Do Muslims Believe in Jesus Christ?

Yes, Muslims believe in Jesus Christ, or ‘Isa (عيسى) in Arabic (peace be upon him), and he is one of the most important figures in Islam. However, the understanding of Jesus in Islam differs significantly from the Christian perspective.

Muslims view Jesus as a revered prophet and a servant of God, emphasizing his human nature and mission as a messenger. Here’s a detailed exploration of how Jesus (peace be upon him) is viewed in Islam, his significance, and the points of distinction from Christian theology.

Jesus as a Prophet in Islam

In Islam, Jesus (peace be upon him) is considered one of the greatest prophets, forming part of a select group known as Ulul Azm (The Resolute Prophets), which includes Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). These prophets were chosen by God to deliver messages of guidance and lead their communities toward worshiping one God (Tawhid).

Jesus’s mission in Islam was to guide the Children of Israel and confirm the truth of the Torah (Tawrah) while bringing the Injil (Gospel), a divine scripture that emphasized compassion, humility, and devotion to God.

The Miraculous Birth of Jesus

The Qur’an describes Jesus’ birth as miraculous and without human intervention, affirming that Mary (Maryam) conceived him as a virgin through the divine command of God:

“She said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me, nor have I been unchaste?’ He said, ‘Thus it will be; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.'”
(Qur’an 19:20-21)

Mary(Maryam) is a central figure in Islam and is highly venerated. She is regarded as one of the purest women and the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an. An entire chapter, Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), is named after her, detailing her life and the birth of Jesus.

Jesus’ Miracles

The Qur’an attributes many miracles to Jesus, performed by the permission of God. These include:

• Speaking as a Baby: Jesus defended his mother’s honor and declared his mission while still an infant.

“…He said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.‘” (Qur’an 19:30)

• Healing the Sick: Jesus cured illnesses, including blindness and leprosy, demonstrating God’s power through him.
• Raising the Dead: By God’s will, Jesus brought the dead back to life as a sign of divine authority.
• Creating a Bird from Clay: Jesus shaped a bird from clay, breathed into it, and it became a living creature, by God’s permission.

“...I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird; then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah…“ (Qur’an 3:49)

Jesus’ Crucifixion and Ascension

One of the most significant differences between Islam and Christianity is the belief about Jesus’ crucifixion. The Qur’an explicitly denies that Jesus was crucified or killed:

“..But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue for this ˹crucifixion˺ are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him. Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise”. (Qur’an 4:157-158)“ 

Jesus (peace be upon him) was saved by God and raised to heaven, where he remains alive. His mission on Earth was not yet complete, as he will return before the Day of Judgment.

The Second Coming of Jesus

In Islamic eschatology, Jesus'(peace be upon him) second coming is a major event. Muslims believe he will return as a just ruler to restore justice and monotheism, emphasizing the worship of one God. His return will include:

• Defeating the False Messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal): Jesus will confront and defeat the Antichrist, a figure who will spread falsehood and tyranny.
• Unifying Humanity in Worship: He will affirm the true teachings of monotheism and eliminate any distortions about his nature.
• Living and Passing Away: After fulfilling his mission, Jesus will live a normal life, marry, and eventually pass away, leaving behind a legacy of righteousness.

Titles of Jesus in Islam

In Islam, Jesus (‘Isa – peace be upon him) is regarded as one of the most significant and revered prophets, and the Qur’an attributes several honorable titles to him. These titles reflect his elevated status, his miraculous nature, and his critical role in guiding humanity toward monotheism and righteousness. Each title encapsulates a unique aspect of Jesus’ life and mission, shedding light on the Islamic perspective of his spiritual and prophetic stature.

1. Al-Masih (The Messiah)

The title Al-Masih, which translates to “The Messiah,” is mentioned multiple times in the Qur’an. This title signifies that Jesus (peace be upon him) was chosen and anointed by Allah (God) for a specific and extraordinary mission. While the Islamic understanding of “Messiah” differs from the Christian interpretation, it retains the notion of Jesus being a pivotal figure in human history.

• Meaning of “The Messiah”:
  In Islamic tradition, Al-Masih denotes that Jesus (peace be upon him) was divinely appointed to guide the Children of Israel back to the worship of one true God. The term is often associated with his role in healing, performing miracles, and providing spiritual guidance.
• Jesus as a Sign of the End Times:
  As Al-Masih, Jesus’ return in the end times is a critical belief in Islamic eschatology. He is expected to defeat the Antichrist (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), establish justice, and restore pure monotheistic worship.

2. Ruhullah (Spirit of God)

Jesus is referred to as Ruhullah, meaning “Spirit of God.” This title underscores the unique nature of his creation and highlights his connection to God’s divine power.

• Special Creation:
  The Qur’an describes Jesus(peace be upon him) as being created by God’s command, akin to Adam, who was also created without a father or mother. The title reflects the spiritual essence of Jesus’ existence, emphasizing his purity and miraculous origin.
• A Symbol of Divine Mercy:
  As Ruhullah, Jesus is seen as a representation of God’s mercy to humanity. His miraculous abilities, such as healing the sick and reviving the dead, were manifestations of God’s power working through him, demonstrating God’s compassion and authority.
• Not Divine:
  While this title highlights a unique spiritual connection, it does not imply divinity. In Islam, Jesus is firmly regarded as a human prophet and servant of God, distinct from God Himself.

3. Kalimatullah (Word of God)

The Qur’an refers to Jesus as Kalimatullah, meaning “Word of God.” This title emphasizes the divine decree that brought Jesus into existence.

• Created by God’s Command:
  The Qur’an explains that Jesus was conceived through the word “Be” (Kun), which God uttered to bring him into existence miraculously. This reflects the power of God’s will and His ability to create without conventional means.

“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.“ (Qur’an 3:59)

• Bearer of a Divine Message:
  As Kalimatullah, Jesus delivered God’s words and teachings to guide his people. This title also signifies his role as a vessel of divine wisdom and truth.

Other Titles of Jesus in Islamic Tradition

In addition to these primary titles, the Qur’an and Islamic teachings often describe Jesus (peace be upon him) using other terms that reflect his virtues and role:

• Abdullah (Servant of God): Highlighting his complete submission and obedience to God.
• Nabi (Prophet): Emphasizing his role as a prophet sent to convey God’s message.
• Sign of God (Ayah): Recognizing his miraculous birth and mission as signs of God’s power and wisdom.

The Significance of These Titles

These titles collectively illustrate the multifaceted role of Jesus in Islam:

1. A Model of Faith and Piety: Jesus’ life serves as an example of devotion, humility, and unwavering commitment to God’s message.
2. A Miracle of Creation: His titles, such as Ruhullah and Kalimatullah, emphasize the extraordinary nature of his conception and his role as a manifestation of God’s power.
3. A Messenger of Divine Truth: As Al-Masih, he conveyed God’s message, performed miracles, and reaffirmed the teachings of earlier prophets.
4. A Sign of the Hereafter: His return as Al-Masih underscores his continuing importance in Islamic eschatology and his role in fulfilling God’s plan for humanity.

Interfaith Understanding

The Islamic perspective on Jesus (peace be upon him) highlights the shared values of reverence, compassion, and faith between Muslims and Christians while emphasizing the theological differences. Acknowledging these similarities and distinctions can foster mutual respect and promote meaningful interfaith dialogue.

In conclusion, Muslims deeply respect Jesus Christ as a prophet, his mother Mary(Maryam) as a symbol of purity, and his teachings as part of God’s divine guidance. While their understanding diverges from Christian theology, Jesus holds an unparalleled place in Islamic faith and history.

We are offering free copies of the Quran with translations, along with free informative Islamic pamphlets specifically about Jesus (peace be upon him) in Islam. These resources aim to provide a clearer understanding of his honored status in the Islamic tradition, highlighting both the reverence Muslims hold for him and the unique perspective Islam offers. Whether you’re curious, seeking knowledge, or interested in interfaith learning, these materials are available at no cost to support your journey.