Can Muslims pray to Jesus?

No, Muslims can't pray to Jesus. In Islam, prayer and dua are worship, and worship belongs to Allah alone. Muslims love and honor Jesus as a great prophet, but they pray to the same God that Jesus himself prayed to.

Dua is worship

The Prophet ﷺ said, "Supplication is worship" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1479). So calling on anyone other than Allah, even a prophet, gives a part of worship to someone else. The first lesson of Surah al-Fatihah, recited in every prayer, says it clearly:

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ "It is You we worship and You we ask for help." Quran 1:5

The Prophet ﷺ also taught a young companion, "If you ask, ask Allah, and if you seek help, seek help from Allah" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 2516).

What Jesus taught, according to the Quran

In the Quran, Jesus never asked anyone to pray to him. On the Day of Judgement he will say: "I said not to them except what You commanded me: to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord" (Quran 5:117). Muslims see Jesus as a servant and messenger of Allah, not a god. See Do Muslims believe in Jesus?

The Prophet ﷺ even warned his own followers: "Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Mary. I am only His servant, so say: the servant of Allah and His messenger" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3445).

What about asking Jesus to intercede?

Some Christians pray "through" Jesus or ask saints to pray for them. In Islam, you don't need a go-between. Allah is close and hears you directly: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you" (Quran 40:60). Intercession on the Day of Judgement happens only with Allah's permission, and you ask Allah for it, not the prophet.

Ways Muslims do honor Jesus

Saying "alayhis salam" (peace be upon him) after his name.
Reading his story in Surah Maryam and Surah Al Imran.
Believing in his miraculous birth, his miracles and his return.
Following his example of humility, kindness and prayer to Allah.

Honoring him is not the same as worshipping him. See Do I have to believe Jesus isn't God to become Muslim?

If you used to pray to Jesus

Many converts prayed to Jesus for years. That's forgiven: Islam wipes out what came before it (Quran 8:38). If old habits slip out in a hard moment, don't panic. Simply turn your words to Allah, and keep going.

Key points

Prayer and dua are worship, and belong to Allah alone.
Jesus taught people to worship Allah, his Lord and theirs.
Muslims don't need intermediaries to reach Allah.
Loving and honoring Jesus is part of Islam.

Tip: If you miss talking to God the way you used to, try making dua in your own language after each prayer. Allah understands every language, and that personal connection is still there.