What Does the Qur’an Say About Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s)?
Published: 4/6/2026
The Qur’an presents Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) as one of the greatest prophets of Allah, honoured in this world and the next.
His miraculous birth from Maryam (Mary s.a)
Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) was born miraculously to Maryam (Mary s.a) without a father, as a sign of Allah’s power and mercy.
Allah says:
إِذۡ قَالَتِ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَـٰمَرۡيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٖ مِّنۡهُ ٱسۡمُهُ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ
“˹Remember˺ when the angels said: ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good news of a Word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary…’”
(Āl ʿImrān 3:45)
A servant of Allah and a prophet
From the beginning, Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) clearly declares his status as Allah’s servant and prophet.
He says:
قَالَ إِنِّي عَبۡدُ ٱللَّهِ ءَاتَىٰنِيَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيّٗا
“He said (jesus): ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’” (Maryam 19:30)
This is the core Qur’anic image of Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s): a humble slave of Allah, honoured with revelation.
His miracles by Allah’s permission
The Qur’an affirms that Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) performed amazing miracles, but always “by Allah’s permission,” not by any independent divine power.
He:
- Spoke in the cradle.
- Healed the blind and the leper by Allah’s leave.
- Raised the dead by Allah’s leave.
Allah says that he will “heal the blind and the leper and give life to the dead by Allah’s permission,” making the source of all power absolutely clear.
They did not kill or crucify him
The Qur’an denies that the enemies of Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) truly killed or crucified him, even though it appeared so to them.
Allah says:
وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡ
“…they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them…” (An-Nisā’ 4:157)
Instead, Allah raised Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) up (heavens) and protected him, and he will return before the Day of Judgment as a sign of the Hour.
A concluding reminder from the Prophet ﷺ
As Muslims, we are taught to love Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s) deeply, but within the boundaries of pure tawḥīd (oneness to God).
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the son of Mary, for I am only a slave (of Allah). So call me the slave of Allah and His Messenger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith reminds us to avoid going to extremes with any prophet, including Jesus (ʿĪsā a.s), and to keep our worship for Allah alone.
Jazakallahu khairan :)