Tuesday, Dec 21, 2004
By Dr. Sajjad Haider-Guest Columnist
Human societies experienced ups and downs during various times in history. When humanity was trampled under the marching armies of Imperial Rome, there was no respect for human dignity and moral values. Military might was the ruling god. Opposition was suppressed by swords. A disastrous power was trying to put out the light of justice in humanity.
The All-knowing Creator of the Universe decided to choose amongst the subjugated children of Jacob, a prince of peace and personification of God's love, mercy and grace for humanity. He selected holy Mary and made her grow in purity and beauty under the care of Zakariya. God gave her a status above the women of all nations.
The angels said, "O, Mary! God gives you glad tidings of His word from Him, a holy son with a name Masih (Jesus Christ). He will be held in honor in this world and the hereafter and nearest to Creator God. He will speak under Divine Guidance as a child and in maturity as a symbol of righteousness and mercy from God."
Holy Mary said, "O! My Lord God! How shall I have a son, when no man has touched me."
The angel said, "When God decrees a plan, He says, 'Be' and it is."
God will teach Jesus divine books of 'Tora' and Gospel as divine laws.
After birth of the holy child, holy Mary brought in her arms the newly born, a manifestation of divine miracle, to her people. They said, "O! Mary! You have come with an amazing thing. Oh sister of Aaron! Your father and mother were not like this. Holy Mary pointed toward the holy child.
Her people said, "How can we talk to one who is newly born."
The holy child spoke, "I am the most obedient to my Creator God. He has given me a divine book and made me a holy messenger to convey in divine guidance from my Creator. I am blessed wherever I may be. I will be most close to my Creator with prayers and virtuous deeds. I will be most respectful to my holy mother. I am not overbearing or miserable for any creature. I am a symbol of peace, love, mercy and grace the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day I shall be raised again."
There was no book in the hands of the holy child while speaking to the people in the arms of his holy mother. In fact, he himself was a personification of the divine message. That is why, in holy Quran, holy Jesus is called "Word of God" and "Spirit of God." The Injeel, Gospel (divine revelations to Jesus) is mentioned in Holy Quran as "Divine Light and Guidance for Mankind." It is also mentioned in Holy Quran that any person who sincerely follows the teachings of holy Jesus is kind, forgiving, loving and merciful.
Dr. Sajjad Haider is the author of five books (three in English and two in Urdu) on universal peace. He is a resident of Newburgh.