In signout last Friday with an attending the topic of immaculate conception came up. I had always thought that the Christian belief regarding Prophet Isa's (saw), or Jesus', birth was the doctrine of immaculate conception being in that he was conceived without the "help" of a man.
Attending: The immaculate conception is not regarding Jesus, but his mother, Mary's own birth as coming about without original sin.
Original sin? Isnt that a movie with Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie? Throughly confused and not wanting to step on any toes I digressed to my own thoughts and decided to poll my Muslim friends on the subject.
After I got several conflicting answers and some sincere "I dont know"s, I decided to launch a full-fledged investigation and, of course, blog my findings. I shall post what Muslims believe, follow up with what Christians believe, showcase major discrepancies and close with a short summary iA.
Revered to be one of the most noble and chaste women in Islamic history, she is one of the few given great honor and distinction of having a surah in her name. The story of Mariam ibn Imran (Surah Imran), arabic for maidservant of Allah *swt*, as outlined in Surah Mariam (19) begins in her mother's womb. Her mother offered her child to serve Allah *swt* and even though a female child was born, He still accepted her. "…and God knew best what she brought forth-
'And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mariam, and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan, the Rejected." - Quran 3:36
Mariam's miraculous conception occurs as she withdraws from her family. Here she is visited by the angel Jibrail. He tells her of news of a son. She is confused.
She asked: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?" (Quran 19:20). The Angel Gabriel said: "So (it will be): thy Lord saith, 'That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us.' It is a matter (so) decreed." (Quran 19:21). Mary then becomes pregnant.
Muslims do not offer Prophet Isa's virginal birth as evidence to his divinity. Muslims believe he is a messenger, a Prophet of Allah *swt* with no father and just a mother. On the Day of Judgement, when all will be raised by their fathers' names, Prophet Isa (saw) will be raised by his mother's. I must find out whom Prophet Adam (saw) and Amma Hawa will be raised under.
Christians believe in the immaculate conception in which Mary, Mariam as Muslims know her, was born without original sin. What is original sin? Original sin (also called ancestral sin, hereditary sin, birth sin, or person sin) is the fallen state of humanity. It refers to the first sin, committed when Adam and Eve succumbed to the serpent's temptation, commonly known as "the Fall". (as cited in wikipedia) Muslims do not believe in the original sin concept. Islam teaches that all children are pure and innocent separate from the sins of their ancestors.
Christians also believe in the virginal birth governing Prophet Isa, Jesus' birth. The main difference between the two religions is the Christian belief that Jesus is the son of God.
Allahu alim, He knows best. Believe what you will, but do not be a hypocrite. Stand by your belief and what itches your brain, scratch it and find answers iA.
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