Frequently Asked Questions

Do Muslims believe in Jesus?

Yes. Belief in Jesus as a true prophet and messenger of God is a required article of faith in Islam. A person cannot be a Muslim while rejecting him. Muslims believe in his virgin birth, his miracles, his righteousness, and his coming return.

Is Jesus considered a prophet or God in Islam?

A prophet — one of the greatest sent by God, but entirely human, not divine. Islam teaches that worshipping Jesus, or regarding him as the "Son of God" or part of a Trinity, is a serious theological error. See Qur'an verses for the relevant scripture.

What is Jesus's name in the Qur'an?

He is called Isa (عيسى), most often in the fuller form Isa ibn Maryam — "Isa, son of Mary." See Names & Titles.

Do Muslims believe Jesus was born of a virgin?

Yes, unambiguously. The Qur'an describes his birth to Mary without a father as a genuine miracle and "a sign for the worlds" (Qur'an 21:91). See Mary & the Birth.

Was Jesus crucified, according to Islam?

No. The Qur'an states plainly that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, and that God raised him to Himself (Qur'an 4:157–158). See Death & Ascension for the full discussion.

Did Jesus perform miracles in Islam?

Yes — speaking as an infant, healing the blind and lepers, raising the dead, and forming a bird from clay and giving it life, among others, all explicitly "by God's permission." See Miracles.

Will Jesus return, according to Islam?

Yes. Islamic teaching, based on Hadith, holds that Jesus is alive now and will return before the Day of Judgment, defeat a figure called the Dajjal, live a normal human life, and eventually die a natural death. See The Return.

What is Jesus's mother's status in Islam?

Mary (Maryam) is one of the most honored women in Islam. An entire chapter of the Qur'an (Surah 19) bears her name, and she is described as chosen and purified "above the women of the worlds" (Qur'an 3:42).

Is the Islamic Jesus the same figure as the Christian Jesus?

They refer to the same historical person, but the two traditions understand his nature, death, and mission very differently. See the full comparison table.

Do Muslims celebrate Christmas or Easter?

No. While Muslims revere Jesus, these are Christian religious observances tied to doctrines (the Incarnation and the Resurrection/atonement) that Islam does not affirm, so they are not part of Islamic religious practice.

Where can I read the primary texts myself?

See the Sources page for a list of the Qur'an chapters and Hadith collections referenced throughout this site.