Discovering Jesus Through Islam: An Eye-Opening Perspective
Many people are surprised to learn that Jesus, known as Prophet Isa in Islam, is a central figure in the Muslim faith. Islam holds Jesus in high regard, revering him as a Prophet, Messiah, and a miraculous sign of Allah’s power. For anyone interested in deepening their understanding of how Muslims view Jesus, the story of his life and mission provides a unique perspective that often goes unnoticed in the broader discourse.
If you’re looking to explore this topic further, this book on Jesus in Islam * offers incredible insights and detailed explanations based on Quranic verses and Hadith. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about the intersections of faith between Islam and Christianity.
Let’s delve into some of the core beliefs Muslims hold about Jesus and his place within the Islamic tradition.
1. Jesus as a Beloved Prophet
In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is considered one of the greatest Prophets, sent by Allah to guide the Children of Israel. Muslims believe that he was given divine revelations and a holy scripture, the Injil (Gospel), and that he performed miracles by Allah’s permission.
The Quran states,
“And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit…”
(Quran 2:87)
This highlights Jesus’ close relationship with Allah and his unique role as a messenger. Unlike the Christian view of Jesus as divine, Muslims view him as a devoted servant and Prophet of God, exemplifying humility and obedience.
2. The Miraculous Birth and Life of Jesus
Islam acknowledges the miraculous aspects of Jesus' life, including his virgin birth, a belief shared with Christianity. In the Quran, Mary (Maryam), his mother, is revered as one of the most pious and honored women, chosen to bear Jesus through a miraculous event.
“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.’”
(Quran 3:42)
According to Islamic teachings, Jesus spoke from the cradle to defend his mother’s honor and declare his mission as a Prophet. This miraculous speech served as a sign of his divine appointment and foreshadowed the miracles he would perform throughout his life, including healing the sick and reviving the dead—all by Allah’s will.
3. Jesus’ Role as the Messiah and His Future Return
A unique aspect of Islamic belief is that Jesus was not crucified or killed. Muslims believe that Allah saved Jesus, raising him to the heavens, where he awaits his return as a major sign of the Last Day. The Quran clarifies this concept:
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them…”
(Quran 4:157)
Muslims believe that Jesus will return at the end of times to restore justice and fight against the forces of evil. This belief connects Muslims and Christians in a shared anticipation of Jesus' return, though the interpretation of his role differs.
4. Jesus’ Message of Monotheism
In Islam, Jesus’ core message was to call people to the worship of Allah alone, reinforcing the monotheistic teachings of all previous prophets. Muslims believe Jesus emphasized the Oneness of Allah and served as a continuation of the message brought by Prophets Abraham, Moses, and others.
“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.”
(Quran 3:51)
This teaching aligns with Islam’s foundation of tawhid, or monotheism, which holds that only Allah is worthy of worship.
Want to Learn More?
The Islamic perspective on Jesus offers a fresh and thought-provoking lens through which to understand his life and message. For those interested in a deeper dive, this comprehensive book on Jesus in Islam * explores his role, teachings, and the respect he holds among Muslims. It’s a valuable resource for anyone seeking to bridge the understanding between Islam and Christianity, providing a wealth of information on the life and mission of Jesus.
Whether you’re new to learning about Islam or simply curious about the shared and unique beliefs between Christianity and Islam, the story of Jesus in Islam is both enlightening and inspiring. By exploring these teachings, we gain a greater appreciation for the faith’s respect for Jesus and its emphasis on peace, guidance, and faith.
* Article contains Amazon affiliate links and store may earn commission on eligible links. Thank you for supporting Blind Hearts and the mission!