ABSTRACT
In order to analyse the Arab-Muslim reception of the Son in Paradise Lost , it is essential to understand the position of Jesus in Arab-Muslim culture and belief. While exploring the character of Satan often led to thinking about aspects of popular culture and superstition, analysing the Son is different because general and cultural perceptions of Jesus in the Arab-Muslim world are based almost solely on theology and creed. ‛Īsā , or Jesus, is mentioned fi fty-nine times in the Qur’an, and belief in his divinely ordained status is compulsory. 1 He is a miracle worker, and one of the fi ve most revered Prophets: the Qur’an names Nūḥ [Noah], Ibrāhīm [Abraham], Mūsā [Moses], Jesus, and Muhammad as the ‘ ulū al-‛azm [resolute] Messengers’ ( Q 33.7). 2 He is a special type of Prophet – a Messenger – because Allah chose him to reveal new laws. Unlike Satan, Jesus has no manifestations in popular Arab-Muslim culture, but rather, is treated as a sacred fi gure who cannot be depicted in art or fi ction. 3 Moreover, he does not have any substantial role in daily life. Muhammad, whom Muslims believe is the greatest Prophet, and who completed Jesus’s message, takes that role.
