What Islam Teaches About Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him)

Many people are surprised to learn that Jesus — 'Isa in Arabic, peace be upon him — is deeply loved and honoured in Islam. Muslims can't be Muslims without believing in him. For new Muslims from a Christian background, this is often one of the most moving discoveries of all.

Here's what the Qur'an teaches about him.

His mother, Mary

Mary — Maryam — is the only woman named in the Qur'an, and a whole chapter carries her name. The Qur'an says Allah chose her and purified her above the women of the worlds Aal-Imran 3:42. She is a model of devotion, purity and trust in God for Muslims everywhere.

His miraculous birth

The Qur'an describes the angel coming to Maryam with news of a son, and her astonishment: how could she have a child when no man had touched her? The answer: Allah creates what He wills Maryam 19:16-21.

Muslims believe Jesus was born of a virgin mother, by Allah's command, without a father — a sign for humanity. The Qur'an compares his creation to that of Adam, who had neither father nor mother Aal-Imran 3:59.

The Messiah and a messenger

The Qur'an calls Jesus al-Masih — the Messiah — and a word from Allah Aal-Imran 3:45, and a spirit from Him An-Nisa 4:171. He was one of the greatest messengers, sent to the Children of Israel with the Injil (Gospel), confirming the Tawrah before him.

His miracles

The Qur'an mentions miracles Allah gave Jesus, by His permission: speaking as a baby in the cradle to defend his mother, healing the blind and the leper, and bringing the dead back to life Al-Ma'idah 5:110. Muslims believe in these miracles as signs from Allah.

Where Islam differs from Christian belief

Islam honours Jesus as a prophet and the Messiah, but not as God or the son of God. The Qur'an teaches that God is one and has no son, and that Jesus, like all prophets, called people to worship the One God Al-Ma'idah 5:72. The Qur'an describes Jesus himself speaking from the cradle: "I am the servant of Allah" Maryam 19:30.

Islam also teaches that Jesus was not crucified, but that it was made to appear so, and that Allah raised him up to Himself An-Nisa 4:157-158. Muslims believe he will return before the end of time.

These differences are real and important, and Muslims hold them with conviction. They are best discussed with respect — the Qur'an tells Muslims to engage the People of the Book in the best manner Al-Ankabut 29:46.

Why this matters for new Muslims

Many converts from Christianity say becoming Muslim didn't mean leaving Jesus behind — it meant loving him in a way that felt clearer to them. You can still speak of him with love, read about his life in the Qur'an, and talk to your Christian family about the Jesus you both honour.

When you mention him, Muslims say "'alayhis-salam" — peace be upon him.

How AskDeen can help

Have questions about Jesus in Islam — or questions your Christian family asks you? AskDeen helps you understand and explain with respect. Open Surah Maryam or Al 'Imran in the Qur'an reader with a clear translation and short explanation of every verse, and tap "Ask about this" on any passage. Ask about the differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs and get a careful, respectful answer, with every verse linked so you can read it in context — and share it with family if you wish.

Discover the Jesus of the Qur'an. Start with Surah Maryam today.