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The story of Prophet Jesus, known as Isa in Arabic, is one of the most captivating
narratives in the Qur’an. Revered as one of the greatest prophets in Islam, Jesus
holds a significant and unique place in Islamic theology. His miraculous life, divine
message, and extraordinary abilities inspire Muslims around the world and
highlight his role as a servant of Allah. While there are numerous references to
Jesus in the Qur’an, here are ten fascinating facts that may surprise you.
1. Jesus Is Mentioned More Times Than Prophet Muhammad in the Qur’an
Prophet Jesus is mentioned by name 25 times in the Qur’an, whereas the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is mentioned by name only four times. This
highlights the Qur’an’s emphasis on his significance as a central figure of guidance
and a messenger of God.
In Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) and Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3), his story is
extensively narrated, from his miraculous birth to his mission as a prophet. These
accounts underline Jesus’ special place in Islamic teachings.
2. His Mother Maryam (Mary) Is the Only Woman Named in the Qur’an
One of the most striking features of the Qur’an is its reverence for Maryam, the
mother of Jesus. Maryam is not only the sole woman mentioned by name in the
Qur’an, but an entire chapter, Surah Maryam, is dedicated to her story. She is
described as one of the purest and most devout women in history.
The Qur’an highlights her piety, chastity, and unwavering faith. In Surah Al-Imran
(3:42), Allah states:
"And [mention] when the angels said, 'O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and
purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.’"
This honor signifies her unique status among women in Islamic theology.
3. Jesus Was Born of a Miraculous Virgin Birth
The Qur’an emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth. Maryam, though a
virgin, gave birth to Jesus through the divine decree of Allah. This event is narrated
in detail in Surah Maryam (19:16–34).
When Maryam expressed her astonishment at the angel’s announcement, she said:
"How can I have a son when no man has touched me?"
The angel replied:
"So it will be. Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for
humanity and a mercy from Us.’" (19:20–21)
This miraculous birth underscores Jesus’ role as a sign of Allah’s power and mercy.
4. Jesus Was Given the Title Al-Masih (The Messiah)
In the Qur’an, Jesus is referred to as Al-Masih, a title that signifies his unique
mission as a prophet and savior. While the Qur’an does not detail the meaning of
the term, it is understood to denote his anointed status and divine appointment to
guide the Children of Israel.
This title is mentioned in verses such as Surah Al-Imran (3:45):
"The angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him,
whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary.’"
5. Jesus Spoke as a Newborn
One of the most extraordinary miracles attributed to Jesus in the Qur’an is that he
spoke as a newborn to defend his mother’s honor. When Maryam returned to her
community with the baby Jesus, she faced accusations of impropriety. In response
, the infant Jesus declared:
"I am indeed a servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a
prophet." (Surah Maryam, 19:30)
This miraculous event not only exonerated Maryam but also signaled Jesus’
prophetic mission from the very beginning of his life.
6. Jesus Performed Numerous Miracles by Allah’s Permission
The Qur’an describes several miracles performed by Jesus, all by Allah’s
permission, to demonstrate his divine mission. These include:
Creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it (Surah Al-Imran, 3:49)
Healing the blind and the leper (Surah Al-Imran, 3:49)
Raising the dead to life (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:110)
Each of these miracles is framed as evidence of Allah’s power, emphasizing that
Jesus performed them as a servant and messenger of God, not as an independent
divine being.
7. Jesus Received Revelation: The Injil (Gospel)
In Islamic tradition, Jesus was given a holy scripture known as the Injil, or Gospel,
which contained guidance and wisdom for his people. The Qur’an refers to the Injil
as a book that confirmed the Torah (Tawrah) that came before it.
Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:46) states:
"And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that
which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was
guidance and light."
Muslims believe that the original Gospel revealed to Jesus has been lost or altered
over time, but its essence remains respected as divine revelation.
8. Jesus Did Not Die on the Cross
Unlike Christian doctrine, Islamic theology holds that Jesus was not crucified. The
Qur’an categorically states that it only appeared so to his enemies. Instead, Allah
raised Jesus to Himself, sparing him from death.
This is mentioned in Surah An-Nisa (4:157–158):
"They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to
them. ... Rather, Allah raised him to Himself."
This belief is central to Islamic teachings and reflects the idea that Jesus will return
in the future as part of Allah’s divine plan.
9. Jesus Will Return Before the Day of Judgment
The Qur’an and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) affirm that Jesus will
return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. His second coming is seen as a
significant event, during which he will restore justice and defeat falsehood.
The Qur’an alludes to this in Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:61):
"And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt
about it, and follow Me. This is a straight path."
Muslims believe that Jesus’ return will be a time of peace and righteousness, as he
fulfills his role in Allah’s divine plan.
10. Jesus Is a Model of Humility and Devotion
The Qur’an presents Jesus as a model of humility, piety, and complete submission
to Allah. He is described as a servant of God who never claimed divinity but
instead called people to worship Allah alone.
In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:116), Allah addresses Jesus and recounts his humility:
"And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, 'O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the
people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?’' He will say, 'Exalted are
You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right.'"
This verse encapsulates the Islamic perspective on Jesus’ devotion to Allah and his
role as a prophet.
A Prophet Honored in Islam
The Qur’an’s depiction of Jesus is both profound and inspiring. He is honored as a
prophet, a servant of Allah, and a sign of divine power. His miraculous life and
enduring legacy highlight the shared spiritual heritage between Muslims and
Christians emphasize the need for mutual understanding and respect.
For Muslims, the story of Jesus is not only a reminder of Allah’s greatness but also
a call to follow his message of faith, humility, and submission to the Creator. By
reflecting on these ten facts, we gain deeper insight into his extraordinary life and
his central role in Islamic teachings.
