Islamic views on Peter
Encyclopedia
Peter
, known also as Simon Peter or Simon Cephas, was, according to Muslim
tradition
and exegesis, one of the original disciples
of Jesus
Christ
. Although Jesus
's disciples, as that of the other prophet
s, have not played a major role in Muslim
theology
, the disciples of Jesus
are notable in that they are the only group of disciples specifically identified in the Qur'an
. Peter's figure, especially in Shia theology
, is important as he is generally regarded as the first Imam
after Jesus, and therefore is in accordance with the Christian
view of Peter as the 'Prince of the Apostles'.
The Qur'an is clear on the fact that the Disciples of Jesus
were steadfast believers in God
. The Qur'an records that when Jesus began to feel the rejection of the Israelite
s, he asked the people as to who among them will be his supporters in preaching the Gospel
. It was then that the disciples stood up and asked Jesus to bear witness that they had submitted to God and further promised to stay by Jesus during his whole life. The Qur'an further records that God inspired the disciples to believe in His message and messenger. It further recounts a feast from Heaven
, which was a sign for the disciples of Jesus Although the Qur'an does not name or number the disciples
, Qur'anic exegesis names the disciples, and Peter is usually listed at the forefront of all lists, corresponding with his role as the head of the disciples.
Numerous incidents involving Peter are narrated in Muslin tradition and tafsir
. The most famous of these is the narrative of Peter's preaching in Antioch
, which is closely linked with the legend of Habib the Carpenter
. Muslim tradition narrates that two of Jesus's disciples went to preach the Gospel in Antioch, the disciples being John and Jude, as the people of Antioch were devoted to idols
. Few people, however, followed John and Jude's message, despite the fact that the two disciples performed various miracle
s, by the will of God, including healing the sick and the blind. The disciples, by the will of God, healed Habib's son and Habib helped preach the Gospel to the people. When the news of the disciples reached the governor of the city, he called to see John and Jude. As the governor did not agree with the message of God, he threw John and Jude into prison. While they were in prison Peter went to Antioch. By the will of God, Peter was allowed to perform a miracle in front of the governor, when he raised a child who had been dead for seven days. The people who remained persistent in disbelief, however, refused to believe Peter's words and got angry at Habib for his faith and stoned him to death.
Peter
, known also as Simon Peter or Simon Cephas, was, according to Muslim
tradition
and exegesis, one of the original disciples
of Jesus
Christ
.Historical Dictionary of Prophets In Islam And Judaism, Brandon M. Wheeler, Disciples of Christ: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon" Although Jesus
's disciples, as that of the other prophet
s, have not played a major role in Muslim
theology
, the disciples of Jesus
are notable in that they are the only group of disciples specifically identified in the Qur'an
.Qur'an III: 49-53 Peter's figure, especially in Shia theology
, is important as he is generally regarded as the first Imam
after Jesus,No god but God, Reza Aslan, Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2006 and therefore is in accordance with the Christian
view of Peter as the 'Prince of the Apostles'.
The Qur'an is clear on the fact that the Disciples of Jesus
were steadfast believers in God
. The Qur'an records that when Jesus began to feel the rejection of the Israelite
s, he asked the people as to who among them will be his supporters in preaching the Gospel
. It was then that the disciples stood up and asked Jesus to bear witness that they had submitted to God and further promised to stay by Jesus during his whole life.Qur'an III: 52: 'So when Jesus felt their rejection, he said: "Who are my supporters to God?" The disciples said: "We are the supporters of God, we believe in God and we bear witness that we have submitted."' The Qur'an further records that God inspired the disciples to believe in His message and messenger. It further recounts a feast from Heaven
, which was a sign for the disciples of JesusQur'an V: 111-115 Although the Qur'an does not name or number the disciples
, Qur'anic exegesis names the disciples, and Peter is usually listed at the forefront of all lists, corresponding with his role as the head of the disciples.Almost all classical and modern scholars accept much of the New Testament list as being sound and B.M. Wheeler states: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon"
Numerous incidents involving Peter are narrated in Muslin tradition and tafsir
. The most famous of these is the narrative of Peter's preaching in Antioch
, which is closely linked with the legend of Habib the Carpenter
. Muslim tradition narrates that two of Jesus's disciples went to preach the Gospel in Antioch, the disciples being John and Jude, as the people of Antioch were devoted to idols
. Few people, however, followed John and Jude's message, despite the fact that the two disciples performed various miracle
s, by the will of God, including healing the sick and the blind.Hughes Dictionary of Islam, T. P. Hughes, Habib An-Najjar, pg. 153 The disciples, by the will of God, healed Habib's son and Habib helped preach the Gospel to the people. When the news of the disciples reached the governor of the city, he called to see John and Jude. As the governor did not agree with the message of God, he threw John and Jude into prison. While they were in prison Peter went to Antioch. By the will of God, Peter was allowed to perform a miracle in front of the governor, when he raised a child who had been dead for seven days. The people who remained persistent in disbelief, however, refused to believe Peter's words and got angry at Habib for his faith and stoned him to death.
Peter
, known also as Simon Peter or Simon Cephas, was, according to Muslim
tradition
and exegesis, one of the original disciples
of Jesus
Christ
.Historical Dictionary of Prophets In Islam And Judaism, Brandon M. Wheeler, Disciples of Christ: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon" Although Jesus
's disciples, as that of the other prophet
s, have not played a major role in Muslim
theology
, the disciples of Jesus
are notable in that they are the only group of disciples specifically identified in the Qur'an
.Qur'an III: 49-53 Peter's figure, especially in Shia theology
, is important as he is generally regarded as the first Imam
after Jesus,No god but God, Reza Aslan, Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2006 and therefore is in accordance with the Christian
view of Peter as the 'Prince of the Apostles'.
The Qur'an is clear on the fact that the Disciples of Jesus
were steadfast believers in God
. The Qur'an records that when Jesus began to feel the rejection of the Israelite
s, he asked the people as to who among them will be his supporters in preaching the Gospel
. It was then that the disciples stood up and asked Jesus to bear witness that they had submitted to God and further promised to stay by Jesus during his whole life.Qur'an III: 52: 'So when Jesus felt their rejection, he said: "Who are my supporters to God?" The disciples said: "We are the supporters of God, we believe in God and we bear witness that we have submitted."' The Qur'an further records that God inspired the disciples to believe in His message and messenger. It further recounts a feast from Heaven
, which was a sign for the disciples of JesusQur'an V: 111-115 Although the Qur'an does not name or number the disciples
, Qur'anic exegesis names the disciples, and Peter is usually listed at the forefront of all lists, corresponding with his role as the head of the disciples.Almost all classical and modern scholars accept much of the New Testament list as being sound and B.M. Wheeler states: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon"
Numerous incidents involving Peter are narrated in Muslin tradition and tafsir
. The most famous of these is the narrative of Peter's preaching in Antioch
, which is closely linked with the legend of Habib the Carpenter
. Muslim tradition narrates that two of Jesus's disciples went to preach the Gospel in Antioch, the disciples being John and Jude, as the people of Antioch were devoted to idols
. Few people, however, followed John and Jude's message, despite the fact that the two disciples performed various miracle
s, by the will of God, including healing the sick and the blind.Hughes Dictionary of Islam, T. P. Hughes, Habib An-Najjar, pg. 153 The disciples, by the will of God, healed Habib's son and Habib helped preach the Gospel to the people. When the news of the disciples reached the governor of the city, he called to see John and Jude. As the governor did not agree with the message of God, he threw John and Jude into prison. While they were in prison Peter went to Antioch. By the will of God, Peter was allowed to perform a miracle in front of the governor, when he raised a child who had been dead for seven days. The people who remained persistent in disbelief, however, refused to believe Peter's words and got angry at Habib for his faith and stoned him to death.Hughes Dictionary of Islam, T. P. Hughes, Habib An-Najjar, pg. 153 Muslim exegesis also maintains that Peter later went to Rome
to preach the Gospel.A-Z of Prophets in Islam and Judaism, B. M. Wheeler, Disciples of Jesus
Peter is important in branches of Shia theology
as well as Ismailism, as his role is seen as the direct parallel to that of Ali
as the first Imam. Shia Muslims maintain that every major prophet had a disciple who became the Imam, or leader, after his death: Adam
had Seth
; Noah
had Shem
; Abraham
had his sons; Moses
had Joshua
; and Jesus had Peter.Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, C. Glasse, Ismailis: "According to Ismailism, Prophets come in cycles which comprise a 'great week' of seven thousand years. Each cycle is presided over by one of the prophets whom the Qur'an calls 'Possessors of Steadfastness' as its outward Prophet (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad), as well as by an 'intermediary' (Seth, Shem, Ishmael, Aaron, Peter, Ali)..." Sunni scholars, meanwhile, especially Perennialists, parallel Peter with Abu Bakr
as the first leader after Jesus.
Saint Peter
Saint Peter or Simon Peter was an early Christian leader, who is featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The son of John or of Jonah and from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, his brother Andrew was also an apostle...
, known also as Simon Peter or Simon Cephas, was, according to Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
tradition
Tradition
A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. Common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes , but the idea has also been applied to social norms such as greetings...
and exegesis, one of the original disciples
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
. Although Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
's disciples, as that of the other prophet
Prophet
In religion, a prophet, from the Greek word προφήτης profitis meaning "foreteller", is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and serves as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people...
s, have not played a major role in Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, the disciples of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
are notable in that they are the only group of disciples specifically identified in the Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
. Peter's figure, especially in Shia theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, is important as he is generally regarded as the first Imam
Imam
An imam is an Islamic leadership position, often the worship leader of a mosque and the Muslim community. Similar to spiritual leaders, the imam is the one who leads Islamic worship services. More often, the community turns to the mosque imam if they have a religious question...
after Jesus, and therefore is in accordance with the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
view of Peter as the 'Prince of the Apostles'.
The Qur'an is clear on the fact that the Disciples of Jesus
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
were steadfast believers in God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
. The Qur'an records that when Jesus began to feel the rejection of the Israelite
Israelite
According to the Bible the Israelites were a Hebrew-speaking people of the Ancient Near East who inhabited the Land of Canaan during the monarchic period .The word "Israelite" derives from the Biblical Hebrew ישראל...
s, he asked the people as to who among them will be his supporters in preaching the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
. It was then that the disciples stood up and asked Jesus to bear witness that they had submitted to God and further promised to stay by Jesus during his whole life. The Qur'an further records that God inspired the disciples to believe in His message and messenger. It further recounts a feast from Heaven
Heaven
Heaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...
, which was a sign for the disciples of Jesus Although the Qur'an does not name or number the disciples
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
, Qur'anic exegesis names the disciples, and Peter is usually listed at the forefront of all lists, corresponding with his role as the head of the disciples.
Numerous incidents involving Peter are narrated in Muslin tradition and tafsir
Tafsir
Tafseer is the Arabic word for exegesis or commentary, usually of the Qur'an. Ta'wīl is a subset of tafsir and refers to esoteric or mystical interpretation. An author of tafsir is a mufassir .- Etymology :...
. The most famous of these is the narrative of Peter's preaching in Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
, which is closely linked with the legend of Habib the Carpenter
Habib the Carpenter
Habib the Carpenter, or Habib Al-Najjar, was, according to the belief of some Muslims, a Muslim martyr who lived in Antioch at the time of Jesus. In Muslim tradition, Habib believed the message of Christ's disciples but was subsequently martyred for his faith. There is shrine in Antioch, below...
. Muslim tradition narrates that two of Jesus's disciples went to preach the Gospel in Antioch, the disciples being John and Jude, as the people of Antioch were devoted to idols
Idolatry
Idolatry is a pejorative term for the worship of an idol, a physical object such as a cult image, as a god, or practices believed to verge on worship, such as giving undue honour and regard to created forms other than God. In all the Abrahamic religions idolatry is strongly forbidden, although...
. Few people, however, followed John and Jude's message, despite the fact that the two disciples performed various miracle
Miracle
A miracle often denotes an event attributed to divine intervention. Alternatively, it may be an event attributed to a miracle worker, saint, or religious leader. A miracle is sometimes thought of as a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature. Others suggest that a god may work with the laws...
s, by the will of God, including healing the sick and the blind. The disciples, by the will of God, healed Habib's son and Habib helped preach the Gospel to the people. When the news of the disciples reached the governor of the city, he called to see John and Jude. As the governor did not agree with the message of God, he threw John and Jude into prison. While they were in prison Peter went to Antioch. By the will of God, Peter was allowed to perform a miracle in front of the governor, when he raised a child who had been dead for seven days. The people who remained persistent in disbelief, however, refused to believe Peter's words and got angry at Habib for his faith and stoned him to death.
Peter
Saint Peter
Saint Peter or Simon Peter was an early Christian leader, who is featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The son of John or of Jonah and from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, his brother Andrew was also an apostle...
, known also as Simon Peter or Simon Cephas, was, according to Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
tradition
Tradition
A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. Common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes , but the idea has also been applied to social norms such as greetings...
and exegesis, one of the original disciples
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
.Historical Dictionary of Prophets In Islam And Judaism, Brandon M. Wheeler, Disciples of Christ: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon" Although Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
's disciples, as that of the other prophet
Prophet
In religion, a prophet, from the Greek word προφήτης profitis meaning "foreteller", is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and serves as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people...
s, have not played a major role in Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, the disciples of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
are notable in that they are the only group of disciples specifically identified in the Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
.Qur'an III: 49-53 Peter's figure, especially in Shia theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, is important as he is generally regarded as the first Imam
Imam
An imam is an Islamic leadership position, often the worship leader of a mosque and the Muslim community. Similar to spiritual leaders, the imam is the one who leads Islamic worship services. More often, the community turns to the mosque imam if they have a religious question...
after Jesus,No god but God, Reza Aslan, Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2006 and therefore is in accordance with the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
view of Peter as the 'Prince of the Apostles'.
The Qur'an is clear on the fact that the Disciples of Jesus
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
were steadfast believers in God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
. The Qur'an records that when Jesus began to feel the rejection of the Israelite
Israelite
According to the Bible the Israelites were a Hebrew-speaking people of the Ancient Near East who inhabited the Land of Canaan during the monarchic period .The word "Israelite" derives from the Biblical Hebrew ישראל...
s, he asked the people as to who among them will be his supporters in preaching the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
. It was then that the disciples stood up and asked Jesus to bear witness that they had submitted to God and further promised to stay by Jesus during his whole life.Qur'an III: 52: 'So when Jesus felt their rejection, he said: "Who are my supporters to God?" The disciples said: "We are the supporters of God, we believe in God and we bear witness that we have submitted."' The Qur'an further records that God inspired the disciples to believe in His message and messenger. It further recounts a feast from Heaven
Heaven
Heaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...
, which was a sign for the disciples of JesusQur'an V: 111-115 Although the Qur'an does not name or number the disciples
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
, Qur'anic exegesis names the disciples, and Peter is usually listed at the forefront of all lists, corresponding with his role as the head of the disciples.Almost all classical and modern scholars accept much of the New Testament list as being sound and B.M. Wheeler states: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon"
Numerous incidents involving Peter are narrated in Muslin tradition and tafsir
Tafsir
Tafseer is the Arabic word for exegesis or commentary, usually of the Qur'an. Ta'wīl is a subset of tafsir and refers to esoteric or mystical interpretation. An author of tafsir is a mufassir .- Etymology :...
. The most famous of these is the narrative of Peter's preaching in Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
, which is closely linked with the legend of Habib the Carpenter
Habib the Carpenter
Habib the Carpenter, or Habib Al-Najjar, was, according to the belief of some Muslims, a Muslim martyr who lived in Antioch at the time of Jesus. In Muslim tradition, Habib believed the message of Christ's disciples but was subsequently martyred for his faith. There is shrine in Antioch, below...
. Muslim tradition narrates that two of Jesus's disciples went to preach the Gospel in Antioch, the disciples being John and Jude, as the people of Antioch were devoted to idols
Idolatry
Idolatry is a pejorative term for the worship of an idol, a physical object such as a cult image, as a god, or practices believed to verge on worship, such as giving undue honour and regard to created forms other than God. In all the Abrahamic religions idolatry is strongly forbidden, although...
. Few people, however, followed John and Jude's message, despite the fact that the two disciples performed various miracle
Miracle
A miracle often denotes an event attributed to divine intervention. Alternatively, it may be an event attributed to a miracle worker, saint, or religious leader. A miracle is sometimes thought of as a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature. Others suggest that a god may work with the laws...
s, by the will of God, including healing the sick and the blind.Hughes Dictionary of Islam, T. P. Hughes, Habib An-Najjar, pg. 153 The disciples, by the will of God, healed Habib's son and Habib helped preach the Gospel to the people. When the news of the disciples reached the governor of the city, he called to see John and Jude. As the governor did not agree with the message of God, he threw John and Jude into prison. While they were in prison Peter went to Antioch. By the will of God, Peter was allowed to perform a miracle in front of the governor, when he raised a child who had been dead for seven days. The people who remained persistent in disbelief, however, refused to believe Peter's words and got angry at Habib for his faith and stoned him to death.
Peter
Saint Peter
Saint Peter or Simon Peter was an early Christian leader, who is featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The son of John or of Jonah and from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, his brother Andrew was also an apostle...
, known also as Simon Peter or Simon Cephas, was, according to Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
tradition
Tradition
A tradition is a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. Common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes , but the idea has also been applied to social norms such as greetings...
and exegesis, one of the original disciples
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
.Historical Dictionary of Prophets In Islam And Judaism, Brandon M. Wheeler, Disciples of Christ: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon" Although Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
's disciples, as that of the other prophet
Prophet
In religion, a prophet, from the Greek word προφήτης profitis meaning "foreteller", is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and serves as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people...
s, have not played a major role in Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, the disciples of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
are notable in that they are the only group of disciples specifically identified in the Qur'an
Qur'an
The Quran , also transliterated Qur'an, Koran, Alcoran, Qur’ān, Coran, Kuran, and al-Qur’ān, is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God . It is regarded widely as the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language...
.Qur'an III: 49-53 Peter's figure, especially in Shia theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
, is important as he is generally regarded as the first Imam
Imam
An imam is an Islamic leadership position, often the worship leader of a mosque and the Muslim community. Similar to spiritual leaders, the imam is the one who leads Islamic worship services. More often, the community turns to the mosque imam if they have a religious question...
after Jesus,No god but God, Reza Aslan, Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2006 and therefore is in accordance with the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
view of Peter as the 'Prince of the Apostles'.
The Qur'an is clear on the fact that the Disciples of Jesus
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
were steadfast believers in God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
. The Qur'an records that when Jesus began to feel the rejection of the Israelite
Israelite
According to the Bible the Israelites were a Hebrew-speaking people of the Ancient Near East who inhabited the Land of Canaan during the monarchic period .The word "Israelite" derives from the Biblical Hebrew ישראל...
s, he asked the people as to who among them will be his supporters in preaching the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
. It was then that the disciples stood up and asked Jesus to bear witness that they had submitted to God and further promised to stay by Jesus during his whole life.Qur'an III: 52: 'So when Jesus felt their rejection, he said: "Who are my supporters to God?" The disciples said: "We are the supporters of God, we believe in God and we bear witness that we have submitted."' The Qur'an further records that God inspired the disciples to believe in His message and messenger. It further recounts a feast from Heaven
Heaven
Heaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...
, which was a sign for the disciples of JesusQur'an V: 111-115 Although the Qur'an does not name or number the disciples
Disciples of Jesus in Islam
In Islam, it is believed, as in Christianity, that Jesus had disciples . According to Muslim belief, the disciples of Jesus were Muslims and they themselves testified to being Muslims and the pure monotheism of Jesus was corrupted by later people who introduced the concept of the trinity...
, Qur'anic exegesis names the disciples, and Peter is usually listed at the forefront of all lists, corresponding with his role as the head of the disciples.Almost all classical and modern scholars accept much of the New Testament list as being sound and B.M. Wheeler states: "Muslim exegesis identifies the disciples as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Thomas, Philip, John, James, Bartholomew, and Simon"
Numerous incidents involving Peter are narrated in Muslin tradition and tafsir
Tafsir
Tafseer is the Arabic word for exegesis or commentary, usually of the Qur'an. Ta'wīl is a subset of tafsir and refers to esoteric or mystical interpretation. An author of tafsir is a mufassir .- Etymology :...
. The most famous of these is the narrative of Peter's preaching in Antioch
Antioch
Antioch on the Orontes was an ancient city on the eastern side of the Orontes River. It is near the modern city of Antakya, Turkey.Founded near the end of the 4th century BC by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Antioch eventually rivaled Alexandria as the chief city of the...
, which is closely linked with the legend of Habib the Carpenter
Habib the Carpenter
Habib the Carpenter, or Habib Al-Najjar, was, according to the belief of some Muslims, a Muslim martyr who lived in Antioch at the time of Jesus. In Muslim tradition, Habib believed the message of Christ's disciples but was subsequently martyred for his faith. There is shrine in Antioch, below...
. Muslim tradition narrates that two of Jesus's disciples went to preach the Gospel in Antioch, the disciples being John and Jude, as the people of Antioch were devoted to idols
Idolatry
Idolatry is a pejorative term for the worship of an idol, a physical object such as a cult image, as a god, or practices believed to verge on worship, such as giving undue honour and regard to created forms other than God. In all the Abrahamic religions idolatry is strongly forbidden, although...
. Few people, however, followed John and Jude's message, despite the fact that the two disciples performed various miracle
Miracle
A miracle often denotes an event attributed to divine intervention. Alternatively, it may be an event attributed to a miracle worker, saint, or religious leader. A miracle is sometimes thought of as a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature. Others suggest that a god may work with the laws...
s, by the will of God, including healing the sick and the blind.Hughes Dictionary of Islam, T. P. Hughes, Habib An-Najjar, pg. 153 The disciples, by the will of God, healed Habib's son and Habib helped preach the Gospel to the people. When the news of the disciples reached the governor of the city, he called to see John and Jude. As the governor did not agree with the message of God, he threw John and Jude into prison. While they were in prison Peter went to Antioch. By the will of God, Peter was allowed to perform a miracle in front of the governor, when he raised a child who had been dead for seven days. The people who remained persistent in disbelief, however, refused to believe Peter's words and got angry at Habib for his faith and stoned him to death.Hughes Dictionary of Islam, T. P. Hughes, Habib An-Najjar, pg. 153 Muslim exegesis also maintains that Peter later went to Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
to preach the Gospel.A-Z of Prophets in Islam and Judaism, B. M. Wheeler, Disciples of Jesus
Peter is important in branches of Shia theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
as well as Ismailism, as his role is seen as the direct parallel to that of Ali
Ali
' |Ramaḍān]], 40 AH; approximately October 23, 598 or 600 or March 17, 599 – January 27, 661).His father's name was Abu Talib. Ali was also the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and ruled over the Islamic Caliphate from 656 to 661, and was the first male convert to Islam...
as the first Imam. Shia Muslims maintain that every major prophet had a disciple who became the Imam, or leader, after his death: Adam
Adam
Adam is a figure in the Book of Genesis. According to the creation myth of Abrahamic religions, he is the first human. In the Genesis creation narratives, he was created by Yahweh-Elohim , and the first woman, Eve was formed from his rib...
had Seth
Seth
Seth , in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is the third listed son of Adam and Eve and brother of Cain and Abel, who are the only other of their children mentioned by name...
; Noah
Noah
Noah was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The biblical story of Noah is contained in chapters 6–9 of the book of Genesis, where he saves his family and representatives of all animals from the flood by constructing an ark...
had Shem
Shem
Shem was one of the sons of Noah in the Hebrew Bible as well as in Islamic literature. He is most popularly regarded as the eldest son, though some traditions regard him as the second son. Genesis 10:21 refers to relative ages of Shem and his brother Japheth, but with sufficient ambiguity in each...
; Abraham
Abraham
Abraham , whose birth name was Abram, is the eponym of the Abrahamic religions, among which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam...
had his sons; Moses
Moses
Moses was, according to the Hebrew Bible and Qur'an, a religious leader, lawgiver and prophet, to whom the authorship of the Torah is traditionally attributed...
had Joshua
Joshua
Joshua , is a minor figure in the Torah, being one of the spies for Israel and in few passages as Moses's assistant. He turns to be the central character in the Hebrew Bible's Book of Joshua...
; and Jesus had Peter.Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, C. Glasse, Ismailis: "According to Ismailism, Prophets come in cycles which comprise a 'great week' of seven thousand years. Each cycle is presided over by one of the prophets whom the Qur'an calls 'Possessors of Steadfastness' as its outward Prophet (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad), as well as by an 'intermediary' (Seth, Shem, Ishmael, Aaron, Peter, Ali)..." Sunni scholars, meanwhile, especially Perennialists, parallel Peter with Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr was a senior companion and the father-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He ruled over the Rashidun Caliphate from 632-634 CE when he became the first Muslim Caliph following Muhammad's death...
as the first leader after Jesus.