Why do Muslims call Jesus Isa?
Muslims call Jesus "Isa" because that is the form of his name used in the Quran, which is in Arabic. It's the same person: Jesus, son of Mary. Just as "Jesus" is the English form of his Hebrew-Aramaic name, "Isa" is the Arabic form.
One person, many languages
Jesus didn't speak English. His name in his own language was something like Yeshua or Yeshu, a form of the Hebrew Joshua. Greek-speaking Christians wrote it as Iesous, Latin turned that into Iesus, and English eventually gave us "Jesus". Spanish says Jesús, German says Jesus with a Y sound, and Arabic says Isa. Every language shapes names to fit its own sounds.
Muslims use "Isa" because the Quran, revealed in Arabic, uses it about 25 times:
Other prophets have Arabic names too
This isn't special to Jesus. The Quran gives every prophet his Arabic name:
- Moses is Musa
- Abraham is Ibrahim
- Joseph is Yusuf. See Do Muslims believe in Joseph?
- Mary is Maryam, and John the Baptist is Yahya
It works just like "Allah", the Arabic word for God, which Arab Christians use too. See Why do Muslims call God Allah?
Why not "Yasu'" like Arab Christians?
Arabic-speaking Christians usually say Yasu', a form closer to the Aramaic. The Quran chose Isa, and linguists have offered several theories about its origin. For Muslims, the simple answer is that this is the name Allah used for him in His final revelation. Both names point to the same man.
Can I just say "Jesus"?
Yes. Speaking English, you can say Jesus, Isa, or "Jesus, son of Mary", the title the Quran uses most. Many converts switch between them depending on who they're talking to. What matters is what you believe about him: a mighty prophet, the Messiah, born of a virgin, who will return, but not God or the son of God. Muslims add "peace be upon him" ('alayhis-salam) after his name. See Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
- Isa is the Arabic form of Jesus' name, used in the Quran.
- Jesus, Iesous and Isa all refer to the same person.
- Other prophets have Arabic names too, like Musa and Ibrahim.
- In English, saying "Jesus" is perfectly fine.
People also ask
Can Muslims pray to Jesus?
No, Muslims can't pray to Jesus: dua is worship and belongs to Allah alone. How Muslims honor Jesus and what Jesus taught in the Quran.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims say "Namaste"?
It depends: many scholars let Muslims return namaste as a cultural hello, but avoid the bow and the yoga meaning of honouring the divine.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims say "Shabbat shalom"?
It depends: many scholars allow Muslims to say Shabbat shalom as a polite greeting; others prefer a neutral phrase like peaceful weekend.
Read the full answer →How is a person saved in Islam?
In Islam, a person is saved by Allah's mercy, given to those who believe in Him alone and do good. No sacrifice or savior pays for sins.
Read the full answer →Do Muslims believe in Jethro?
Yes, Muslims believe in Shu'ayb, the prophet of Madyan often linked to Jethro. Why scholars differ on whether he was Moses' father-in-law.
Read the full answer →