The idea of a Muslim Jesus might strike non-Muslims as a little strange. They are likely unfamiliar with the high status of the prophet Isa in our faith. Sadly, sometimes Muslim kids can also become confused between the Muslim Jesus and the Christian concept of Jesus which is particularly prominent around Christmas and Easter. So who is the Muslim Jesus and what are the differences between the Islamic belief in Isa and the Christian claims? This information is based on a fantastic and beneficial leaflet that you can find here.
Download a free resource pack for kids including all of the information below plus two fun worksheets here.
Muslims believe that Isa (alayhi salaam) was born of miraculous birth.
“The example of Isa in the sight of Allah is like the example of Adam. God created him from clay and then said to him: “Be!” And he came into being. This is the truth from your Lord so do not be from those who doubt.” (Quran 3:59-60)
So Isa (alayhi salaam) was created from a command from Allah Almighty, he is not the son of Allah and nor is Mary “the mother of god.”
Muslims believe Isa was a Prophet sent by Allah, not the son of Allah, nor part of a Trinity.
After Isa was taken into the Heavens, Christians incorrectly began to believe that since Isa had no worldly human father, then Allah must be his literal father. The Muslim Jesus is not the son of Allah as Allah does not have any children.
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah is the Self-Sufficient He begets not, nor was He begotten, And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.” (Quran 112:1-4)
“They have disbelieved who say: Allah is the Messiah son of Mary.” (Quran 5:72)
“They have disbelieved who say: Allah is the third of three [in a Trinity].” (Quran 5:73)
Muslims believe that Isa is a Prophet of Allah, born from a virgin birth, from a noble mother, Mary, who was untouched by any man.
The Angels said to Maryam, “O Maryam, verily Allah has chosen you, purified you from unbelief and immoral conduct, and chosen you above the women of creation.” (Qur’an 3:42)
Then she was informed that she would have a son, “O Maryam, verily Allah gives you the glad tidings of a word spoken by Him. His name will be the Messiah Isa, son of Maryam, held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and of those brought near to Allah.” (Qur’an 3:45)
Isa was a sincere and humble servant of Allah
The Muslim Jesus is a dedicated servant of Allah who submits to Allah’s decree and conveyed His message fully and accurately.
“And behold! Allah will say on the Day of Judgment: ‘O Isa son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods instead of Allah?’ He will say: ‘Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right to say. Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my inner-self, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: ‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things’” (Quran 5:116-117).
Muslims believe that Isa was not crucified but rather he was taken up into the Heavens before he could be harmed
Christians believe that Isa was hung from a wooden cross where he died. Allah did not allow him to be harmed in this way and instead only made it appear that way. Allah has saved his Prophets and Messengers from the harm of the disbelievers many times including when Ibrahim was forced into the fire but the fire was made cool for him.
“They said in boast: “We killed the Messiah Isa son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah” But they killed him not, nor did they crucify him – but it was only made to appear as such to them.” (Quran 4:157)
“And remember when Allah said: O Isa I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you from the forged statements of those who disbelieve.” (Quran 3:55)
Muslims believe in the Miracles of Isa that took place by the permission of Allah
“O Isa son of Mary! Remember my favour to you and to your mother when I supported you with the Angel Jibreel so that you spoke to the people from the cradle as a baby and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and the Wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel. And you made out of clay the figure of a bird and you breathed into it, and it became a living bird by my permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by my permission. And behold! You brought forth the dead by my permission.” (Quran 5:110)
Isa is the brother of the Prophets.
The Prophet Muhammad said: “I am the closest of all the people to Isa the son of Mary in this life and in the life after death.” His disciples asked him: “How is that O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “The Prophets are paternal brothers – their mothers are different but their Religion is one, and there was no Prophet between myself and Isa.” Sahih al-Bukhari 3443
Muslims believe that Isa is the anointed Messiah who will return at the end of time and fight and kill the Dajjal
The Prophet Muhammad said, “By Him in whose Hand is my very soul, Isa son of Maryam will soon descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the swine, abolish the jizyah (the duty paid by non-Muslims living under the protection of a Muslim country) and the wealth will pour forth to such an extent none will accept charity.” (Bukhari no. 2222)
Muslims believe that Isa is the anointed Messiah who will return at the end of time and fight and kill the Dajjal “O Isa son of Mary! Remember my favour to you and to your mother when I supported you with the Angel Jibreel so that you spoke to the people from the cradle as a baby and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and the Wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel. And you made out of clay the figure of a bird and you breathed into it, and it became a living bird by my permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by my permission. And behold! You brought forth the dead by my permission.” (Quran 5:110)
The Prophet Muhammad also said, “There is no prophet between me and Isa . He will descend to the earth, and when you see him, you will recognise him as a man of medium height, reddish fair, wearing two light yellow garments, he will look as if drops were falling down from his head though it will not be wet… He will kill the Dajjal and will live on the earth for forty years and then die. Then the Muslims will pray the funeral prayer for him.” (Abu Dawud, no. 4324)
Muslims understand the high status of Isa and believe with certainty that he will return and lead the true believers of his Lord, the Muslims. The Muslim Jesus has a high status and a special place as a prophet and Messenger with a unique role.
A Free resource to help you teach kids about the Muslim Jesus
If you would like to get a FREE resource with all the above information plus two worksheets to help Muslim kids to understand about the Muslim Jesus then click here.
Here are some other blog posts you may be interested in:
Why You Should Teach About the Prophets of Islam
Why you should carefully select non-fiction texts for Muslim kids
