When people think of Jesus, they often associate Him with Christianity. However, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) holds a significant and revered place in Islam as well. Muslims around the world honor Jesus as a prophet, a messenger, and a miraculous figure—but their beliefs differ from those of Christians in key theological aspects. So, what do Muslims believe about Jesus? Let’s explore the Islamic perspective on Jesus Christ based on the Qur’an and authentic Islamic teachings.
Jesus in the Qur’an
In Islam, Jesus is known as ‘Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary). He is mentioned by name over 25 times in the Qur’an and is considered one of the most important prophets in Islam. Muslims believe that Jesus was sent by Allah (God) to guide the Children of Israel with a new scripture, the Injil (Gospel).
Key Quranic References to Jesus:
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Surah Al-Imran (3:45-47) – Describes the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus.
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Surah Maryam (19:16-36) – Provides a detailed narrative of Mary and the birth of Jesus.
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Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:110) – Lists miracles performed by Jesus.
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Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158) – Addresses the Islamic belief about the crucifixion.
Core Muslim Beliefs About Jesus
1. Jesus Was a Prophet, Not the Son of God
Muslims do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God or divine in any way. In Islam, God is one and indivisible (Tawhid). Associating partners with God, including claiming that God has a son, is considered shirk—the gravest sin in Islam.
"Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah..."
– (Qur’an, 4:171)
2. The Virgin Birth
Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, affirming that Mary (Maryam) conceived Him miraculously by the will of God, without any male intervention.
"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...’"
– (Qur’an, 3:47)
3. Jesus Performed Miracles
According to the Qur’an, Jesus performed numerous miracles by the permission of Allah. These include:
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Speaking as a baby
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Healing the blind and lepers
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Raising the dead
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Creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it
"...you healed the blind and the leper by My permission. And you brought forth the dead by My permission..."
– (Qur’an, 5:110)
4. Jesus Was Not Crucified
One of the most distinct differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs is the crucifixion. Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified, nor killed, but rather raised to Heaven by God. Someone else was made to appear like Him and was crucified in His place.
"...they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him..."
– (Qur’an, 4:157)
5. Jesus Will Return Before the End of Time
Muslims believe that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal). His second coming is a major sign of the end times.
“By Him in Whose Hand is my life, the son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just judge...”
– (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Mary (Maryam) in Islam
Muslims also hold Mary, the mother of Jesus, in high regard. She is considered one of the purest women ever created and is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an. In fact, an entire chapter (Surah Maryam) is dedicated to her story.
Jesus and Islam: A Bridge Between Faiths
While Christianity and Islam differ in their theological understanding of Jesus, the reverence Muslims have for Jesus is profound. He is a symbol of righteousness, faith, and miraculous signs. Understanding these beliefs can foster interfaith dialogue and deepen mutual respect between Muslims and Christians.
So, what do Muslims believe about Jesus? In summary:
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Jesus is a highly respected prophet in Islam
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Born of the Virgin Mary through a miraculous birth
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Performed miracles by God's permission
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Not crucified but rather raised to Heaven
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Will return before the Day of Judgment
These beliefs about Jesus reflect Islam’s broader view of prophethood, monotheism, and the continuity of divine guidance. By understanding these perspectives, we can appreciate the shared spiritual heritage and unique theological differences that shape the world’s major religions.
FAQs About Jesus in Islam
Q1: Do Muslims believe in the resurrection of Jesus?
A: Muslims believe Jesus was raised to Heaven alive and will return, but not in the same resurrection context as Christian doctrine.
Q2: Do Muslims love Jesus?
A: Yes, loving and respecting all prophets, including Jesus, is a core tenet of Islamic faith.
Q3: Is Jesus mentioned more than Muhammad in the Qur’an?
A: Yes, Jesus is mentioned by name more times than the Prophet Muhammad in the Qur’an.