The Islam Compass

Jesus in Islam

'Isa ibn Maryam — the Messiah, and a messenger of God.

No Muslim is a Muslim without believing in Jesus. He is named in the Qur'an as the Messiah, born of a virgin, given clear signs, and supported by God — and a whole chapter is named after his mother.

What follows is what the Qur'an says, and then, plainly and without caricature, where it differs from mainstream Christian belief.

Mary — Maryam عليها السلام

Mary is the only woman named in the Qur'an, and she is described as chosen and purified above the women of the worlds. Surah 19 bears her name; Surah 3 recounts her upbringing in devotion.

Islamic teaching gives her an honour that surprises many visitors: she is presented as a model of faith for all believers, men and women alike.

And [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds."
Qur'an — Surah Al-'Imran 3:42Translation: Saheeh International

The annunciation, in the Qur'an's own words:

[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary — distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]."
Qur'an — Surah Al-'Imran 3:45Translation: Saheeh International

What the Qur'an affirms about Jesus

  • 01

    The virgin birth

    Conceived without a father, by God's command: "Be," and he was. (Qur'an 3:47; 19:20–21)

  • 02

    The Messiah

    Al-Masih, a title the Qur'an uses for him repeatedly. (Qur'an 3:45; 4:171)

  • 03

    Miracles by God's permission

    Healing the blind and the leper, and giving life to the dead — each time "by permission of Allah." (Qur'an 3:49; 5:110)

  • 04

    A prophet and messenger

    Given the Gospel — al-Injil — and sent to the Children of Israel. (Qur'an 5:46; 61:6)

  • 05

    His return

    Islamic sources describe his return before the Last Day. (Qur'an 43:61; Sahih al-Bukhari 3448)

    • Qur'anQur'an 43:61
    • SunnahSahih al-Bukhari 3448 — the descent of 'Isa

Where Islam differs

Islam does not accept that Jesus is God, the son of God, or one person of a trinity. The difference is not about his honour — the Qur'an holds him in the highest regard — but about the line between Creator and creation.

The Qur'an addresses this directly and asks Christians to weigh it, rather than dismissing them: it calls the People of the Book to a common word, that we worship none but God.

مَّا ٱلْمَسِيحُ ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ ٱلرُّسُلُ

The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him.
Qur'an — Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:75Translation: Saheeh International
Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you — that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah."
Qur'an — Surah Al-'Imran 3:64Translation: Saheeh International

Sources & References

15 cited

Religious content here follows the Qur'an, the authentic Sunnah, and the established scholarship of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. Qur'an citations link to the verse; hadith carry collection and number; Tafsir and historical claims name the work. Where something could not be verified, it is not published.

More on Jesus in Islam

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  • mary / maryam in islam — Deserves its own page; Surah Maryam and Al Imran, sourced.