Isa

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Isa (عيسى ) was one of the Prophets of Islam in the Qur'an. There is some dispute over why he is also known by the title Yusha/Yus/Yuz. The title Yusha like the Latin Iesus derives from the Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēso�s) an Hellenized form of the Aramaic ܝܫܘܠ, a variant of Hebrew Yehoshua (יהושע) or Joshua the title by which Moses called his successor as leader of the Israelites. However, the etymology of the name `Isa is not so clear though it might be an arabic form of עישה derived from the name of the bright morning star (Ar."Tariq") called עיש Ash or 'Ayish in Hebrew, mentioned in Job 9:9 and Job 38:32.

Qur'anic verse about `Isa seem to refer to him synonymously as al-Masih and ibn Marym.

Behold! the angels said: "O Mary, AlLah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him; his name will be the Messiah `Isa, the son of Marym, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to AlLah.
(al-Qur'an 3:45)

`Isa's ministry is said to have been a reminder of a single divine message and faith system revealed to mankind, but was also as the great precursor to Muhammad.

The Life of `Isa

`Isa is said to have been born to a woman called Marym daughter of a woman married into the house of `Imran. Like Siddhartha his mother gave birth to him while clinging to the bow of a tree and is said to have spoken from the cradle. He lived the typical life of any good orthodox Jewish man of the time and place to which he came. Numerous stories concerning him abound and he is said to have travelled far and wide during his time on earth. His mother grew up with the parents of her much younger cousin Yahyah the Kohen who called the straying sheep of Israel to Teshuvah to experience the quikening of reconcilliation. `Isa became a disciple of Yahyah the Kohen and Yahyah held him up as an example of the reconcilliation he spoke of. `Isa did not add anything new to Judaism except that he percieved the messiah as the spirit of Adam's heir, though never indicating that it should be his alone. On the contrary `Isa's philosophy was that this was the birthright of the Jewish nation as a whole. As a Hillelite he promoted HaLakhah Beit Hillel over HaLakhah Beit Shammai which was predominant at the time, and it is probable that he shared Hillel's views concerningf the messiah. Although he preached a return to the path of Abraham, his message is said to have only been received by a limited number. Political factions attempted to put an end to him and kill him through crucifixion though they are said to have failed on both accounts. He is said to have been raised into Heaven where he remains to this day.

`Isa was not divine, though some say that just like any saint, the divine shone through him. Certain hadith give a picture of Isa's physical appearance:

"While I was sleeping, I saw myself (in a dream), performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the House of God in Makkah). I saw a reddish-white man with lank hair, with water dripping from his head, I asked, "Who is this?" They replied, "The Son of Maryam (Mary)..." (Bukhari, Muslim)

"I saw near the Ka’bah (House of God), a person who was whitish-red and lank- haired, resting his hands upon two men, as water dripped from his head. I asked, "Who is this?" The people replied, "He is I`sa Ibn Maryam ," or they may have replied, "He is Masih, Ibn Maryam ." (Bukhari, Muslim, Imam Hanbal)

The Prophet (Muhammad) said: There is no prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus. He will descend (to the earth). When you see him, recognise him: a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, looking as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet. He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. (A hadith in Abu Dawud (Book 37, Number 4310) Narrated by Abu Hurayrah)