The Message of Jesus: Balancing the Law and Its Spirit in Islam
The Message of Jesus: Balancing the Law and Its Spirit in Islam
In Islam, Jesus (’Isa, peace be upon him) is revered as a prophet who brought profound wisdom to the Children of Israel, guiding them back to the essence of faith.
His mission emphasised not only adherence to the divine law but also the importance of understanding its spirit. His teachings aimed to soften rigid legalism and revive the heart of worship and morality.
Reviving the Spirit of the Law
The Qur’an highlights how Jesus was sent to the Children of Israel during a time when legalism had overshadowed the divine wisdom behind the law. His mission was to remind people that religious laws were not merely rules to follow but means to cultivate inner purity, justice, and closeness to Allah.
He declared his purpose:
“And to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me.” (Qur’an 3:50)
This signifies that Jesus came to alleviate unnecessary burdens imposed by excessive rigidity and to restore the balance between the letter and the spirit of the law.
A Softening of the Burdens
Jesus’ message introduced mercy and flexibility in religious practice, reminding his followers that the law was meant to serve human needs, not to oppress or burden. This aligns with the Qur’anic principle that Allah does not desire hardship for His servants but ease:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185)
By lifting undue restrictions, Jesus exemplified compassion and understanding, ensuring that the divine law resonated with the realities of human life.
The Spirit Over the Letter
Jesus emphasised the spirit of the law, encouraging people to embody its values of compassion, humility, and justice rather than adhering blindly to rituals. His teachings in this regard are reflected in his call to prioritise sincerity and devotion over superficial displays of piety.
This echoes the Islamic concept of Ihsan (excellence in worship), where actions are not only performed outwardly but also driven by heartfelt devotion and mindfulness of Allah.
Surah Al-Fatihah and Jesus’ Mission
Muslims recite Surah Al-Fatihah in every prayer, seeking to follow the “path of those who have earned Allah’s favour” and avoiding the extremes of those who strayed. From the Islamic perspective, Jesus came to correct such extremes.
His teachings aimed to guide the Children of Israel away from excessive rigidity (ghuluw) and neglect, bringing them back to the middle path of balance and mercy.
A Timeless Lesson
Jesus’ mission, as presented in Islam, underscores the importance of harmony between the letter and the spirit of the law. His message remains a timeless reminder to focus on the heart of worship, to practice religion with mercy and wisdom, and to approach the divine law as a means to achieve inner peace and justice.
By reviving this balance, Jesus exemplified the mercy and wisdom of Allah, guiding humanity toward a deeper understanding of faith. His life and teachings remain a beacon for those seeking to embody both the justice and compassion of divine guidance.