What does Islam believe about Jesus?

Why This Question Matters

For many Christians, what Islam says about Jesus is one of the most important questions they have. Islam does not reject Jesus. The Qur’an speaks about him with honor, affirms his miraculous birth and prophethood, and requires Muslims to believe in him as a true Messenger of Allah.

Islamic Perspective

The Qur’an calls Jesus the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, and a Messenger of Allah. Mary was given the good news of his miraculous birth without a human father. Allah gave Jesus signs and miracles, including healing the blind and the leper and bringing the dead to life, but the Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that these occurred by Allah’s permission. Jesus called the Children of Israel to worship Allah, whom he described as his Lord and their Lord. Islam also teaches that Jesus was not killed or crucified; Allah raised him to Himself. Authentic hadith further establish that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment. Islam therefore honors Jesus without worshipping him: he is one of Allah’s honored messengers and servants, not a divine being.

Key Points

• Jesus is the Messiah and a Messenger of Allah.
• He was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary without a human father.
• Allah gave him extraordinary miracles.
• His miracles occurred by Allah’s permission.
• Jesus called people to worship Allah alone.
• Jesus is not God and is not the son of God.
• The Qur’an teaches that Jesus was not killed or crucified; Allah raised him.
• Authentic Sunnah teaches that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment.

Supporting Evidence

• Qur’an 3:45–51 identifies Jesus as the Messiah, describes his miraculous birth, identifies him as a messenger to the Children of Israel, records his miracles by Allah’s permission, and records his call to worship Allah, his Lord and their Lord.
• Qur’an 4:171 identifies Jesus as the Messiah and a Messenger of Allah while commanding people not to say 'Three' and affirming that Allah is One.
• Qur’an 5:72–75 rejects the claim that Jesus is Allah and identifies him as a Messenger.
• Qur’an 4:157–158 states that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified and that Allah raised him to Himself.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 3448–3449 and Sahih Muslim 155e authentically establish the future descent of Jesus son of Mary.

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