Have you ever wondered about the similarities between Christianity and Islam? Did you know that one of the most revered figures in Christianity, Jesus, holds a significant place in Islamic teachings?
iERA New Zealand hosted a remarkable event at the University of Otago on September 13, 2024, titled “Who is Jesus in Islam?“ This lecture, presented by Yahyaa Hohaia and Rasheed Te Rangi, was part of iERA’s ongoing efforts to promote understanding and dispel misconceptions about Islam.
The event aimed to bridge the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims, fostering an atmosphere of dialogue, learning, and mutual respect. The lecture drew a diverse audience of students, faculty members, and local community members, many of whom were eager to learn more about how Islam.
The lecture began with a discussion on the birth of Jesus, focusing on the miraculous nature of his birth to the Virgin Mary (Maryam), a story familiar to many but with some key differences in the Islamic perspective. Yahyaa and Rasheed, referred to verses from the Qur’an, explaining that Jesus’ birth was a divine miracle, a sign of Allah’s power, and an event held in deep reverence within Islam. iERA’s approach emphasized that understanding these similarities and differences is crucial for fostering a genuine connection between faith communities.
The speakers moved on to discuss Jesus’ role as a prophet, stressing that in Islam, Jesus is not seen as divine but as a human prophet sent by Allah to guide the Children of Israel. This was a pivotal moment in the lecture, as Yahyaa and Rasheed clarified that, while Jesus performed miracles, these acts were carried out by Allah’s will. The speakers recounted how Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the dead—not through his own power, but as a sign of Allah’s greatness. This emphasis on the miracles of Jesus, framed within Islamic teachings, offered attendees a new perspective that challenged commonly held misconceptions about the prophet’s role.
The event also addressed one of the most misunderstood aspects of Jesus in Islam: His crucifixion. In Islamic belief, Jesus was not crucified nor killed, but instead was raised to the heavens by Allah. The speakers explained that this belief is crucial to understanding the Islamic narrative, particularly regarding Jesus’ eventual return to restore peace and justice before the Day of Judgment.
Throughout the event, the audience were actively engaged, with a significant portion of the session dedicated to a Q&A segment. Attendees posed thoughtful questions, such as how the Islamic view of Jesus compares with that of other prophets, particularly Muhammad (peace be upon him). The discussion on Jesus’ second coming, a central tenet in Islamic eschatology, also piqued the interest of many. Yahyaa and Rasheed elaborated on the significance of Jesus’ return in Islamic teachings, explaining that it will be a time when Jesus upholds the truth, defeats falsehood, and brings peace to the world.
The atmosphere of the lecture was both enlightening and respectful, with iERA New Zealand creating a safe space for inquiry and learning. The event’s success was evident not only in the number of attendees but in the quality of the engagement. Many audience members expressed how the lecture had deepened their understanding of Islam and dispelled long-held misconceptions. This event was not just about presenting Islamic beliefs but about fostering genuine interfaith dialogue.
iERA New Zealand plans to build on this momentum by hosting more events that focus on specific aspects of Islamic teachings. Future lectures could delve deeper into topics such as Jesus’ miracles or his role in Islamic eschatology, offering more detailed insights to a growing audience.
iERA New Zealand’s event at the University of Otago was a powerful reminder that when we take the time to educate ourselves and engage in respectful dialogue, we move closer to a world of mutual understanding. This lecture on “Who is Jesus in Islam?” was a shining example of how iERA continues to lead the way in promoting education, tolerance, and unity.
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