BEIRUT – A Christian judge in northern Lebanon has ordered three young Muslims to memorize a chapter of the Holy Qur’an after they were convicted of insulting Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him).

“The law is a school and not just a prison,” Judge Joceline Matta said, Ilmfeed reported.

Matta ordered the men to memorize a chapter of the Qur’an called ‘Aal-Imran’, or the Family of Imran. Imran is the father of Maryam or Mary according to the Quran, and the verses make mention of Jesus and Mary.

The judge’s decision was praised by Lebanese prime minister who welcomed the sentence saying it was a great way of creating understanding between both religions.

Muslims believe in Jesus as one of the great Prophets of God and that he is the son of the Virgin, Mary, but not the Son of God. He was conceived and born miraculously.

In the Noble Qur’an, Jesus is called “Isa”. He is also known as Al-Masih (the Christ) and Ibn Maryam (Son of Mary).

As for his crucifixion, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was lifted up to heaven.

Muslims believe that Jesus will come back to earth before the end of time to restore peace and order, fight the Anti-Christ (Al-Masih Al-Dajjal) and bring victory for truth and righteousness.

Mary in the Qur’an

The following are some verses about Mary mentioned in the Qur’an in the chapter ‘Aal-Imran’:

3:42 – And [mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.

3:43 – O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].”

3:44 – That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad]. And you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be responsible for Mary. Nor were you with them when they disputed.

3:45 – [And mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah ].

3:46 – He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous.”

3:47 – She said, “My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?” [The angel] said, “Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.

3:48 – And He will teach him writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel

3:49 – And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah . And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.

3:50 – And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me.

3:51 – Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.”