Understanding the Miracles and Message of Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام in Surat al-Ma’idah

The verses from 110 to 120 in Surat al-Ma’idah offer a powerful insight into the life and mission of Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام, son of Mary. These verses highlight the divine favors and miracles granted to him by Allah ﷻ, showcasing his role as a messenger who affirmed the oneness of God and called people to faith and obedience. Through the Maqasidic Tafsir of Dr. Karim Abuzaid, Ustadah Laila Nasheeba explains the deeper meanings of these verses, revealing how Eesaa’s message remains relevant today.

!Eye-level view of an ancient manuscript with Arabic calligraphy of Surat al-M

a’idah

The Divine Favor and Miracles of Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام

The Quran presents Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام as a figure blessed with extraordinary signs from Allah ﷻ. These miracles were not mere wonders but served a clear purpose: to confirm the message of Tawhid (the oneness of God) and to guide people toward righteousness.

Some of the miracles mentioned include:

• Speaking clearly as an infant to defend his mother’s honor.

• Healing those born blind or leprous.

• Bringing the dead back to life by Allah’s permission.

• Creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it.

  
  

Each miracle was a sign of Allah’s power and a testament to Eesaa’s role as a prophet. These acts were meant to strengthen believers' faith and provide undeniable evidence of his divine mission.

Eesaa’s Steadfast Adherence to Monotheism

Despite the miracles attributed to him, Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام consistently rejected any claims of divinity. The Quran emphasizes that he never claimed to be God or the son of God. Instead, he preached the absolute sovereignty of Allah ﷻ and the importance of worshiping Him alone.

This clear stance against divinity claims is crucial because it preserves the core Islamic belief in monotheism. Eesaa’s message reminds us that miracles do not grant anyone divine status; they are signs pointing to the one true God.

The Overarching Theme of Divine Accountability and Mercy

The verses also highlight the themes of accountability and mercy. Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام called people to reflect on their actions and warned of the Day of Resurrection when everyone will be judged by Allah ﷻ.

His message was not only about fear of punishment but also about hope in Allah’s mercy. Those who follow the guidance and accept the truth after seeing the signs are promised forgiveness and reward.

The Dialogue on the Day of Resurrection

One of the most profound parts of these verses is the dialogue on the Day of Resurrection. Allah ﷻ will question Prophet Eesaa about whether he ever asked people to worship him or his mother. Eesaa will respond by affirming that he only called people to worship Allah alone.

This dialogue serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth and clarity in faith. It also reassures believers that prophets are innocent of any false claims attributed to them.

The Call to Faith, Obedience, and Reflection

Prophet Eesaa’s message is a call to:

• Faith in the one true God.

• Obedience to His commands.

• Reflection on the signs and miracles shown.

  
  

The verses encourage believers to accept guidance sincerely and warn against rejecting the truth after it becomes clear. This call remains relevant for all generations, urging us to seek knowledge, understand divine messages, and live by them.

Insights from the Maqasidic Tafsir by Dr. Karim Abuzaid

Dr. Karim Abuzaid’s Maqasidic Tafsir offers a unique approach by focusing on the Quran's higher objectives. Ustadah Laila Nasheeba explains that these verses serve multiple purposes:

• Affirming the unity of God and rejecting any form of polytheism.

• Demonstrating the mercy and justice of Allah through the miracles and the promise of accountability.

• Encouraging spiritual growth by reflecting on the signs and following the prophets’ example.

  
  

This approach helps readers connect the historical context with practical lessons for today’s life.

Applying the Lessons of Prophet Eesaa’s Mission Today

The story of Prophet Eesaa عليه السلام in Surat al-Ma’idah teaches us several practical lessons:

• Trust in Allah’s plan: Miracles are signs of divine wisdom, not magic.

• Stay firm in monotheism: Avoid any beliefs that compromise the oneness of God.

• Embrace accountability: Live with awareness of the Day of Judgment.

• Seek mercy through sincere obedience: Follow divine guidance.

• Reflect on signs: Use reason and faith together to understand spiritual truths.

  
  

These lessons encourage a balanced approach to faith, combining heart and mind.