Can Muslims call Jesus "Christ"?
Yes, Muslims can call Jesus "Christ", because it means "Messiah", a title the Quran itself gives him. The Arabic al-Masih and the Greek Christos both mean "the anointed one". Muslims just use it without the Christian meaning of divinity, and many prefer to say "the Messiah".
Where the word "Christ" comes from
"Christ" comes from the Greek Christos, a translation of the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah), meaning "anointed". In ancient Israel, kings and priests were anointed with oil as a sign that God had chosen them. So "Jesus Christ" originally meant "Jesus the Messiah", a title, not a surname.
The Quran calls Jesus the Messiah
The Quran uses the title al-Masih for Jesus around eleven times. When the angels gave Mary the good news, they said:
So calling him the Messiah, or its Greek equivalent Christ, is actually Quranic. Scholars give several explanations for why he was called al-Masih: he was anointed with blessing, he healed the sick by wiping over them, or he travelled the land. See Do Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah?
The meaning is what matters
For most Christians, "Christ" also carries the belief that Jesus is God the Son and died for humanity's sins. Muslims don't share that. In Islam, Jesus is a human prophet and messenger, born miraculously to the Virgin Mary, who will return before the end of time. When a Muslim says "Jesus Christ", it simply means "Jesus the Messiah" in this Islamic sense. See What does the Quran say about Mary?
Why some Muslims avoid the word
Some Muslims prefer "the Messiah", "Prophet Isa" or "Jesus, son of Mary" because "Christ" sounds so closely tied to Christian theology in English. Neither choice is wrong. Pick what helps people understand you:
- Talking with Christian family: "Jesus Christ" or "the Messiah" builds a bridge.
- Explaining Islam: "the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary" mirrors the Quran's wording.
- Avoid using "Christ" as an exclamation, just as you'd avoid using God's name carelessly. See Can I still say "Oh my God"?
- "Christ" means "Messiah", the anointed one.
- The Quran calls Jesus al-Masih, the Messiah (Quran 3:45).
- Muslims use the title without believing Jesus is divine.
- "Christ" and "the Messiah" are both fine; choose what's clearest.
People also ask
Do Muslims believe in Job?
Yes, Muslims believe in Job, called Ayyub in the Quran: a prophet praised for his patience in illness and loss. His story, dua and lessons.
Read the full answer →Is there confession in Islam?
No, there is no confession to a priest in Islam. Muslims repent directly to Allah through tawbah and are told to keep private sins covered.
Read the full answer →What are the Abrahamic religions?
The Abrahamic religions are Judaism, Christianity and Islam, faiths tracing belief in one God to Abraham. What they share and how they differ.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in saints?
Muslims believe in the awliya, righteous friends of Allah, but not in canonized saints who are prayed to. Here's how Islam's view differs.
Read the full answer →What do Muslims think about the Catholic Church?
Muslims respect Catholics as People of the Book who honour Jesus and Mary, but reject the Trinity, papal authority and prayer to saints.
Read the full answer →