What did Muhammad say about Jesus? 7 Surprising Islamic Views

What Did Muhammad Say About Jesus? An Islamic Perspective

Did you know that Jesus (peace be upon him) is one of the most frequently mentioned prophets in the Quran, appearing in its verses even more than some other prominent figures? Understanding the relationship between Jesus and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them both) reveals profound insights into Islamic teachings, promoting interfaith understanding. So, what did Muhammad say about Jesus? This article explores the esteemed status of Jesus in Islam, drawing directly from the Quran and authentic prophetic traditions (Sunnah) to clarify their deep spiritual connection. We’ll delve into the key concepts and debunk common misconceptions.

Introduction

Exploring the revered place of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) within Islam unveils a narrative filled with respect, recognition, and a sense of spiritual kinship. This article directly addresses the pivotal question: What did Muhammad say about Jesus? We will meticulously examine how Islam views Jesus not merely as a historical figure, but as a vital prophet and messenger of God, deeply honored for his divinely ordained role in guiding humanity toward righteousness and truth. This analysis will be grounded in authentic Islamic texts.

Key Teachings: The Islamic View of Jesus

Islam holds Jesus (peace be upon him) in extremely high regard. But what does that reverence fundamentally look like when translated into concrete terms and beliefs? Here are some key principles defining the Islamic view of Jesus, supported by direct quotes from the Quranic verses and established Sunnah practices:

• Jesus as a Prophet:
  • Islam unequivocally acknowledges Jesus (peace be upon him) as a distinguished prophet of God, a messenger specifically and purposefully sent to guide the Children of Israel back to the straight path. The Holy Quran emphasizes this essential point in numerous verses, explicitly highlighting both his miraculous birth and the divine revelations he received.
    • Quran 19:30: “He [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.'” This verse demonstrates Jesus affirming his role as a prophet and servant of Allah.
• The Virgin Birth:
  • The Quran definitively and unequivocally affirms the miraculous birth of Jesus through the Virgin Mary (peace be upon her), simultaneously emphasizing her exceptional purity, unwavering piety, and unparalleled devotion to God.
    • Quran 3:47: “She said, ‘My Lord, how can I have a child when no man has touched me?’ [The angel] said, ‘Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.'” This verse illustrates the divine power in Jesus’s birth.
• Jesus’ Miracles:
  • Authentic Islamic texts extensively describe the myriad miracles performed by Jesus (peace be upon him) as undeniable and irrefutable signs of his prophethood, prominently including healing the terminally sick and even raising the dead back to life. These extraordinary acts are widely regarded and understood as compelling evidence of God’s limitless power actively working through him.
• The Gospel (Injil):
  • Muslims believe that Jesus was entrusted with a divine scripture, known as the Injil (Gospel), which contained indispensable divine guidance and wisdom specifically tailored for his devoted followers. While the present-day Bible is generally viewed with considerable respect, Muslims also believe that certain aspects of its original message may have been altered or misinterpreted over the passage of time.
• Jesus Was Not Divine:
  • A core, foundational Islamic belief is the absolute and indivisible oneness of God (Allah). Therefore, Islam firmly rejects the concept of the Trinity and any notion that Jesus is the literal son of God. He is instead deeply revered as one of God’s most extraordinarily beloved and highly esteemed prophets, but emphatically not as a deity himself.
    • Quran 5:75: “The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.” This highlights that Jesus was a messenger, not divine. These key teachings provide a comprehensive understanding of what did Muhammad say about Jesus within the Islamic framework.

Practical Steps: Emulating Islamic Ethics in Daily Life

How can you take these profound guiding principles and translate them into tangible, positive actions in your daily life? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Seek Knowledge: Continuously deepen your understanding of authentic Islamic teachings by diligently studying credible and reliable sources, including the Quran and the authenticated teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. Practice Humility: Cultivate a deep sense of humility by always recognizing that all knowledge, skills, and abilities ultimately come from God alone.
3. Show Respect: Consciously treat all prophets, including Jesus (peace be upon him), with the utmost respect and reverence, acknowledging their crucial role in conveying God’s message to humanity.
4. Promote Peace: Actively emulate the inherently peaceful teachings of Islam in all your interactions with others, demonstrating compassion, understanding, and a commitment to resolving conflicts constructively.
5. Charitable Acts: Regularly engage in acts of charity and selfless giving, recognizing the immense importance of compassion, empathy, and supporting those in dire need, embodying the true spirit of Islamic ethics.

Misconceptions: Debunking Common Myths

Numerous misconceptions unfortunately surround the genuine Islamic view of Jesus. Let’s directly address and dispel a few of the most prevalent myths:

• Myth: Muslims harbor hatred towards Jesus.
  • Reality: Muslims, in reality, deeply revere Jesus as a highly esteemed prophet of God and mention him respectfully and frequently in their daily prayers, religious sermons, and sacred texts, all while emphasizing his vital role in the divine plan.
• Myth: Islam categorically denies the virgin birth of Jesus.
  • Reality: The Holy Quran explicitly and unequivocally confirms the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus through Mary (peace be upon her), highlighting her unique status and the divine intervention involved in his conception.
• Myth: Muslims believe Jesus was a false prophet or imposter.
  • Reality: Islam firmly considers Jesus to be one of the most significant and important prophets sent by God to guide humanity toward righteousness and truth, placing him among a lineage of revered messengers.
    Understanding these realities helps clarify what did Muhammad say about Jesus, showing respect and reverence.

Conclusion

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of what did Muhammad say about Jesus ultimately reveals a shared foundation built upon mutual respect, profound recognition, and spiritual connection. Jesus (peace be upon him) is deeply esteemed as a true prophet within Islam, and positively acknowledging this shared respect represents a crucial step toward fostering more meaningful interfaith understanding, deeper dialogue, and lasting harmony among diverse religious communities around the world. We encourage you to continue diligently exploring authentic Islamic resources to further deepen your knowledge, enhance your appreciation for this nuanced perspective, and seek to promote understanding and peace.