"Jesus means to me both the kinship and the divide between Islam and Christianity. He brings our religions together as one, yet separates them so completely. He is our example and our guide, confounding and apportioned. He is our hope. He is their hope. "
"When I wear the hijab, I emulate Mary (peace be upon her). Modesty isn't a new concept or limited to Islam. It has been passed down from generations of noble and pious figures such as Mary. She exemplifies and personifies modesty, nobility, chastity, and piety for me. Truly, a mentor and role model in her own league!"
"One of the most important aspects I admire about Mary (peace be upon her) is her strong faith and belief in Almighty God. She retreated to a distant and isolated place on command of God to give birth to Jesus (peace be upon him). No pain in the world can be compared to the state when a woman in labor; moreover, she was all alone with no one to help her as a midwife. Yet she had faith in God who took care of her throughout her pregnancy. After the birth of Jesus (peace be upon him), God commands her to reveal the miracle to the people and she does not doubt, object to, or question that command. She did not fear facing the slanders from people for she had God on her side who helped her refute all allegations by having baby Jesus (peace be upon him) speak to the people on her behalf. "
"I love reading the following verse (3:50) in the Qur'an about the miracles that Jesus performed. 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of God. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of God. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.'"
"The Prophets and Messengers of God are all one, we prefer none of God's Messengers over others, and unto Him do we submit. A mockery of one of them is a mockery of all of them. And as for those of us who are keen on celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad daily or weekly or monthly, might I suggest that your December gatherings focus on the birth, life, message, teachings, ascension, and the Second Coming of Jesus, the Messiah, the Spirit of God, and to host our Catholic and Protestant friends, brethren, and neighbors to partake in your readings, feasting, and celebration. "
In my earlier blogs, I have written extensively on how Jesus and Mary (peace be upon them) are viewed in Islam. You can read these at the following links :
