Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Yes. Muslims believe in Jesus (called 'Isa in Arabic) as one of the greatest prophets of God. Muslims believe in his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary, his miracles and his return before the end of time. The main difference from Christianity is that Muslims see him as a prophet and servant of God, not as God or the son of God.
Jesus in the Quran
Jesus is mentioned by name about 25 times in the Quran, more often than Muhammad ﷺ himself. The Quran calls him the Messiah (al-Masih), "a word from Allah", and describes him as "distinguished in this world and the Hereafter" (Quran 3:45). A whole chapter, Surah Maryam, is named after his mother. See What does the Quran say about Mary?
As a baby in the cradle, Jesus speaks to defend his mother's honor and says:
What Muslims and Christians share
- The virgin birth: Mary conceived Jesus without a father, by God's command. See Do Muslims believe Jesus was born on Christmas?
- His miracles: healing the blind and the sick and bringing the dead back to life, all by God's permission.
- His title: the Messiah, sent to the Children of Israel.
- His scripture: God gave him the Gospel (the Injil).
- His return: Jesus will come back before the Day of Judgement.
Where Muslims see it differently
Islam teaches strict oneness of God (tawhid). So Muslims believe Jesus was fully human and a chosen messenger, but not divine and not part of a Trinity. Muslims also believe he was not crucified. The Quran says "they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them," and that God raised him up (Quran 4:157-158). If you're exploring Islam and this is the big question for you, see Do I have to believe Jesus isn't God to become Muslim?
Muslims love Jesus
For Muslims, respecting Jesus isn't optional. Rejecting him as a prophet would take a person outside Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3443).
He also said that Jesus "will soon descend amongst you" and rule justly (Sahih al-Bukhari 3448). Muslims add "peace be upon him" after his name, as they do for every prophet.
Many Christians are surprised to learn how much they have in common with Muslims here. For the bigger picture, see Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God?
- Muslims believe in Jesus as a major prophet and the Messiah.
- They accept his virgin birth, miracles and second coming.
- They see him as human, not God or the son of God.
- Loving and respecting Jesus is part of Islamic faith.
People also ask
Do Muslims believe in David and Solomon?
Yes, Muslims believe David (Dawud) and Solomon (Sulayman) were prophets and kings. God gave David the Psalms and Solomon a unique kingdom.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in the Bible?
Muslims believe in the Bible in part: God revealed the Torah, Psalms and Gospel, but today's text changed over time. Here's how Muslims see it.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in Joseph?
Yes, Muslims believe Joseph (Yusuf) was a prophet. Surah Yusuf tells his whole story, which the Quran itself calls the best of stories.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in Abraham?
Yes, Muslims believe in Abraham (Ibrahim) as a great prophet and friend of God, honored in every prayer, in Hajj and on Eid al-Adha.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in Moses?
Yes, Muslims believe in Moses (Musa) as a major prophet. God spoke to him and gave him the Torah, and he is named in the Quran more than anyone.
Read the full answer →