The Status of Jesus Christ in Islam

Introduction

Jesus Christ (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam, peace be upon him) holds a very high status in Islam, a status that many non-Muslims—and even some Muslims—might not fully understand.
In Islam, Jesus is not viewed merely as a historical figure; he is honored as a great prophet, supported by divine miracles, born through a miraculous birth, and sent with a divine message, while denying any attributes that do not befit prophethood.

This article explores the status of Jesus Christ in Islam through the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, clarifying theological differences in a clear, scholarly, and respectful manner.

Who Is Jesus Christ in Islam?

Muslims believe that:

• Jesus is ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary)

• He is a noble prophet sent to the Children of Israel

• He is a servant and messenger of God, not God or the Son of God

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah.”
(Qur’an 4:171)

This verse clearly defines Islam’s belief regarding Jesus.

The Status of Mary in Islam

The status of Jesus is closely connected to Maryam (Mary, peace be upon her), who holds a unique position in Islam:

• She is explicitly mentioned by name in the Qur’an

• An entire chapter (Surah Maryam) is named after her

• She is described as pure and chosen above all women

“Indeed, Allah chose her and purified her and chose her above the women of the worlds.”
(Qur’an 3:42)

The Miraculous Birth of Jesus

Muslims believe Jesus was born without a father, a divine miracle similar to the creation of Adam.

“Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.”
(Qur’an 3:59)

Miracles of Jesus in Islam

Islam affirms many miracles performed by Jesus by God’s permission, including:

• Speaking as an infant

• Healing the blind and lepers

• Bringing the dead back to life

• Creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it

“And I heal the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead by Allah’s permission.”
(Qur’an 3:49)

The Message of Jesus

Jesus was sent to:

• Call people to worship God alone

• Confirm the message of Prophet Moses (Musa, peace be upon him)

• Foretell the coming of a prophet after him (Muhammad ﷺ)

“And [Jesus] will be a bringer of good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name will be Ahmad.”
(Qur’an 61:6)

Islam’s View on the Divinity of Jesus

Islam rejects any claim of divinity or sonship of Jesus. It emphasizes that:

• God is One

• He does not beget nor is He begotten

• Nothing is like Him

“The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a messenger.”
(Qur’an 5:75)

This does not diminish Jesus’ status; rather, it preserves the dignity of his prophethood.

Was Jesus Crucified in Islam?

Muslims believe that:

• Jesus was not crucified or killed

• God raised him up to Himself

• Another was made to appear like him

“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them.”
(Qur’an 4:157)

The Second Coming of Jesus

Islam teaches that:

• Jesus will return in the end times

• His descent is one of the major signs of the Hour

• He will defeat the false messiah (al-Dajjal) and establish justice

This highlights the continuing prophetic role of Jesus in Islamic belief.

Jesus Compared to Other Prophets

Islam honors all prophets equally, including:

• Adam

• Noah

• Abraham

• Moses

• Jesus

• Muhammad ﷺ

“We make no distinction between any of His messengers.”
(Qur’an 2:285)

Difference Between Islamic and Christian Views of Jesus

These differences are theological while maintaining full respect for Jesus.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ holds a high and honored status in Islam. He is a noble prophet, a revered messenger, and an exemplary figure of purity, devotion, and monotheistic preaching.

Muslims believe in Jesus fully, and denying his prophethood is considered outside Islamic belief.
Islam neither opposes Jesus nor diminishes him but honors him according to his true status, free from exaggeration or neglect.

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