Do Muslims believe in Jesus Christ

In a Nutshell: Muslims hold Jesus (known as Isa pbuh in Islam) in the highest esteem, considering him a revered prophet and messenger of Allah (swt). Islam recognizes his miraculous birth through the Virgin Mary (ra), his ability to perform miracles with Allah's (swt) permission and his role as the Messiah. However, Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of Allah (swt) and do not consider Jesus (pbuh) to be divine, nor do they believe he was crucified. They await his return before the Day of Judgment as a sign of the end times. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Do Muslims Believe in Jesus Christ? Common Misconceptions About the Islamic View of Jesus Frequent Objections to the Islamic View of Jesus FAQs Conclusion Introduction Jesus Christ, known as Isa (pbuh) in Islam, holds a prominent place in Muslim theology and belief. While there are key differences between Christian and Islamic understandings of Jesus (pbuh), Muslims deeply revere him as a righteous messenger of Allah (swt) and one of the greatest prophets. This answer will look at the Islamic perspective on Jesus (pbuh), highlighting the evidence from the Qur'an, hadith, the lives of the Sahaba (ra) and the traditional Islamic scholarship that supports Muslim beliefs. Evidences The Holy Qur'an The Holy Qur'an speaks extensively about Jesus (pbuh), affirming his miraculous birth, his prophethood and his special status as the Messiah. Here are a few key verses: And mention in the Book, Mary, when she withdrew from her family to an eastern place. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, 'Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.' He said, 'I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.' She said, 'How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?' He said, 'Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed. (Qur'an 19:16-21) 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) The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded. (Qur'an 5:75) [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, son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].' (Qur'an 3:45) Hadiths: The sayings and actions of the Prophet (pbuh) provide further insights into the Islamic belief about Jesus (pbuh): By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler and will break the Cross and kill pigs... (Sahih al-Bukhari) There is no prophet between me and him (Jesus Christ pbuh). (Sahih al-Bukhari) Opinions of the Sahaba The Sahaba (ra) were the closest companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and witnessed his teachings and actions firsthand. Their understanding of Islam is of utmost importance to Muslims. Here are some insights from the Sahaba (ra) regarding Jesus (pbuh): Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (ra) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: The closest of people to Abraham on the Day of Resurrection will be those who followed him and this Prophet (Muhammad pbuh) and those who believed in him (Jesus pbuh). (Sahih al-Bukhari) Abu Hurairah (ra) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Quotes of Classical Scholars Traditional Islamic scholars have analyzed and interpreted the Qur'an, hadith and the lives of the Sahaba (ra) for centuries. Here's what some of the most respected scholars have stated about Jesus (pbuh): Ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328 CE):It is well-known from the consensus of Muslims that Jesus son of Mary is the slave of Allah and His Messenger; he was neither killed nor crucified. Ibn Kathir (1300-1373 CE):Jesus is one of the five great Messengers with firm resolve... Allah informed Mary that He would create Jesus for her by His Word, without the need of any man. Al-Ghazali (1058-1111 CE):[...] and he [Jesus] is one of the Prophets of Allah whom Allah honored with prophecy, miracles and extraordinary things. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi (1149-1209 CE):[...] that the Messiah is from among the greatest Prophets and Messengers, there is no doubt for those who believe in his Prophethood and in what Allah has revealed in His Book. Do Muslims Believe in Jesus Christ? The evidences presented make it clear that Islam holds Jesus (pbuh) in high reverence. He is considered one of Allah's (swt) most esteemed messengers and a miracle in himself. His unique birth, through the Virgin Mary (ra), demonstrates the infinite power of Allah (swt). The Qur'an confirms that Jesus (pbuh) was given the ability to perform miracles, including healing the sick and raising the dead, by Allah's (swt) permission. These miracles strengthened his message of submission to the one true God. Muslims, like Christians, also believe that Jesus (pbuh) is the Messiah. However, the implications of this understanding differ in Islamic theology. Islam rejects the concept of original sin and, therefore, the need for a savior-figure to atone for humanity's sins. Instead, Muslims believe that each person is accountable for their actions and that sincere repentance can lead to forgiveness. A key point of divergence between Islamic and Christian theology is the nature of Jesus (pbuh). Muslims believe that Jesus (pbuh), though a miraculous and revered prophet, was a human being and not the son of God or God incarnate. Islam upholds the absolute oneness of Allah (swt) and rejects any notion of divinity being attributed to His creation. The Islamic understanding of Jesus (pbuh) also includes the belief that he was not crucified but raised to heaven by Allah (swt). It is believed that a likeness of him was put in his place and those who intended to crucify him were deceived. Muslims also believe that Jesus (pbuh) will return to the earth before the Day of Judgment, where he will break the cross (a symbol of false beliefs), establish justice and defeat the Antichrist. 5 Common Misconceptions About the Islamic View of Jesus Muslims do not believe in Jesus:This is false. Muslims firmly believe in Jesus (pbuh) as a prophet and messenger of Allah (swt). They respect and revere him, although their understanding of his role and nature differs from the Christian perspective. Islam considers Jesus an ordinary prophet:Muslims believe Jesus (pbuh) was one of the greatest prophets, bestowed with extraordinary abilities by Allah (swt), including the power to perform miracles. Muslims hate Jesus:On the contrary, love and respect for Jesus (pbuh) are essential in Islam. Muslims follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who said, None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself and this certainly extends to all prophets. Muslims reject the New Testament and the Gospels:While Muslims believe the original Injil (Gospel) revealed to Jesus (pbuh) was a divine revelation, they hold that the current New Testament was altered over time and does not represent the original message of Jesus (pbuh). Islam is a recent religion that borrowed ideas about Jesus from Christianity:Islam traces its roots to the first prophet, Adam (pbuh) and considers all the prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all) as part of the same tradition of submitting to the one true God. 5 Frequent Objections to the Islamic View of Jesus If Jesus was a great prophet, why didn't he clearly state his divinity?Muslims argue that Jesus (pbuh) repeatedly emphasized his servitude to Allah (swt) and the notion of his divinity surfaced later. How can you deny the crucifixion, an event attested to by historical sources?Muslims believe Allah (swt) saved Jesus (pbuh) from crucifixion and that those who claimed to have crucified him were deceived. The miracles of Jesus point to his divinity.Muslims see the miracles of Jesus (pbuh) as proof of Allah's (swt) power and support bestowed upon His chosen messengers, not as evidence of the prophet's own divinity. Without Jesus' sacrifice, how can sins be forgiven?Islam holds that repentance and seeking Allah's (swt) forgiveness directly is the path to salvation. The concept of God needing to sacrifice himself or requiring the sacrifice of another for the forgiveness of sins is incompatible with the Islamic understanding of Allah's (swt) justice and mercy. If Jesus isn't divine, what is the significance of his return?Jesus's (pbuh) return is a major sign of the end times. He will descend as a just ruler, clarify the truth about his message and defeat falsehood, fulfilling the prophecies about him. FAQs: Do Muslims Believe in Jesus Christ? Do Muslims worship Jesus?No, Muslims worship Allah (swt) alone. They respect and honor Jesus (pbuh) as a prophet but reserve worship exclusively for Allah (swt). Is 'Jesus' the correct name in Islam?Muslims refer to him as Isa (pbuh) which is the Arabic translation of his name. Do Muslims believe in the virgin birth?Yes, Muslims believe in Jesus' (pbuh) miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary (ra). Do Muslims await the second coming of Jesus?Yes, Muslims believe Jesus (pbuh) will return before the Day of Judgment. What is the Islamic perspective on the crucifixion?Muslims believe Jesus (pbuh) was not crucified and that Allah (swt) saved him from that fate. Conclusion Islam presents a unique and nuanced perspective on Jesus Christ (pbuh). Muslims hold him in the highest regard, recognizing him as a noble prophet, the Messiah and a miracle of creation. They affirm his virgin birth, his ability to perform miracles and his prophesied return. However, Islam categorically rejects the notion of Jesus (pbuh) as divine or as an object of worship. Muslims believe in the absolute oneness of Allah (swt), the principle of Tawhid. While differences in understanding about Jesus' (pbuh) nature create theological distinctions between Islam and Christianity, the shared reverence for him fosters a potential bridge for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect between followers of both religions.