Jesus Christ in Islam holds a revered and unique status that often surprises those unfamiliar with Islamic teachings. Known as ‘Isa ibn Maryam’ (Jesus, son of Mary), Jesus is not only acknowledged but deeply respected as one of the greatest prophets in Islam.
While Islamic belief diverges from Christian theology in key areas, particularly regarding the divinity and crucifixion of Jesus, there is profound overlap in reverence, moral teachings, and eschatological significance. This comprehensive article explores Jesus’ identity in Islam, his miraculous birth, mission, second coming, and his role in promoting interfaith understanding and unity among the Abrahamic religions.
Jesus in Islam: A Prophet and Messenger
In Islamic theology, Jesus in Islam is considered one of the Ulul Azm prophets, those endowed with great resolve. Muslims believe he was born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous birth, without a human father, by the command of Allah. The Qur’an recounts this miracle in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) and emphasizes that his birth was a sign of God’s power.
“He said: ‘So shall it be; your Lord says, “It is easy for Me, and We shall make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us.” It is a matter [already] decreed.'” (Qur’an 19:21)
Jesus is called Al-Masih (the Messiah), Kalimatullah (the Word of God), and Ruhullah (the Spirit of God), titles that signify his exalted status without attributing divinity to him.
Miraculous Life and Mission
According to Islamic belief, Jesus performed many miracles by the permission of Allah. The Qur’an states that he:
Spoke in the cradle (Qur’an 3:46)
Healed the blind and the leper (Qur’an 3:49)
Breathed life into a clay bird (Qur’an 5:110)
Raised the dead (Qur’an 3:49)
His mission was to guide the Children of Israel back to monotheism and to confirm the Torah that came before him. He also delivered the Injeel (Gospel), which is considered a true revelation in its original form, now believed to be lost or altered over time.
The Childhood of Jesus in Islam
In Islamic tradition, the childhood of Jesus (ʿIsa ibn Maryam) is marked by extraordinary events that highlight his prophetic status and divine mission from the very beginning. The Qur’an presents Jesus as a miraculous child, born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a father, by the command of Allah. This miraculous birth is seen as a sign of God’s power, similar to how Adam was created without parents.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ early life, according to the Qur’an, is that he spoke while still an infant. When Mary faced accusations from her people after returning with her newborn, the infant Jesus defended her honor by miraculously speaking from the cradle:
“He said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’” (Qur’an 19:30)
This early speech not only affirmed his prophetic role but also emphasized his servitude to Allah, rejecting any notion of divinity. The Qur’an does not provide extensive detail about Jesus’ childhood beyond this, but it does indicate that he was taught the Torah and the Gospel, and that he grew in wisdom and spiritual strength under the guidance of Allah.
While Islamic sources do not elaborate on the daily life of Jesus as a child, the emphasis is on the signs and virtues that surrounded his youth; his miraculous birth, early speech, and preparation for prophethood, all of which signify his special status as one of the most honored prophets in Islam.
Jesus Christ in Islam vs Christianity
The figure of Jesus Christ is central to both Islam and Christianity, but each faith holds distinct theological views about him. In Christianity, Jesus is believed to be the Son of God, part of the Holy Trinity, and the Savior whose crucifixion and resurrection provide redemption for sin. In contrast, Islam honors Jesus (‘Isa alayhi as-salam) as a mighty prophet and messenger, born of the Virgin Mary through a miraculous birth, but not divine.
Islam denies the crucifixion, asserting that Jesus was not killed but raised up by God, and awaits his return before the Day of Judgment. While their views diverge on divinity and salvation, both traditions respect Jesus as a teacher of righteousness, compassion, and unwavering faith in God, offering a foundation for interfaith understanding.
Crucifixion and Ascension
One of the main theological differences lies in the crucifixion. Jesus Christ in Islam was not crucified nor killed but was raised up to the heavens by Allah.
“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… Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.” (Qur’an 4:157-158)
This contrasts with the Christian belief in Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection as the cornerstone of salvation. However, both religions affirm that Jesus was sent by God and lived a sinless life devoted to righteousness and guidance.
Divinity of Jesus
Islam strictly rejects the divinity of Jesus. The Qur’an emphasizes the oneness of God (Tawhid) and forbids associating partners with Him (shirk).
“Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and His word… So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, ‘Three’; desist, it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God.” (Qur’an 4:171)
Despite these doctrinal differences, Muslims deeply revere Jesus and believe in his prophethood, moral excellence, and miraculous deeds.
Jesus and Mary in the Qur’an
The Qur’an gives Maryam (Mary) an honored status, dedicating an entire chapter to her. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an and is described as the most virtuous among women.
“And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.'” (Qur’an 3:42)
The special attention given to both Jesus and Mary reflects their importance in Islam and opens avenues for interfaith dialogue and respect.
The Second Coming of Jesus in Islam
In Islamic eschatology, the second coming of Jesus (Isa ibn Maryam) is a fundamental belief that underscores his continued significance in the Muslim faith. Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was raised alive to the heavens by Allah, and that he will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment as a just leader.
During his second coming, Jesus will defeat the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya (a tax previously levied on non-Muslims), symbolizing the restoration of pure monotheism. He will rule with justice and lead humanity back to the worship of one God, aligning with the core Islamic concept of Tawhid (the oneness of God).
After fulfilling his mission, Jesus will eventually die a natural death. This belief not only reinforces the prophetic status of Jesus in Islam but also creates a powerful bridge of theological intersection with Christianity, which also anticipates his return. A unique aspect of Jesus in Islam is the belief in his second coming before the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe Jesus will return to:
- Restore justice and peace
- Defeat the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal)
- Break the cross and clarify the truth about his mission
- Unite believers under monotheism
This eschatological role strengthens his significance in Islamic theology and aligns with Christian beliefs about the return of Christ, providing another point of common ground.
Unity Among the Abrahamic Religions
Despite theological differences, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism share core principles:
- Belief in one God
- A tradition of prophets
- Divine scriptures
- Ethical living and accountability
The Qur’an often acknowledges this shared spiritual heritage:
“Say, ‘We believe in Allah and what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and what was given to Moses and Jesus… We make no distinction between any of them.'” (Qur’an 2:136)
By understanding Jesus Christ in Islam, Christians and Jews can find common spiritual and ethical values, opening doors to mutual respect, peace, and cooperation.
Interfaith Dialogue and Relevance Today
In an age marked by division and misunderstanding, the figure of Jesus in Islam offers a unique platform for interfaith dialogue. His role as a bridge between Islam and Christianity can foster deeper understanding and shared commitment to compassion, justice, and peace.
Educational efforts, scriptural studies, and inter-religious gatherings focused on the life and teachings of Jesus can promote unity among the Abrahamic faiths, reminding all that despite different theological paths, the moral and spiritual destination is often shared.
The Enduring Impact of Jesus in Islam and Beyond
The figure of Jesus Christ in Islam is one of reverence, respect, and theological significance. While Islam does not see him as divine, it honors him as a prophet, messenger, and miracle-worker, whose life is a testament to God’s mercy and power. His story in the Qur’an parallels that in the Bible in many ways, providing a powerful connection point between Islam and Christianity. Through him, the shared values of monotheism, righteousness, and divine mission can shine as guiding lights toward greater interfaith harmony and understanding.
