In Islam, Prophet Isa (known as Jesus in English) is highly regarded as one of the great prophets of Allah. He is considered a messenger who brought divine guidance and teachings to the people of his time. His story is told in various parts of the Qur'an, and his life, his miracles, and his message are central to Islamic faith. Below, we explore the role of Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islam.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) was born in miraculous circumstances, as his mother, Maryam (Mary), was a virgin. The Qur'an describes her as a righteous and pious woman who was chosen by Allah to give birth to a child without any human intervention. The angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to Maryam and conveyed Allah's command that she would conceive a son, a miracle granted to her by Allah’s will.
Maryam's pregnancy was a great trial for her, and people in her community initially doubted her purity. However, when she brought her infant son, Prophet Isa (Jesus), to the people, he spoke from the cradle, proclaiming that he was a servant of Allah and a prophet. This miraculous act is one of the many signs that reflect his special status in Islam.
The birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus) is a sign of Allah's power and mercy. The Qur'an honors Maryam as one of the most virtuous women to ever walk the earth, and the story of her son’s birth is considered a divine miracle, meant to affirm that Allah’s power transcends all natural laws.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) lived a life devoted to worshiping Allah and spreading His message. His teachings focused on monotheism, justice, mercy, and repentance. He called upon the people to worship one God, emphasizing the importance of humility, charity, and love for others.
One of the key aspects of Prophet Isa's (Jesus') message in Islam was his rejection of the idea that he was divine. Islam teaches that Isa (Jesus) is a prophet and servant of Allah, not the son of God. In contrast to Christian teachings, Muslims do not believe in the divinity of Isa (Jesus) but honor him as one of the five greatest prophets (along with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad).
Prophet Isa (Jesus) performed many miracles by the permission of Allah, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and giving sight to the blind. These miracles were a sign of his prophethood and the power of Allah working through him. However, his miracles were always intended to serve as a means to call people to the worship of the One true God, rather than to glorify himself.
Throughout his life, Prophet Isa (Jesus) faced opposition from some of the people he preached to. Despite his miracles and his call to righteousness, many of the religious leaders of his time rejected him, leading to persecution. Nonetheless, Prophet Isa (Jesus) remained steadfast in delivering his message and remained patient and compassionate even in the face of adversity.
One of the most significant differences between Islamic and Christian teachings is the account of the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (Jesus). In Christianity, it is believed that Isa (Jesus) was crucified, died for the sins of humanity, and rose from the dead. However, in Islam, the crucifixion is understood differently.
According to the Qur'an, Isa (Jesus) was not crucified, nor did he die on the cross. Instead, Allah raised him up to Himself, and someone else was made to resemble him and was crucified in his place. This belief is based on verses in the Qur'an, such as Surah An-Nisa (4:157), which states: "And [they] did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them." This means that Prophet Isa (Jesus) was not subjected to death in the way that Christians believe, but rather, Allah protected him from harm and raised him up to the heavens.
This belief is essential in Islam, as it upholds the absolute oneness and divinity of Allah. Isa (Jesus) is considered a prophet, and his mission was to call people to worship Allah, not to bear the sins of others. His miraculous ascent to the heavens is seen as a sign of his elevated status and Allah’s protection over his life.
Islamic tradition teaches that Isa (Jesus) will return in the future, as part of the eschatological events leading up to the Day of Judgment. His second coming will be a sign of the end times, and he will defeat the false messiah (the Antichrist or Dajjal) and restore justice to the world before Allah’s final judgment is enacted.
In Islam, Prophet Isa (Jesus) holds a special place among the great prophets. He is considered one of the "Ulul Azm" prophets, a title given to the five greatest messengers: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (PBUH). Each of these prophets is recognized for their perseverance in the face of hardship, their devotion to Allah, and their role in guiding humanity.
Prophet Isa (Jesus) is also regarded as a key figure in the Qur'an, with his story mentioned in numerous chapters. The Qur'an describes his miraculous birth, his ability to perform miracles, and his message of monotheism and righteousness. He is mentioned as a sign of Allah’s power and mercy, and his teachings emphasize the values of compassion, forgiveness, and humility.
Furthermore, Prophet Isa (Jesus) is important because of his role in uniting humanity in worshiping Allah alone. His message was one of submission to the will of God and the rejection of all forms of idolatry. For Muslims, he exemplifies the ideal of being a servant of Allah, embodying submission, sincerity, and devotion in all aspects of life.
Muslims believe that Isa (Jesus) will be an intercessor on the Day of Judgment. He will advocate on behalf of the believers, helping to intercede for those who have been righteous and devoted to Allah’s commands. This belief further underscores his elevated status in Islam and his integral role in the ultimate divine plan.
One of the most profound aspects of the Islamic belief regarding Prophet Isa (Jesus) is his anticipated return. It is believed that Isa (Jesus) will descend from the heavens during the final days, at a time when the world will be in turmoil and the false messiah (Dajjal) will be spreading corruption and deception. Isa (Jesus) will return as a follower of Islam, rejecting the claim of divinity that has been attributed to him, and he will fight the Dajjal and restore justice.
In this future return, Prophet Isa (Jesus) will act as a leader who will unite the believers, establish peace, and correct the misconceptions about his life and mission. He will live a normal life, marry, and die a natural death. His return is seen as a final triumph over evil and a sign of the nearing of the Day of Judgment.
The belief in the return of Prophet Isa (Jesus) serves as a source of hope and strength for Muslims, reminding them that ultimate justice will be delivered by Allah, and the true followers of the message of monotheism will prevail in the end.