Who is Jesus in Islam? A greatly arising question, and may be a common conflict, is the identity of Jesus from an Islamic point of view. Because Muslimi Academy believes in the importance of religious awareness, this article is written.
Through it, you will understand the Islamic belief about Jesus, in addition to discussing the identity of Jesus in Quran vs Bible. By highlighting the main conflicts and the things in common between Islam and Christianity concerning this issue.
Jesus In Islam
In Islam, and according to the Holy Quran, the main source of legislation for Muslims, Jesus is called Isa Ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary). He is a Prophet and messenger of Allah who was sent to guide humanity to the path of light and call people to worship Allah, the One and Only. His message was to complement the Prophet Musa’s message, Torah, and pave the way to the final and greatest divine message, delivered by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He was sent to the children of Israel to call them back to the righteous path, remind them of God and the message of Torah, and worship Allah sincerely without spiritual corruptions.
Muslims are ordered to believe in Prophet Isa and other Prophets and messengers of Allah; it is not optional; rather, it is part of the complete religion. It is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُسُلِهِ”
“We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 285)
All messengers and Prophets carry the same message to humanity:
- Worship One God (Allah).
- Live righteously.
- Call for justice and mercy.
- Prepare for the Hereafter.
Muslims are recommended to understand Islam and seek true knowledge through a well-structured fiqh course that covers Islamic law and main concepts.
The Miraculous Birth of Jesus in Islam
The Prophet Isa was born miraculously without a father; he is just like the Prophet Adam, who was created by Allah without a father or mother (from nothing). These Miracles reflect Allah’s ultimate power and will. The Almighty says to anything, “Be,” and it is. This virgin birth is a strong common belief in Islam and Christianity. Moreover, the Prophet Isa spoke in the cradle, as evidence of his mother’s (Maryam) innocence after being asked how to have a child without marriage, as mentioned in Surah Maryam: 27:
﴿فَأَتَتْ بِهِ قَوْمَهَا تَحْمِلُهُ ۖ قَالُوا يَا مَرْيَمُ لَقَدْ جِئْتِ شَيْئًا فَرِيًّا﴾
“Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have certainly done something unprecedented.”
So, Allah made her baby speak as evidence of her innocence and shows that Allah is capable of all things and is not bound by causes or means.
“وَيُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِي الْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا وَمِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ”
“He will speak to people in the cradle and in maturity, and he will be among the righteous.” (Surah Aal-Imran: 46)
Worth mentioning that the birth of Prophet Isa is celebrated in Christianity as the birth of the son of God, which is a main conflict between it an Islam. Celebrating Christmas is Haram in Islam because of this regard.
Miracles of Prophet Isa
Besides the miraculous birth of Jesus and his speaking in the cradle, the Holy Quran affirms many other Miracles that reflect Allah’s power in His creatures:
- He was able to shape a bird from clay, and with Allah’s will and permission, he breathed into it, so it became a real bird.
- Healed the blind and the leper when he touched them with Allah’s will and permission, which is why he is called Al-Messiah.
- Give life to the dead with Allah’s will and permission.
- Allah saved him from being crucified and elevated him to heaven.
All these miracles are mentioned clearly in the Quran to show that Allah’s power is absolute and not hindered by conditions or limitations.
“وَرَسُولاً إِلَى بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْراً بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ وَأُبْرِئُ الأكْمَهَ والأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْيِـي الْمَوْتَى بِإِذْنِ اللّهِ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ”
“And [I have been sent] as a messenger to the Children of Israel [with this message]: ‘I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I create for you from clay the form of a bird; then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s permission. I heal the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead by God’s permission. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your homes. Indeed, that is a sign for you, if you are believers.” (Surah Aal-Imran:49)
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Was Jesus Crucified in the Islamic Perspective?
A great conflict and difference between Jesus in Islam and Christianity is the crucifixion of Jesus, peace be upon him. In Christianity, they believe that he was crucified on the cross; on the contrary, we as Muslims believe that he wasn’t killed or crucified. However, Allah Almighty saved him and elevated him alive to heaven. This issue is clearly highlighted in the Quran as follows:
“وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ ۚ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلَّا اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا”
“And for their saying, ‘We killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of God.’ But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him—rather, it was made to appear so to them. Indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except for the following assumption. And they certainly did not kill him.” (Surah An-Nisa’a: 157)
Jesus in Islam vs Jesus in Christianity
Both Islam and Christianity hold Jesus in the highest regard, yet they stand worlds apart on who he truly is. The following table presents the ten most essential points of comparison between the Islamic and Christian views of Jesus, highlighting where the two faiths conflict, and where, remarkably, they agree (with different interpretations).
Who is Jesus in Islam?
In Islam, Jesus (ʿĪsā عليه السلام) is a noble Prophet and Messenger of Allah.
Muslims believe that he:
- Was born in a miraculous way to Mary (Maryam)
- Was chosen by Allah to guide the Children of Israel
- Performed many miracles
- Delivered a message calling people to worship one God
However, Islam strongly emphasises that Jesus is:
- Not the son of God
- Not divine
- Not to be worshipped
Instead, he is a human servant of Allah, honoured for his righteousness and message.
Key Differences Between Islam and Christianity
Although both religions respect Jesus, their beliefs differ in major ways.
1. His Nature
- In Islam: Jesus is fully human and a Prophet
- In Christianity: Jesus is both divine and human
This is the most important difference between the two beliefs.
2. Belief in God
- In Islam: God is One, without partners (Tawḥīd)
- In Christianity: God is understood as a Trinity
Islam rejects the idea of God being three in one.
3. The Virgin Birth
- In Islam: A miracle created by Allah
- In Christianity: A miracle through the Holy Spirit
Both agree that his birth was extraordinary, but they explain it differently.
4. The Crucifixion
- In Islam: Jesus was not crucified
- In Christianity: Jesus was crucified and died on the cross
This is one of the biggest differences between the two faiths.
5. Resurrection
- In Islam: Jesus was raised up alive and not killed
- In Christianity: Jesus died and then rose again
6. Salvation
- In Islam: Every person is responsible for their own actions, and forgiveness comes through repentance to Allah
- In Christianity: Salvation comes through belief in Jesus
7. His Mission
- In Islam: Sent to guide the Children of Israel
- In Christianity: Sent to save all humanity
8. Miracles
- In Islam: Done by Allah’s permission
- In Christianity: Done through Jesus’ own power
9. His Return
- In Islam: Jesus will return before the end of time to restore justice
- In Christianity: Jesus will return to judge humanity
Both believe in his second coming, but their understanding differs.
10. Worship
- In Islam: Only Allah is worshipped
- In Christianity: Jesus is worshipped
| Jesus in Islam | Jesus in Christianity |
|---|---|
| Prophet of Allah | Son of God |
| Human | Divine and human |
| Not crucified | Crucified |
| Raised to heaven | Died and resurrected |
| Worship Allah alone | Worship Jesus |
What Do Muslims Believe About Jesus’ Return?
Muslims believe that Jesus will come back near the end of time.
He will:
- Defeat the false messiah (Dajjāl)
- Bring justice to the world
- Live as a follower of Islam
- Die a natural death
This belief shows that Jesus continues to have an important role in Islamic teachings.
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity
Even with differences, there are shared beliefs:
- Both believe Jesus was born miraculously
- Both accept that he performed miracles
- Both consider him the Messiah
- Both believe he will return
These similarities can help build understanding between people of different faiths.
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The Great Status of Jesus in Islam
How great is the position of Jesus in Islam? Allah Almighty granted him a uniqueness that is not given to others. He is a word of Allah, as he was created by the divine word Be, like the Prophet Adam. He is also called “the spirit” as Allah breathed. He is one of the messengers of strong resolve (Ulu A-Azm) and one of the greatest prophets sent to the children of Israel. Allah said about him in Surah Maryam:
﴿وَلِنَجْعَلَهُ آيَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَةً مِنَّا﴾
“And We made him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us.”
Allah also supported him by the Holy Spirit and His permission to perform miracles; these miracles were like tests for the true faith of the children of Israel. In addition to his miraculous birth and miracles in the past, his miracles have not come to an end as he will return in the future when the time comes to defeat the antichrist (Al-Dajjal) and bring peace and justice to the world. After that, he will live as the leader of true believers and die naturally by Allah’s permission. Help your children grow up with strong Islamic roots through our Islamic studies course for kids.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus in Islam is one of deep reverence without divinity. Prophet Isa is honoured in the Quran as one of the greatest Messengers of Allah who was born of a virgin, granted remarkable miracles, and described as the Word of Allah and a Spirit from Him. Prophet Isa in Islam is a human Prophet and servant of Allah, never regarded as God. Understanding this distinction is essential not only for Muslims but for anyone seeking honest and informed dialogue between Islam and Christianity.
