Jesus in Islam

In Islam, Jesus is known as Isa and is believed to be one of the important prophets of God. Muslims think of him as a special messenger who was sent to help the Israelites. According to the Quran, Jesus was born to the virgin Mary and could do amazing miracles. However, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified or killed, but was taken up to heaven.

The Quran teaches that Jesus was not God or the Son of God, but a human prophet. It says that after Jesus, another important prophet named Muhammad came, and Jesus is said to have foretold Muhammad's arrival. Many Muslims also believe that Jesus will return near the end of time to bring peace and justice before he passes away naturally.

Muslims respect Jesus very much and think of him as a model of love and purity. There are many stories and poems in Sufi traditions that show how people admired Jesus for his kindness and spiritual depth. The place where Muslims believe Jesus will return, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, is one of the most important holy places in Islam.

Quran

The Quran speaks about Jesus in many parts. It calls him a special prophet from God, born to a virgin mother named Mary. Jesus is seen as a messenger who taught people to follow God’s will and believe in one God alone. The Quran makes it clear that Jesus was not God himself, emphasizing that God is one and alone. According to the Quran, Jesus would also say he was not God, showing that he too believed in submitting to God’s will.

Birth

Main article: Nativity of Jesus

See also: Maryam (surah) and Mary in Islam

In Islam, the story of Jesus starts with the birth of his mother, Mary. The Quran tells us about Mary being cared for in the temple by the prophet Zechariah. The story of Jesus' birth is found in the Quran and has been told in different ways by Islamic writers over time.

The Quran teaches that Jesus was born to Mary as a miracle, even though she had never been with a man. An angel named Gabriel told Mary she would have a special son named Jesus. Mary wondered how this could happen, but the angel said that God can do anything. When Jesus was born, Mary found water to drink and a palm tree to give her fruit. Jesus, as a baby, spoke to the temple leaders, telling them he was a prophet.

The Quran's story of Jesus' birth is similar to some older Christian stories. It tells how God sent an angel to tell Mary she would have a son, even though she was a virgin. Some writers through history have added more details to the story, such as Mary giving birth near a palm tree.

Childhood

Main article: Finding in the Temple

See also: Flight into Egypt and Infancy Gospel of Thomas

The Quran does not tell the story of Flight into Egypt, but some Islamic writers later shared stories about Jesus' early life. These stories include Jesus and his family possibly staying in Egypt for up to 12 years. Many interesting and miraculous events from Jesus' youth are told in books called Qisas al-anbiya ('Stories of the Prophets'), which were written over many years about pre-Islamic prophets and heroes.

Some writers said Jesus was born in Egypt instead of Bethlehem. Many amazing stories are told about young Jesus' time in Egypt.

Adulthood

Mission

See also: Ministry of Jesus and Apostle (Islam)

Jesus is thought to have spoken Galilean Aramaic, which was a common language in Judea during that time.

In Islam, Jesus is seen as a prophet, a person chosen by God to share important messages and encourage people to follow the one true God. His miracles and titles in the Quran show God's power, not that Jesus was a god himself. Some traditions say Jesus' message was especially for the children of Israel, and his role as a prophet was shown through many miracles.

Another view of Jesus is as a figure who will come near the end of time. According to tradition, he will return to Earth to face a bad leader and support Islam. Most stories say he will live a normal life and then pass away peacefully.

A third way people see Jesus is as a simple and spiritual teacher. While the Quran mentions a "gospel" connected to Jesus, it does not share his specific teachings. In Sufi traditions, Jesus is honored as a special spiritual guide, different from other prophets. Sufism explores ways to connect deeply with God through many practices.

Miracles

Main article: Miracles of Jesus

See also: Infancy Gospel of Thomas

The Quran tells us that Jesus performed at least six special acts that showed his importance as a messenger. These miracles were seen as signs of his role and authority. Over time, more stories about these miracles were shared by writers and historians.

The Quran does not give many details about these six miracles, but other old writings add more information. These stories have been shared and expanded through traditions, poems, and religious writings.

Speaking from the cradle

The Quran mentions that as a baby, Jesus could speak. This happened in three places in the Quran. In these stories, the baby Jesus speaks to defend his mother, Mary, from people who might question how she had a child. Jesus tells them he is a servant of God, has been given a book, and is a prophet. He also says he will be blessed on the days he is born, the day he will pass away, and the day he returns to life.

Creating birds from clay

Another miracle story says that as a child, Jesus could shape birds from clay and bring them to life by breathing on them. This story is also found in some older writings that are not part of the main Bible stories.

Healing the blind and the lepers

Just like in the Bible, the Quran says Jesus could heal people who were blind or had a disease called leprosy. Religious writers from long ago said that many people came to Jesus to be healed, and he would pray to help them get better.

Raising the dead

The Quran mentions that Jesus could bring people back to life. It does not say who these people were or what happened, but other stories from long ago tell us more about this.

Prescience

Jesus could also know things that other people did not know yet. For example, he could answer any question someone asked him and knew what people had eaten or what they kept in their homes.

Table of food from Heaven

Main article: Feeding the multitude

See also: Last Supper

In the Quran, there is a story where Jesus' followers asked him for a special table of food to come from heaven. Jesus prayed for this, and it was granted as a sign for them. Some believe this story might be related to a famous meal shared by Jesus and his followers in other writings.

Other miracles

Many more stories about Jesus' miracles have been shared over the years. Some of these are similar to stories from the Bible, while others show Jesus in everyday situations. These stories often teach important lessons.

Healing a royal official's son

Main article: Healing the royal official's son

One story tells of Jesus healing the son of a king. The name of the king is not mentioned, but some legends say it might have been a ruler named Philip.

Greed and truth-telling

There is a story about a young Jesus teaching a lesson about greed and honesty. This story is often found in books for children.

Inherent wisdom

Another story tells of Jesus showing great wisdom as a child. When he went to a school, the teacher was surprised because Jesus already knew everything being taught.

Food in children's homes

A story from long ago says that Jesus could tell what food children’s parents were preparing for them at home. Some parents became upset and stopped their children from playing with Jesus, but one day when Jesus asked where the children were, the parents lied and said there were pigs in the house. Jesus then said, "Let them be swine!" and the children turned into pigs.

Over time, writers have shared many more stories about Jesus’ miracles, borrowing from different old sources.

Revelation

Main article: Gospel in Islam

See also: Ministry of Jesus

In Islam, people believe that God gave a special book called the al-Injil (the Gospel) to Jesus. This book, along with the al-Tawrat (the Torah) and al-Zabur (the Psalms), is thought to be a message from God. Muslims think these messages help people be kind and faithful.

Some Muslims believe that the original teachings of Jesus were changed over time. They think that a man named Paul may have added new ideas that were not part of Jesus' original message.

Disciples

Main article: Disciples of Jesus in Islam

In Islamic belief, Jesus had a group of disciples who supported his teachings. The Quran does not name these disciples but shows moments when Jesus spoke to them about his message. Muslims see these disciples as similar to the companions of Muhammad.

According to Christian tradition, the twelve disciples were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Jude, Simon, and Judas.

The Quran tells a story where Jesus asked his followers who would support him for Allah. They answered that they would stand with him and believe in what he taught. One famous event mentions Jesus asking his disciples for a table of food, which then came down from heaven as a sign of his true message.

Ascension

Main article: Islamic view of Jesus' death

Surah An-Nisa 4:157 is an important part of the Quran that talks about what happened to Jesus when people thought he was crucified. It says that Jesus was not really killed or crucified. Instead, it looked like he was, but he was saved by God.

Most Islamic beliefs say that Jesus did not really die on the cross. According to the Quran, God saved him and raised him alive to heaven. Some people have different ideas about this, but the main belief is that Jesus did not die on the cross. Instead, God took him up to heaven safely.

Apocalyptic literature

See also: Second Coming § Islam, Islamic eschatology, and Hadith of Jesus praying behind Mahdi

In Islamic teachings, after living in heaven for many years, Jesus will return to Earth near the end of time. He will come during a time of great conflict to help a leader named the Mahdi and his followers. Jesus is believed to land near a special tower in the city of Damascus.

After this, Jesus is expected to make major changes to stop certain old practices and help bring many people to believe in one faith. There are also stories about an ancient group of people causing trouble, who will be stopped by God’s power. After the Mahdi’s time, Jesus will lead the world toward peace and fairness for a long period before passing away.