Dear Reader: the primary aim of my articles is to humbly offer education about the religion of Islam, with the hope that they foster greater understanding and harmony within the wider community. These writings are not intended to be contentious, argumentative, or disrespectful in any way.

In sharing this knowledge, I follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who, when faced with potential conflict, responded with grace and dignity: “Unto you be your way, and unto me be mine.”

This article is to give the Islamic perspective on Easter, understanding Good Friday and the rising of Jesus.

Easter is a major Christian celebration commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus (known as Good Friday) and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. While Easter holds deep theological meaning for Christians, Islam also acknowledges the importance of Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic). Islam however offers a significantly different perspective on his life, death, and return.

In Islam Jesus is a revered messenger and is one of the greatest messengers of God, so much so that a prayer is offered after his name, which is abbreviated to “as”. The Koran places Jesus among the most honoured prophets, referring to him as the Messiah, a word from God, and a spirit from Him. Jesus’s miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary is described in detail, emphasising his role as a servant and prophet, not divine himself.

“Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him.” (Koran 4:171)

Jesus performed miracles by God's permission, including healing the blind and lepers and raising the dead. However, the Islamic view differs sharply from Christianity regarding his crucifixion and resurrection.

The Crucifixion is a rejected claim in Islam; categorically defying that Jesus was crucified or killed. According to the Koran, those who claimed to have killed him were mistaken.

“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.” (Koran 4:157)

This verse makes it clear that while it appeared to some that Jesus was crucified, in truth, he was not. Islamic scholars have interpreted this in different ways. Some say someone else was made to resemble him and was crucified in his place, while others say the event was a visual deception or misperception.

Rather than dying on the Cross, the Koran states that God raised Jesus up to Himself.

“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah exalted in might and wise.” (Koran 4:158)

Hence Muslims view the rising of Jesus as ascension, not resurrection.

Muslims believe Jesus was taken up – alive and in body – into the heavens. This event is not seen as resurrection from death, but a divine ascension, indicating God's protection of His messenger from his enemies. The Islamic tradition affirms that Jesus will return at the end of time as a sign of the hour.

“And indeed, he [Jesus] will be a sign for [the coming of] the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.” (Koran 43:61)

When Jesus returns, he will confirm the truth of monotheism, restore justice, and rule with peace before eventually dying a natural death.

For Muslims, the events remembered during Easter do not mark Jesus’s death or resurrection, but rather reflect a moment of misunderstanding in history. The Islamic narrative honours Jesus while rejecting the notion of his crucifixion and divine status.

From an Islamic perspective, Good Friday does not represent Jesus’s death, but a day where a deception occurred, and Jesus was saved by God.

Easter Sunday does not celebrate resurrection, but from the Islamic view, Jesus remains alive in the heavens, awaiting his return.

Thus, while Christians see Easter as a cornerstone of their faith – confirming the divinity of Christ and victory over death – Muslims honour Jesus as a prophet who never died on the Cross, and whose eventual return will be a fulfilment of God’s divine plan.

Despite these theological differences, both Islam and Christianity emphasise love, mercy, and the importance of Jesus in God’s plan. While Muslims do not celebrate Easter, the occasion can be a moment for reflection, understanding, and interfaith dialogue. Recognising each other’s beliefs with respect can strengthen mutual appreciation and peace among faith communities.

Isn’t this what we need to establish common ground and respectful dialogue among ourselves? The Koran says: “O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:13)

Lastly, we are commanded to hold onto the rope of Allah, the rope representing God’s divine guidance … “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers …” (Koran 3:103)

Bermuda let us continue to pray for understanding, harmony, justice and peace, home and abroad. Let us not forget the suffering of so many innocent men, women and children.

Let the bombs be silenced; permanent ceasefire immediately should be our sincere prayer. Please wear your blue ribbon in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Blue Ribbon Campaign.

Have a blessed week and as always, as salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam