Jesus in Islamic Belief: A Comprehensive Overview

Jesus, known as Isa in Islam, is a figure of immense significance, revered as a prophet and messenger of God. The Islamic perspective on Jesus shares similarities with Christian beliefs but also presents key differences rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. This article aims to explore the role of Jesus in Islam, his life, teachings, and his place within Islamic theology, providing a clear and comprehensive understanding of how Jesus is perceived in Islam.

Jesus as a Prophet and Messenger

In Islam, Jesus is regarded as one of the greatest prophets, second only to Muhammad. He is referred to as “Isa ibn Maryam” (Jesus, son of Mary) and holds the title of Al-Masih (the Messiah). The Quran acknowledges his miraculous birth, stating that he was born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through a divine command from God (Allah), without a human father. This miraculous birth is mentioned in Surah Al-Imran (3:45-47) and Surah Maryam (19:16-21), where Mary is informed by an angel that she would give birth to a son despite being a virgin.

Muslims believe that Jesus was sent to guide the Children of Israel, delivering the message of monotheism and calling people to worship the One True God. His prophethood is part of the Islamic tradition, which asserts that all prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, preached the same fundamental message of Islam—submission to the will of God.

Miracles of Jesus

The Quran attributes several miracles to Jesus, which he performed by the permission of God. Among these are the ability to speak as an infant in the cradle, healing the blind and lepers, raising the dead, and creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it. These miracles are signs of his prophethood and his closeness to God, emphasizing that these acts were performed not by his own power but by God’s will. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:110) highlights these miraculous deeds, illustrating Jesus’ unique role as a messenger endowed with divine support.

Jesus’ Message and Teachings

Jesus’ message in Islam is seen as a continuation of the messages of previous prophets, emphasizing the oneness of God, ethical conduct, and the importance of compassion and mercy. The Quranic narrative rejects the notion of Jesus being the son of God or part of a Trinity, a core belief in Christian doctrine. Instead, it portrays Jesus as a devoted servant of God, a human prophet who was sent to deliver God’s message to humanity.

Islamic teachings stress that Jesus did not claim divinity or ask for worship; rather, he consistently pointed to the worship of God alone. This is in line with the central Islamic tenet of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God, which rejects any form of polytheism or associating partners with God.

The Crucifixion and Ascension

One of the most significant differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs is the narrative of the crucifixion. According to Islamic tradition, Jesus was not crucified. The Quran explicitly states that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, but it was made to appear so to the people. Instead, God raised him up to Himself, and Jesus was saved from the crucifixion. This is mentioned in Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158), where the Quran asserts that those who claim to have killed Jesus are in doubt and follow conjecture, as God took Jesus up to heaven.

The Islamic belief holds that Jesus was not subjected to death on the cross, and his ascension to heaven was a divine intervention. Muslims believe that Jesus is alive and that he will return to earth before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false messiah, known as the Antichrist (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal).

Jesus’ Return and the Day of Judgment

The second coming of Jesus is a significant event in Islamic eschatology. It is believed that Jesus will return towards the end of times to fulfill his role as the Messiah. According to Hadith literature, he will descend from heaven in the city of Damascus, lead the Muslims in prayer, and then confront the Antichrist. Jesus will establish justice and righteousness, abolish falsehood, and bring an end to wars and strife.

Upon his return, Jesus will clarify the misconceptions about his identity and mission, affirming his role as a servant and messenger of God. After completing his mission, it is believed that Jesus will live for a period of time on earth, marry, have children, and eventually pass away. His death will be followed by a proper Islamic funeral.

Comparison with Christian Beliefs

While both Islam and Christianity revere Jesus, the differences in their perceptions are profound. Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus, his role as the Son of God, and his sacrificial death on the cross for the redemption of humanity’s sins. These beliefs are central to Christian theology and form the basis of the doctrine of the Trinity.

In contrast, Islam categorically denies the divinity of Jesus and the concept of the Trinity. The Quran emphasizes that Jesus was a human being, a prophet who was given miracles to confirm his prophethood. The notion of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection is also rejected in Islam, with the Quran asserting that he was not crucified but was instead raised up by God.

Jesus as a Muslim

Islamic teachings assert that all prophets, including Jesus, were Muslims—those who submit to the will of God. The term “Muslim” is derived from the word “Islam,” which means submission to God. Jesus is seen as a Muslim prophet who preached the same fundamental message of monotheism that Muhammad and all other prophets preached. This belief is rooted in the understanding that Islam is not a new religion but the final, perfected message that encompasses the teachings of all previous prophets.

Help us continue to create useful articles like the ones on this page

Every donation you make will go a long way in enabling us to continue writing on this page. Even a 1 dollar donation will help.