Prophet Jesus — Isa (AS)

Introduction

Today there are close to 1.8 billion Muslims in the world who love, respect, and revere the great messenger of Allah, Jesus — known in Arabic as Isa ibn Maryam (AS). Every time a Muslim mentions his name, they say "Peace be upon him" out of respect and love.

In Islam, believing in Prophet Jesus (AS) is not optional — without that belief, a Muslim's faith is considered incomplete. He is honoured as one of the mightiest messengers of Allah.

Maryam — The Blessed Mother

An entire chapter of the Qur'an — Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) — is dedicated to the mother of Jesus (AS). Maryam (Mary) was selected and purified by Allah above all the women of her time.

The Qur'an records the angels saying to her: "O Maryam! Allah has selected you and made you pure, and raised you above all the women of the world." (3:42)

The Miraculous Birth

The birth of Jesus (AS) was one of the greatest miracles in all of human history. When Maryam asked how she could have a son when no man had touched her, the angel replied:

"Thus it is. Allah creates what He wills — when He wills a thing to be, He but says unto it, 'Be,' and it is." (3:47)

His Mission and Miracles

Prophet Jesus (AS) was sent as a messenger to the Children of Israel and was given remarkable miracles by the permission of Allah:

• Creating the form of a bird from clay and breathing life into it
• Healing the blind and the leper
• Raising the dead back to life
• Speaking as an infant in the cradle
• Revealing what people had eaten and stored in their homes

All of these miracles, as the Qur'an emphasises, were performed by the leave of Allah alone — not through any independent divine power of his own.

The Injeel and the Torah

Allah revealed the Injeel (Gospel) to Jesus (AS) as guidance and light. He also came to confirm the truth of the Torah before him. The Qur'an records him saying: "I have come to confirm the truth of whatever there still remains of the Torah, and to make lawful unto you some of the things that were forbidden to you." (3:50)

The Islamic View of Jesus (AS)

Islam holds that Jesus (AS) was one of the greatest prophets and messengers of Allah — but not God, and not the son of God. The Qur'an is clear on this:

• He was a human prophet, born miraculously — just as Adam was created miraculously from dust
• He called people to worship Allah alone: "Verily, Allah is my Sustainer as well as your Sustainer; so conform unto Him alone: this is a straight way." (3:51)
• He was raised up by Allah and was not crucified, as Islam understands it

Jesus (AS) in the Qur'an — Key References

• Birth: Surah Ali 'Imran (3:45–47), Surah Maryam (19:22–33)
• Mission and Miracles: Surah Ali 'Imran (3:49), Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:113)
• Raised to Allah: Surah Ali 'Imran (3:55–58), Surah An-Nisa (4:157–159)
• Not God: Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:19, 5:75)
• Foretold Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: Surah As-Saff (61:6)
• His Disciples: Surah Ali 'Imran (3:52–53), Surah As-Saff (61:14)

Conclusion

Prophet Jesus — Isa ibn Maryam (AS) — holds a uniquely honoured position in Islam as one of the greatest messengers of Allah. Muslims love him, follow his example of devotion and piety, and await his return as a sign of the Last Hour.

His message was the same as every prophet before and after him: surrender to Allah alone, and walk the straight path.