Jesus (PBUH)

Jesus (known as ‘Isa in Arabic) holds a significant and revered position in Islam. He is considered one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God, sent to guide humanity with divine revelation. Muslims honor and respect Jesus, referring to him with the title “Peace Be Upon Him” (PBUH) after his name, as they do with all prophets.

Key Beliefs about Jesus in Islam:

  1. Miraculous Birth:
    • Jesus was born to Maryam (Mary), a chaste and devout woman, without a father. His miraculous birth is detailed in the Qur’an (Surah Maryam, 19:16-33).
    • Muslims believe this was a sign of God’s power and a testament to His will.
  2. Prophethood:
    • Jesus was a prophet and messenger of Allah, sent to the Children of Israel to call them back to the worship of one God.
    • He confirmed the teachings of earlier prophets, such as Moses (Musa), and brought the Injil (Gospel) as a divine scripture.
  3. Miracles:
    • Jesus performed numerous miracles by God’s permission, including:
      • Healing the sick and the blind.
      • Raising the dead.
      • Speaking as an infant to defend his mother, Mary, from accusations (Qur’an, 19:29-33).
      • Creating a bird from clay and giving it life by God’s will (Qur’an, 3:49).
  4. Human Nature:
    • In Islam, Jesus is seen as a human being and servant of God, not divine.
    • He is not considered the son of God, as Islam strongly emphasizes the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid).
  5. Crucifixion:
    • The Qur’an states that Jesus was not crucified nor killed but was raised to heaven by Allah (Surah An-Nisa, 4:157-158).
    • Muslims believe that another individual was made to resemble Jesus and was crucified in his place.
  6. Second Coming:
    • Jesus will return at the end of times as a sign of the Day of Judgment.
    • He will defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and restore justice and true worship of God on earth.

Mary (Maryam) in Islam:

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is highly revered in Islam. She is considered one of the purest women to have ever lived and is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an. Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) is named after her, detailing her virtuous life and the miraculous birth of Jesus.

Commonalities with Christianity:

  • Muslims and Christians both honor Jesus as a significant figure.
  • Both faiths acknowledge his miracles and the virgin birth.
  • However, the key difference lies in the belief in Jesus’ divinity and role.

For Muslims, Jesus exemplifies humility, devotion to God, and unwavering faith. His life and teachings remain a source of inspiration and guidance for billions of Muslims worldwide.