This article is part of the series "Christianity from the perspective of Islam"
Jesus in the Koran
For Muslims, Jesus (peace be upon him) is one of the most important and revered prophets. He is mentioned by name twenty-five times in the Koran. This is far more often than the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned, and there is even a whole sura named after Mary, the mother of Jesus.
"We believe in Allah and that which has been revealed to us and that which has been revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants, and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we submit to Him."
[Al-Baqarah 2:136]
The Koran confirms the virgin birth of Jesus and describes him as the "Messiah" and "Word of God". However, it rejects the doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus. In Islam, Jesus is a human prophet, not the son of God. He was sent to the Children of Israel to confirm the Torah that came before him and to bring the good news of a prophet who would come after him (Ahmad/Muhammad).
The Koran emphasizes that Jesus was a mortal human being who, like all other prophets, was chosen by God to spread God's message. Islam strictly rejects attributing divinity to anyone or anything. This is called Shirk and is the greatest sin a person can commit, and the only one that God will not forgive.
Numerous titles are given to Jesus in the Koran and in Islamic literature, the most common being al-Masih ("Messiah") and "Ibn Maryam" (son of Mary). Jesus is also recognized as a Prophet (Nabi) and Messenger (Rasul) of God. The terms wadjih ("worthy of esteem in this world and the next"), mubarak ("blessed" or "a source of benefit for others"), Abd-Allah ("servant of God") are all used in the Koran. Jesus is also considered the "Seal of the Israelite Prophets" because Jesus was the last prophet sent by God to lead the Children of Israel. In Islam, Jesus is seen as a precursor to Muhammad, whose coming he is said to have foretold.
Jesus' special status consists in the fact that he himself was not created from the union of opposing poles, but comes directly from God. He is called ruhun mina Llah (Spirit from God) and kalimatu Llah (Word of God). Jesus and his mother Mary are the only people, according to prophetic tradition, who were not touched by Satan at birth, i.e., completely sinless.
Muslims believe that Jesus will return at the end of time to restore justice on earth and to defeat al-Masih ad-Dajjal, the "false Messiah" (also known as the Antichrist). Therefore, he has a very special role to play.
The Virgin Birth
"And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book, Maryam, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he appeared before her as a well-proportioned man. She said, 'Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.' He said, 'I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.' She said, 'How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?' He said, 'Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, "It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed."'"
[Maryam 19:16-21]
Jesus as the Messiah
"And [mention] when the angels said, 'O Maryam, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Maryam - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]. He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous.'"
[Ali 'Imran 3:45-46]
The Miracles of Jesus
"And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.'"
[Ali 'Imran 3:49]
What the Koran says about the Crucifixion
"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 indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise."
[An-Nisa 4:157-158]
Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified, but rather that Allah raised him up to Himself. A likeness of him was put on another man (some traditions say it was Judas Iscariot) who was crucified instead. God saved Jesus from the cross and honored him.
The Return of Jesus
In Islamic eschatology, Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment. He will descend in the east of Damascus and will pray behind the Mahdi. He will break the cross, kill the swine, abolish the jizyah, and kill the Dajjal (the false Messiah/Antichrist). Then there will be a period of peace and justice on earth.
"And indeed, he [Jesus] will be a sign for the knowledge of the Hour. So be not in doubt concerning it, and follow Me. This is a straight path."
[Az-Zukhruf 43:61]
Comparing the Bible and the Koran
While the Bible and the Koran share many stories about Jesus, there are significant differences in their perspectives. For Muslims, the Koran is the final revelation that corrects the earlier scriptures that have been altered over time. The Islamic view of Jesus is one of deep respect and honor, while maintaining the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid).
"They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary' while the Messiah has said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Indeed, he who associates others with Allah - Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers."
[Al-Ma'idah 5:72]
In Islam, Jesus is a beloved prophet and messenger of God, but not divine. He is a sign of God's power and mercy, and a model of piety and submission to God's will.
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