Do Muslims believe in Jesus?

Yes, absolutely. Belief in Jesus (Isa) as a prophet of God is a required and fundamental part of Islamic faith. A Muslim cannot be a Muslim without believing in him.

Do Muslims believe Jesus is the Son of God?

No. Islam teaches that Jesus is a great and beloved prophet of God, but not His son. The concept of God having a son is seen as compromising the absolute Oneness of God (Tawhid), which is the cornerstone of Islam.

What do Muslims call Jesus?

Muslims most often refer to him as 'Isa ibn Maryam,' which means 'Jesus, son of Mary.' This name is used throughout the Quran and emphasizes his miraculous birth without a father, tracing his lineage to his honored mother.

Do Muslims use the Bible?

Muslims believe the original Gospel (Injeel) given to Jesus was a pure revelation from God. However, they believe that this original text has not been preserved in its entirety. The Quran is considered the final, complete, and preserved revelation from God to humanity.

Jesus (Isa), Son of Mary: A Beloved Prophet in Islam

In Islam, Jesus, known as Isa, the son of Mary (Maryam), is one of the most honored and beloved prophets of God. His story is not a footnote but a significant part of the Quranic revelation, and belief in him is a fundamental article of Islamic faith. This page explains the status and story of Jesus from mainstream Islamic sources.

The Miraculous Birth of Isa (Jesus)

Islam holds Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the highest regard. An entire chapter of the Quran is named after her (Surah Maryam, Chapter 19). She was a pious woman, chosen by God above all other women of her time for a special honor.

The Quran describes the annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) appeared to Mary to give her news of a righteous son. When she questioned how this could be, as no man had touched her, the angel replied that it was a simple matter for God (Allah). The birth of Jesus was a direct command from God: "Be," and he was (Quran 3:47).

This miraculous birth is seen as a sign of God's absolute power, similar to His creation of Adam without a father or mother. The Quran states, "Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, 'Be,' and he was" (Quran 3:59). His first miracle was speaking from the cradle to defend his mother's honor and declare his own prophethood (Quran 19:29-33).

A Prophet with a Divine Message

Jesus is considered one of the five greatest messengers in Islam, sent specifically to the Children of Israel. His core mission was the same as all prophets before him, from Noah to Moses, and the one after him, Muhammad (peace be upon them all): to call people to the pure worship of the One True God.

As Jesus himself is quoted in the Quran: "Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path" (Quran 3:51).

To aid him in his mission, God gave Jesus a holy book called the Injeel (Gospel). He came to confirm the truth of the Torah that came before him and to bring guidance and light to his people. His life was a model of piety, humility, and unwavering submission to God's will.

The Miracles of Jesus by God's Permission

The Quran affirms the many miracles that Jesus performed, but always emphasizes that they were done only by the permission and power of God. This distinction is crucial in Islam, as it maintains the line between a prophet's abilities and God's singular, divine power.

By God's leave, Jesus:

Healed the blind and the leper.
Brought the dead back to life.
Fashioned a bird from clay and breathed into it, making it a living bird.
Knew what people were eating and storing in their homes.

These miracles served as clear signs for his people, proving that he was a true messenger from God (Quran 5:110).

The Islamic View on the Crucifixion and Ascension

One of the most significant points of difference is the Islamic understanding of the end of Jesus's earthly ministry. The Quran states clearly that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified. Instead, God protected him from his enemies and raised him up to Himself.

The verse states: "And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.' And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them... And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself" (Quran 4:157-158).

Muslims believe that Jesus is alive in the heavens and did not die.

The Second Coming of Jesus

Authentic narrations from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) confirm that Jesus will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. He will not bring a new law but will follow the final revelation given to Prophet Muhammad. His return will be a time of justice and peace, where he will defeat the Antichrist (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), correct false beliefs about himself, and unite believers under the banner of the worship of One God. His return is a major sign of the end of times and a mercy for humanity.