Jesus (Isa), Son of Mary, in Islam
Muslims love and deeply respect Jesus (Isa alayhis salam – peace be upon him). He is one of God's most beloved and important prophets. Let's explore his honored place in Islamic faith.
Jesus (Isa عليه السلام): A Prophet We Cherish
It might surprise some to learn that belief in Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) is an essential article of faith for Muslims. We believe in his miraculous virgin birth to the pure Maryam (Mary), his God-given miracles, and that he was a true messenger sent by Allah (God) with the original Gospel (Injeel).
While Islam honors Jesus immensely, our understanding of him differs from some Christian doctrines. Muslims believe Jesus was a human prophet, not God or the Son of God, as Islam strictly emphasizes the Oneness of God (Tawhid). We also believe he was not crucified but was raised to heaven by God's power and will return before the end of times.
Our Invitation: We invite you to learn about Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) through the lens of Islamic teachings, which highlight his piety, his powerful message of monotheism, and his special status among God's prophets.
The Quranic Narrative of Isa (عليه السلام)
The Holy Quran speaks beautifully and extensively about Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) and his noble mother, Maryam (Mary, peace be upon her). In fact, an entire chapter of the Quran (Surah Maryam, Chapter 19) is named after her, and she is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. This shows the immense respect Islam accords to both mother and son.
Muslims see Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) as part of a long, continuous chain of prophets sent by the One True God, starting from Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and culminating with Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all). He came to confirm the laws of the Torah given to Moses and to give glad tidings of a final messenger to come after him, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
What Muslims Believe About Jesus (Isa عليه السلام)
Our beliefs about Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) are derived directly from what Allah tells us in the Quran and through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
A Mighty Messenger of Allah
Muslims hold Jesus (Isa), son of Mary (Maryam) – peace be upon them both – in the highest esteem. He is one of God's most honored prophets (Ulul 'Azm). Believing in him is a fundamental part of Islamic faith; one cannot be a Muslim without believing in Jesus as a prophet of God.
Miraculous Virgin Birth to Maryam (Mary)
The Quran beautifully narrates the story of Maryam, a pure and chosen woman, and the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus (Isa عليه السلام). This was a special sign from Allah, demonstrating His absolute power to create as He wills. Maryam herself is one ofthe most revered women in Islam.
Given the Injeel (Original Gospel)
We believe Allah revealed a sacred scripture to Jesus called the Injeel (Gospel), which contained divine guidance. Muslims believe the Quran is the final, preserved revelation that confirms the original truths of the Injeel and other scriptures.
Performed Miracles by God's Permission
The Quran affirms that Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) performed many miracles by Allah's leave: he spoke as an infant in defense of his mother's honor, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even brought the dead back to life – all as clear signs of his prophethood.
Called People to Worship One God (Tawhid)
Like all prophets of God, Jesus's core message was Tawhid – the call to worship Allah, the One True God, alone, without any partners or intermediaries. He taught submission to God's will, compassion, and justice.
Raised to Heaven & Will Return
Muslims believe Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) was not crucified by his enemies. Instead, Allah saved him and raised him to heaven alive. We also believe he will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment to establish justice and peace, following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Understanding Differences with Respect
While Muslims love and honor Jesus (Isa عليه السلام), our understanding of his nature and mission differs from some core Christian beliefs. For example:
- Oneness of God (Tawhid): Islam's central teaching is the absolute Oneness of Allah. Muslims do not believe Jesus is God, or the son of God in a literal sense, or part of a trinity. We believe he was a human being, a magnificent prophet, but a servant of God, like all other prophets.
- The Crucifixion: The Quran states that Jesus was not crucified, but rather Allah made it appear so to his enemies and saved him by raising him to heaven (Quran 4:157-158).
These differences are stated not to cause offense, but to clearly explain what Muslims believe based on divine revelation. Islam encourages respectful dialogue and finding common ground with People of the Book (Christians and Jews), especially in our shared reverence for many prophets and moral values.
Deepen Your Knowledge
Who is Mary (Maryam), mother of Jesus, in Islam?
Discover the high status and beautiful story of Maryam (Mary) as described in the Quran.
What does Islam teach about the previous scriptures like the Gospel (Injeel)?
Understanding the Islamic view on the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, and their relationship with the Quran.
How does the Islamic belief in Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) differ from Christian beliefs?
A respectful comparison highlighting key areas of agreement and difference, fostering mutual understanding.