When discussing religious beliefs, it’s essential to understand that various faiths have different perspectives on significant figures. In this case, we’re exploring what Muslims believe about Jesus, a central figure in Christianity. It may come as a surprise to some that Jesus also holds a significant role in the Islamic faith, which acknowledges and respects him as a prophet.
In Islam, Jesus is referred to as “Isa” and is believed to have been a prophet or messenger of God, though not considered divine as in Christianity. Muslims also acknowledge the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth, as they believe he was born to a virgin named Mary. Despite these similarities, crucial differences exist between Islamic and Christian beliefs about Jesus. For example, Muslims do not believe that Jesus was crucified or resurrected, which are central tenets of Christianity.
Still, Jesus is highly regarded in Islam for his messianic message and mission. He is considered one of the five greatest messengers of God, known as the “Ul al-Azm” or the Possessors of Steadfastness. Furthermore, Muslims believe that Jesus will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and rectify deviations in the religion of the One God. This belief in Jesus’ eventual return highlights the importance of his role within Islamic teachings, despite the differences compared to Christian beliefs.
The Concept of Jesus in Islam
Prophetic Role of Jesus
In Islam, Jesus (known as “Isa” in Arabic) is considered a significant prophet who came before Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that Jesus was indeed the Messiah awaited by the Jews of ancient Palestine. As a prophet, his mission was to reestablish justice among people and rectify deviations that had developed in the religion of the One God1. Similar to Christians, we believe that Jesus performed various miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, by God’s permission2. However, Muslims do not consider Jesus as the Son of God or divine3.
Islam teaches that all prophets, including Jesus, preached the same message, emphasizing monotheism (tawhid) and calling followers to adopt the ‘straight path’ (Sirat al-Mustaqim)4. Thus, Jesus is also referred to as a Muslim in the Quran, as he preached the same core beliefs shared by the religion of Islam.
Virgin Birth and Maryam
Muslims uphold the belief in the virgin birth of Jesus to his mother, Mary (known as “Maryam” in Arabic)1. Mary is highly respected in Islam, and the Quran considers her the best of all women of all time5. Her story is told in several places throughout the Quran, primarily in the chapter named after her, “The Chapter of Mary.”
The virgin birth of Jesus is a crucial aspect of Islamic beliefs, and it highlights the miraculous nature of his birth and status as a prophet. Although Muslims do not believe Jesus to be the Son of God, they acknowledge his special role and place in the history of God’s messengers.
By understanding the Islamic concept of Jesus, it becomes evident that while there are differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs, they also share a foundation of respect, admiration, and reverence for Jesus as a significant religious figure.
Footnotes
The Quranic Account of Jesus
Miracles and Teachings
In the Quran, Jesus, referred to as “Isa” in Arabic, is considered to be a highly esteemed prophet of God. It is believed that he was miraculously born to the Virgin Mary and was given various miracles to perform with the permission of God. We can find direct quotations from the Quran that describe his life and teachings. Outstanding among these miracles was his ability to heal the blind, cure the sick, and bring the dead back to life, all by the will of Allah.
Jesus’ teachings emphasized the worship of one God, compassion, and a righteous life. He was sent to guide the Children of Israel with a book called the Injil, which was revealed to him by God.
The Crucifixion Story
The Quran offers a distinct perspective to the crucifixion story of Jesus Christ. It states that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified but was lifted up by God to protect him from his enemies. According to Islamic belief, someone else was made to appear like Jesus to deceive his persecutors, and that person was crucified instead. The Quran asserts that Jesus is a word from Allah but reminds the followers that he was a human prophet and not part of God Himself.
This account of Jesus’ life serves as a significant difference between Islamic and Christian beliefs. It is important to understand and appreciate these differences while acknowledging the mutual respect both religions have towards this esteemed figure.
In conclusion, the Quranic account of Jesus portrays him as a miraculous prophet, a messenger of God, and a unique human being. The Quran tells the stories of his virgin birth, his teachings, and the miracles he performed, as well as provides an alternative perspective on the crucifixion event.
Islamic Eschatology and Jesus
Return of Jesus
In Islamic eschatology, we believe that Jesus, or Isa, plays a significant role in the end times. He is expected to return to Earth before the Day of Judgment as a sign of the final hour. Jesus is considered the al-Masih or Messiah in Islam, and his return is foretold in various Hadith, which are the sayings and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith state that Jesus will descend near a white minaret in the east of Damascus1. Upon his return, Jesus will join the Muslim community and refute any claims that he is God or the Son of God. He will emphasize the monotheistic principle of Islam: the belief in one God.
Role in The Day of Judgment
During the time of Jesus’ return, the world will be facing immense turmoil and tribulation. An evil figure known as the Dajjal or Antichrist2 would have emerged, causing chaos and mischief across the lands. It is believed that Jesus will have a crucial role in the final battle against evil. He will kill the Dajjal and restore peace and justice on Earth.
Following this decisive battle, Jesus will rule on Earth, bringing the world back to God’s true path. Under Jesus’ leadership, people of all faiths will live in harmony and righteousness. As part of Jesus’ work in the Day of Judgment, he will:
- Uphold Sharia: Jesus will practice and promote the Islamic law.
- Break the cross: This act symbolizes Jesus’ rejection of the Christian belief in his crucifixion3.
- Kill the swine: This represents the elimination of impurity from the world.
- Eliminate taxes: Jesus will abolish the jizya, a tax imposed on non-Muslims4.
We hold these beliefs with great reverence and eagerly await Jesus’ return. When he reappears, we anticipate the establishment of a just global community and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Footnotes
- “Jesus in Islam – Wikipedia.” ↩
- “What Does Jesus Have to Do with Jihad? – The Gospel Coalition.” ↩
- “What do Muslims believe about Jesus? 6 things you didn’t know about …” ↩
- “Islamic Perspectives on Jesus Christ: Understanding …” ↩
Comparative Perspectives
Christianity and Islam Views
In both Christianity and Islam, Jesus holds a special and revered position. However, the perspectives on Jesus’ nature and role in each religion differ significantly. In Christianity, Jesus is considered the Son of God and the divine Messiah. Christians believe in the Holy Trinity, which constitutes of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Moreover, according to the Christian faith, Jesus was crucified, died, and was resurrected to save humanity from sin.
On the other hand, in Islam, Jesus (Isa in Arabic) is viewed as a prophet and messenger of God. He holds a prominent place in Islamic teachings, but Muslims do not consider him divine. Instead, Islam strictly upholds the concept of God’s oneness (Tawhid). Jesus is also believed to be born of the Virgin Mary and is mentioned in the Quran with titles such as Messiah, Son of Mary, Word, and Spirit of God. Yet, Islamic teachings reject the narratives of Jesus’ crucifixion and divinity.
Shared Prophets and Narratives
Islam, Christianity, and Judaism share many prophets, stories, and historical narratives, as they all originate from the Abrahamic tradition. The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, contains numerous references to figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. In fact, Jesus and his mother, Mary, are also mentioned frequently in the Quran, and Jesus’ miracles, such as healing the blind and raising the dead, are acknowledged in both Islamic and Christian scriptures.
Prophets in Islam are held in high regard, and Muslims believe that all the messages delivered by these prophets were sourced from God, or Allah in Arabic. However, Islam posits that the original messages of Torah and Gospel were corrupted or misinterpreted over time, leading to deviations from the true message of monotheism and necessitating the advent of Muhammad, the final prophet, and the revelation of the Quran as a guidance for humanity.
We must embrace the importance of understanding both the similarities and differences between these two major world religions when discussing Jesus in Christianity and Islam. By delving into the details, we can gain a clearer insight into the complex theological and historical connections that bind these faiths together, while also acknowledging the unique aspects of their respective belief systems.
Interfaith Relations and Jesus
Common Ground and Dialogue
In recent years, we have observed an increasing interest in interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims. A key point of connection between the two religions is their shared respect for Jesus. While both faiths have unique beliefs about Jesus, they also recognize him as a significant religious figure. This provides a solid foundation for constructive conversations between the two groups.
From our perspective as Muslims, we believe that Jesus (called “Isa” in Arabic) was a prophet of God and was born to a virgin (Mary) 1. Both Islam and Christianity are monotheistic religions, meaning we both believe in the existence of a single deity. In both religions, Jesus is portrayed as a messenger and servant of the one true God.
In addition to Jesus, we also share reverence for several other prophets and religious figures, such as Abraham, Moses, and Noah. These commonalities make it easier for us to engage in dialogue with our Christian friends, as we have a shared foundation for discussing religious matters. Additionally, both Islam and Christianity emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, values that can be utilized to promote mutual understanding and respect.
Respect for Jesus Across Faiths
Muslims and Christians, as well as Jews, are often referred to as “People of the Book”2. This designation emphasizes the shared belief in revealed scriptures and implies a level of mutual respect and understanding. For example, Muslims honor Jesus as an integral part of our faith, as do Christians, though our perspectives may differ.
One of the core aspects of Islam that sets it apart from Christianity is our belief that Jesus is not the son of God, but instead a highly respected prophet. While we acknowledge the importance of Jesus’ ministry and the miracles he performed3, we do not believe that he was divine. Despite this distinction, we still greatly value Jesus’ teachings and his significant role as a prophet in our tradition.
In conclusion, our shared reverence for Jesus and our commitment to monotheism afford us a solid foundation for engaging in respectful interfaith dialogue. By focusing on our shared beliefs and values, we aim to foster strong relationships between Muslims, Christians, and other faith communities.
Footnotes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jesus in the context of Islamic belief?
In Islam, Jesus, known as Isa in Arabic, is considered a prophet of God and is highly respected. He was born to the Virgin Mary, who is also revered in the Islamic tradition. Muslims believe that Jesus performed various miracles and that he plays a significant role in God’s plan. Importantly, Jesus is not regarded as divine or the Son of God. Instead, he is seen as a human messenger of God, similar to other important prophets in Islam.
What is the Muslim perspective on the crucifixion of Jesus?
Muslims generally believe that Jesus was not crucified. According to Islamic teachings, Jesus was taken up to Heaven by God, and someone else was made to resemble him and was crucified in his place. The Quran states in Surah An-Nisa (4:157) that the Jews who claimed to kill Jesus did not crucify him, nor did they kill him, but it appeared so to them. This event is interpreted by Muslims as evidence of God’s protection over Jesus and his prophetic mission.
How do Islamic teachings contrast Jesus with the Christian concept of the Messiah?
While both Islam and Christianity acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, their understanding of the term differs. In Christianity, the Messiah is the savior figure who is both human and divine, the Son of God. In contrast, Islam interprets the term “Messiah” as meaning a specially anointed prophet who plays a vital role in God’s plan but is not divine himself. Muslims view Jesus as one of God’s most important messengers, yet not equal to or sharing in the divinity of God.
How does Islam view the relationship between Jesus and the concept of the Trinity?
The belief in the Trinity – the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit – is central to Christian theology, deeming Jesus as both human and divine. However, in Islam, this idea is considered shirk (the sin of associating partners with God) as it goes against the fundamental Islamic belief in the oneness of God. Muslims uphold the belief in tawhid, which strictly asserts the absolute uniqueness and indivisibility of God. In this context, Jesus is regarded as a prophet but not as divine or part of the Godhead.
