Introduction

In Islam, Jesus, known in Arabic as ʿIsa ibn Maryam which means “Jesus, son of Mary”, is regarded as one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God. Muslims believe that he was honored with the title of Messiah, chosen to guide the Children of Israel with a divine scripture known as the Injil. Islam teaches that Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary and that his life was filled with guidance, compassion, spirituality, and remarkable signs granted by God.

Muslims view Jesus with deep respect and love, and belief in him is an essential part of Islamic faith. A Muslim cannot be considered a believer unless he or she believes in Jesus as a prophet and messenger of God.

Jesus in Islam

A Messenger of God, Not Divine

Islam teaches that Jesus was a human being, a servant and messenger of the One God. He was not God, nor the son of God. Rather, he humbly submitted to his Creator and called others to do the same. Like all prophets before him, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and those who came after, Jesus taught monotheism. He preached that people should worship God alone and live righteously.

Miraculous Birth

The Qur’an affirms the virgin birth of Jesus. God created him by His command, similar to how He created Adam. Mary was chosen above all women and honored with purity, faith, and devotion. Angel Gabriel was sent to give her the glad tidings of a pure son who would be a sign to humanity.

The Messiah

Jesus is called Al-Masih, which means the Messiah. Islamic scholarship explains that this title reflects his blessed status, his special mission, and the divine support granted to him. The Messiah was a guide for the Israelites, calling them back to sincerity, justice, and authentic faith.

A Word and Spirit From God

The Qur’an refers to Jesus as a Word from God and a Spirit from Him. God created Jesus by His word “Be” and granted him spiritual purity and honor. These titles do not indicate divinity. Instead, they reflect honor, miraculous origin, and a spiritual connection through God’s command.

Miracles by God’s Permission

Jesus performed several miracles as signs of his prophethood. With God’s permission, he healed the sick, cured lepers, restored sight, revived the dead, and spoke as an infant in the cradle, defending his mother and proclaiming his mission. He also shaped a bird from clay and breathed into it so it became a living bird, again by God’s permission.

His Message

Jesus came to revive the true spirit of faith among the Children of Israel. He urged them to return to God with sincerity, mercy, humility, and obedience. His teachings emphasized love, charity, reflection, and inner purification. He confirmed the teachings of earlier prophets and brought ease to some laws which his people had made difficult for themselves.

Not Crucified in Islam

Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified nor killed. It only appeared so to people. God saved him and raised him up. Muslims believe that Jesus remains alive and that he will return near the end of time to restore justice, defeat the false messiah, and guide people back to the truth.

Jesus and His Return

Islamic tradition teaches that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment. He will stand for truth, establish peace, defeat the false messiah, and unite people under belief in One God. After fulfilling his mission, he will live on earth and eventually pass away naturally.

Why Muslims Love Jesus

Muslims love Jesus as a noble prophet who embodied devotion, compassion, humility, and spiritual leadership. His life is a model of sincerity, sacrifice, and faith. The Qur’an presents him as a sign of God’s mercy and power, a guide for his people, and a reminder of the truth of prophethood.

Conclusion

In Islam, Jesus is honored as one of the greatest messengers of God. He was born miraculously, carried a divine message, performed extraordinary miracles, and called people to worship the One God. His life reflects purity, submission, and guidance. Muslims believe in his return as part of God’s divine plan. To know Jesus in Islam is to understand him as a man of truth who delivered God’s message with clarity, compassion, and unwavering faith.

1. Do Muslims believe in Jesus?

Yes. Belief in Jesus (ʿIsa) is a core part of the Islamic faith. A Muslim cannot be considered a believer unless he or she believes in Jesus as a prophet and messenger of God. Muslims love, honor, and respect him, and regard him as one of the greatest prophets sent to guide humanity.

2. Do Muslims believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

No. Islam teaches that God is One and has no partners, children, or equals. Jesus is viewed as a noble human being, created by God, and chosen to convey His message. Referring to him as “son of God” is understood in Islam as contrary to the belief in the absolute Oneness of God.

3. Do Muslims believe Jesus was crucified?

Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified or killed. Instead, it appeared so to the people. God protected and raised him up, and Muslims believe that Jesus remains alive and will return before the Day of Judgment. His return will restore justice and truth.

4. Do Muslims believe Jesus performed miracles?

Yes. The Qur’an mentions several miracles of Jesus, including healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, curing lepers, raising the dead, and speaking as a baby in his cradle. However, Muslims believe these miracles were performed by the permission and power of God, not by Jesus independently.

5. If Muslims don’t believe Jesus is God, why do they still honor him?

Muslims honor Jesus because he is a highly respected prophet who lived a life of devotion, purity, and compassion. He taught people to worship one God, live righteously, and show mercy to others. Loving and believing in Jesus is considered an essential part of Islamic faith.