Jesus in Islam: The Prophet the West Forgot

He’s loved by billions, painted in cathedrals, quoted in classrooms, and remembered each Christmas. But there’s a version of Jesus (peace be upon him) that many in the West have never met — the one honoured in Islam.

This article invites you to rediscover Jesus through the Qur’an. Not in conflict with Christianity, but in continuity with truth. You may be surprised to learn just how central ‘Isa (peace be upon him) is to the Islamic faith.

I. A Prophet, Not a Rival

Muslims do not reject Jesus — they revere him.

In Islam, Jesus is among the five greatest prophets, alongside Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). He is mentioned by name more than 20 times in the Qur’an. He was born of the Virgin Mary — Maryam, who has an entire chapter of the Qur’an named after her.

“[He said:] Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.” (Qur’an 19:30)

To Muslims, Jesus is not the son of God — but a sign from God. Not divine, but divinely sent.

II. Born of a Miracle, Without a Father

The Qur’an affirms the miraculous birth of Jesus — not through mythology, but majesty. Allah created him without a father, just as He created Adam without parents.

“Indeed, the likeness of Jesus to Allah is as that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him: ‘Be,’ and he was.” (Qur’an 3:59)

Muslims believe in the virgin birth. But they don’t turn it into divinity. Instead, they see it as one more miracle among many — a sign of God’s power, not a proof of sonship.

III. His Message: Worship God Alone

Like all prophets in Islam, Jesus called people to worship one God — not himself.

“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.” (Qur’an 19:36)

His mission was spiritual, not political. He healed the sick by God’s permission, revived the dead, and taught compassion and humility — all as a servant of Allah.

IV. No Crucifixion, No Resurrection — But a Return

Islam differs from Christian theology in one key point: Muslims believe Jesus was not crucified, but raised by Allah before harm could reach him.

“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him — but [it was] made to appear so to them…” (Qur’an 4:157)

Muslims believe Jesus will return near the end of time, not to found a new faith, but to restore justice and truth. He will break false idols, stand with the righteous, and clarify the legacy that was misunderstood.

V. Why This Matters

In a world divided by labels and theology, this shared reverence for Jesus is a bridge too often ignored. Muslims and Christians may differ in doctrine — but both love, honour, and await him in hope.

What if, instead of arguing over who owns Jesus, we let his example guide us to mercy, truth, and submission to the One he served?

Conclusion

You’ve heard of Jesus in church. You’ve seen him in movies. But have you heard of him in the Qur’an?

Maybe the Prophet you thought Islam forgot… was the one it never stopped remembering.

“We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and sheltered them on high ground — a peaceful place with flowing water.” (Qur’an 23:50)

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