Was Islam around when Jesus was born?

In a Nutshell: Islam, as a complete religion revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw), existed centuries after the birth of Jesus ( ???? ??????, 'alayhi assalam'). However, Muslims hold Jesus in high esteem as a prophet who preceded Prophet Muhammad (saw) and brought a message of guidance to his people. Table of ContentsIntroduction Background and Context Evidences Analysis of the Question: Was Islam Around When Jesus Was Born? FAQs on Jesus in Islam Conclusion Introduction The lives of Prophet Jesus ( ???? ??????) and Prophet Muhammad (saw) are significant figures in Islam and Christianity. Both faiths share Abrahamic roots, recognizing Abraham ( ???? ??????) as a patriarch and receiving guidance from God through prophets. This answer explores the timeline of prophets and clarifies the presence of Islam at the time of Jesus' birth ( ???? ??????). Evidences The Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, affirms the message of Jesus ( ???? ??????) as a confirmation of previous revelations: "And We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the Torah that came before him and We gave him the Gospel, wherein is guidance and light and confirming what was before it of the Torah - a guidance and admonition for the righteous." (Quran 3:84) Further emphasizing Jesus' special status, the Quran dedicates an entire chapter, Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), narrating his miraculous birth and ministry. Prophet Muhammad (saw) also spoke about Jesus ( ???? ??????), recognizing him as a prophet in numerous hadiths. Here's one example: "Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: The Prophet (saw) said, 'There is no prophet between me and Jesus ( ???? ??????) except that Allah ('Az wa Jal) sent a man to the children of Israel ( ??? ???????, Banu Isra'il) and his name was ???? (Masih) - the Messiah.'" (Sahih Bukhari) the Question: Was Islam Around When Jesus Was Born? While Jesus ( ???? ??????) is a revered figure in Islam, the religion itself wasn't established until centuries later. Historians estimate Jesus' birth to be around 4-6 BCE, placing him within the Second Temple Period in Judea. Prophetic revelation to Prophet Muhammad (saw), marking the beginning of Islam, occurred in the 7th century CE, roughly 600 years after Jesus ( ???? ??????). Understanding this timeline is crucial. Islam emphasizes the concept of successive prophets, each entrusted with a message for their specific time and community. Prophet Muhammad (saw) is believed to be the final prophet, receiving the complete and universal message of Islam. The Quran itself highlights this concept of confirmation and renewal: "And We did not send before you, [O Muhammad], any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke, the Shaytan used to cast [something] into his speech. But Allah wipes out what the Shaytan throws in and then Allah establishes His verses. And Allah is Knowing, Wise." (Quran 22:52) This verse explains that previous prophets faced challenges in delivering their message. Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw), serves as a culmination and purification of these earlier messages, offering guidance for all humanity until the Day of Judgement. Despite the difference in timing, Muslims hold Jesus ( ???? ??????) in high esteem. The Quran refers to him with titles like the Messiah (??????, al-Masih) and a Word from Him (???? ???, Kalimah minhu) (Quran 4:171), emphasizing his special status and miraculous birth. Muslims believe Jesus ( ???? ??????) performed miracles by Allah's (swt) permission, preached monotheism and will return in the end times. There are, however, some key differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs about Jesus ( ???? ??????). Notably, Muslims reject the concept of Jesus' divinity and the doctrine of the Trinity. The Quran emphasizes the absolute oneness of God (swt) and rejects the notion of Jesus being God's son (Quran 4:171). FAQs on Jesus in Islam What do Muslims believe about the crucifixion of Jesus?Muslims believe that Jesus (???? ??????) was not crucified. The Quran indicates: "And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah'. And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over him are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain." (Quran 4:157) This verse suggests that someone else was made to look like Jesus and crucified in his place. Muslims believe that Allah (swt) protected Jesus (???? ??????) and raised him into the heavens. Will Jesus return in Islam?Muslims believe that Jesus (???? ??????) will return in the end times as a just ruler and to fight against the Antichrist ( al-Masih ad-Dajjal). There are hadiths that describe his return: Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophetsaw said, By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the son of Mary will soon descend among you and will judge mankind justly ( as a just ruler); he will break the cross and kill the pigs and there will be no Jizyah. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it." (Sahih Bukhari) Conclusion Islam as a complete religion did not exist when Jesus (???? ??????) lived. However, Muslims believe that Jesus was a respected prophet of God (swt) who brought a message of monotheism and piety to his people. The timeline of prophets, with Prophet Muhammad (saw) as the final messenger, highlights the concept of successive revelation and renewal in Islam. Despite differences in theological understanding between Islam and Christianity, Jesus (???? ??????) remains a prominent figure in Islam and his miraculous birth, prophethood and future return hold significant meaning for Muslims. ReferencesBrown, D. (2011). A New Introduction to Islam(2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. Esposito, J. L. (2010). Islam: The Straight Path(5th ed.). Oxford University Press. Ramadan, T. (2004). Western Muslims and the Future of Islam(1st ed.). Oxford University Press.