Many people, regardless of their faith, don’t realize how central Jesus (Prophet ‘Isa) is to Islam. Known as ‘Isa in Arabic, Jesus is not only deeply revered but also plays a unique role in Islamic theology. In Islam, Jesus is one of the greatest prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity. However, misconceptions often surround this topic, leading to questions many Muslims sometimes come across, especially those living in the west:
- Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
- What does the Quran say about him?
- Did Jesus die on the cross in Islam?
The Islamic View of Jesus
If you start reading the Quran from its beginning the first verse about Jesus you will come across is:
“Indeed, We gave Moses the Book and sent after him successive messengers. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the holy spirit. Why is it that every time a messenger comes to you ˹Israelites˺ with something you do not like, you become arrogant, rejecting some and killing others?” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:87).
Muslims therefore believe that Jesus was a vital link in the noble chain of prophets, from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ, each delivering the same timeless message of the oneness of Allah. Most people, however, the Israelites in this case, rejected them.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Then in the footsteps of these ˹prophets˺, We sent Our messengers, and ˹after them˺ We sent Jesus, son of Mary, and granted him the Gospel, and instilled compassion and mercy into the hearts of his followers. As for monasticism, they made it up—We never ordained it for them-only seeking to please Allah, yet they did not ˹even˺ observe it strictly. So We rewarded those of them who were faithful. But most of them are rebellious.” (Surah Al-Hadid 57:27)
“Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136)
Islam makes an important distinction:
- Jesus in Islam is a revered prophet, but not worshipped.
- Allah is One, and indeed has no partners or offspring.
The Quran quotes Jesus:
“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.” (Surah Maryam 19:36)
Jesus in the Quran
The Quran provides a detailed account of Jesus’ life, focusing on his role as a prophet and his miraculous birth. He is described as:
- Born to Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous event, without a father.
- A messenger to the Children of Israel, confirming the Torah and bringing the Gospel.
- Performing miracles, like healing the blind and reviving the dead, only by Allah’s permission and with no divine ability.
“And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour upon you and your mother: how I supported you with the holy spirit so you spoke to people in ˹your˺ infancy and adulthood. How I taught you writing, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel. How you moulded a bird from clay—by My Will—and breathed into it and it became a ˹real˺ bird—by My Will. How you healed the blind and the lepers—by My Will. How you brought the dead to life—by My Will. How I prevented the Children of Israel from harming you when you came to them with clear proofs and the disbelievers among them said, “This is nothing but pure magic.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:110)
How Many Times Is Jesus Mentioned in the Quran?
Jesus is mentioned 25 times by name in the Quran, but referred to many more times. He was referred to as “son of Mary” 23 times and referred to as the Messiah 8 times. Maryam (Mary), is mentioned 32 times and is the only woman explicitly named in the Quran. Mary is also highly honoured, with an entire chapter in the Quran named after her (Surah Maryam).
Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) details the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth and highlights her righteousness:
“O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.” (Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:42)
3:45] [And mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].
Who Is the Messiah in Islam?
In Islam, Jesus is referred to as Al-Masih, the Messiah. This title is mentioned in the Quran, signifying his role as a blessed and chosen prophet.
Allah says:
“O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit ˹created by a command˺ from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs” (Surah An-Nisa 4:171)
Unlike Christian interpretations, the title “Messiah” in Islam does not imply divinity but reflects Jesus’ unique mission to guide his people.
Is Jesus in the Quran?
As mentioned earlier, Jesus’ name in Arabic ‘Isa is prominently featured in the Quran (25 times). His life, mission, and miracles are detailed across various chapters, including Surah Maryam, Surah Al-Imran, and Surah An-Nisa. Jesus had many prophecies and miracles.
Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, “Be,” and he was. (Surah Ali Iman 3:59)
“Say, “We have believe in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.” (Surah Ali Imran 3:84)
Jesus in Islam: What Does the Quran Say About the Death of Jesus?
One of the major distinctions between Islam and Christianity is the belief about Jesus’ death. Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was raised to Allah.
The Quran states:
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. (Surah An-Nisa 4:157)
Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surah An-Nisa 4:158)
[Mention] when Allah said, “O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ. (Surah Ali Imran 3:55)
The Second Coming of Jesus in Islam
Muslims believe in the second coming of Jesus at the end of times. According to Hadith, Jesus will return to restore justice, defeat the false messiah (Dajjal), and establish peace on Earth.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, the son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just ruler…” (Sahih Bukhari)
Jesus’ return is a significant event in Islamic eschatology and a major sign for judgement day. This video analyses verses from the Quran that refers to the return of Jesus:
Jesus in Islam Raises Questions
“Say, “O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you – that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah .” But if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].”” (Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:64)
“That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute.” (Surah Maryam 19:34)
Here are 7 logical problems that arise from the belief that Jesus is/was God or the son of God:
- How could God, if He is perfect and all-powerful, experience human limitations such as hunger, pain, and death?
- If Jesus is God, why would he pray to God?
- Why would Jesus seek help from God in his moments of distress, as shown in the Gospels?
- The logical contradiction of “three in one”
- Why would an all-powerful God need to suffer and die to forgive sins?
- In traditional Christian doctrine, God is described as immutable, meaning He does not change. Isn’t becoming human or become a trinity a change?
The theological contradiction of the trinity is highlighted by Shabir Ally’s respone to a Christian priest in this video: