Ezra, known as Uzair in Islam, is a figure who appears in the Jewish and Christian Bibles and is also mentioned in the Quran. In Jewish tradition, he is known as a scribe and priest who restored the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. He is revered for his work in compiling and editing the Hebrew Bible. However, his story in the Islamic tradition is somewhat different.

Prophethood and Restoration of the Torah

In Islamic tradition, Uzair is considered a prophet. He is mentioned in the Quran in Surah At-Tawba (9:30) and in a few Hadiths. It is suggested that Uzair played a crucial role in preserving and restoring the Torah. After the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II and the subsequent Babylonian captivity, the Torah was lost. Uzair, being inspired by God, devoted himself to its recovery and revision, writing down what was revealed to him and what he could recollect from his memory.

Miraculous Event

According to a narration in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqara 2:259), Uzair once passed by a ruined city (usually interpreted as Jerusalem) and questioned how God could restore it after its destruction. Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then resurrected him. Uzair found his fresh food and drink, and his donkey's bones had decayed, yet Allah resurrected the donkey. This was a sign to Uzair demonstrating God's power over life and death and the certainty of the Day of Resurrection.

Controversy and Clarification

The Quran (At-Tawba 9:30) also mentions that Jews called Uzair the son of God, which the Quran admonishes as incorrect, likening it to the Christian belief in Jesus as the son of God. This has been controversial because the claim that Jews believe Uzair is the son of God is not supported by mainstream Jewish theology. It's worth noting that different Jewish groups in history have held a variety of beliefs, and it's possible that this belief could have been held by a Jewish sect in Arabia at the time of the Prophet Muhammad.

Later Life and Death

Islamic sources do not provide details about Uzair's later life and death. However, his contribution to the preservation of the Torah is greatly respected, and the miracle he experienced serves as a lesson about Allah's power and the certainty of the Resurrection.

In Jewish tradition, Ezra led a group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon, enacted religious reforms, and established the synagogue as the center of Jewish communal life. His story is told in the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah. However, he is not considered a prophet in Jewish tradition or a divine figure.

Prophet Uzair (Ezra) is recognized in Islam and mentioned in the Quran, although details about his life and mission are limited. Nonetheless, a notable miracle of Prophet Uzair (AS) is widely recognized in Islamic traditions.

1. The Miracle of Resurrection:

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:259) of the Quran, an incident is narrated, which is widely attributed to Prophet Uzair (AS), although his name is not explicitly mentioned in the verse. Here’s the account:

"Or (consider such an example) as the one who passed by a township which had fallen into ruin. He said, 'How will Allah bring this to life after its death?' So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years; then He revived him. He said, 'How long have you remained?' The man said, 'I have remained a day or part of a day.' He said, 'No, you have remained one hundred years. Look at your food and drink; it has not changed with time. And look at your donkey, and We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones [of this donkey] - how We raise them and then We cover them with flesh.' And when it became clear to him, he said, 'I know that Allah is over all things competent.'" - (Quran 2:259)

According to Islamic traditions, this individual was Prophet Uzair (AS). The context reveals that Prophet Uzair (AS) passed by a town that was in ruins and wondered how Allah (SWT) would bring it back to life. Allah (SWT) caused him to die for a hundred years, and he was resurrected. His food and drink were as fresh as a hundred years ago when he was revived, but his donkey had turned to bones. Allah (SWT) then resurrected the donkey, illustrating that He can bring the dead back to life and that His power has no limits.

2. The Revival of the Torah:

Another narrative, found in some Islamic traditions (and not in the Quran), suggests that after the Babylonian exile, the Torah was lost or its text became corrupted. Prophet Uzair (AS), known for his dedication and strong memory of the text, was guided by Allah (SWT) to restore and rewrite the Torah. This was a significant event as it restored the divine guidance given to the Children of Israel.

These stories of Prophet Uzair (AS) underscore powerful lessons about faith, the omnipotence of Allah, and the revival of divine guidance. It demonstrates the power of Allah (SWT) to bring the dead back to life and to preserve and restore His divine revelations. Always remember that these narratives are interpreted and understood from various perspectives in different traditions. So, while they hold significance, they are explored and understood differently across various faith contexts.

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