Comparison of typology of the Promised savior of Christianity with Promised savior of Shia
Musa Javanshir
Abstract
In this article, we have tried to compare typology of Christian promised savior i.e. Jesus Christ with the Shia promised savior i.e. Imam Mahdi.
In this paper, both the saviors are assessed from perspective of their genealogy, characteristics, role and position. Their similarities and dissimilarities have been studied. Finally, it is emphasized that the real instance of the savior is only one person and he is the same Islamic promised savior; though the return of Jesus in the end of time cannot be denied. However, he will not return as a savior rather he will return as a helper of Imam Mahdi in the end of time and he will assist him.
Keywords: Shia savior, savior of Christianity, the return of Christ, the typology of savior.
Introduction
There is a consensus among all religions on belief in a savior i.e. a person who will come and change the sufferings, hardships, frustrations and injustices into peace and prosperity. The idea of salvation is one of the most important common concerns of man, in particular today’s man who is tired of growing pains, hardships and injustices in life and is seeking the path of salvation and deliverance.
Among the Abrahamic religions two religions i.e. Islam (twelver Shias or Imamian Shia) and Christianity (which is closely related to Judaism and many of its teachings taken from Judaism but gradually it separated its path from Judaism and gained the title of a separate religion) and their followers are not unconcerned about this important issue. They have given it due importance and have clearly expressed their view about it.
In this paper we will compare the typology of the promised savior of the two Abrahamic religions, Islam (Shia) and Christianity. That is explaining the nature and type of the Savior we can explain the nature of the promised one, the nature of promise, moral or social duty, the cosmological role of the promised savior. As a result of that we will be able to answer this question that whether the promised savior of Christians is the same promised savior of Shia or not? In any case, who is the real savior? Whether one savior will come or two, or another possibility is involved? This issue can provide a suitable atmosphere for dialogue between Islam and Christianity, and it will help us in bringing the viewpoint of the followers of the two religions closer to each other.
One. Typology of the Christian Messiah
A. Miraculous birth
The mother of Jesus (AS), the promised savior of Christians, became pregnant without any father by means of the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph intended to leave her secretly, but the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “O Joseph, son of David! Fear not to take Mary your wife because what is present in her is by Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people of sins.” When Joseph woke up he acted as was instructed by the angel of the Lord and took his wife. He did not recognize her until she gave birth to her first son. He named him Jesus.” (Matthew 1: 25-18)
According to the Islamic sources, from the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jews spread an inadmissible blame about Mary as if she is an unchaste woman. Quran calls this indecent blame of the Jews vilification ‘great slander’ and it severely condemns the Jews:
“…And for their faithlessness, and their saying against Mary a monstrous slander.” ( An-Nisa (4): 156 )
B. Crucifixion and ascension to heaven
The story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as narrated by the Christians is different from the Muslim point of view. The four Gospels have narrated the detailed story the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus.
Based on narration of the early Christians, Jesus not only predicted his assessment by his opponents but also knew who would betray him and sell him. Therefore, he arranged a simple gathering and ate his last meal with his companions so that he could make his twelve apostles ready for their separation.
Shortly after that one of his disciples called Judas Iscariot surrendered him to a group of people who had come after him with swords and sticks in their hands in a garden called Gethsemane. The chief priest had sent them after him. They brought Jesus to the Assembly and Council of Priests. All of them sentenced him to death due to being guilty of telling blasphemy. Then they brought him to Pilate of Rome Romans and asked him to execute the sentence.
It was three o'clock pm when they brought to gallows. The gathering around him was crying out. He was praying for them and saying: “O my father! Forgive them because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 34: 23). So Jesus said loudly: “Eli! Eli! Why did you leave me?” and died.
According to Christians, Jesus suffered to atone himself for forgiveness of human beings. In order that his body may not remain on gibbet on the day of Sabbath, a rich person called Joseph of Arimathea who was a member of the council of priests buried his body in a new tomb which he had carved from stone for himself.
The third morning, some women relative of Jesus went to seek his grave before their return journey to Galilee but they found it empty to take the path they went to seek his grave, but they found it empty. When wandering, they were intended to return, suddenly angels appeared to them saying: “Jesus has risen from the death.” (John Bayer Nas, 2004: pp. 60-64 )
Unlike the Bible, the Islamic sources do not confirm the crucifixion of Jesus. They explicitly reject the crucifixion or death of Jesus:
In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them as if they did.... Certainly, they did not kill him. Rather, God raised him up to Himself. God is Mighty and Wise. (An-Nisa (4): 157 and 158).
C. Names and titles
Each name or title of Jesus mentioned in Gospels and Quran refer to a certain aspect of his mission. The most important names and titles of Jesus are:
- Jesus (Isa): The promised savior of Christians was first name as Joshua which is a Hebrew word meaning God's salvation. This word changed into ‘Jesus’ among the Romans and Greeks and the same word was converted into the Arabic word ‘Isa’ (Taufiqi, 2005: pg. 130). Gospel has translated this word as the ‘Savior God” who will save his people from their sins. ( Matthew 2: 1).
- Son of Man: This title has used for Jesus more than eighty times in the New Testament. The Book of Daniel mentions the name ‘Son of Man’ and present him as a personality who will come before the end of the Last Day and God will give him kingdom and judgment. Christians believe that Jesus will realize those days (Mitchell, 1998: p 69).
- Son of God: In the Christian tradition this title does not refer to physical birth of Jesus from God rather the purpose of this title is to express our faith in Jesus' close and sincere relationship with God ( Michel 1998, p. 68).
- Christ (Messiah): Christ can be considered as the second name of Jesus (Mitchell, 1998: p 70). Fourth Gospel is full of the word Messiah (Christ) literally a Hebrew word meaning “the anointed one” is. In the Judaism, the individuals were anointed with oil for important missions. Therefore, such individuals had certain features and were known as respected and holy persons by the people ( Zibayinejad, 2003 : p 18).
The Holy Quran refers to Jesus using the names of ‘Masih’ (Messiah), ‘Ruhollah’ (Soul of God), ‘Abdullah’ (Allah’s slave), ‘Mubarak’ and ‘Kalamatullah’ (Allah’s word). In the resources of hadith also ‘Ruhollah’ is a title of Jesus. His other titles are ‘teacher of Goodness‘" and ‘Ruh-ul-Amin’ (Heydari Kashani, 2009: pp. 476).
D. Apparent Features
In the Christian sources there is less information about Jesus. It is not discussed much about his features and characteristics. In different part of bible some behavioral features of Jesus are metioned which we will discuss here:
In the Dictionary of Holy Bible, James Hawkes describes Jesus. He had a normal height. He had smooth and golden curly hair which shone near his ears. There was a partition in midst of his head. His forhead was flat and smooth, his face was perfect and reddish. He has full beard having the same color as his hair. He had grey and sharp eyes. His hands were shapely. (Hawkes, 1998 : pp. 807 ).
In contrast, our Islamic sources, especially the traditions of Ahlul Bayt provide useful information about the personality of Jesus. Here we briefly mention them.
He had a middle stature. His face was reddish white. He had curly hair. Like some prophets, he was born circumcised. At three years of age he was proof of God on the servants of Allah even on John (the prophet). He became apostle when he was seven years old, but when he turned thirty he was given the task to reveal his prophethood on the children of Israel. He was in the mountain Sayir when he received revelation of God. He was thirty three years when he was ascended to heavens. (Zibayinejad, 2003: pp. 66-68 -69)
E. Moral and behavioral characteristics
It was very tight-lipped. He did not commit any minor or major sin or even ‘Tark-ul-Awla’ (Zibayinejad, 1382: pp. 66-69). Unlike Moses’s Sharia which was both spiritual and political, the principles and teachings of Jesus were merely spiritual in nature. He avoided any political action against the government. He was severely hated war, bloodshed and violence. In order to create reconciliation, peace and correction he used to forgive his right (Matthew 38 : 5). He advised others also to do the same. He abode by the government’s regulation and opposed the use of the sword. At the same time, he was a courageous person (Matthew 12: 21) and clearly rose against the corrupt clergy (Matthew 12: 21). He was very humble and modest person (John 4:13 ) In the Last Supper, he washed the feet of his disciples with his own hands. Jesus very innocent and humble (Matthew 29: 11) and gentle, loving (Matthew 9: 15) and was obedient to God (Matthew 10: 15). He considered himself slave of God (Surah Maryam: 19, Verse 30). In addition to this Jesus was good speaker, rational, clever, smart person with an ability of quick response.(Luke 20 : 20 , Matthew 15 : 22 ).
He was exemplary with regard to morality, piety and a lot of worship. He fasted a lot, wore rough clothes and ate barley bread. When it was sunset, he used to stand for prayer, where every would he be, and used to worship until the sunrise. He looked after the needy ones. He never stored food for himself and used to say: ’The same God who has fed me in the morning will feed me in the evening.”
He severely avoided to look at women with lust and to interact with them. Jesus, peace be upon him, mixed the laughter with tears. One moment he was smiling and the other moment he had tear in his eyes. He used to perform Hajj in the month of Dhulhajjah. (Zibayinejad, 2003: p 68).
E. His position and role
In Christianity, there are two kinds of salvations and consequently two types of saviors (Sadeghinia Mehrab, 2101: pp. 232-239).
A. Current, personal or intermediary salvation: this perception of salvation has no relation with the resurrection of Jesus and is completely consistent with his first life. This salvation is the result of the mediation of Jesus not his being savior. In this sense of salvation, Jesus atoned himself to correct the relation between God and humans. “Jesus was the Lamb of God who lifts the sins of the world”. (John 29: 1).
Thus this type of salvation means deliverance from guilt or sin or deliverance from its consequences in this world and the life hereafter. Therefore, the salvation of Jesus is current and non-timed (whenever a will faith in Jesus he will be saved), individual non-eschatological (unconnected with the end of history). This kind of salvation should be excluded from the topic of belief in the promised savior.
B. Collective, time-based savior-oriented salvation: in this view, when Jesus will return he will act as a king and form a widespread government to deliver the Gospel’s message to mankind (Tillich Paul, 2002: pp. 232). In this perception of salvation, we are dealing with a savior, not a mediator. As per consensus of all the Christian this salvation means emancipation by Jesus in sense of deliverance from disunity, oppression and disorder; it will take place in by means of formation of a central government. Salvation in this sense is a time based salvation (i.e. it will take place in a certain time according to the prophecies), social and spiritual (he will think about spiritual salvation as well as worldly prosperity), transnational (having a global mission) and it will happen in the future. In this sort of salvation we are dealing with a savior who will not only pay attention to spiritual salvation but will also keep in view goals like implementation of justice, security and social welfare.
Now, keeping in view these two views about Christian savior, we will investigate the goal and position of Jesus according to Shia sources.
- Prophet: Jesus is called a prophet i.e. someone who brought the message of God to humanity and condemned the deviations of religious leaders and act of oppressing the poor (Mitchell 1998: p 71). He is an Ulul-Azm prophet bearing infallibility. He knew two great Divine Names of Allah. He travelled a lot for preaching his message and preached by presenting examples. (Zibayinejad, 2003: pp. 66-69 ).
- Savior: He is called the savior; i.e. the man by means of whom God will realize the human salvation. (Ibid)
- The miracle bearing: Bible reports different miracles of Jesus like curing the mad (Luke 35: 4), cure of Vitiligo (Luke 11 : 5-12 ), curing the paralytics (Mark 5:11-12), healing the blind(John 9 : 6-7) and curing the deaf and dumb (Mark 7: 32-35), walking on water (Matthew 25: 14) reviving the dead (Luke 7: 12 -16) et cetera. However, the Islamic traditions and Holy Quran mentions som miracles of Jesus which are very amazing are more influential than the miracles mentioned in Christian resources. Like speaking in the cradle with a very deep content along with prediction about his own future which was the proof of his truth (Surah Maryam (19): 30-33) or asking Allah for manna and Allah’s acceptance (Surah Al-maidah (5): 114-115) and creation of a bird from clay (Surah Aal-e- Imran 3: 49.
- Jesus in the place of God: Synoptic Gospels believe in human Jesus but in the Gospel of John Jesus is called God's wisdom that has become physical. He has gained divinity and is eternal. Therefore, he acts and speak like God. Such an introduction of Jesus has developed in the writings of Paul.
In the book titled ‘Word of Christ’, Thomas Mitchell considers that this title refers to Jesus’s function. He says:
‘This title is given to someone who has power and domination. According to Christians, when God will revived Jesus from among the dead he gave the title to him. The title also refers to the fact that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Furthermore, the title "God" implies on the Christian belief of return of Jesus in the last days and his sitting on the right hand of God for human judgment. (Mitchell, 1377: p 69).
However the verses and Shia narrations deny Christ’s being god and they introduce him a like other creatures of God, man and the slave of God (Surah Maryam (19): 30). - The establisher of God's kingdom: the Kingdom of God is in fact the fulfillment of God's promise to David that He will make his reign last eternally. This promise will be fulfilled with return of Jesus. The Meaning of God's kingdom in these promises is a collection of spiritual and social ideals which Jesus will make practical with a royal activity and establishment of divine rule (Kingdom of God) ( Sadighnia Mehrab , 1389: pp. 238 ). However Jesus did not claim such a thing.
- A collective and universal savior: Jesus rejects the narrow perspective of Jews about the exclusivity of salvation in the children of Israel. He announces that salvation of the savior will be collective and will apply on everyone, as it has been said in the book ‘The comprehensive history of religions:
Matthew says:
I say to you that many will come from east and west and sit in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. However, the sons of the kingdom will be cast out in the outer darkness i.e. weeping and tooth pressure. Therefore, the kingdom of God is not limited to a certain extent and confined to some righteous Jews rather it is a circle of brotherhood which will include all the nations of the world (John Bayer NAS, 2004: pp. 595).
Result
Based on the above mentioned matter, it can be said that the Christian promised savior is a specific savior i.e. everyone cannot be a Christian savior even though he fulfills the necessary conditions. That savior is a certain individual with human characteristics; although he also has a divine aspect. According to the Gospels, the Christian Messiah will return and then his functioning will become apparent. The nature of his salvation is also individual which takes place with a mere belief in him (It has been mentioned that this type of salvation is not eschatological and here Jesus is mediator not savior), and also collective and universal. Domain and range of his salvation is not specified to a particular nation or region. The ultimate salvation of Jesus has spiritual aspect as well as social aspect. He will make effort for the fulfillment of God's commandments and spreading the Gospel’s message. But it will not at all confine to only this case rather he will also take steps for worldly life of human beings will also pay attention to worldly and public welfare.
Second. Shiite promised savior
A. Miraculous birth
Imam Mahdi had born on Friday night, Sha’ban 15th, 255 AH (Sheikh Saduq, 2001: vol 2, p 155) in the city of Samarra – the then Abbasid capital. There were anxieties and worries in the minds of the tyrant rulers and usurpers of Caliphate. Hadith, particularly those narrated from the Prophet (PBUH & HP), predicted the birth of Imam Hassan Askari’s son; the child who will subvert throne of the oppressors and will establish justice in the entire world. The then rulers were aware of this fact. In these situations, Moa’tasem – the eighth Abbasid ruler, whose government had started in 218 AH - ordered to prevent the birth of children. This order led to the killing of some innocent mother. He secretly sent the midwives to different houses to inform him about any possible pregnancy.
With the approaching birth of Imam Mahdi the tyrant Abbasid rulers felt threatened. Therefore, Moatasem planned to prevent the birth of this child or kill him if he was born. However, it was the will of God that the symptoms of pregnancy of Narjis, mother of Imam Mahdi, remained hidden. The proof of God remained save of harms and despite all efforts of the then caliph, he was born.
B. Ancestors
Imam Mahdi’s father is Imam Askari (Group of writers, 1428 AH: vol. 5, p 38) and his mother is Narjis. She is Malika the daughter of Jeshua, the son of Caesar of Rome. She is a descendant of apostle Simon, the successor of Jesus (peace be upon him). When she was captured she named herself Narjis so that she might not be recognized (Sheikh Saduq, 2001: vol. 2, p 132). When she became pregnant and Imam Mahdi’s holy light covered her she was named as Saiqal. When Imam Mahdi (AS) was born, he said Salam to his mother. When Imam Hassan Askari told lady Narjis about what would happen to them after his martyrdom, she appealed him to pray God to bring her die before the Imam’s. Therefore, she died in the lifetime of Imam Askari and there is a tablet on her grave on which it is written: ‘the grave of M.O.H.A.M.M.A.D’s mother (Sheikh Saduq, 2001: vol 2, pp. 157-159).
C. Names and titles
In the traditions and hadiths, which reached us, several names and titles of Imam Mahdi are mentioned. Each of these titles refers to a part of his characteristics, effects and existence. We mention some o them here:
His name is M.O.H.A.M.M.A.D. In some traditions it has been forbidden to utter his name (Sheikh Saduq, 2001, vol. 1, p 284 and vol. 2 , p 381). His most famous title is Mahdi PBUH. (Sheikh Saduq , 2001 : vol. 1, p 103). His other titles are: Qa’im which refers to one who revolts for truth(Sheikh Saduq, 2002: vol. 2 , p 495), ‘Baqiatullah’ i.e. the remainder of Allah (Koleini, 2000 , vol. 1 , p 411) "Al-Hujja" i.e. proof (Koleini, 2000 , vol. 1, p 328) “Sahib-uz-Zaman’ which refers to the Imam of the time (Sheikh Saduq, 2001 , vol. 2 , p 271), “Al-Montazar” ‘the expected one’ (Sheikh Saduq, 2001 , vol. 2, p 342) , “Al-Mansoor” i.e. the helped one (Sheikh Saduq, 2001 , vol 1 , p 330 ) , “Gharim” (Mufid, 1413 AH , pp. 354 ) et cetera.
D. Physical features
Based on traditions and some authentic meetings it can be said that: Imam Mahdi resembles the Prophet Muhammad PBUH & HP more than any other person and at time of reappearance he will look like thirty to forty years old man. He is a beautiful young man with a face shining like the moon or the stars. Color of his face and skin the Arabic color that is reddish white (wheat like) and it is a little yellowish too. His cheeks are less fleshy. There is a black mole on his right cheek and his forehead has effect of prostration. He has a high and shiny forehead. His nose is elongated and narrow. His eyebrows are long. His face is shiny. His eyes are shiny and black. His front teeth have gap. His body frame is like that of Israelite men, but he has a medium stature. He has strong and big shoulders, broad chest, thin shins. His hands are stout. There is a mole on his right palm. (Jafari, 2002: Essay: Friend’s beauty).
E. Ethical and behavioral characteristics
Like other immaculate leaders, Imam Mahdi also has special moral perfection. Since the Infallibles are perfect human beings and are role model for humanity from every respect, they have the highest degree of good morality and they also have all the attributes of the Imams of Shia. Fear of God, pious life, (Numani , 1997 : pp. 233) wisdom, patience, virtue, generosity, courage and worship (Kunduzi , 1416: p 401 ) are some of his attributes mentioned in the Hadiths.
Imam Mahdi has many similarities with the previous prophets and imams. He resembles the Prophet Muhammad PBUH & HP in name Kuniyah (Group of authors, 1428 AH: vol. 1, p 94), the Prophet Joseph PBUH and Moses PBUH in absence, many other divine prophets in showing miracles. Similarly he resembles Ibrahim (AS) in hidden birth…
F. The role and position (authority, prestige, infallibility, Imamate etc.)
Based on the previous discussion and the topic of this research, we will study characteristics, role and position of the savior in Shiite.
Imam Mahdi is the axis and orbit of existence: The Holy Prophet PBUH & HP said:
(الأئمة بعدي اثناعشر أولهم أنت يا علي و آخرهم القائم الذي يفتح الله علي يديه مشارق الارض و مغاربها)( group of authors, 1428 AH: vol 1, p 313)
Based on this tradition and other similar ones, Shiites believe that Imam Mahdi has the post of Imamate. He is an excellent person who is not comparable to any other member of the society. God has allowed him to conquer the universe and has assigned him the role of guidance. Without him, the Universe will not hold in its place even for a single moment. He is the mediator between us and Allah’s grace (Latifi, 2008 pp. 111). He is the cause of integration of component of the Universe. It cannot be imagined what will be the state of the universe without him. Perhaps this tradition of Imam Sadiq expresses this unthinkable fact. He said: “لو بقيت الأرض بغير امام لساخت»” (Koleini, 2000 : vol. 1, p 252 ) If the earth is left without the Imam, it will collapse.
According to the Shias, Imam Mahdi has the attribute of infallibility because of which he do not commit any sin or error. He is an inmate of the Holy Prophet PBUH & HP. (Group of authors, 1428 AH: vol 1, pp. 81 and 110)
Imam Mahdi (AS) holds a very high place near Allah and the infallible Imams. (Sheikh Saduq, 2001: vol 2 , p 473 ; Numani , 1997 : pp. 346 ).
According to reliable Shiite sources, since Imam Mahdi is the inheritor of all the prophets, he also inherits all their traditions as well. Imam al-Qa'im possesses the traditions of Moses, Joseph, Jesus (PBUT) and the prophet Mohammed PBUH & HP. The tradition of Moses is that he is afraid and waiting. The tradition of Joseph is that his brothers sold him and talked to him but did not recognize him. His tradition of Jesus is his journey. His tradition of prophet Mohammed PBUH & HP is sword (jihad). ( Sheikh Saduq, 2001: vol 1, pp. 56 and 303).
It is he who will implement the justice in the entire world (Sheikh Saduq , 1380 : vol 1, p 535).
Result
In terms of nature, Shia promised savior is a specific savior not someone ideal or unrealized who will realize in future. He is a predetermined person; as many traditions clearly mention his personal features like name, father’s name, ancestors, personal characteristics et cetera. So it is not the case that everyone for whom such conditions are provided, may try to make reforms and save humanity.
Salvation of the promised savior of Shia is collective in nature. It will encompass the entire humanity and the whole earth. The phrase ‘يملأ الارض’ in traditions indicates this claim. (A group of Authors, 1428 AH, vol 1).
Imam Mahdi’s strategic plans will provide the prosperity of the world as well as the happiness of the hereafter. Therefore, his salvation will be social and spiritual in nature. Due to his actions, in addition to the acquisition of the entire universe with monotheistic religion and the Islamic commandments, common welfare and safety and consequently, worldly happiness of people will also be provided.
According to the traditions, the saviors of Shia will call the people to the book and tradition of the holy Prophet. If we consider a movement past-oriented due to the content of its invitation, we should say that the Shia savior is past-oriented. However, as he will take some steps which are comparatively far more extensive than the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and these acts have no example in the past therefore we can consider his task as future-oriented also. (Mohammadi Mozaffar , 2010: pp. 281 ). But as his movement has not yet realized, he should be considered only among the future-oriented promised saviors. With respect to function he is a cosmic savior, because there are many traditions about the end of time which predict the natural disasters and creation of change in the conditions of the world ( group of authors, 1428 AH: vol. 1).
Third: Conclusion
- Similarities
According to the above discussion, we come across with some similarities between Imam Mahdi and Jesus. They are:
- The birth of both of the was miraculous. Jesus was born without a father, with God's grace and Allah did not reveal the signs of pregnancy of Imam Mahdi’s mother.
- Both Jesus and Imam Mahdi are descendants of David. Both are linked to David through their mothers. Lady Narjis was daughter of Joshoa, son of Caesar of Rome who was a descendent of David. Her mother was descendent of an apostle of Jesus Simon, the successor of Jesus (Sheikh Saduq, 2001: vol 2 , p 137). Thus her mother was also a descendant of David (Hosseini Gorgani, 2008: p 63).
Therefore the prediction of ‘Isaiah’ may refer to them. It is as follows:
And seedlings from the trunk of Jesse (David's father) will come out. Its branches will blossom and the spirit of God will be upon him; i.e. the spirit of wisdom and perception, spirit of council and strength, the spirit of knowledge and fear of God.... He will judge the oppressed ones with justice and will truly verdict in favor of the oppressed ones on the earth. He will kill the wicked with his whiff. Justice and trusts will be his belts (Isaiah 11 : 1-5 ) . - A tradition of Jesus is present in Imam Mahdi . In this regard Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
Al-Qa’im resembles Jesus, as Jews and Christians have developed contrary believes about him they will also develop contrary belief about Al-Qa'im. Some will deny his existence, some other will say he has not born. Some will say the eleventh Imam was sterile. Some will say that Imamate is not confined to twelve Imams rather it exceeds to thirteen and more. Some will say that his soul will talk in someone else’s body. (Sheikh Saduq 2001: vol. 2 , p 172) - Jesus has a long life and Imam Mahdi’s long age can also be justified due to this.
- The titles of both of them refer to their missions with regard to global salvation and both of them are hidden. Their goal is to carry out God's commandments.
- Allah has allowed both of them to conquer the nature therefore they bear miracles.
- Both are specified promised saviors. Their type of salvation is individual, social, spiritual and global, not regional or ethnic. Their functioning is cosmic.
- Differences
The position of Imam is much higher and superior than that of a prophet, so the position and status of Imam Mahdi is above Jesus for the traditions clearly indicated this. The Imamate of Imam Mahdi over Jesus in congregational prayer confirms this superiority. In this regard, Imam Baqir says:
‘حتي ينزل عيسي بن مريم من السماء و يقتل الله الدجال علي يديه و يصلي بهم رجل منا أهل البيت. ألا تري أن عيسي يصلي خلفنا و هو نبي الا و نحن أفضل منه’(Majlesi, 1404 AH : vol. 14 , pp. 348 and 349).
Promised savior of Christianity has resurrected. This fact has resulted in continuity of the Christian faith and has given mean to many Christian customs and expressions of Bible. However, he went to Heavens from among his people. We see his functioning lesser in the society and people also are not significantly connected to him. However, the Shia savior is among the people and is in contact with them and now also he is performing his duty of Imamate.
Social function of Imam Mahdi is much more extensive and more comprehensive as compared to the function of Jesus.
Similarly, as regard to spiritual functioning, the Shia savior will perform very important acts and will give a greater extent of richness. We can say that the functioning of Shia savior is more compatible with a global government.
As regard to being future-oriented or past-oriented, if we consider non-realized salvation as a criterion then both the saviors are future oriented. But if we consider the content of preaching as a criterion then the Shia savior is past-oriented. With respect to some of his actions which do not have any example in the past, he should be considered future-oriented and same is the case of the savior of Christianity.
- Who is the promised Savior?
Till now we have introduce both the saviors. We have evaluated and studied their characteristics, personal features role and position. We found that the promised savior of Christian is a person called Jesus the son of Mary and in this way he is a descendant of David. God ascended Jesus to heaven and saved him (for future). In the end of time he will return with glory and with the help of a royal activity he will establish the kingdom of God.
However, the promised savior of Shia is Imam Mahdi. He has the same name and Kuniyah as those of the Holy Prophet PBUH & HP. His father is Imam Hassan Askari and his mother is lady Narjis a descendant of David. He had hidden from public in age of five years and will reappear in the end of time. He will be assisted with Allah’s help. He will fill the earth with justice and end the scope of oppression and the oppressors.
Therefore, with a primary and superficial approach, it seems that either of the two religions - Christianity and Islam ( Shia ) – has introduced a separate savior. Accordingly, should we believe that in the end of time two saviors will come, a Shia savior and a Christian savior? In this case how will they interact with each other? Assuming the validity of this assumption, will the world be able to survive with two rulers and with the development and establishment of widespread justice? Or whether we should implement the expressed characteristics of the two saviors on one savior and say that the instance of both of them is one person i.e. both the religion speak of a single person; but each one has mentioned the characteristics of the savior in a particular form? Or is there a third possibility?
In order to find a convincing and correct answer to this question, it is necessary to note a few things:
Christians believe that their promised savior has yet to come and the time of his return and salvation is not defined, but he will come in the future. The expression “Jesus will return” has come more than 300 times in Bible. (Shakeri , 2009: pp. 81 ).
Researchers believe that Jesus himself did not claim to be Messiah. (Mary Jo Weaver, 2002: p 77), i.e. he has not introduce himself as the promised savior. The claim of his being Messiah has been made by his followers and disciples after his resurrection from among the dead.
Gospels do not refer to Jesus as a powerful ruler awaited by the Jews for a long time. Jesus did not intend to establish a government. In all his speeches, no single political opinion or social idea can be seen. Jesus claimed that he came to Moses’s Sharia. According to the narratives of gospels, Jesus never laid the hypothesis of his salvation on formation of a government or a social theory. That is why no open social functioning can be considered for him. (Sadhiqnia Mehrab, 2010: p 230).
In relation to the topic of savior and end of time, the verses of Gospels speak of the kingdom of God. In many passages of gospels, instead of referring to God’s kingdom Jesus speaks of ‘Kingdom of my father’. Matthew quotes the speech of Jesus in the last Supper:
“But I tell you, after this, I will not drink again the fruit of hair until the day when I will drink it along with you in the kingdom of my father. (Matthew 29 : 26).
It is noteworthy that in some passages of the gospels, Jesus refers to a person called “Son of Man’ which is not compatible with himself. It is clear that as he has distinctive characteristics and features, he holds a higher position than Jesus. Therefore the term ‘Son of Man’ does not refer to Jesus. According to Hawkes of America, in ‘The Dictionary of Bible’ the expression has come eighty times in the Gospels and their accessories (New Testament). Only three instances of it are applicable on Jesus (Hawkes 1998: pp. 219 ). But the other fifty instances refer to a savior who will emerge in the end of time and Jesus will also come with him. He will give him glory. No one knows about the time and day of his emergence but God.
Jesus never consider himself the establisher of the reign of the ‘ Son of Man’ or the ‘King Messiah.’ He clearly says that ‘My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, I would have fought not to surrendering to Jews’. (John 36: 18). He introduce himself as an apostle who has come to give good news of God’s government; a government which belongs to another person, not Jesus. For instance we present his speech in gospel of Marks about the events of the end of time and final tragedies: “... Then you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. (Marks, twenty-six: 13)
In the Gospel of Luke, it is mentioned:
Tie you waists and light your lamps. Be like those who are waiting for their lord that when he will return from the wedding so that whenever he comes and knocks the door, they open the door immediately. Blessed are the servants, when their lord comes he finds them awake… You should also be ready; because, the Son of Man will come at time which you do not expect. (Luke 12: 35-40)
Elsewhere Jesus (peace be upon him) said:
Because, those who are ashamed of me and of my words, when the Son of Man will comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels, they will be ashamed of him. (Luke 27 : 9)
As you can see, Jesus talks about coming of another person called the ‘Son of Man’:
According to the gospels, Jesus considered his mission to give good news of the ‘Kingdom of God’.
Jesus said to them: it is necessary for me to preach the good news of the kingdom of God in other cities also, because I've been sent for the same task. (Luke 4: 43).
The Islamic written sources and traditions of the infallibles Imams report the return of Jesus Christ. These traditions clarify the ambiguities of these questions: Some of them are:
Jesus is destroyer of innovations: prophet Muhammad PBUH & HP said:
There is no prophet between me and him. When he will descend ... he will destroy the cross and kills the pig. He will lift the ransom and in his time, Allah will destroy all religions but Islam. Christ will kill the liars and will live in the earth for forty years. Then he will die and Muslims will offer his [funeral] prayers. (group of authors, 1428: vol 2 , p 458 ).
This narrative reports the obsolescence of contemporary Christianity and its wrong customs. It gives good news of expansion of Islam. As the provision ransom is for the non-Muslim, its invalidation indicates that all the inhabitants of the earth will become Muslim. That is Jesus will act in line with the goals Imam Mahdi. With regard to formation of an Islamic government the former will help the latter.
Jesus the faithful minister: The holy prophet Muhammad PBUH & HP said:
Jesus will descend beside a white bridge near the Damascus Gate .... Imam Mahdi will say to him: “Stand ahead and offer prayer for us’. Jesus will say: “You lead the congregational prayer for your companions. No doubt I am raised as a minister not ruler. Then Mahdi will lead the prayer for his companions ... (A group of authors , 1428: vol 2 , p 423).
Similarly, in another traditions he said about Jesus:
(و هو]عيسي[ الوزير الأيمن للقائم و حاجبه و نائبه)( group of authors, 1428: vol 2 , p 428 ).
Jesus the just judge: Christians believes that at time of his return, Jesus will judge between the righteous and the wicked. The Islamic resources confirm this claim. In a hadith of Prophet Muhammad PBUH & HP it is mentioned:
I swear by the One who has my soul in His control! Soon, the son of Mary will descend among you. He will be a just judge. He will break the Cross and kill the pig and lift the ransom. (Group of authors, 1428: vol 2 , p 408 ).
Jesus the killer of Antichrist (Dajjal): Bible reports about a huge event i.e. the coming of the son of destruction. Unless this event does not occur Jesus will not return. (Thessalonians II 2 : 3 ). Islamic traditions confirm this issue that in the end of time a transgressor called "Dajjal" will come. He has one eye and the word ‘Infidel’ is written on his forehead. He will claim to be god and will make many people go astray. (Group of authors, 1428: vol 2 , p 468 ). According to hadiths, the Dajjal will revolt and will be eventually killed by Jesus. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH & HP said: (يقتل ابن مريم الدجال بباب لد (مدينة بفلسطين)) ( group of authors, 1428: vol 2 , p 469 )
- The promised savior of the Christian i.e. Christ did not claim to be a savior. There is no indication in his speeches that he will form a government. However, he mentions a superior man named ‘Son of Man’ which is not always applicable to Jesus. The Islamic and Shiite sources have clearly mentioned the functions and missions of Jesus in the government of Imam Mahdi. Thus it can be concluded that the promised savior in both the religions is one person i.e. Imam Mahdi.
- However, Jesus will definitely return in the end of time and will perform his responsibilities beside Imam Mahdi as a loyal minister and companion and he will help Imam Mahdi in accomplishment of his divine goals. The role of Jesus in spreading Islam is very vital and effective because:
Firstly: Jesus and Imam Mahdi have one common goal that is sovereignty of divine religion and establishment of justice and enforcement of the orders of God. This will result in uniformity of their behavior.
Secondly: As Jesus will follow Imam Mahdi in prayers, this is sign of his embracing Islam and following it. Consequently, as if he will announce to those Christians who claim to follow him that if they are true they should embrace Islam. This act of Jesus can accelerate the faith of Christians in Imam Mahdi and fulfill the promise of Allah earlier.
Thirdly: The long life of Imam Mahdi will cause in doubtfulness of some people and thus they will practice weakness in following the truth. Some people are trying to get rid of responsibilities and refuse to abide by the divine commands. Thus they use this excuse to avoid accepting the truth. The return of Jesus can be a proof for them; because when Jesus can have a longer life than Imam Mahdi, then Imam Mahdi’s long life can easily be accepted. In this way they will submit to the commands of Islam and just government of Imam Mahdi
Results
This paper shows that we do not have more than one promised savior and he is Imam Mahdi – the savior of Shias. From aspect of typology Imam Mahdi is a specific person. His salvation is collective, social and spiritual with a cosmic functioning. He will come in the end of time. In this regard, after his return, Jesus will perform his duties beside him as his minister.