What do Muslims think of Paul the Apostle?
Most Muslims see Paul the Apostle as a key figure who shaped Christian beliefs that differ from Jesus' original message. He isn't mentioned in the Quran, so Islam has no official teaching about him, but Muslim writers have generally been critical of his theology.
Paul is not in the Quran
The Quran mentions Jesus and his disciples (al-hawariyyun) but never names Paul. So there's no Islamic article of faith about him, and Muslims are not required to believe anything specific about him as a person. What Muslims do have is a clear picture of what Jesus taught, from the Quran. See Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Why many Muslims are critical of his ideas
Paul never met Jesus during his life. He said he received his message in a vision on the road to Damascus, and his letters became a large part of the New Testament. Muslim writers often point out that several beliefs Islam rejects are developed most clearly in his letters:
- Jesus as divine Son of God and an object of worship.
- Salvation through the cross, with Jesus dying for the sins of humanity. Islam teaches each soul carries its own deeds, and that Jesus was not crucified. See Do Muslims believe Jesus was crucified?
- Setting aside the Law, such as circumcision and food rules, for non-Jewish followers. Jesus, in the Quran, came to confirm the Torah (Quran 3:50).
Paul himself describes a sharp disagreement with Peter in his letter to the Galatians (2:11–14), which many Muslims see as a sign of tension with the original disciples.
A fair, balanced view
Historians debate how much Paul invented and how much he passed on from earlier believers, and Christians see him very differently. Muslims can share their view honestly without insulting him or the people who love his writings. The Quran's advice to the People of the Book is a good guide for our own tone too:
Can Muslims agree with anything Paul wrote?
Yes. Muslims accept truth wherever it appears. Passages about love, patience, humility or charity (like 1 Corinthians 13) fit well with Islamic values. Muslims just don't treat his letters as revelation. See Do Muslims believe in the Bible?
- Paul isn't mentioned in the Quran.
- Many Muslims see him as shaping beliefs Islam rejects, like the divinity of Jesus.
- Historians and Christians see his role differently.
- Muslims can discuss him respectfully and accept good teachings.
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