Juz 3: Al-Baqarah 253 to Āl ʿImrān 92
Section 12 of 14 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
15. Lot Against Isa and His Ascension
As Isa (peace be upon him) grew in wisdom and knowledge, eventually realizing that the majority of his people would not believe in him, he sought dedicated supporters for his mission. The Qur'an mentions this pivotal moment:
فَلَمَّا أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ الْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِي إِلَى اللَّهِ
“When Isa sensed disbelief from them, he said: "Who are my helpers towards Allah?”
The disciples, known as al-Hawariyyun in Arabic, responded with conviction: [3:52]
قَالَ الْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ اللَّهِ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَاشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ
“The disciples said, "We are helpers of Allah. We believe in Allah, and be witness that we are Muslims." [3:52]”
This exchange reveals the core of true faith – when tested, the disciples did not hesitate to stand with truth despite the dangers. However, while Isa (peace be upon him) was gathering followers, his enemies were plotting against him. The Qur'an captures this conspiracy and Allah's superior counterplan:
وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ
“And they planned, and Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners. [3:54]”
The enemies of Isa (peace be upon him) had formulated a deadly plot to capture and crucify him. When they surrounded the house where he was staying, he asked for a volunteer among his disciples to take his appearance and face what was outside. One disciple volunteered, knowing the sacrifice required. Allah caused this disciple to appear exactly like Isa (peace be upon him), and consequently, it was this disciple who was captured and crucified while Isa (peace be upon him) was raised to the heavens by Allah.
This divine intervention is clearly stated when Allah addresses Isa (peace be upon him):
إِذْ قَالَ اللَّهُ يَا عِيسَىٰ إِنِّي مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَيَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا
“When Allah said, "O Isa, I am going to take you and raise you towards Myself, and purify you of those who disbelieve." [3:55]”
This verse establishes several crucial Islamic beliefs regarding Isa (peace be upon him):
- He was not killed or crucified but was raised to the heavens
- Allah protected him from his enemies
- His status was elevated above those who rejected him
The verse continues with a profound promise:
وَجَاعِلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ
“And I will place those who follow you above those who disbelieve up to the Day of Judgment." [3:55]”
This divine promise extends to the followers of the true message of Isa (peace be upon him) – monotheism and submission to Allah – which was later perfected through Islam. When Isa (peace be upon him) returns before the Day of Judgment, he will not return as a prophet bringing a new message, but rather as a follower of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a member of his ummah. He will judge according to Islamic law, not according to the altered versions of his original teachings.
The persecution of Isa (peace be upon him) and Allah's intervention highlights how divine protection works for His chosen messengers. While Allah may allow hardships and trials, He ultimately preserves His message and messengers in ways that demonstrate His power and wisdom. The plot against Isa (peace be upon him) became one of history's greatest testimonies to Allah's supreme plan and authority over all human schemes.