REDISCOVERING THE REALITIES OF JESUS

BOOK REVIEW

REDISCOVERING THE REALITIES OF JESUS-his crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and celibacy.  By Akbarally Meherally.  Published by Mostmerciful.com Publishers,  5449, Dominion Street, BURNABY B.C. V5G 1E1, Canada, pp.171,  2003.  Special Price, including postage, US $14.00 for residents in USA.

Reviewed by Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph.D., President, Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc., 7102 W. Shefford Lane, Louisville, KY 40242-6462. Website: WWW.IRFI.ORG

The readers will discover in this book the texts of the Qur'an  that reveals the Realities of Historical Jesus  are different from the time-honored tales that are prevalent among the followers of Islam.   When one examines the related verses of the Qur'an on historical Jesus in the light of what has been recently discovered, one concludes that the life of Jesus was prolonged. It simply upholds the Truth and does not make the upholder a member of the Ahmadiyya sect.

The emergence  of conflicting reports from the Church-authorized four Gospels and the recent discoveries of ancient texts have raised serious questions regarding the accuracy and dependability of the historical records of the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Celibacy of Jesus. The popular four Gospels do not concur with each other on critical subjects.

The three significant discoveries ( Codex Sinaiticus, Dead Sea Scrolls and Gnostic Gospels)   of our times reveal that  Jesus lived up to the ripe old age, that  he was married and had offspring. The Noble Qur'an confirms these revelations (5:110 and 13: 38). The critical verse of the Qur'an 13: 38 ends with the text " For everything there is a time prescribed". And, this could be that era for the unveiling of the Revealed Truth. Today, we have the needed clear evidences from the unearthed handwritten Christian documents, written during the first two centuries by the companions of Prophet Isa' (a.s.).

 This is one major reason that no Muslim scholar in the past has written on these critical issues. Only a very few Muslims have delved into this area of study.  This book is an excellent source to introduce some of the mysteries and problems and stir up interest.

The author, Akbarally Meherally  needs to be highly commended for his meticulous documentation full of all sorts of insights that throw new light on the realities and truth regarding the crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and celibacy of Jesus (peace be upon him).

This book is concise and up to the point covering  lot of material  that is completely unknown to the Christians as well as to ordinary Muslims.

I strongly recommend that Muslims should read Chapter 14, titled "The Realities of Jesus from the Qur'an"  which clarifies the misconceptions Muslims have with regard to Jesus is ALIVE  with his physical body in the heaven and his fight with Dajjal.

An attempt is made in this well researched book to rediscover the realities of historical Jesus.