Isa - Introduction

Islam and Christianity have these things in common:

·        Both faiths are monotheistic and Abrahamic

·        Both believe that Maryam miraculously conceived Isa

·        Both believe in the virgin birth of Isa

·        Both believe that Isa was the Messiah

·        Both believe in Isa’s miracles – healing the sick, raising the dead

·        Both believe in Isa’s second coming

To stimulate interfaith dialogue, below is the book of Luke in the World English Bible translation with names and terminology that will resonate better with Muslim readers.

Background of Luke

Luke, the author of the book of Luke and the book of Acts in the New Testament, was a physician and a companion of Paul, who wrote who wrote two thirds of the New Testament.  He was likely a Gentile, making him one of the few non-Jewish authors of the New Testament. Luke’s education and writing style suggest he was well-educated in Greek, which was the language of both of his works. The precise details of his life and death are largely unknown, with various traditions placing his activities in different locations including Greece, Asia Minor, and Rome.

Historical Nature and Compilation of the Gospel of Luke

The book of Luke is the third book in the New Testament and offers a detailed and orderly account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Isa. It was likely written between 60 and 90 AD. Luke explicitly states his intent in the prologue (Luke 1:1-4) to provide an orderly account of the "things that have been fulfilled among us," suggesting that he accessed eyewitness testimonies and other "accounts" handed down by the early Christian community.

Luke is notable for its emphasis on historical context and detail, suggesting that he carefully researched and verified information. He includes specific political and geographical details that help anchor his narrative in the historical world of Judea and the broader Roman Empire.

Appeal to Muslim Readers

Luke's Gospel might hold particular appeal to Muslim readers for several reasons:

Emphasis on Monotheism: Like Islam, Christianity teaches the belief in one God. Luke’s portrayal of Isa emphasizes his role in fulfilling the will of God, resonating with Islamic teachings about prophets.

Isa as a Prophet: In Islam, Isa is considered one of the great prophets. While Luke portrays him as the Blessed One of God, his emphasis on the prophetic mission of Isa — preaching, teaching, and performing miracles — can align closely with the Islamic view of Isa as a significant prophet.

Reverence for Maryam: Luke includes several narratives about Maryam, the mother of Isa, which are absent in other Gospels, such as the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). Maryam is also highly revered in Islam, and Luke’s respectful portrayal of her can appeal to Muslim sensibilities.

Ethical Teachings: Luke’s emphasis on the marginalized, the poor, and the outcast, as well as his focus on forgiveness and mercy, parallels many ethical teachings in Islam, making his Gospel potentially more relatable to Muslims who value these themes.

These aspects of the Gospel of Luke might make it particularly accessible and appealing to Muslim readers, offering a bridge for interfaith dialogue and understanding.