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Theological Perspectives on Jesus in Imam al-Nawawi's Commentary

AL-NAWAWI ON JESUS BEING GOD’S WORD & SPIRIT 🔗

The medieval Muslim commentator Imam al-Nawawi wrote a massive commentary on the sahih collection of Imam Muslim. Al-Nawawi will cite and explain the hadiths where Muhammad describes Jesus as God’s…

Imam al-Nawawi's commentary on hadiths highlights the Islamic view of Jesus as both God's Word and Spirit. He emphasizes that Jesus was created without a father, through God's command, differentiating him from all other humans. In contrast to Muhammad, who admitted to needing forgiveness for his sins, Jesus is portrayed as sinless and unique in his titles. The text argues that while Islamic scholars provide explanations for why Jesus is considered God's Word and Spirit, these explanations are deemed insufficient, leading to a theological dilemma. The commentary ultimately argues that Jesus must be recognized as the uncreated, eternal Word of God who became human.

What does Imam al-Nawawi highlight about Jesus in his commentary?

Imam al-Nawawi emphasizes that Jesus is referred to as God's Word and Spirit, created without a father, and is sinless, which sets him apart from Muhammad.

Why is there a dilemma regarding Jesus being God's Word in Islam?

There is a dilemma because, while Jesus is called God's Word and Spirit, Islamic theology traditionally holds that God's Word is uncreated, yet Jesus is said to have been born of Mary, complicating his classification.

How does the text contrast Jesus and Muhammad?

The text contrasts Jesus, who is portrayed as sinless and unique, with Muhammad, who acknowledged his need for forgiveness, highlighting differing views of their roles in Islamic theology.

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