the angels with the spirit, by His command, upon whomever He wills of His servants.”

Allah calls the pure faith that He sends down into His prophets’ hearts, giving life to those hearts, a spirit. It is that with which Allah strengthens His believing servants—how much more so His messengers. The Messiah, peace be upon him, is among the messengers of firm resolve, and is therefore more deserving of this than most other messengers and prophets. The Most High says:

“Those messengers—We favored some over others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some in rank. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.”

Al-Zajjāj mentioned three explanations for his being strengthened with the Holy Spirit:

First: He strengthened him with him to make his mission and religion prevail.

Second: To ward off the Children of Israel when they sought to kill him.

Third: He strengthened him with him in all his circumstances.

What further clarifies this is that, in their language, the word “son” is not exclusive to the Messiah. Rather, according to their account, Allah Most High said to Israel in the Torah:

“You are My son, My firstborn.”

The Messiah used to say, “My Father and your Father,” thus describing Him as the Father of all, and calling others His sons. It is therefore clear that this designation is not exclusive to the Messiah. Yet the Christians say, “He is His son by nature, whereas others are His sons by designation.” They thus draw a distinction for which there is no evidence. Moreover, their assertion that he is His son by nature entails impossibilities, both rationally and according to revelation, which demonstrate its falsity.