How Does Islam View Prophet Isa (Jesus)?


Introduction

Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) is one of the most significant and revered figures in Islam. While Christianity sees Jesus as the Son of God and the central figure of salvation, Islam holds a different, yet deeply respectful, view of him. The Qur’an describes Isa (PBUH) as a noble prophet, a miraculous messenger, and a servant of Allah, emphasizing his humanity and divine mission. This article explores the Islamic perspective on Prophet Isa, based on the Qur’an and authentic Hadiths, to clarify his role in the faith of over 2 billion Muslims worldwide.

Isa (PBUH) as a Prophet and Messenger of Allah

Islam recognizes Isa (PBUH) as one of the mightiest messengers of Allah, belonging to the group of prophets known as Ulul ‘Azm—those with the highest rank and responsibility. The Qur’an states:

“And We gave Isa, the son of Maryam, clear proofs and supported him with the Holy Spirit.” (Qur’an 2:87)

Unlike Christianity, which views Jesus as divine, Islam affirms that Isa (PBUH) was a human being chosen by Allah to guide the Children of Israel back to the true worship of one God. His mission was the same as that of all other prophets: to call people to Tawhid (monotheism) and to convey Allah’s guidance.

The Miraculous Birth of Isa (PBUH)

One of the most remarkable aspects of Isa’s (PBUH) life was his miraculous birth. Muslims believe that he was born to Maryam (Mary), a pious and chaste woman, without any male intervention. This miraculous event is clearly described in the Qur’an:

“(Remember) when the angels said, ‘O Maryam, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Isa, the son of Maryam—distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near (to Allah).’” (Qur’an 3:45)

Maryam (PBUH) was shocked when she received the news, but Allah reassured her that this was His divine decree. The Qur’an further narrates how Isa (PBUH) spoke as an infant to defend his mother’s honor:

“(Isa) said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’” (Qur’an 19:30)

This event is one of the many miracles Allah granted Isa (PBUH), demonstrating His divine power and wisdom.

The Miracles of Isa (PBUH) in Islam

Muslims believe that Isa (PBUH) was given numerous miracles by Allah to prove his prophethood. Some of these miracles include:

  • Speaking as an infant to testify to the truth of his mission (Qur’an 19:30).
  • Healing the blind and lepers through Allah’s permission (Qur’an 3:49).
  • Bringing the dead back to life by Allah’s will (Qur’an 3:49).
  • Creating a bird from clay and giving it life (Qur’an 5:110).

These miracles were not a sign of Isa’s (PBUH) divinity but rather a testament to Allah’s power, which He bestowed upon His chosen prophets.

Was Isa (PBUH) Crucified? The Islamic Perspective

One of the most significant differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs about Isa (PBUH) is the event of the crucifixion. Christianity holds that Jesus was crucified and resurrected, but Islam categorically denies this. Instead, the Qur’an states:

“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Isa, the son of Maryam, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them...” (Qur’an 4:157)

According to Islamic teachings, Isa (PBUH) was not killed but was raised to the heavens by Allah. The exact details of what happened remain a divine mystery, but many scholars believe that someone else was made to resemble him, leading people to believe he had been crucified.

The Second Coming of Isa (PBUH) in Islam

Islam teaches that Isa (PBUH) will return before the Day of Judgment as a sign of the end times. His second coming will be to restore justice, defeat the false messiah (Dajjal), and reaffirm the true message of monotheism. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, soon the son of Maryam will descend among you as a just ruler...” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3448)

During his second coming, Isa (PBUH) will not bring a new religion but will follow the teachings of Islam, confirming the finality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger.

Isa (PBUH) and the Message of Tawhid

The core message of Isa (PBUH) was the same as all prophets before him: the worship of one true God. He never claimed divinity but always directed people to Allah. The Qur’an records his words:

“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.” (Qur’an 3:51)

Islam considers the concept of the Trinity to be a deviation from the original teachings of Isa (PBUH). Instead, Muslims believe that he preached pure monotheism (Tawhid), just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did.

Respect and Love for Isa (PBUH) in Islam

Muslims deeply respect and love Isa (PBUH) as one of Allah’s greatest prophets. It is an essential part of Iman (faith) to believe in him, his miracles, and his prophethood. Denying him as a prophet would be considered disbelief in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself emphasized this when he said:

“I am the closest of people to Jesus, the son of Mary, in this life and in the Hereafter. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3443)

Conclusion

Islam’s view of Prophet Isa (PBUH) is one of deep reverence and respect. He was a mighty prophet, born miraculously, given incredible signs, and raised to the heavens by Allah’s will. However, he was not divine, nor was he crucified. Instead, he preached the message of Tawhid, calling people to worship Allah alone.

The return of Isa (PBUH) is a significant event in Islamic eschatology, and when he comes back, he will stand as a witness to the truth of Islam. By understanding the Islamic perspective on Isa (PBUH), both Muslims and Christians can foster greater interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.

May Allah guide us all to the truth and grant us wisdom in understanding His divine message. Ameen.

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