Is Jesus God or a Messenger in Islam?

Is Jesus God or a Messenger in Islam?

In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is regarded as one of the most important and revered prophets, but he is not considered divine. The Islamic belief firmly distinguishes between God (Allah) and His messengers. Muslims believe that Jesus was a human being chosen by God to deliver His message, much like the prophets who came before him, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others.

According to the Quran, Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) and performed many miracles by God’s permission. However, the idea of Jesus being God or the Son of God is not accepted in Islam. Muslims believe in the oneness of God, known as Tawhid, which emphasizes that God has no partners, equals, or offspring. The Quran clearly rejects the notion of the Trinity, stating that Jesus is a servant of God and a prophet sent to guide people.

One of the key differences between Islamic and Christian views is the crucifixion. In Christianity, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are central to the belief in his divinity and salvation. In Islam, however, it is believed that Jesus was not crucified but was raised up to heaven by God, and someone else was made to appear in his place. Muslims believe that Jesus will return to earth before the Day of Judgment to restore justice, but he will not come as a savior or deity; rather, he will come as a prophet to reaffirm the message of monotheism.

In conclusion, Jesus is highly respected in Islam as a prophet and messenger of God, but he is not considered God or part of a divine entity. The core Islamic belief in the oneness of God rejects the notion of anyone, including prophets, sharing in God's divinity. Instead, Muslims honor Jesus for his role in delivering God's message to humanity.