The Shared Legacy of Mary, Jesus, Abraham and Muhammad (pbut)
| Khatib : | Sadullah Khan |
| Khutbah No: | 257 |
| Khutbah Date: | 12/21/07 |
We are in the December holiday period where many of our fellow countrymen are celebrating Christmas while these are the days of the 12th month (Dhul Hijjah) of the Islamic lunar calendar, the period of hajj, the days of which Allah says, Remember Allah increasingly on the appointed days [Q2:203]
Commemorating the Legacy of Prophet Abaraham
Abraham is considered the first known international personality; having been born in Ur/Urfa (iraq/Turkey), traveled throughout the Middle East, established in Jerusalem, ventured to Makkah and lies buried in Hebron, Palestine. Each of these places still of historic, religious and spiritual significance today. Abraham is referred to as … inspired [Qur'an 4:163], most truthful, a prophet [Qur'an 19:41], mild, imploring, penitent [Qur'an 11:75], soft-hearted and long-suffering [Qur'an 9:114], upright [Qur'an 3:67,95; 16:120,123]. Believers are called "millat-Ibrahim"/the people/community of Abraham throughout the Qur'an [Qur'an 2:130, 135; 3:95; 4:125; 6:161; 12:37-38; 16:123; 21:73; 22:78]. Another verse in the Quran portrays Abraham as the ab/father of all believers. “Strive in the way of God as you ought to strive with sincerity and discipline. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you any hardship in the observance of your faith - the faith of your father Abraham.” [Qur'an 22:78]
As we reflect on the unique legacy Abraham, Ismail and Haajar; all models of excellence, we ponder over Abraham’s logical attitude in his search for truth [Qur'an 5:75-79]; his respectful debate with his unbelieving father [Qur'an 19:41-49] and his loving relationship with his son [Qur'an 37:102]; all timeless examples of excellence. True Believers are those who follow the way of Abraham [Qur'an 2:258; 16:123; 6:162-163]. Perchance in all this, we too could imbibe the Abrahamic spirit, those words we repeat in prayer …Surely my prayers, my services of sacrifice, my life and even my death are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. [Q6:162]
Status Maryam/Mary in the Qur’an
We today reflect on the glorious legacies of Mary and her son, Jesus the Messiah.
Mary, is and the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an. The Qur’an upholds Mary the mother of Jesus, as a prominent figure in Islam, one of the ideal examples for all humanity [Q66:12].
Mary is mentioned more times and more biographical information about her is contained in the Qur’an than in the entire New Testament. The Qur’anic account of Mary includes the pregnancy of her mother, the birth and upbringing of Mary, and the annunciations of the coming birth of Jesus: “Remember how she preserved her chastity, into whom We breathed a life from Us, and made her and her son a token for humankind” [Q21:91].
Jesus - The Messiah, Son of Mary
Jesus is denied by some as a fictional character, accused of being an illegitimate child by some, misconceived as divine by many; considered as a Prophet and Messiah in Islam. Some of the honorable epithets of Jesus (pbuh) mentioned in the Qur'an are … Prophet / nabi, Messenger of God / rasul, the son of (this great woman)Mary / ibne Maryam, of the Righteous / min-as-salihin, word of Allah / kalimatu-Llah), spirit from God / ruhun mina' Llah, positive sign/symbol for humanity / aayatun lin- naas, mercy from God / rahmatan minna, eminent in this world and the next / wajihan fid-dunya wal-aakhirah, and most unique of all … theMessiah / masih. People do have differing perspectives on Jesus’ life and teachings, but his spiritual legacy, as a righteous and principled guide, his mission as a Prince of Peace offers an alternative opportunity for people of faith to recognize their shared religious heritage. Allah bears testimony to the truthfulness of Jesus; his mission, character, status and his very being. “Such was Jesus the son of Mary: a statement of truth, about which people dispute.” [Q19: 34].
Day of Farewell Sermon of the Final Prophet
This week, 1409 lunar calendar years ago, on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, 632 C.E / 10 A.H., the Prophet delivered his historic Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafah, in the 'Uranah valley near Makkah. In this sermon, the Prophet recapped the essential message of his mission ...
- Acknowledgement of the supremacy of the Creator [Q 1:1-4]
- Mission of Prophets - conveying the message [Q 33:45]
- Fulfillment of trusts and importance of individual accountability [Q 4:58]
- Sanctity of human life, human integrity and human property [Q 5:32]
- Fulfillment of obligations [Q 2:283]
- Avoiding of improper financial dealings [Q 2:267- 278]
- Marital harmony [Q 30:21] ; [Q 2:236] ; [Q 4:19]
- Shunning all forms of evil [Q 35:6]
- Fraternity of the Ummah (global community of Faith) [Q 49:10]
- Eradication of racial prejudice and equality of humanity [Q 49:13]
- Imperative of obeying Allah and His messenger and those who perpetuate that mission [Q 4:159]; [Q 3:132]
- Keeping up the pillars of Islam [Q 2:43] [Q 2:185] [Q 3:97]
- Rights of workers [Q 28:77] ; [Q 16:71]
- Finality of Prophethood [Q 33:40]
- Duty of conveying the message [Q 5:67] ; [Q 16:125]
It was on these days, that among the last revelation from Allah to humanity was communicated. This day have we perfected for you the universal way of life, completed our favors upon you and chosen Islam as your way of life. [Q5:3]
Reflecting this Shared Heritage in our Lives
Reflecting on these noble personalities, who came as guides to humanity; the question each of us as believers should be asking ourselves; what lessons do I learn from their example and how do I reflect the values they taught, in my life?