both figures are closely connected with teachings centered on righteousness, spiritual guidance, and a profound relationship with the Divine.
The Damascus document, in particular, sheds light on the Teacher's profound knowledge of the Torah and his expertise in providing accurate instruction. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Ma’idah; 5:46. It is believed that he was chosen by God to reveal hidden aspects of Israel's spiritual heritage to the Jewish community. The Teacher mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls is thought to be the first high priest who served in Solomon's Temple and was associated with the House of Israel.
Intriguingly, the Dead Sea Scrolls suggest that the Teacher of Righteousness had an unconventional birth, as he was born without a father. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Imran 3:47. His life began during the period when the foundations of Christianity were taking shape. His mother dedicated him to a life of devotion to God, instilling in him a strong belief in the absolute unity of God. Consequently, he claimed to be a divine Messiah sent by God to guide the Jewish people. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:63-64. His teachings emphasized that he was aided by the Holy Spirit and the Almighty. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Ma'idah110. Although he interpreted the Torah under divine guidance (Surah Al-Imran 3:48), he encountered resistance from other Jewish priests, particularly a chief priest within the Jewish community, referred to as the "Wicked Priest" in the scrolls. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:87.
The Teacher of Righteousness faced severe persecution, including attempts on his life. However, as the scrolls describe, God intervened to save his life. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah Al-Imran 3:54. Subsequently, he was compelled by the Wicked Priest to relocate to a distant land where his teachings and claims could find acceptance. Before departing, he delivered a prophecy, predicting that those who opposed the truth and made wrongful decisions would face divine punishment and the consequences of their iniquities. On the other hand, those who followed and believed in him would ultimately triumph over those who rejected his teachings, beliefs, and claims. This narrative finds an intriguing parallel in the Quran, specifically in Surah As-Saf; 61:14.
Here, we explore the shared characteristics between the Teacher of Righteousness and Prophet Isa:
- Unconventional Birth: Both the Teacher of Righteousness and Prophet Isa are believed to have been born without a human father. In the case of the Teacher of Righteousness, it is suggested in the Dead Sea Scrolls that he was born without a father, signifying his miraculous and unconventional birth. Similarly, Islamic tradition maintains that Prophet Isa was born to the Virgin Mary without any male intervention, emphasizing his miraculous birth.
- Divine Assistance: While the Dead Sea Scrolls do not explicitly mention miracles attributed to the Teacher of Righteousness, some scholars have drawn comparisons between the figures based on a perceived emphasis on divine assistance and intervention. In the case of Prophet Isa, Islamic tradition attributes various miracles to him, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, which are considered acts of divine assistance.
- Righteousness and Moral Teachings: Both the Teacher of Righteousness and Isa in the Quran are associated with righteous and moral teachings. The Teacher emphasized living a righteous life according to God's will, while Isa, as a prophet in Islamic tradition, conveyed messages of moral and ethical guidance to his followers.
- Prophetic Role: Both figures are associated with significant prophetic roles. The Teacher of Righteousness is considered a messenger chosen by God to guide the Qumran community and convey divine teachings. Similarly, Prophet Isa holds a central prophetic role in Islamic tradition, being one of the major prophets who brought God's message to humanity.
- Opposition and Persecution: In both narratives, their unconventional births and divine callings lead to opposition and persecution from religious authorities. The Teacher of Righteousness faced opposition from the "Wicked Priest" and other religious figures within the Jewish community, as described in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Similarly, Prophet Isa encountered resistance and opposition from certain religious leaders and authorities during his ministry.
- Followers' Devotion: Both figures had devoted followers who continued to uphold their teachings and maintain their respective traditions, even after their deaths.
In exploring the shared characteristics between the Teacher of Righteousness and Prophet Isa, we find a compelling convergence of narratives that transcends historical and religious boundaries. The striking parallels between their unconventional births, divine interventions, prophetic roles, moral teachings, opposition, divine assistance, and devoted followers underscore the universality of themes surrounding divinely appointed figures. While the exact nature of their connections remains a topic of scholarly debate, the resonance of these narratives invites reflection on the enduring impact of such figures and their messages, resonating through the annals of history and faith.
10. Khalidi (2003)
11. Picknett and Prince (2008)
12. Picknett and Prince (2008)
13. Picknett and Prince (2008)
