When most people hear the name Jesus, they think of Christianity—the manger in Bethlehem, the cross in Jerusalem, the Son of God. But fewer realise that Jesus, or ‘Isa in Arabic, is also a central and profoundly honoured figure in Islam. Let us explore Jesus in the Qur’an.
For Muslims, Jesus is not divine, but he is far from marginal. The Qur’an speaks of him with deep reverence, calling him Messiah, Word of God, and Spirit from Him. In fact, the Islamic view of Jesus offers a unique yet familiar perspective—one that brings together shared roots, divine miracles, and a promise of future return.
Let’s explore the powerful portrayal of Jesus in the Qur’an, and why he matters so deeply to over 1.9 billion Muslims today.
Jesus in the Qur’an: A Unique Perspective
In Islam, belief in Jesus is not optional—it’s an essential part of faith. The Qur’an mentions Jesus by name 25 times, more often than it mentions Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is one of the five greatest messengers, known as Ulul ‘Azm—“those of strong resolve”—along with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
Muslims believe that Jesus was sent by God (Allah) to guide the Children of Israel with a new scripture: the Injīl (Gospel). However, unlike in Christianity, Jesus is not considered divine. He is a servant of God, a prophet who performed miracles by God’s permission, and whose life was marked by purity, purpose, and profound obedience.
The Virgin Birth: A Shared Miracle
Both Muslims and Christians believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus. In Islam, this event is recounted in detail in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), named after his mother, Mary (Maryam)—the only woman mentioned by name in the entire Qur’an.
“Behold! the angels said: ‘O Mary! Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those nearest to Allah.’”
— Qur’an 3:45
The Qur’an describes Mary’s shock at the angel’s news:
“She said: ‘My Lord, how can I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said: ‘Such is Allah: He creates what He wills.’”
— Qur’an 3:47
This narrative affirms Jesus’s virgin birth while emphasising that his miraculous conception does not make him divine. Rather, it highlights the power of God to create beyond human limits.
A Messenger of Peace and Power
The Qur’an describes Jesus as a prophet endowed with miracles, all performed bi-idhnillah—“by God’s permission.” These include:
- Healing the blind and lepers
- Raising the dead
- Speaking from the cradle
- Creating a bird from clay and bringing it to life
“I make for you out of clay the figure of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by Allah’s permission…”
— Qur’an 3:49
Despite these miracles, Jesus remains a servant of God, not a co-equal part of Him. This distinction is critical in the Islamic view of Jesus: miracles do not imply divinity but signify God’s grace through His chosen messenger.
The Second Coming in Islam
One of the most unique features of Jesus in the Qur’an and Hadith is that his mission is not over. Muslims believe that Jesus will return at the end of time to:
- Break the cross (rejecting false claims of divinity)
- Kill the Antichrist (Dajjal)
- Establish global justice
- Rule according to God’s law (Shariah)
- Eventually die a natural death
This belief is part of mainstream Islamic eschatology and forms a crucial point of convergence with Christian ideas of the Second Coming—though the theological implications differ significantly.
Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ: Brothers in Prophethood
One of the most beautiful aspects of Islamic theology is its inclusive view of prophethood. All prophets are considered brothers in faith and mission.
“I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Mary. All the prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Sahih Bukhari
There is no competition between Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ. Rather, Islam sees continuity—one divine message expressed in different times and cultures.
Jesus: A Bridge Between Faiths
In today’s diverse, multicultural societies—particularly across Europe and North America—understanding that Muslims also believe in and love Jesus can foster powerful interfaith dialogue.
For many Muslims, Jesus represents:
- A prophet of compassion and strength
- A link to Christian neighbours
- A model of humility and submission to God
This shared figure can serve as common ground, helping reduce misconceptions and promote peaceful coexistence.
Conclusion: Honouring the Honoured
Jesus in the Qur’an is more than a historical figure. He is a living symbol of God’s power and mercy, a messenger of truth, and a bridge between the world’s two largest religions.
To Muslims, Jesus:
- Was born of a virgin
- Performed miracles by God’s will
- Preached monotheism and righteousness
- Will return to restore justice
- Deserves honour—but not worship
“Say: We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in what was given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit.”
— Qur’an 3:84
In a divided world, understanding the honoured place of Jesus in Islam offers a chance for unity, respect, and meaningful connection across faiths.