Detailed Scholarly Analysis
Detailed Analysis: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 55
Explore comprehensive scholarly analysis, linguistic insights, and practical applications of this verse from the Holy Quran based on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.
Introduction
This pivotal verse records Allah's direct promise to Jesus (Isa) at a crucial moment when the Jews were plotting to kill him. According to Ibn Kathir, this verse comes in the context of Allah's planning (makr) against those who schemed against Jesus, demonstrating how Allah protects His messengers. The verse establishes one of Islam's fundamental beliefs about Jesus' fate and future role.
Translation Overview
Multiple translations reveal nuanced meanings of key terms. Saheeh International translates 'mutawaffika' as 'I will take you,' while Pickthall uses 'gathering thee.' Dr. Mustafa Khattab renders it as 'I will take you,' emphasizing the complete nature of Allah's action. The consistent theme across translations is Allah's promise to raise Jesus to Himself and purify him from disbelievers' accusations.
Classical Interpretation
Ibn Kathir explains that the majority of scholars interpret 'mutawaffika' as Allah taking Jesus alive to heaven, not through death. Al-Tabari presents different scholarly views: some interpreted it as sleep (the sleep of death), others as Allah taking Jesus alive. The preferred interpretation according to Al-Tabari is that Allah raised Jesus alive to heaven, based on authentic hadith about Jesus' future return. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that this demonstrates Allah's power to protect His messengers from their enemies.
Linguistic Analysis
The Arabic term 'mutawaffika' comes from the root w-f-y, meaning to take in full or complete. Scholars like Ibn Zaid explain that 'mutawaffika' and 'rafi'uka' (raising you) refer to the same action - Allah taking Jesus completely to Himself. The word 'mutahhiruka' (purifying you) indicates Allah's cleansing Jesus from the false accusations and slanders of the disbelievers. The phrase 'fawqa alladhina kafaru' (above those who disbelieve) shows Jesus' followers being given superiority.
Historical Context
According to Ibn Ishaq, this verse was revealed when the Jews were actively plotting to kill Jesus. The historical context shows the Jewish leaders' rejection of Jesus' message and their conspiracy against him. Allah's promise came as divine intervention to protect Jesus from their schemes. The verse addresses the Christian claim about crucifixion and the Jewish claim about killing Jesus, establishing the Islamic position that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified but raised alive to heaven.
Related Hadiths
Al-Tabari narrates authentic hadith from Abu Hurairah where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Jesus will descend and kill the Dajjal, then remain on earth for a period, then die naturally and Muslims will pray over him and bury him.' Another hadith mentions Jesus breaking the cross, killing swine, and establishing justice. These hadith confirm Jesus' future return and natural death after his mission is complete.
Practical Applications
This verse teaches believers about Allah's protection of His messengers and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood. It strengthens faith in Allah's justice and His ability to vindicate His righteous servants. The promise of Jesus' followers being superior until the Day of Judgment encourages Muslims to follow the true teachings of Jesus as confirmed by the Quran. It also prepares believers for Jesus' future return and the establishment of justice.
Scholarly Insights
Ka'b al-Ahbar, as recorded by Al-Tabari, emphasized that Allah would never let Jesus die before completing his mission. He explained that Jesus will return to kill the Dajjal and then live for twenty-four years before his natural death. Ibn Zaid noted that Jesus was raised before reaching old age (kahl) and will return as a mature man. The consensus among scholars is that Jesus remains alive in heaven awaiting his return.
Cross References
This verse connects to 4:157 which denies Jesus' crucifixion, and 19:33 where Jesus speaks about his death and resurrection. It also relates to 43:61 which mentions Jesus as a sign of the Hour. The theme of Allah protecting His messengers appears throughout the Quran, as seen with Noah, Abraham, and Moses.
Conclusion
Quran 3:55 establishes the Islamic belief in Jesus' ascension to heaven alive, his purification from false accusations, and his future return. The verse demonstrates Allah's justice, protection of His messengers, and the ultimate triumph of truth. It serves as a foundation for understanding Jesus' role in Islamic eschatology and the continuous superiority of his true followers until the Day of Judgment.
Note: This analysis is compiled from authentic Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations. Always consult qualified Islamic scholars for religious guidance and understanding.