How is Jesus viewed in Islam?
In Islam, Jesus holds a revered status as one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God. He is acknowledged as the penultimate prophet, preceding Muhammad, and is described as the Messiah sent to guide the Children of Israel with the divine book known as the Injīl (Evangel or Gospel). Islam presents a unique perspective on Jesus, affirming his miraculous birth, prophetic mission, and eventual ascension to heaven, while simultaneously rejecting his divinity and crucifixion.
Below, World History Edu explores Jesus’ role in Islam in detail, covering how the Quran describes the virgin birth, his prophethood, miracles, disciples, eschatological role, and theological significance.
The Quranic Portrayal of Jesus
Jesus is mentioned throughout 15 Surahs in the Quran, emphasizing his prophetic mission, miraculous birth, and divine support. The Quran refers to Jesus as “ʾĪsā ibn Maryam” (Jesus, son of Mary) and “al-Masīḥ” (the Messiah).
The Prophet is described as God’s word (kalima), imparted to Mary, and as a spirit from God. However, the Quran explicitly denies the Christian doctrine of Jesus’ divinity and sonship to God (Surah 5:73, 116) to uphold the concept of tawḥīd (absolute monotheism).
Jesus is depicted as a messenger who preached submission to God’s will, making him a Muslim in the theological sense. His alleged crucifixion is refuted in Surah 4:157, asserting that he was neither killed nor crucified but was raised by God.
A 16th-century Persian miniature depicting Jesus and Mary.
Islamic Perspective on The Birth of Jesus
Annunciation and Virgin Birth
Islamic tradition upholds the virgin birth of Jesus, paralleling the Gospel accounts. The Quran narrates that Mary, a pious woman dedicated to the temple, received the divine announcement from the angel Gabriel (Jibrīl). Gabriel informed her that she would conceive a son miraculously, without any human intervention (Surah 3:45-47, Surah 19:16–21). Mary, astonished, questioned how she could bear a child when no man had touched her, to which Gabriel responded that God creates what He wills.
A depiction of the Annunciation of the birth of Jesus.
Birth and Infant Miracles
The Quranic narrative describes Mary retreating to a remote place where she endured labor pains. God provided her sustenance through a stream and a palm tree bearing fresh dates (Surah 19:22-26). After giving birth, she returned to her people, who accused her of unchastity. Following divine instruction, she remained silent and pointed to the infant Jesus, who miraculously spoke from the cradle, declaring his servitude to God and his prophetic mission (Surah 19:30-33).
The Quran affirms Jesus’ virgin birth while rejecting his divinity, presenting him as a prophet and messenger of God.
The Mission and Teachings of Jesus
A Messenger to the Israelites
Jesus’ mission was directed toward the Children of Israel, reaffirming the Torah while introducing modifications. The Quran states that he came to confirm the teachings of Moses and bring new guidance (Surah 3:50). He called for monotheism, righteousness, and devotion to God, emphasizing prayer, charity, and humility. His disciples (al-Ḥawāriyyūn) supported him, pledging faith and submission to God (Surah 3:52-53).
The Injil and Concept of Tahrif
Islamic tradition asserts that Jesus received the Injīl, a divine scripture containing guidance and wisdom. However, Muslims believe that the original message was later altered (taḥrīf), leading to doctrinal changes such as the concept of Jesus’ divinity and the Trinity. The Quran critiques these theological developments, emphasizing that Jesus never claimed divinity (Surah 5:116).
The Miracles of Jesus
Jesus is attributed with numerous miracles in the Quran, performed by the will of God. These include:
- Speaking from the cradle (Surah 19:30-33)
- Creating birds from clay and giving them life (Surah 3:49, 5:110)
- Healing the blind and lepers (Surah 3:49)
- Raising the dead (Surah 3:49)
- Foreknowledge of hidden matters (Surah 3:49)
- Bringing down a table of food from heaven (Surah 5:112-115) These miracles underscore Jesus’ prophetic authority and divine support rather than divinity.
While rejecting Christian doctrines of divinity, Islam upholds Jesus as a model of faith, righteousness, and submission to God, reinforcing the fundamental principle of tawḥīd.
Islamic View on the Crucifixion and Ascension to Heaven
The Quran unequivocally denies the crucifixion of Jesus, stating that he was not killed nor crucified, but rather, “it was made to appear so” (Surah 4:157). Various interpretations exist regarding this verse. Some scholars propose that God substituted another person (possibly Judas Iscariot) to be crucified in Jesus’ place, while others suggest a spiritual rather than a physical event.
Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
Islamic belief holds that Jesus was taken up to heaven (Surah 4:158), awaiting his return before the Day of Judgment. His ascension signifies his special status and the divine plan for his eventual second coming.
The Second Coming of Jesus
Role in Eschatology
Islamic eschatology states that Jesus will return as a just ruler and will:
- Defeat the Antichrist (al-Masīḥ ad-Dajjāl)
- Restore justice and peace
- Abolish false doctrines, including the worship of Jesus
- Establish Islamic law
- Live for a period before dying a natural death and being buried next to Muhammad in Medina His return is a key element in Islamic beliefs about the end times.
Jesus as a Model of Piety
Jesus is viewed as an exemplary figure of piety, humility, and devotion to God. His ascetic lifestyle is emphasized in Sufi traditions, where he is regarded as an ideal mystic who renounced worldly pleasures for spiritual enlightenment.
Jesus and Muhammad
While Jesus is deeply revered, Muhammad is considered the final prophet, bringing the last and complete revelation, the Quran. Islam asserts that Jesus’ message was a precursor to Muhammad’s prophethood and that he foretold Muhammad’s coming (Surah 61:6).
Why are images of Prophet Muhammad often avoided in Islamic art? – History and Major Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jesus’ role in Islam?
Jesus (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) is regarded as a prophet, messenger, and the Messiah sent to guide the Children of Israel with the Injīl (Gospel).
How does Islam describe Jesus’ birth?
Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through God’s decree, without a human father, as a miraculous sign.
Did Jesus perform miracles in Islam?
Yes, he performed many miracles, including healing the blind and lepers, raising the dead, and creating birds from clay.
Does Islam believe in Jesus’ crucifixion?
No, the Quran states that Jesus was not crucified but was saved by God and raised to heaven.
Is Jesus considered divine in Islam?
No, Islam rejects the divinity of Jesus and his status as the Son of God, emphasizing monotheism (tawḥīd).
What is Jesus’ message in Islam?
He preached submission to God’s will (Islam) and affirmed the Torah while bringing some modifications.
Did Jesus prophesy Muhammad’s coming?
Yes, the Quran (61:6) states that Jesus foretold the coming of Muhammad, referring to him as “Ahmad.”
The gates of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina bear the inscription, ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of God.’
Will Jesus return in Islamic belief?
Yes, in Islamic eschatology, Jesus will return to defeat the Dajjal (False Messiah), restore justice, and rule before dying a natural death.
Where will Jesus return according to Islam?
He will descend near a white minaret in Damascus, Syria, and later be buried beside Muhammad in Medina.
The Minaret of Jesus at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria.
Who were Jesus’ disciples in Islam?
They are called Ḥawāriyyūn and are considered devoted followers who supported his mission.
What is the Islamic view of the Gospel (Injīl)?
The original Gospel was a revelation from God, but Islam teaches that its message was later altered (taḥrīf).
How is Jesus viewed in Sufism?
He is venerated as a spiritual teacher, symbolizing asceticism, divine wisdom, and the path of inner purification.
