Talking to your kids about Jesus: 12 points By Samana Siddiqi
It's impossible to ignore Christmas when you're living in America and other Christian-dominated countries, with the decorations, holiday sales, classroom artwork and parties, and of course, the yearly television Christmas specials. Although the holiday has become more secular over the years, it is still about celebrating the birth of Prophet Jesus or Isa as he is called in Arabic, peace be upon him.
Muslim parents take various approaches to dealing with the holiday, similar to how parents of other faiths may decide to not discuss or talk about it, embrace it in a full-fledged manner or choose a method somewhere in between.
Regardless of what way is chosen, this is still an ideal time to discuss the personality of this great Prophet and Messenger of God. It will not only serve as an important Islamic lesson for the kids, but it can also teach them how much they share with their Christian neighbors, peers and classmates who celebrate the holiday. The following are a couple of ideas. You can choose which points to emphasize or omit depending on the age, level of understanding or interest of your child in this topic.
Jesus was a great and noble Prophet and Messenger of Allah, as were Muhammad, Abraham, Moses, and Noah, to name just a few other Prophets Muslims revere. May God's peace and blessings be upon all of them. In Arabic, he is called Isa . (Note: you may want to read a short book about Isa in Islam).
Muslims love Jesus just as we love all of the Prophets Allah sent to guide human beings to Him.
All of the Prophets of Allah loved Him, obeyed Him and taught their families, friends and communities how to do the same.
Jesus was born to a great woman named Maryam, who is called Mary in English. She was deeply committed to Allah and lived her entire life in obedience to Him. She, like her great son, is a beautiful example of how a person who loves God should live their life. The 19th Surah of the Quran is named after her. You may want to recite and read the translation of this Surah, or at least the portions that talk of her, particularly verses 16 to 35.
Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him, did not have a father. His birth was a miracle because other human beings always need a father and mother to be born.
Another example of a Prophet who was born without not just a father, but a mother as well, was Adam, peace be upon him, the first human being Allah created.
Allah gave Prophet Jesus the power to perform miracles, like healing the blind. This is like the miracles given to Prophet Musa, one of which was his ability to turn a stick into a snake.
People of some other religions also believe in Prophet Jesus, most notably Christians.
Christians celebrate Christmas, which they believe is when Prophet Jesus was born.
Some Christians believe that Prophet Jesus is the son of God. Muslims do not believe this. Allah is so powerful and self-sufficient that He does not need a son or any kind of partner.
Prophet Jesus did not die. Rather, God saved him as his enemies were confused about what happened to him. Jesus was taken up by God to Heaven.
Jesus will return before the end of the world.
As Muslims, we must respect the beliefs of other people who differ with us about Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him, even while we disagree with them.
Some might find it easier to learn in poetic or rhyming form.
A rhyme about Isa alayhissalaam
Isa = Jesus in Arabic
Alayhi Salaam means “peace be on him”
(A rhyme about Jesus, peace be on him)
Of the messengers mentioned in the Qur'aan
One is Isa alayhissalaam
He had a very miraculous birth
And was raised by God in departure from Earth
An angel came to give Mary good news
Of a pious son whom Allah would choose
She said to him, "How can that be?"
He said, "This is Allah's decree".
He spoke to his folk, as a baby, and said
that he was God's servant, prophet, and blessed.
To his mother he was as kind as can be,
He did not behave rudely or arrogantly
He had no father, but was the son of Maryam,
He wasn't divine, but as human as Adam
He walked the streets, ate normal food
His mother was a lady of truth
He did not claim to be God's son
And told them God was only One
He was faithful and true to His Lord
And didn't rebel and say, "I'm God"
He was appointed by God as maseeh
But didn't tell people, "pray to me"
He did not ever claim divinity
Nor was he part of a trinity
He confirmed Torah, and was given Injeel
A guidance and light for Bani Isra'eel
By Allah's leave, he brought the dead to life,
By Allah's leave, he healed the lepers and blind
He foretold of a messenger yet to come
Whose name would be Ahmad , the praised one
He was not crucified nor was he killed
But Allah Ta'aalaa did as He willed
Isa will return near the end of time,
Of the Hour, it will be a great sign.
Maryam = Mary in Arabic
Maseeh = Messiah in Arabic
Injeel = The scripture revealed by God to Jesus, peace be on him
Bani Isra’eel = Children of Israil in Arabic
Ahmad = The prophet Muhammad May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon him
Ta’aala = exalted in Arabic
The Hour = Judgement day
Stunningly beautiful adhaan from the Dome of the Rock in Masjid ul Aqsa Download (right click and choose "save target/link as").
This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that those of understanding may take heed (14:52)
Indeed Allah knows, and you know not (16: 74, part)
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Eric H liked this post
, the praised one
will return near the end of time,
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