14 June, 2025
Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) holds a revered status in Islam as one of the greatest messengers sent by Allah. Known in Christianity as Jesus, he is central to Islamic theology and belief, yet Muslims understand and honor him differently from Christians.
This article offers a comprehensive look into Prophet Isa’s story, his miraculous birth, mission, miracles, and his future return. We’ll also explore how he is perceived in Islam, addressing questions like: do Muslims believe in Jesus, and how does Jesus in Islam differ from Christian doctrine.
The name Isa is the Arabic form of Jesus, and in Islam, he is known as Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary). His mother, Maryam (Mary), is among the most honored women in Islamic tradition, and an entire chapter in the Qur’an—Surah Maryam—is dedicated to her.
Muslims believe that Isa Prophet was born miraculously, performed many signs and miracles by the will of Allah, and was chosen as a messenger to guide the Children of Israel. Unlike Christian beliefs, however, Muslims do not believe Isa is the son of God or divine.
Yes, Muslims absolutely believe in Jesus, but with important theological differences. In Islamic creed:
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Jesus (Prophet Isa) is a revered prophet, not divine.
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He was born of the Virgin Mary through a miraculous birth.
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He performed miracles by Allah’s permission.
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He was not crucified, but rather, was raised to the heavens by Allah.
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He will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (Dajjal).
The Qur’an confirms this in multiple verses:
"Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah..."
— Qur’an, 4:171
So, when people ask, “Do Muslims believe in Jesus?”, the answer is yes — as a mighty prophet, not as a god or son of God.
Prophet Isa is mentioned by name 25 times in the Qur’an, which reflects his importance in Islam. His mother Maryam is mentioned even more, and is the only woman mentioned by name in the entire Qur’an.
Some key Qur’anic facts about Isa Prophet:
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He was born without a father (Surah Maryam).
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He spoke from the cradle (Surah Maryam, 19:29-30).
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He performed miracles: healing the blind and leper, raising the dead (Surah Al-Imran, 3:49).
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He brought the Injil (Gospel), a divine revelation from Allah (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:46).
Let’s explore the prophet Isa story in a detailed narrative that aligns with Islamic teachings.
1. The Miraculous Birth
Maryam (Mary), a righteous and chaste woman, withdrew in worship when the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared and told her she would give birth to a pure boy by the command of Allah.
"He said: 'I am only the messenger of your Lord to announce to you the gift of a righteous son.'"
— Qur’an, 19:19
Without any physical relationship, she conceived and gave birth to Prophet Isa beneath a date tree, and he spoke as a newborn, defending his mother’s honor.
From a young age, Prophet Isa was blessed with wisdom and guidance. When he grew older, he was appointed as a prophet to the Children of Israel and was given the Injil (Gospel).
He preached the worship of one God (Allah) and called for spiritual reform, reminding the Israelites of their covenant with Allah.
Among the many miracles attributed to Jesus in Islam, here are the ones mentioned in the Qur’an:
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Speaking from the cradle (19:30)
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Creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it (3:49)
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Healing the blind and leper (3:49)
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Raising the dead (3:49)
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Knowing what people ate and stored in their homes (3:49)
All these acts were performed by the permission of Allah, highlighting his role as a servant and messenger, not as divine himself.
According to Islamic belief, the people rejected Isa and plotted to kill him. Allah revealed their plan and protected him.
"They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them..."
— Qur’an, 4:157
Instead, Allah raised him to the heavens. This is a key distinction between Christian and Islamic theology regarding Prophet Isa.
One of the most astonishing aspects of the prophet Isa story in Islam is his return before the Day of Judgment.
According to authentic hadiths:
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He will descend near a white minaret in Damascus.
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He will kill the false messiah (Dajjal).
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He will break the cross and kill the swine, symbolizing the correction of Christian beliefs.
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He will rule with justice and establish peace.
This shows that Jesus in Islam has not completed his mission and will return to fulfill it.
1. When Was Prophet Isa Born?
Islam does not specify an exact date for the birth of Prophet Isa. However, most Islamic scholars agree that he was born in a period of Roman rule over Palestine, likely a few decades before the common era (BCE). Islam does not celebrate Christmas or associate a specific date with his birth.
2. Where Was Prophet Isa Born?
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Isa was born in Bethlehem, the same location recognized in Christian texts. The Qur’an refers to the region broadly as a "blessed place" near Jerusalem.
3. Where Is Prophet Isa Buried?
Islam teaches that Prophet Isa was not buried, as he was raised alive to the heavens by Allah. Therefore, he has no known grave on Earth. Muslims believe he will return at the end of time, complete his mission, and then die a natural death.
