Muslims refer to Jesus as ‘Isa in Arabic. He is considered a prophet and messenger of God, revered in Islam for his piety and miraculous birth. While Muslims do not view Jesus as the son of God, they respect him as an important figure in Islamic theology.
How Do Muslims View Jesus?
Muslims hold Jesus in high regard as a prophet who brought God’s message to the people. He is mentioned in the Quran more than any other prophet, except for Muhammad. The Quran acknowledges Jesus’s virgin birth, performed by the will of God, and recognizes his ability to perform miracles. However, Islam does not accept the divinity of Jesus, seeing him instead as a human being chosen by God to deliver His message.
Key Beliefs About Jesus in Islam
- Prophet and Messenger: Muslims believe Jesus was sent by God to guide the Children of Israel with a new scripture, the Injil (Gospel).
- Miraculous Birth: Jesus’s birth to the Virgin Mary is a significant miracle in Islam, demonstrating God’s power.
- Miracles: The Quran attributes several miracles to Jesus, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, all by God’s permission.
- No Crucifixion: Contrary to Christian belief, Muslims hold that Jesus was not crucified. Instead, they believe that he was taken up to heaven by God and will return before the Day of Judgment.
What Is the Role of Jesus in Islamic Eschatology?
In Islamic eschatology, Jesus plays a pivotal role in the events leading to the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that Jesus will return to Earth to restore justice and defeat the false messiah, known as the Dajjal. His return is seen as a sign of the end times, after which he will die a natural death.
Jesus’s Return in Islamic Tradition
- Defeat of the Dajjal: Jesus will lead the fight against the Dajjal, bringing peace and justice.
- Unity of Believers: His return will unite believers under the banner of monotheism.
- Natural Death: After fulfilling his mission, Jesus will die and be buried like other prophets.
How Does the Quran Describe Jesus?
The Quran provides a detailed account of Jesus’s life and mission. It emphasizes his role as a servant of God and highlights his miraculous acts as signs of God’s power. Here are some of the key verses related to Jesus:
Quranic Verses About Jesus
- Birth: Surah Al-Imran (3:45-47) describes the announcement of Jesus’s birth to Mary by the angels.
- Miracles: Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:110) recounts Jesus’s miracles, such as speaking from the cradle and healing the blind.
- Prophethood: Surah Maryam (19:30) states Jesus’s first words, declaring his servitude to God and his role as a prophet.
People Also Ask
How Does Islam Differ From Christianity in Its View of Jesus?
Islam and Christianity differ significantly in their views of Jesus. While Christians believe Jesus is the son of God and part of the Holy Trinity, Muslims view him as a prophet and a servant of God. Islam denies the crucifixion and resurrection, seeing Jesus as a mortal who will return before the end times.
Why Is Jesus Called ‘Isa in Islam?
The name ‘Isa is the Arabic form of Jesus. It reflects linguistic variations across cultures and languages. In the Quran, ‘Isa is used to maintain consistency with the Arabic language and Islamic tradition.
What Is the Significance of Mary in Islam?
Mary, or Maryam in Arabic, holds a revered status in Islam. She is considered one of the most virtuous women and is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. Her faith and purity are celebrated, and she is seen as a model for believers.
Do Muslims Celebrate Christmas?
Muslims do not celebrate Christmas as it is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus as the son of God. However, Muslims respect Jesus as a prophet and may acknowledge his birth in a religious context, separate from the Christian tradition.
Can Muslims Pray to Jesus?
In Islam, prayers are directed solely to God. While Muslims respect Jesus as a prophet, they do not pray to him. Instead, they follow the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, which emphasize monotheism and the worship of one God.
Conclusion
In Islam, Jesus is a revered prophet, known as ‘Isa, who played a significant role in conveying God’s message. His life and miracles are acknowledged in the Quran, and his return is anticipated in Islamic eschatology. Understanding these beliefs provides insight into the respect and reverence Muslims have for Jesus, highlighting both commonalities and differences with Christian views. For further exploration, consider reading about the role of prophets in Islam and the significance of Mary in Islamic tradition.
