Muslims hold Jesus, also known as Isa in Arabic, in high esteem as a prophet and messenger of God in Islam. The Quran speaks of Jesus numerous times and provides a detailed account of his life and teachings.
Muslims believe that Jesus was born to the virgin Mary through the power of God, without a father. He was given the ability to perform miracles, such as healing the sick and bringing the dead back to life, by God’s permission. He was also given the task of calling the Children of Israel to the worship of one God.
The Quran states in Surah Al-Imran, chapter 3 verse 45, “Behold! the angels said: ‘O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.”
However, unlike the belief of Christians, Muslims do not believe that Jesus is the son of God or that he was crucified and risen from the dead. The Quran states in Surah An-Nisa, chapter 4 verse 157, “That they said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’;- but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not.”
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was raised up to heaven by God. This is known as the doctrine of the “ascension” or “al-mi’raj” in Islam. The Quran states in Surah Al-Nisa, chapter 4 verse 158, “Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
In addition to his status as a prophet, Jesus is also considered a messenger of God in Islam. Muslims believe that he was sent to guide the Children of Israel and to remind them of the teachings of the previous prophets. The Quran states in Surah Al-Ma’idah, chapter 5 verse 46, “And in their footsteps, We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.”
Muslims also believe that Jesus will return at the end of times as a sign of the Day of Judgment. The Quran states in Surah Al-Anbiya, chapter 21 verse 107, “And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them.”
In conclusion, Muslims hold Jesus in high esteem as a prophet and messenger of God in Islam. They believe in his virgin birth, his ability to perform miracles, and his mission to guide the Children of Israel. However, they do not believe in the Christian doctrine of the Trinity or that Jesus was the son of God. They also believe that Jesus was not crucified but was raised up to heaven by God, and that he will return at the end of times as a sign of the Day of Judgment.
