Portugal: Muslim migrant vandalizes cemetery crosses while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’

Image: Jihad Watch

In Islamic theology, the symbol of the cross holds a deeply controversial and oppositional meaning. According to the Qur’an, the crucifixion of Jesus—a foundational event in Christian belief—is explicitly denied. In Surah An-Nisa (4:157), the Qur’an declares:

“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.” (Qur’an 4:157)

This verse directly challenges the cornerstone of Christian theology—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—while also exhibiting a curiously ambiguous tone, despite being attributed to an all-knowing deity. The assertion is that someone else was made to appear like Jesus and was crucified in his place, leading to confusion and doubt among those who witnessed the event.

Furthermore, Islamic eschatology, as conveyed through the hadith literature, presents a stark vision of the future role of Jesus (Isa in Islam). In an authenticated hadith found in Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 46, Hadith 2476), the Prophet Muhammad is recorded as saying:

“The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the jizya (tribute). Wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it.”

This prophecy is often interpreted by Islamic scholars to mean that, upon his return, Jesus will play a critical role in dismantling Christianity. "Breaking the cross" symbolizes the rejection and destruction of Christian doctrine; "killing the pigs" is commonly understood as enforcing Islamic dietary laws, which prohibit pork; and "abolishing the jizya" (a tax levied on non-Muslims under Islamic rule) implies that the protected but subordinate status of Christians and Jews (dhimmis) will be terminated. Under such a framework, non-Muslims would be left with two choices: to embrace Islam or face death, as the jizya would no longer serve as a means for peaceful coexistence.

Taken together, these sources—both scriptural and prophetic—demonstrate a theological hostility within Islam toward key Christian symbols and beliefs. The cross, far from being a neutral or respected emblem, is portrayed as something to be destroyed. Such religious tenets have profound implications for interfaith dialogue and coexistence, especially in contexts where religious symbolism and identity are contested or suppressed.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)