Sarah’s Christian coworker asked her during lunch: “So Muslims don’t believe in Jesus at all, right?”
Sarah paused, surprised. “Actually, we do believe in Jesus (AS). We just believe something different about him.”
Her coworker looked confused. “Wait, what? But you’re not Christian. How can you believe in Jesus?”
This happens constantly. Christians assume Muslims reject Jesus (AS) entirely. And honestly? Many Muslims don’t know how to explain their beliefs about Prophet Isa (AS) (Jesus) clearly to non-Muslims.
Here’s the reality: Muslims love and honor Jesus (AS). His name is mentioned in the Quran more times than Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). His mother Maryam (Mary) (RA) has an entire chapter named after her. Denying Jesus (AS) as a prophet would literally make you not Muslim.
But Islam teaches radically different things about who Jesus (AS) was, what his mission involved, and what happened to him.
This article explains exactly what Muslims believe about Jesus (AS)—the similarities with Christianity, the fundamental differences, and why these beliefs matter for interfaith understanding.
QUICK ISLAMIC INFO BOX
What You’ll Learn:
- What the Quran says about Jesus (AS) and his miraculous birth
- Why Muslims honor Jesus (AS) as one of the greatest prophets
- The key differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs about Jesus (AS)
- What Islam teaches about the crucifixion and resurrection
- Islamic beliefs about Jesus’ (AS) return before the Day of Judgment
Sources Referenced:
- Quran 3:45-55, 4:157-158, 19:16-35 on Jesus (AS)
- Islamic theology on prophets and prophethood
- Classical scholarly consensus on Prophet Isa (AS)
Read Time: 9 minutes
Muslims Honor Jesus (AS) as a Great Prophet
Look, let’s start with what might surprise Christians: Muslims deeply respect Jesus (AS). We just don’t worship him.
The Quran calls him by honored titles: Al-Masih (the Messiah), Kalimatullah (the Word of Allah (SWT)), Ruhullah (a spirit from Allah (SWT)). He’s mentioned 25 times in the Quran by name—more than Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
And believing in Prophet Isa (AS) isn’t optional for Muslims. It’s a requirement of faith. Allah (SWT) says:
“Say, ‘We have believed in Allah and what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'” (Quran 2:136)
قُولُوۤا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَاۤ أُنزِلَ إِلَیۡنَا وَمَاۤ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰۤ إِبۡرَ ٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِیلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ وَیَعۡقُوبَ وَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِ وَمَاۤ أُوتِیَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِیسَىٰ وَمَاۤ أُوتِیَ ٱلنَّبِیُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمۡ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَیۡنَ أَحَدࣲ مِّنۡهُمۡ وَنَحۡنُ لَهُۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ
Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.”
[2:136]
You can’t be Muslim while rejecting Jesus (AS). That’s how important he is in Islamic theology.
But here’s where it gets different from Christianity: Islam teaches that Prophet Isa (AS) was a human prophet—not God, not God’s son, not part of a Trinity. A messenger chosen by Allah (SWT) to guide the Children of Israel back to pure monotheism.
The Miraculous Birth Muslims Affirm
Muslims believe in the virgin birth completely. The Quran dedicates extensive verses to Prophet Isa’s (AS) miraculous conception and birth.
“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. 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.”‘” (Quran 19:16-21)
قَالَتۡ أَنَّىٰ یَكُونُ لِی غُلَـٰمࣱ وَلَمۡ یَمۡسَسۡنِی بَشَرࣱ وَلَمۡ أَكُ بَغِیࣰّا
She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?”
[19:20]
Notice: Islam affirms that Maryam (RA) was a virgin, that the angel brought news from Allah (SWT), and that Prophet Isa (AS) was born miraculously without a human father.
The Quran even defends Maryam (RA) against accusations:
“And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.” (Quran 66:12)
وَمَرۡیَمَ ٱبۡنَتَ عِمۡرَ ٰنَ ٱلَّتِیۤ أَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِیهِ مِن رُّوحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتۡ بِكَلِمَـٰتِ رَبِّهَا وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَكَانَتۡ مِنَ ٱلۡقَـٰنِتِینَ
And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel, and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.
[66:12]
Muslims honor Maryam (RA) as one of the most righteous women in all of history. She’s the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran. That’s how much Islam respects her.
But—and this is crucial—Muslims believe the virgin birth doesn’t make Prophet Isa (AS) divine. It makes him a miraculous sign from Allah (SWT), like Prophet Adam (AS) who was created with no father or mother.
The Miracles Islam Affirms
The Quran mentions several miracles Prophet Isa (AS) performed—all by Allah’s (SWT) permission:
“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead—by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.'” (Quran 3:49)
وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِیۤ إِسۡرَ ٰۤءِیلَ أَنِّی قَدۡ جِئۡتُكُم بِـَٔایَةࣲ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ أَنِّیۤ أَخۡلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطِّینِ كَهَیۡـَٔةِ ٱلطَّیۡرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِیهِ فَیَكُونُ طَیۡرَۢا بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِۖ وَأُبۡرِئُ ٱلۡأَكۡمَهَ وَٱلۡأَبۡرَصَ وَأُحۡیِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِۖ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأۡكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِی بُیُوتِكُمۡۚ إِنَّ فِی ذَ ٰلِكَ لَـَٔایَةࣰ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِینَ
And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.
[3:49]
Creating a bird from clay. Healing the blind and lepers. Raising the dead. Knowing the unseen. These are extraordinary miracles—but the Quran emphasizes repeatedly: “by permission of Allah.”
Prophet Isa (AS) wasn’t performing miracles through his own divine power. Allah (SWT) granted him these abilities as signs of his prophethood, just as He granted Prophet Musa (AS) (Moses) the ability to part the sea.
The Fundamental Difference: Jesus (AS) is Not God
Here’s where Islamic and Christian theology diverge completely.
Christianity teaches Jesus is God incarnate—the second person of the Trinity, fully divine and fully human. Islam categorically rejects this.
The Quran explicitly addresses this belief:
“O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, ‘Three’; desist—it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son.” (Quran 4:171)
یَـٰۤأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ لَا تَغۡلُوا۟ فِی دِینِكُمۡ وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡحَقَّۚ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمَسِیحُ عِیسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡیَمَ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُۥۤ أَلۡقَىٰهَاۤ إِلَىٰ مَرۡیَمَ وَرُوحࣱ مِّنۡهُۖ فَـَٔامِنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦۖ وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ ثَلَـٰثَةٌۚ ٱنتَهُوا۟ خَیۡرࣰا لَّكُمۡۚ إِنَّمَا ٱللَّهُ إِلَـٰهࣱ وَ ٰحِدࣱۖ سُبۡحَـٰنَهُۥۤ أَن یَكُونَ لَهُۥ وَلَدࣱۘ لَّهُۥ مَا فِی ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ ٰتِ وَمَا فِی ٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِیلࣰا
O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, “Three”; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.
[4:171]
And even more directly:
“They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary’ while the Messiah has said, ‘O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ Indeed, he who associates others with Allah—Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire.” (Quran 5:72)
لَقَدۡ كَفَرَ ٱلَّذِینَ قَالُوۤا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلۡمَسِیحُ ٱبۡنُ مَرۡیَمَۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَسِیحُ یَـٰبَنِیۤ إِسۡرَ ٰۤءِیلَ ٱعۡبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّی وَرَبَّكُمۡۖ إِنَّهُۥ مَن یُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَیۡهِ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَمَأۡوَىٰهُ ٱلنَّارُۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِینَ مِنۡ أَنصَارࣲ
They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allah – Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.
[5:72]
From the Islamic perspective, believing Jesus (AS) is God contradicts pure monotheism (Tawhid)—the most fundamental principle in Islam. Allah (SWT) is One, indivisible, without partners, without offspring.
The Quran says Prophet Isa (AS) himself will deny this belief on the Day of Judgment:
“And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, “Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?”‘ He will say, ‘Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.'” (Quran 5:116)
وَإِذۡ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ یَـٰعِیسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡیَمَ ءَأَنتَ قُلۡتَ لِلنَّاسِ ٱتَّخِذُونِی وَأُمِّیَ إِلَـٰهَیۡنِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِۖ قَالَ سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ مَا یَكُونُ لِیۤ أَنۡ أَقُولَ مَا لَیۡسَ لِی بِحَقٍّۚ إِن كُنتُ قُلۡتُهُۥ فَقَدۡ عَلِمۡتَهُۥۚ تَعۡلَمُ مَا فِی نَفۡسِی وَلَاۤ أَعۡلَمُ مَا فِی نَفۡسِكَۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلۡغُیُوبِ
And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?'” He will say, “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is Knower of the unseen.
[5:116]
Islam teaches that the Trinity concept was added to Christianity after Prophet Isa (AS) left—not something he taught or claimed.
The Crucifixion: Islam’s Most Controversial Claim
This is where things get really contentious between Islam and Christianity.
The Quran states that Prophet Isa (AS) was not crucified:
“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. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Quran 4:157-158)
وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ إِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا ٱلۡمَسِیحَ عِیسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡیَمَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِینَ ٱخۡتَلَفُوا۟ فِیهِ لَفِی شَكࣲّ مِّنۡهُۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ یَقِینَۢا
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. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.
[4:157]
Islam teaches that it was made to appear as though Prophet Isa (AS) was crucified—but he wasn’t actually killed. Allah (SWT) raised him to heaven alive.
This directly contradicts Christianity’s core doctrine: that Jesus died for humanity’s sins and was resurrected.
Muslims don’t believe in original sin or that anyone needs to die for humanity’s redemption. Everyone is born sinless and accountable only for their own deeds. So the entire theological framework of crucifixion-as-atonement doesn’t exist in Islam.
Jesus (AS) Will Return
Here’s something Muslims and Christians agree on: Prophet Isa (AS) will return before the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught that near the end of times, Prophet Isa (AS) will descend to Earth. He’ll fight the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), establish justice, break the cross (symbolically ending Christianity’s focus on crucifixion), and call people back to pure monotheism.
He’ll live for a period, marry, have children, die a natural death, and be buried next to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Madinah.
But—and this is important—when he returns, he won’t come as a new prophet with a new message. He’ll come as a follower of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), implementing Islamic law and calling people to worship Allah (SWT) alone.
Why These Differences Matter
So Muslims and Christians both honor Jesus. But we’re not describing the same person when it comes to his nature, mission, and what happened to him.
For Christians, Jesus’ divinity and atoning death are non-negotiable. For Muslims, his humanity and prophetic mission are non-negotiable.
Can we respect each other despite these differences? Absolutely. The Quran commands:
“And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best.” (Quran 29:46)
۞ وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوۤا۟ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِی هِیَ أَحۡسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِینَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنۡهُمۡۖ وَقُولُوۤا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱلَّذِیۤ أُنزِلَ إِلَیۡنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَیۡكُمۡ وَإِلَـٰهُنَا وَإِلَـٰهُكُمۡ وَ ٰحِدࣱ وَنَحۡنُ لَهُۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ
And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, “We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.”
[29:46]
Muslims should explain our beliefs respectfully, without mocking Christianity. Christians should understand that Muslims aren’t rejecting Jesus (AS)—we’re honoring him differently based on what we believe Allah (SWT) revealed.
FAQ Section
Do Muslims worship Jesus?
No. Muslims honor Prophet Isa (AS) as a great messenger but worship only Allah (SWT). Worshipping anyone besides Allah (SWT)—even a prophet—is shirk (associating partners with Allah (SWT)), the gravest sin in Islam.
If Muslims believe in Jesus, why aren’t they Christian?
Because Islam teaches that Jesus (AS) was a prophet, not God. Following his teachings (monotheism, worship of Allah (SWT) alone) makes you Muslim in the Islamic view, not Christian. Muslims believe Christianity departed from Jesus’ (AS) original message.
What do Muslims call Jesus?
In Arabic, he’s called Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary). Muslims always add alayhi salam (AS)—”peace be upon him”—after his name as a sign of respect, just as we do for all prophets.
Do Muslims believe Jesus will come back?
Yes. Islamic eschatology teaches Prophet Isa (AS) will return before the Day of Judgment to defeat the Antichrist, establish justice, and call people to Islam. He’ll live, die naturally, and be buried in Madinah.
Why do Muslims reject the crucifixion if it’s historically documented?
Muslims believe the Quran—which we accept as Allah’s (SWT) direct word—supersedes historical accounts written by humans. Allah (SWT) states clearly that Prophet Isa (AS) wasn’t crucified but was raised alive. This is a matter of faith, not historical debate for Muslims.
Conclusion
Muslims believe in Jesus (AS). We just believe he was a human prophet, not God. We honor his miraculous birth, affirm his miracles, respect his mother deeply, and await his return.
But we don’t believe he died for anyone’s sins, was resurrected, or is part of a Trinity. Those are later theological additions Islam rejects.
Can Muslims and Christians coexist respectfully despite these differences? Of course. Honest dialogue requires acknowledging we believe fundamentally different things about Prophet Isa (AS)—and that’s okay. Respect doesn’t require agreement.
What matters is both faiths claim to follow the God of Abraham (AS) and honor Jesus. We just understand his role very differently.
May Allah (SWT) guide us all to truth about Prophet Isa (AS). May He grant us respect for each other despite theological differences. May He unite humanity in worshipping Him alone. Ameen.
This article presents the Islamic perspective respectfully. Christians hold different beliefs, which is part of honest interfaith understanding.
