{"id":4596,"date":"2021-11-10T05:43:06","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T05:43:06","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-11-10T05:43:06","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T05:43:06","slug":"birth-of-jesus-son-of-mary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shiastudies.com\/en\/4596\/birth-of-jesus-son-of-mary\/","title":{"rendered":"Birth of Jesus son of Mary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Birth of Jesus son of Mary<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Birth of Jesus son of Mary: <\/strong>Allah says, \u201cWhen the angels said, O Maryam, surely Allah gives you good news with a word from Him (of one) whose name is Messiah \u2018Isa son of Maryam, worthy of regard in this world and the Hereafter and of those who are made near (to Allah).\u201d (3:45)<\/p>\n

\u2018Isa is called \u2018word\u2019 because he was born with the Divine Word \u2018kun\u2019 (Be) without a father, or Allah guided people through his words. And he is called \u2018Messiah\u2019 because he was as a Divine bounty, given a treatment of \u2018Masah\u2019 (caress) by the Mercy of Allah and thus purified (from sins), or as olive oil was applied to his body after his birth or Archangel Gabriel touched him with his wing so that he might remain safe from mischief of Satan or as he used to caress his head with his hands or as the blind could see through his touch and the sick were healed. It is said that in the Hebrew language it was \u2018Messiaha\u2019 which became \u2018Messiah\u2019 in Arabic.
\n\u201cAnd he shall speak to the people when in cradle and when of old age, and (he shall) be one of the good ones.\u201d (3:46)
\n\u201cShe said, My Lord, how shall there be a son (born) to me when man has not touched me?\u201d He (the angel) said, \u201cEven so, Allah creates what He pleases. When He has decreed a matter He only says to it \u2018Be\u2019 and it is. He will teach him the Book and the Torah and the Injeel and (make him) an apostle to the children of Israel. That I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I determine for you out of dust like the form of a bird, then breathe into it and it becomes a bird with Allah\u2019s permission and I heal the blind and the leprous and bring the dead to life with Allah\u2019s permission and I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses; most surely there is a sign in this for you, if you are a believer.\u201d
\nAnd a verifier of that which is before me of the Torah and that I may allow you part of that which has been forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a sign from your Lord therefore be careful of (your duty to) Allah and obey me.
\nSurely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path. (3:47-51)
\nThe Almighty also says, Surely the likeness of \u2018Isa is with Allah as the likeness of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him, \u201cBe\u201d, and he was. (3:59)
\nIn yet another place the Qur\u2019an says: \u201cAnd mention Maryam in the Book when she drew aside from her family to an eastern place.\u201d (19:16)
\n\u2018Ali ibn Ibrahim narrates that Archangel Gabriel blew into the neckline of Maryam thus passing air into her belly. It resulted in conception of \u2018Isa the same night and she delivered the next morning. The time of this pregnancy was only nine hours that became equal to the period of nine months required by other women. Imam al-Baqir is reported to have said that Archangel Gabriel blew into the neckline of Maryam holding her garment and it resulted in instant perfection of \u2018Isa in her womb the same way offspring develop in their mother\u2019s wombs in nine months. Then she came out of the bathing place with a child\u2019s burden like those ladies who have completed their period of pregnancy and who are on the verge of delivery. When her aunt saw her she became astonished. Feeling ashamed Maryam went away from Zakariyya and his wife as mentioned by Allah, \u201cSo she conceived him; then withdrew herself with him to a remote place.\u201d It is mentioned in a reliable tradition of Imam as-Sadiq that a child born after six months pregnancy does not remain alive, but \u2018Isa and Imam al-Husayn did live though both were born within six months of pregnancy.[131]
\n\u201cAnd the throes (of child birth) compelled her to betake herself to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, \u201cOh, would that I had died before this, and had been a thing quite forgotten.\u201d She desired death fearing that people would misunderstand her.
\nImam as-Sadiq is reported to have said that any good, wise person might not attribute a wrong thing to her. \u2018Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated that when Maryam came out due to labor pains to find shelter somewhere it was market day and the place was full of tradesmen. Maryam passed by the weavers. In those days weaving was a prestigious profession. The weavers were atop donkeys. Maryam inquired from them whereabouts of the old palm tree. But the weavers made a mockery of her and spoke with contempt. So Maryam angrily prayed to Allah that He may degrade their profession and dishonor them among the people. Then she saw a group of businessmen and asked them whereabouts of the palm tree. They gave her the correct information. She wished good for them praying to Allah for progress of their trade and for making people eager for them. When she reached the tree \u2018Isa was born. Immediately on seeing \u2018Isa she exclaimed, \u201cWould that I had died before the arrival of this day. Now what shall I say to my aunt and what will be my answer to the questions of The Israelites?\u201d
\nThen (the child) called out from beneath her: \u201cGrieve not, surely your Lord has made a stream to flow beneath you\u201d (19:24)
\n\u2018Isa called out from beneath or Archangel Gabriel told Maryam from the hillock do not grieve because your Lord has made a stream flow beneath you or made \u2018Isa a great personality. Imam al-Baqir is reported to have said that the stream where was born was dry for years but Allah made it flow afresh since that moment. Then the Lord said, \u201c(Maryam) Shake the trunk of the palm tree which is towards you, it will drop on you fresh ripe dates.\u201d
\nImam al-Baqir is reported to have said that nothing is more beneficial to a woman in confinement after childbirth than dates because Allah had made it the food for Maryam after delivery and he (the Imam) also said that tree had dried up and had no fruits, because had it been full of fruits Allah would not have asked Maryam to shake it and she herself would have fulfilled her desired. It was the winter season when trees have no fruits. Therefore, Allah, in order to show His miracle, instantly made leaves and fruits grow on that old dry tree.
\nIbn \u2018Abbas has narrated that when Maryam experienced labor pains and became restless, she came out and walked towards a hillock. When she climbed it she saw the trunk of a dried palm tree that had neither leaves nor fruits. She sat down beneath that tree and \u2018Isa was born there. When Maryam desired death Archangel Gabriel called out to her from beneath the hillock neither to fear nor to grieve as Allah had already provided water for her in the stream so that she may drink and purify herself by bathing and to shake the tree for causing the dates to drop.
\n\u201cSo eat and drink and refresh the eye. Then if you see any mortal say: Surely I have vowed a fast to the Beneficent Allah, so I shall not speak to any man today.\u201d (19:26)
\nPerhaps she was allowed to speak this much or to convey it by gestures. In their shari\u2018ah a fast meant to remain silent or it (silence) might have been a part of fasting. These things were said by \u2018Isa. \u2018Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated that when Maryam became grief-stricken and sorrowful after the birth of \u2018Isa and longed for death, \u2018Isa spoke from near her feet to tell her not to grieve (as described) and when Maryam extended her hand toward the palm tree the ripe fruits dropped down into her hands. Seeing this she became very pleased then miraculously \u2018Isa told her, \u201cRoll me up in a cloth.\u201d He (\u2018Isa told her whatever was necessary and also told her, \u201cIf you meet with anyone tell him that you are fasting.\u201d (Etc as described).
\nIt is recorded in reliable sources that Imam Ja\u2018far as-Sadiq said, \u201cA fast does not mean refraining from food and drink. Do you not know that Maryam said, \u2018I have vowed to fast\u2019 meaning \u2018I will keep silent except uttering the Names of Almighty Allah and remembering Him.\u2019\u201d And it is mentioned in reliable traditions that the tree from which Maryam had eaten dates was Ajwah dates which was of the best quality palm tree.
\nIbn Babawayh has narrated from Wahab bin Munabbah that when Maryam approached the palm tree she was shivering due to cold. So Yusuf Najjar gathered wood around her and made a fire. Thus Maryam got warmth. He also gave her seven walnuts from his packsaddle. It was because of this that the Christians light up fires in the birth night of \u2018Isa and play with walnuts.
\nAnd she came to her people, carrying him (with her). They said, \u201cO MaryMaryam! Surely you have done a strange thing.\u201d (You have brought a child without having a husband, you have committed a bad deed). \u201cO sister of Harun! Your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman.\u201d
\n\u2018Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated that when the people did not find Maryam in the hall of worship they went out in search of her and Zakariyya also began to look for her. Then they saw her coming with a \u2018Isa in arms. The women of The Israelites gathered, taunted her and spat on her. Maryam did not pay any attention to them and entered the niche of the Masjid. Zakariyya and the people of The Israelites came to her and said, \u201cO Maryam! You have done a wrong deed. What a grave disgrace you have brought on The Israelites.\u201d They addressed her as \u2018sister of Harun\u2019 by a way of taunting her. Harun was a debaucher criminal very notorious. Some say Harun was a very good person and people used to name him in the matter of good deeds. Some have said that Harun was the maternal uncle of Maryam. Reportedly Imam al-Baqir has said that seventy women had made allegations against Maryam and said, \u201cSurely you have done a strange thing.\u201d So Allah gave \u2018Isa the power of speech. He addressed the women, \u201cWoe unto you for making false allegations against my mother. I am a slave (creation) of Allah. He has made me His Messenger and has given me the Book. By Allah! I will prosecute you.\u201d He did punish them for libel after becoming a (grown-up) Prophet. She pointed out to him and they said, \u201cHow should we speak to one who is a child in the cradle.\u201d He said, \u201cI am a servant of Allah; He has given me the Book and made me a Prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined on me prayer and Zakat (poor-rate) As long as I live.\u201d It is reported that Imam Ja\u2018far as-Sadiq said (it meant) \u201cI have been made beneficent because people will benefit from me as I have knowledge and perfection and an ability to heal the ill and to raise those who have died outwardly and inwardly.\u201d \u201cAnd he has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live and dutiful to my mother. He has not made me insolent and unblessed. He has protected me from becoming a disobedient, unworthy son my mother. Peace be on me the day I was born and on the day I die and on the day I am raised to life. When this miracle occurred and \u2018Isa spoke about all these things, the people realized that Maryam was pure and was never involved in the things imagined by them and that these were the signs of Allah\u2019s Might.
\nReportedly Imam al-Baqir has said how Maryam was given good tidings of \u2018Isa: One day she was sitting in the prayer room of the house of worship when Archangel Gabriel came down in form of a man and dropped his saliva into the collar of her frock. She at once conceived \u2018Isa who was born the same day. Till that time, on the surface of the earth there was no tree which did not have fruits and also no tree had thorns until the sinner offspring of Adam attributed wife and son to Allah made the earth shiver. Fruits disappeared from the trees and thorns came up in place of fruits. \u2018Isa appeared from the trees and thorns came up in place of fruits. Shaitans gathered around their chief Iblis and said, \u201cTonight a child is born because of whom every idol in the world has toppled down.\u201d Hearing this, the accursed Iblis became worried. He went from east to west to find the child but could not find any trace of him until he approached a Monastery. There he saw that the angels had encircled that house. The accursed Satan tried to enter the house but the angels ordered him to go away from there. He asked who the father of the newborn child was. They said his case was an example of Adam whom Allah had created without a father. Iblis retorted \u201cI will destroy four out of five parts of human population due to this son.\u201d
\nThrough reliable sources Shaykh al-Tusi had narrated a tradition from Imam Zayn al-\u2018abidin that the place described as a far-off place by Allah where Maryam had moved for delivering \u2018Isa is Karbala. Maryam had covered a long distance from Damascus to Karbala in a split second; \u2018Isa was born at a point near the grave of Imam al-Husayn and she returned to Damascus that same night.
\nal-Qutb al-Rawandi has with authentic proofs, narrated from Yahya bin \u2018Abdullah that, \u201cI was with Imam as-Sadiq in Heerah. One day we went riding and reached a village in the vicinity of Nasirah and came near river Euphrates.\u201d Imam said, \u2018Here it is, Here it is\u2019 and then dismounted, prayed two Rak\u2019ahs of prayers and asked me, \u2018Do you know where \u2018Isa was born?\u2019 I said, \u2018No.\u2019 He said \u2018It is here, where I am now sitting.\u2019 Then he said, \u2018Where was the palm tree which was shaken by Maryam for its fruits?\u2019
\nI replied that I did not know. He pointed to his back with his hand and said it was at this spot. Thereafter he asked me whether I knew the meaning of Rabawah, mentioned in the Divine Ayat of Holy Qur\u2019an reading \u201cAnd we made the son of Maryam and his mother a sign, and we gave them shelter on a lofty ground (rabwah) having meadows and springs.\u2019 This means we sheltered \u2018Isa and his mother on a high ground that we turned into a living place with abundance of fruits and populace and running streams of water. I said I did not know. He pointed to his right with his hand toward Najaf and said this is that hill. Then he said the \u2018Maaum Maeen\u2019 mentioned by the Lord is the river Euphrates and added when the pregnancy of Maryam became apparent she was in that valley where five hundred virgin girls were busy praying to Allah and that her (Maryam\u2019s) period of pregnancy was nine hours. When she suffered labor pains she came out of the worship place and came home that was her monastery. Therefrom she approached the palm tree that was old. \u2018Isa was born there. She carried him and came to her people. They became fearful on seeing her in that condition and were astonished. The Israelites fell in dispute about \u2018Isa. Some said, \u2018He is the son of Allah\u2019 some other said \u2018He is a servant of Allah and His Messenger\u2019 and the Jews said Allah forbid. \u201cHe is the fruit of adultery\u201d and that palm tree was Ajwah.\u201d
\nSeveral other reliable traditions have been recorded explaining this holy verse of the Graceful Qur\u2019an saying Rabwah is the other end of al-Kufah and its sawad (outskirt) is Karbala or Najaf and the Qaraar (meadow) is the mosque of al-Kufah and \u2018Maeen\u2019 (spring) is the river Euphrates.
\nIt is mentioned in authentic hadith of Imam Musa al-Ka\u00a8im that Archangel Gabriel had brought heavenly dates for Maryam — \u2018Safran\u2019. When she ate them she became pregnant.
\nIt is mentioned in other reliable records that a Christian scholar once approached Imam al-Ka\u00a8im. Imam asked him whether he knew which river (spring) is one by which \u2018Isa was born? He replied in negative whereupon Imam said it is river Euphrates.
\nAnother similar hadith quotes that once, giving them proofs told Christian scholars that the name of the mother of Maryam was Murtaa, which meant \u2018waheebah\u2019 in Arabic. The day was Friday and time was zawaal (afternoon) when Archangel Gabriel had come to Maryam and she conceived \u2018Isa and that day was ever since a day of \u2018Id (rejoicing or celebration), and the day when \u2018Isa was born was a Tuesday and his birth took place at half past four, and the river on the bank of which he was born was river Euphrates. On that day he was not permitted by Allah to talk. When the king of those days came to know about this event he started for that place with his son and his courtiers with an intention of harming \u2018Isa. He called the family of \u2018Imran (family members of \u2018Imran) so that they may see Maryam in that extraordinary condition until all that came to pass which has been described in the holy Qur\u2019an (that is, he spoke from the cradle).
\nReliable traditions have recorded that, according to Imam Muhammad al-Baqir \u2018Isa was born on the night of 25th Dhu\u2019l-Qa\u2019dah.
\nKulaini has, with authentic narrations said that hafs bin Giyath has said, \u201cI have seen Imam as-Sadiq in the gardens of al-Kufah. When he came near a particular palm tree he offered two Rak\u2019ahs of prayers with bowing and prostration and I counted that he had recited Tasbih (sanctified Allah five hundred times) then he continued to recite Dua for a long time and then said, \u201cO Rafas! By Allah! This is the tree about which is mentioned in the holy Qur\u2019an. Allah had asked Maryam to shake it so as to cause its fruits to fall for her.\u201d
\nThrough a good authority it is reported that Imam as-Sadiq said, \u201cOn the night of Me\u2019raj (ascension of the holy Prophet) Archangel Gabriel had, at one point, requested the holy Prophet to alight from his heavenly horse flying at supersonic speed and to offer prayers.\u201d The Prophet offered prayers and asked what place it was. Archangel Gabriel replied that it was Mount Sinai where Allah has conversed with Musa. From there they went further. After some time Archangel Gabriel again requested the holy Prophet to get down and pray. He inquired about that place whereupon he was informed that it was Bethlehem where \u2018Isa was born.
\nIn other reliable tradition the same person has recorded that various parts of the earth began to feel proud over one another, Ka\u2018bah thought it was superior to the ground of Karbala. But Allah silenced it saying do not think like that because Karbala is the place where We (Allah) conversed with Musa. Rabwah is the same place where We made Maryam and Messiah reside and that is the junction where the Holy head of husayn was washed and it is the same spot where \u2018Isa was given a wash after he was born.
\nIt is recorded in reliable sources that Imam Zayn al-\u2018abidin said, \u201cWhen \u2018Ali was returning from Nahrawan after fighting the Kharijites, he camped in Buratha Masjid near Baghdad. There was a monastery. When that monk observed the impressive features and great virtues of Imam about which he had read in earlier scriptures, he became a Muslim and said, \u201cI have read your virtues and praise in Injeel wherein it is mentioned that you will camp in Buratha Masjid which is the House of Maryam and the land of \u2018Isa.\u201d Then \u2018Ali went to a spot near that monastery and kicked the ground. Instantly clear water spring gushed out from there. \u2018Ali said, \u201cThis is the spring that gushed out for Maryam .\u201d Then he said, \u201cTake a measurement of seven arm lengths from here and dig the ground.\u201d When people complied with Imam \u2019s commandment there appeared a white rock. said this is the rock on which Maryam put \u2018Isa after taking him down from her lap. Then he offered prayers there and said, \u201cThis ground of Buratha is the house of Maryam \u201d[132]
\nIt has been, reliably noted that Imam as-Sadiq said, \u201cWhen \u2018Isa was born, Allah kept him hidden from the eyes of people, because when Maryam conceived she had gone into isolation at a distant place out of habitation as described by Allah. Zakariyya and the aunt of Maryam went in search of her. They reached Maryam when she had already delivered \u2018Isa. At that time Maryam was longing for death due to a feeling of shame. Allah made \u2018Isa speak and concluded the arguments for her. When \u2018Isa appeared, the enemies of religion had increased their harassment and hardship on The Israelites. Cruel kings of that time rose up to torture and finish them until \u2018Isa went up to the heaven and Shamoun and his followers went into hiding for fear. They hid themselves in one of the islands of a river and stayed there for quite a long time. Allah issued springs of sweet water for them and caused all kind of fruits, and created four-footed and other animals. He also sent a fish called Amad which did not have flesh and bones only skin and blood. Allah ordered the fish to come to the surface, then honeybees settled on her back and it carried them to that island. The bees built honeycombs in the trees of the island. In this way ample honey was provided for the residents of that island. News about \u2018Isa continued to reach them.
\nIbn Tawus has noted from Ibn Babawayh\u2019s book An Nabuwwah that when \u2018Isa was born a group of great men from Gabar came to pay their respects to \u2018Isa and Maryam. They said, \u201cWe have the knowledge of the movements of stars. When this boy was born we observed a kingly star rise in the heavens. After pondering over it we understood that the kingdom of this child is a Prophet-related kingdom that will never be stripped from him until Allah raises him up to the heavens. When the world comes to an end his kingdom will turn into another worldly eternal kingdom. We come from the east and have reached here with the guidance of the said star. After arriving here we observed that that star stayed right above the head of this child of yours. We have brought some presents to be showered upon him. These things were never before gifted to anyone else because we considered them worthy of this child only. Here they are: gold and myrrh and mandar. Gold is a worldly wealth and your son is the best man in this world. Myrrh is a medicine useful for curing wounds and illness and madness. Since your son will be a healer of the sick, this thing will be suitable for him, and kandar is an essence the smoke of which reaches up to the sky. No other smoke rises so high. As your child will be ascending to heavens this thing is appropriate for him.
\nIt is written in reliable traditions that Abu-Basir asked Imam as-Sadiq why Allah created \u2018Isa without a father. He replied, \u201cSo that people may understand his perfection and realize that Allah is able to do everything.\u201d
\nIt is recorded in many authentic traditions that the spirit which was blown into \u2018Isa was created by Him (Allah) and it was superior to and higher than other spirits.
\nIt is narrated in many hadiths by Sunnis as well as Shi\u2018ah sources that the holy Prophet told Amir al-Mu\u2019minin, \u201cYou are similar to \u2018Isa son of Maryam about whom many indulged in extremism. They began to call him Allah and Allah\u2019s son. Some became his enemies to such an extent that (Allah forbid) they called him an illegitimate born and alleged that he was the son of Yusuf Najjar. Both these groups went to Hell. The group that considered him a slave and a Prophet of Allah remained in his religion. Likewise, O \u2018Ali one group will call you God and another (Allah forbid) will call you \u2018Kafir\u2019 (unbeliever). Both these groups will go to Hell. Those who consider you a slave and a caliph of his Prophet will attain salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Jesus propagates his Prophethood<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n