Short answer: Yes — Muslims believe in Jesus. In Islam, Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) is one of the greatest prophets of God, born miraculously to the Virgin Mary, given miracles, and given the Gospel (Injil). Muslims believe he was not killed or crucified but raised up by God, and that he will return before the end of time. Muslims do not believe he is God or the son of God.
Many Christians are surprised to learn this. For da'wah, Jesus is one of the most beautiful bridges between Muslims and Christians — so it is worth knowing the details well.
Jesus is named in the Qur'an more than Muhammad ﷺ
Jesus is mentioned by name 25 times in the Qur'an, while the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned by name 4 times. He is given honourable titles: al-Masih (the Messiah), Kalimatullah (a word from God), and Ruhun minhu (a spirit from Him) — Surah An-Nisa 4:171.
Mary: the only woman named in the Qur'an
An entire chapter, Surah Maryam (19), is named after the mother of Jesus. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur'an, and she is described as chosen above the women of all the worlds:
"O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds." — Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:42
Muslims affirm her virginity and her purity, and defend her honour.
The miraculous birth
The Qur'an describes the angel bringing Mary news of a son. She asks how this can be when no man has touched her. The answer:
"Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is." — Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:47
The Qur'an then gives a powerful comparison: "Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was." (3:59). If a birth without a father makes someone divine, Adam — born without father or mother — would have a greater claim. Neither is God; both are miracles of God.
The miracles of Jesus in the Qur'an
The Qur'an mentions miracles of Jesus, always "by the permission of Allah" (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:110):
- Speaking as a newborn baby to defend his mother (19:29-33).
- Making a bird from clay that came to life.
- Healing the blind and the leper.
- Raising the dead.
- Bringing down a table of food from heaven (5:112-115).
The phrase "by My permission" is key: the power was God's, Jesus was His chosen servant.
Is Jesus God or the son of God?
Islam teaches that Jesus is a human prophet, not God. The Qur'an records Jesus himself saying:
"Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet." — Surah Maryam 19:30
Muslims often point Christian friends to the Bible's own words, such as Jesus saying "The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Mark 12:29), and praying to God — which suggests he was not praying to himself.
Was Jesus crucified?
The Qur'an states:
"They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them... Rather, Allah raised him to Himself." — Surah An-Nisa 4:157-158
Muslims believe Jesus was saved by God and raised up alive. This is one of the clearest differences with Christianity, and it should be discussed with gentleness, not mockery.
The return of Jesus
Muslims believe Jesus will return near the end of time, will defeat the false messiah (al-Dajjal), establish justice, and then die a natural death. This belief is reported in authentic hadith, such as in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
How to use this in da'wah with Christians
- Start with love, not difference. "As a Muslim, I love Jesus too" opens hearts.
- Read Surah Maryam together. Many people are moved hearing it.
- Ask, don't attack. "Did Jesus ever say 'I am God, worship me'?" invites reflection.
- Respect sincerity. Your friend's love for Jesus is real; build on it.
Read our full comparison in Islam vs Christianity.
Frequently asked questions
Do Muslims believe in Jesus? Yes. Believing in Jesus as a prophet and Messiah is required in Islam. A Muslim who rejects Jesus is not a Muslim.
What is Jesus called in the Qur'an? Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), al-Masih (the Messiah), a Word from God, and a spirit from Him.
Do Muslims believe Jesus died on the cross? No. The Qur'an (4:157-158) says he was not killed or crucified, but God raised him up.
Will Jesus come back according to Islam? Yes. Authentic hadith teach that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgement to establish justice.
Keep learning
Practise a real conversation with a Christian persona in Practice da'wah, or study the related module in Proofs of Islam in Other Scriptures.
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