Who do Muslims believe Jesus was? This question delves into the profound beliefs of Muslims regarding the role and significance of Jesus in their faith. In Islam, Jesus is revered as a highly respected and revered prophet, but not as the son of God or divine figure as Christians believe. Understanding Muslims’ perspective on Jesus is crucial for fostering mutual respect and understanding between different religious communities.
In Islam, Jesus is known as ‘Isa in Arabic. Muslims hold that Jesus was a miraculous prophet sent by Allah (God) to guide humanity. He is one of the greatest prophets in Islam, alongside Prophet Muhammad. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, mentions Jesus multiple times, highlighting his importance in Islamic teachings.
According to Islamic beliefs, Jesus was born to Mary (Maryam in Arabic), who was a virgin and a highly revered woman in Islam. Muslims believe that Jesus was born without a father, as the Quran states, “Behold! The angels said: ‘O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from Him: His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah!” (Quran 3:45). This verse emphasizes Jesus’ honor and proximity to Allah.
However, Muslims do not believe that Jesus was divine or the son of God. In Islam, the concept of the Trinity, which is central to Christian theology, is considered an innovation and a deviation from the true monotheistic belief. Muslims firmly believe in the oneness of Allah and reject the notion of Jesus being part of any divine triad.
Another significant aspect of Muslims’ beliefs about Jesus is his miraculous birth and life. Muslims believe that Jesus performed many miracles, such as speaking from the cradle, healing the blind and lepers, and raising the dead. These miracles were a testament to his prophetic mission and were intended to help people believe in his message. However, Muslims emphasize that Jesus was a human being and not divine, as some Christians might suggest.
In Islamic teachings, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are not accepted as historical events. Muslims believe that Jesus was raised to heaven by Allah and did not die on the cross. The Quran explicitly states, “And because of their saying: ‘We have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the apostle of Allah!’—but they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so like this” (Quran 4:157-158). This verse clarifies that Jesus was not crucified and that his death was a misconception among the people.
Lastly, Muslims believe that Jesus will return to earth before the Day of Judgment. This second coming of Jesus is seen as a sign of the end times and will play a crucial role in the final events of history. Muslims await the return of Jesus as a messenger of peace and a judge of the living and the dead.
In conclusion, Muslims believe that Jesus was a highly respected prophet, born to Mary without a father, and sent by Allah to guide humanity. However, they do not consider him divine or the son of God. Understanding this perspective is essential for promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering a deeper appreciation of the diverse religious beliefs that exist in the world.
