Islam’s Absurd Version of the Resurrection of Christ

James F. Gauss, Ph.D.

March 28, 2024

The Arabian lore of Islam is often convoluted and fabricated in order to elevate the ideology and discredit the truth of the Bible. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is one such well-documented event that Islamic storytellers use to dissuade people from believing in the truth as recorded in the Bible and history and backed by indisputable evidence.

Following is an excerpt from my latest release, Islam’s Deceptions, Lies & False Gospel.

Available on Barnes & Noble in paperback.

Islam’s Version of Christ’s Crucifixion. In surah 19 there arises another Qur’anic mystery: the crucifixion of Jesus and his subsequent resurrection. The official Islamic position and belief today, as in Islam’s entire history, is that Jesus was not crucified, did not die as the Bible states and was not raised from the dead.

In the Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law known as the Reliance of the Traveller, in section x189, can be found this version of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. It cites surah 4:157 as a reference. However, the entire thought and re-writing of the biblical reality are expressed in 4:157-159 (see the endnote on the next page).

It was essential for the anti-Christ message of the Qur’an and Islam to deny Christ’s death and resurrection in order to cast Christianity as a false religion and, therefore, worthy of persecution of its followers according to the will of Allah.

When Bani Isra’il [the Israelites] wanted to kill him [Jesus], Allah Most High saved him . . . “They did not slay him or crucify him, but thus was it made to seem to them” [the onlookers] (Koran 4:157),⁷⁸ referring to when Yahuda [Judas Ischariot], chief among the Jews, met with a band of his people to kill ‘Isa out of fear of his message, but Allah sent Gabriel to ‘Isa to lead him to a covered alley-way that had a skylight, through which he was taken up to the sky. When Yahuda, in pursuit, ordered one of his companions to follow him into the passageway and murder him, Allah cast the likeness of ‘Isa upon the man as he entered, and when he came out again after a fruitless search, the Jews attacked and killed him, thinking him to be ‘Isa, and hung him upon a cross.

Allah, through Muhammad, proclaims that Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection never happened, but that Allah took Jesus to heaven himself and substituted Judas Ischariot for Jesus on the cross. In addition, all those who believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ shall be condemned with Jesus as a witness against them. This Islamic lore is essential for the Muslim faithful in order to keep them away from Christ-followers and from knowing the truth of God’s plan for their lives.

Surah 4:157 is the only verse in the Qur’an that mentions the crucifixion of Jesus, even though Muslims protest the reality of it with vigor. However, it is the verse that Muslims point to as proof that Jesus was no more than a mere prophet and was not crucified and raised on the third day as the Bible says. It was all a hoax of the first century Christians, Muslims claim. In spite of such Islamic claims, a closer examination of the verse is warranted. First, the verse does not say that Jesus was not crucified. It only says that the Jews “did not kill him nor did they crucify him.” Second, that analysis would be a correct statement according to the biblical witness. While Jewish leaders conspired to have Jesus killed, they themselves did not kill or crucify Jesus. Jesus, through the false witness of certain Jews, was tried and condemned by Pilate, the Roman governor and consigned to be scourged by the Roman soldiers and then delivered for the Roman death by crucifixion.

However, in surah 19, Muhammad provides a different revelation about Jesus.

“And peace on him [Jesus] on the day he was born, and on the day he dies, and on the day he is raised to life” (vs. 15). This view is repeated in verses 33 and 34: “And peace on me [Jesus] the day I was born, and on the day I die, and on the day I am raised to life. Such is Isa [Jesus], son of Marium [Mary]; (that is) the saying of truth about which they dispute.”

NOTE: Muhammad believed and the Islamic faith continues to propagate, that Jesus did not die on the cross as the Bible says, but someone that Allah made to look like Jesus took his place and that Jesus continued to spread the Gospel beyond the year of his supposed crucifixion. The fact that the Qur’an mentions Jesus’ bodily resurrection should not be seen as an admission of his resurrection three days after his crucifixion. Muhammad and Muslim adherents, while believing that Jesus was not crucified, do believe that he will be raised from the dead, as will Muhammad and other prophets in the last days.

This apparent conflict in theology could also be explained by Muhammad’s changing revelations over his lifespan as “The Prophet” of Allah. Surah 19 was received during Muhammad’s second Mecca period (616-622 A.D.) when many of the doctrines of the faith were being established—a period during which Muhammad was more conciliatory toward the Jews and Christians. Surah 4, however, was revealed during the last ten years of Muhammad’s life when he lived in Medina (623-632 A.D.), a period when he and his followers became militant and intolerant of Jews and Christians and anyone who refused to accept Islam as the only true religion.

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⁷⁸ Surah 4:157-159 reads: And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure. Nay! Allah took him up to Himself; and Allah is Mighty, Wise. And there is not one of the followers of the Book [Bible] but most certainly believes in this before his death, and on the day of resurrection he (Isa) shall be a witness against them.

Related.

The Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Be sure to visit the author’s website for more selections and blog postings.

Islam’s Deceptions, Lies & False Gospel

NEW RELEASE! January 25, 2024

Islam’s Deceptions, Lies & False Gospel

Available at Barnes and Noble in paperback (202 pp., 6 x 9) for $11.95

The ideology of Islam is rapidly gaining a foothold in every aspect of American life. While Muslims only represent about 1-2 percent of the population in America, their influence is disproportionately seen and felt in America’s politics, educational institutions, justice systems, churches and synagogues, seminaries, small towns and cities. Unfortunately, the real truth about Islam and its objectives in America and the West has been deliberately or ignorantly portrayed in countless false and deceptive narratives that have misled millions of Americans, and Muslims as well, down a dangerous path that could forever change the landscape and foundation of the United States of America. This short book provides an easy-read overview of some of the critical truths about Islam and its ideology that is being hidden from public view. Muslim clerics preach a false gospel that is the antithesis of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and has led billions astray and away from the true loving God of the Bible who offers salvation and eternal life to all.

This book is a “primer” to the author’s more in depth versions of Understanding Islam in the Light of Christianity for everyone who desires to be fully informed about Islam as it compares to Christianity and how to reach the world’s largest unreached people group with the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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New Release: Understanding Islam in the Light of Christianity (Student Edition)

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A direct and thorough comparison of the Messenger, Message and Mission of the Qur’an and the Bible.

• Over 550 pages of essential information for every college prep and college student.
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The only true and honest textbook on Islam available today that is essential for every student heading to college or in college or for those just wanting to know the truth.

Your book [Understanding Islam in the Light of Christianity] is the finest and most thorough analysis I have ever seen of the teachings of the Quran in comparison to the Bible. It is a treasure trove of biblical truth, theological insight, and practical application. My granddaughter is using it in her Global Studies class on Islam this very semester. I think a college-level text book version would be very helpful.

Dr. Ed Hindson

Founding Dean

Distinguished Professor of Religion John W. Rawlings School of Divinity

Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

“James Gauss’ Understanding Islam in the Light of Christianity is a thought provoking and needed resource which brings deep truths into a discussion which continues to be mired by lies and deception.  Challenging the doctrine of Islam from a factual yet loving basis, Gauss exposes how normative and universally taught Islam is directly contrary to the basic teachings of Jesus and his Church.  This book promotes great discussions and offers a significant amount of information which is valuable to students of history and of the truth.  I recommend it for all open-minded and open-hearted people wanting to expand their understanding of these matters.”

John D. Guandolo

Former U.S. Marine Officer, Operations Desert Shield/Storm.

Former FBI agent & counter-terrorism expert.

President  & Founder of Understanding the Threat (UTT)

“Dr. Gauss, in this profound study, is upholding the truth of the Gospel, revealing the fallacies of a false religion. His pen is sharp but the imprint of his spirit is marked with compassion and love for a lost people who believe they are worshipping the one true God.

“I commend Dr. Gauss on writing such an informative book bringing out the darkness that covers every page of the Quran and delusions of the Islamic faith.

“May there be more voices such as Dr. Gauss proclaiming the truth of God with boldness and in the spirit of Christ. And may we witness freedom for millions of Muslims who are bound by a dark and evil force!

“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble….”

Pastor Reza Safa

(Former Iranian Shi’a Muslim)

President, TBN Nejat TV

Director, TBN Middle East

Author of Inside Islam: Exposing and reaching the world of Islam

Dr. Gauss has been writing for publication since 1962 and has authored twenty books on a variety of Christian topics, including early American history, and since 2009, a variety of books on Islam in comparison to Christianity. His research is thorough and scholarly, yet easy to read and comprehend. In Understanding Islam in the Light of Christianity, Dr. Gauss provides theological insights and discernment not found elsewhere.

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SPECIAL OFFER.  This new release is now available on Amazon for $69.95.  However, if you place your order directly through James F. Gauss by June 30 post mark, you will receive your copy for $59.95 and we will pay the shipping.  But, wait!  Here is an even better deal for a select few individuals.  The author has 18 hard cover copies left that were errantly printed without an ISBN identification.  The author is making these copies available for only $30 and we’ll cover shipping costs to any of the lower 48 states.  No more than two copies to the same address.  These copies will not last long, so order today. 

To secure either of these special offers by June 30, e-mail gaussbooks@gmail.com with your order information (Name, shipping address, book order, e-mail and/or phone number).  Send your check or Money Order to: James F. Gauss, 233 East Hardin Ln., #302, Sevierville, TN 37862.  Sorry, but our electronic sales port will not be established in time for this special offer.  Make sure your order is postmarked by June 30, 2022. Thank you!

*For those who dislike purchasing from Amazon, I apologize and understand. I have been trying to get my books printed through a Christian publisher but have had little success. As far as I know, Amazon is the only no-cost “Print-on-Demand” resource for unknown writers that offers worldwide distribution and e-book options.