Jesus in the Quran: A Story of Miracles and Faith

The Quran presents a profound and captivating narrative of Jesus, known as 'Isa in Arabic, emphasizing his miraculous birth, his prophetic mission, his miracles, and his ascension. The story unfolds with a series of divine revelations that highlight Jesus' significance in Islamic tradition.

The Miraculous Birth of Jesus in the Quran

The tale begins with the announcement of Jesus' birth to his mother, Maryam (Mary). The angels bring her the extraordinary news:

"O Mary! Allah gives you good news of a Word from Him. His name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and he will be one of those nearest to Allah." (3:45)

Mary, astonished and puzzled, asks how she could have a child when no man has ever touched her. The angel reassures her that Allah creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He simply tells it, 'Be!' and it is. Thus, Jesus' birth is a miraculous event, a testament to Allah's power.

The Mission and Miracles of Jesus

From an early age, Jesus demonstrates his unique status. He speaks to people in his infancy and adulthood, proclaiming his righteousness. Allah bestows upon him knowledge of writing, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel. Jesus' mission as a messenger to the Children of Israel is marked by extraordinary miracles:

"I will make for you a bird from clay, breathe into it, and it will become a real bird—by Allah’s Will. I will heal the blind and the leper and raise the dead to life—by Allah’s Will. And I will prophesy what you eat and store in your houses." (3:49)

These miracles serve as signs for those who believe, affirming his prophethood and divine mission. Jesus confirms the Torah revealed before him and brings guidance through the Gospel.

The Disciples and the Divine Plan

Jesus gathers a group of disciples who believe in his message and declare their submission to Allah. They stand by him, proclaiming their faith:

"We believe in Allah, so bear witness that we have submitted." (3:52)

Despite their faith, the disbelievers plot against Jesus. However, Allah has His own plan. He assures Jesus of his protection and eventual ascension:

"O Jesus! I will take you and raise you up to Myself. I will deliver you from those who disbelieve, and elevate your followers above the disbelievers until the Day of Judgment." (3:55)

In a dramatic turn, the Quran narrates that Jesus was not killed nor crucified. Instead, it was made to appear so. Allah raised Jesus up to Himself, a plan beyond the comprehension of his enemies.

The Nature of Jesus and the Call to Worship Allah

The Quran clarifies the nature of Jesus and his role as a prophet. He is described as a messenger and a servant of Allah, not divine himself. The narrative addresses misconceptions about his divinity:

"The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfillment of His Word through Mary and a spirit created by a command from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, 'Trinity.' Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son!" (4:171)

Jesus himself denies any claim to divinity, emphasizing his role as a messenger. On Judgment Day, Allah will question Jesus:

"O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?" (5:116)

Jesus will respond with humility and truthfulness:

"Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say? If I had said such a thing, you would have certainly known it. You know what is hidden within me, but I do not know what is within You. Indeed, You alone are the Knower of all unseen." (5:116)

He continues:

"I never told them anything except what You ordered me to say: 'Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord!'" (5:117)

In this way, Jesus clearly reaffirms his role as a devoted messenger, faithfully conveying Allah's message to worship the One true God.

Jesus' Return and the Final Judgment

The story of Jesus in the Quran also foretells his second coming, a sign of the approaching Hour. Jesus will return, a momentous event in the eschatological narrative:

"And his second coming is truly a sign for the Hour. So have no doubt about it, and follow me. This is the Straight Path." (43:61)

On the Day of Judgment, Jesus will stand as a witness against those who misunderstood and misrepresented his message. Allah's final judgment will bring justice to all:

"This is the Day when only the faithful will benefit from their faithfulness. Theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there for ever and ever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. That is the ultimate triumph." (5:119)

Conclusion

The Quranic account of Jesus is a compelling narrative of divine intervention, prophetic mission, and ultimate justice. It underscores Jesus' role as a revered prophet, a worker of miracles, and a servant of Allah, calling all to worship the One true God. This story, rich with spiritual insights and moral lessons, is a testament to Jesus' enduring significance in the Islamic faith.

Related post: Exploring the Quran: A Journey of Divine Messages and Clear Proofs (Book Review)

All Verses from the Quran about Jesus

Here are the detailed Quranic verses that narrate the story of Jesus:

Chapter 3: The Family of ’Imrân (Âli-’Imrân)

Birth of Jesus Christ

45. ˹Remember˺ when the angels proclaimed, “O Mary! Allah gives you good news of a Word[136] from Him, his name will be the Messiah,[137] Jesus, son of Mary; honoured in this world and the Hereafter, and he will be one of those nearest ˹to Allah˺. 46. And he will speak to people in ˹his˺ infancy and adulthood and will be one of the righteous.” 47. Mary wondered, “My Lord! How can I have a child when no man has ever touched me?” An angel replied, “So will it be. Allah creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He simply tells it, ‘Be!’ And it is! The Mission and

Miracles of Jesus

48. “And Allah will teach him writing and wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel, 49. and ˹make him˺ a messenger to the Children of Israel ˹to proclaim,˺ ‘I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will make for you a bird from clay, breathe into it, and it will become a ˹real˺ bird—by Allah’s Will. I will heal the blind and the leper and raise the dead to life—by Allah’s Will. And I will prophesize what you eat and store in your houses. Surely in this is a sign for you if you ˹truly˺ believe. 50. And I will confirm the Torah revealed before me and legalize some of what had been forbidden to you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so be mindful of Allah and obey me. 51. Surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him ˹alone˺. This is the Straight Path.’”

The Disciples

52. When Jesus sensed disbelief from his people, he asked, “Who will stand up with me for Allah?” The disciples replied, “We will stand up for Allah. We believe in Allah, so bear witness that we have submitted.” 53. ˹They prayed to Allah,˺ “Our Lord! We believe in Your revelations and follow the messenger, so count us among those who bear witness.”

Conspiracy Against Jesus

54. And the disbelievers made a plan ˹against Jesus˺, but Allah also planned—and Allah is the best of planners. 55. ˹Remember˺ when Allah said, “O Jesus! I will take you[138] and raise you up to Myself. I will deliver you from those who disbelieve, and elevate your followers above the disbelievers until the Day of Judgment. Then to Me you will ˹all˺ return, and I will settle all your disputes.

Fair Reward

56. “As for those who disbelieve, I will subject them to a severe punishment in this life and the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers. 57. And as for those who believe and do good, they will be rewarded in full. And Allah does not like the wrongdoers.” 58. We recite ˹all˺ this to you ˹O Prophet˺ as one of the signs[139] and ˹as˺ a wise reminder. (Chapter 3: The Family of ’Imrân (Âli-’Imrân), Verses 45-58)

Notes: 

[136] In the Quran, Jesus is called the “Word” of Allah since he was created with the word “Be!”

[137] Messiah (Masîḥ) means the “anointed one.” It is used in the Quran exclusively as a title for Jesus Christ.

[138] ‘Mutawaffîka’ means literally: “I will make you reach the end of your worldly term.” The popular Muslim belief is that a conspiracy was made to kill Jesus. Allah made the main culprit who betrayed Jesus look exactly like Jesus, while the culprit was crucified. Similar to Christians, Muslims believe in the second coming of Jesus.

[139] As a testament to your prophethood.

Prophets of Islam

84. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord—we make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we ˹fully˺ submit.” (Chapter 3: The Family of ’Imrân (Âli-’Imrân), Verse 84)

Chapter 4: Women, (An-Nisâ')

Falsehood About Mary and Jesus

155. ˹They were condemned˺ for breaking their covenant, rejecting Allah’s signs, killing the prophets unjustly, and for saying, “Our hearts are unreceptive!”[232]—it is Allah Who has sealed their hearts for their disbelief, so they do not believe except for a few— 156. and for their denial and outrageous accusation against Mary,[233] 157. and for boasting, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was only made to appear so.[234] Even those who argue for this ˹crucifixion˺ are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever —only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him. 158. Rather, Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. 159. Every one of the People of the Book will definitely believe in him before his death.[235] And on the Day of Judgment Jesus will be a witness against them. (Chapter 4: Women, (An-Nisâ'), Verses 155-159)

Notes: 

[232] Their hearts are unreceptive because they claim they have enough knowledge already.

[233] i.e., they slandered Mary by claiming that she conceived Jesus through an illegal relationship.

[234] The popular belief among Muslims is that a conspiracy was made to kill Jesus, Allah made the main culprit who betrayed Jesus look exactly like Jesus, then he was crucified in Jesus’ place. Jesus was raised safe and sound to the heavens. Muslims also believe in the second coming of Jesus .

[235] Scholars disagree whether Jews and Christians will come to realize that Jesus is a prophet of Allah at the time of their death or before the death of Jesus after his second coming.

Wake-up Call

171. O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth.[236] The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit ˹created by a command˺ from Him.[237] So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!— for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs. 172. The Messiah would never be too proud to be a servant of Allah, nor would the angels nearest to Allah. Those who are too proud and arrogant to worship Him will be brought before Him all together. (Chapter 4: Women, (An-Nisâ'), Verses 171-172)

Notes:

[236] The Jews are warned against denying Jesus as the Messiah, while Christians are warned against calling Jesus Allah.

[237] i.e., Jesus was created by Allah’s Word “Be!” and he was, and life was breathed into Jesus by the holy spirit (the angel Gabriel) at the command of Allah.

Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah)

Jesus Is Not Allah

17. Indeed, those who say, “Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary,” have fallen into disbelief. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Who has the power to prevent Allah if He chose to destroy the Messiah, son of Mary, his mother, and everyone in the world all together?” To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything in between. He creates whatever He wills. And Allah is Most Capable of everything. (Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah), Verse 17)

Judging by the Gospel

46. Then in the footsteps of the prophets, We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the Torah revealed before him. AndWe gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light and confirming what was revealed in the Torah—a guide and a lesson to the God-fearing. 47. So let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed in it. And those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are ˹truly˺ the rebellious. (Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah), Verses 46-47)

One God, Not Three

72. Those who say, “Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary,” have certainly fallen into disbelief. The Messiah ˹himself˺ said, “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever associates others with Allah ˹in worship˺ will surely be forbidden Paradise by Allah. Their home will be the Fire. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. 73. Those who say, “Allah is one in a Trinity,” have certainly fallen into disbelief. There is only One God. If they do not stop saying this, those who disbelieve among them will be afflicted with a painful punishment. (Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah), Verses 72-73)

Jesus Was Human, Not Divine

75. The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger. ˹Many˺ messengers had ˹come and˺ gone before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both ate food.[256] See how We make the signs clear to them, yet see how they are deluded ˹from the truth˺! (Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah), Verse 75)

Note:

[256] i.e., they were in need of food for nourishment. According to some scholars, this implies that Jesus and his mother had to relieve themselves after the food had been digested. Almighty Allah is far above depending on food or having to go to the restroom.

Allah’s Favours upon Jesus

110. And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My favour upon you and your mother: how I supported you with the holy spirit[265] so you spoke to people in ˹your˺ infancy and adulthood. How I taught you writing, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel. How you moulded a bird from clay—by My Will—and breathed into it and it became a ˹real˺ bird—by My Will. How you healed the blind and the lepers—by My Will. How you brought the dead to life—by My Will. How I prevented the Children of Israel from harming you when you came to them with clear proofs and the disbelievers among them said, “This is nothing but pure magic.” 111. And how I inspired the disciples, “Believe in Me and My messenger!” They declared, “We believe and bear witness that we fully submit ˹to Allah˺.”[266] 

Miracle of the Table

112. ˹Remember˺ when the disciples asked, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Would your Lord be willing to send down to us a table spread with food from heaven?” Jesus answered, “Fear Allah if you are ˹truly˺ believers.” 113. They said, “We ˹only˺ wish to eat from it to reassure our hearts, to verify you are indeed truthful to us, and to become its witnesses.” 114. Jesus, son of Mary, prayed, “O Allah, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread with food as a feast for us—the first and last of us—and as a sign from You. Provide for us! You are indeed the Best Provider.” 115. Allah answered, “I am sending it down to you. But whoever among you denies afterwards will be subjected to a torment I have never inflicted on anyone of My creation.” (Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah), Verses 110-115)

Jesus Denying Claim to Divinity

116. And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say? If I had said such a thing, you would have certainly known it. You know what is ˹hidden˺ within me, but I do not know what is within You. Indeed, You ˹alone˺ are the Knower of all unseen. 117. I never told them anything except what You ordered me to say: “Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord!” And I was witness over them as long as I remained among them. But when You took me,[267] You were the Witness over them—and You are a Witness over all things. 118. If You punish them, they belong to You after all.[268] But if You forgive them, You are surely the Almighty, All-Wise.” 119. Allah will declare, “This is the Day when ˹only˺ the faithful will benefit from their faithfulness. Theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there for ever and ever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. That is the ultimate triumph.” 120. To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything within. And He is Most Capable of everything. (Chapter 5: The Spread Table (Al-Mâ'idah), Verses 116-120)

Chapter 9: Repentance (At-Tawbah)

Blind Following

30. The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah,” while the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah.” Such are their baseless assertions, only parroting the words of earlier disbelievers. May Allah condemn them! How can they be deluded ˹from the truth˺? 31. They have taken their rabbis and monks as well as the Messiah, son of Mary, as lords besides Allah, [362] even though they were commanded to worship none but One God. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. Glorified is He above what they associate ˹with Him˺! (Chapter 9: Repentance (At-Tawbah), Verses 30-31)

Chapter 23: The Believers (Al-Mu'minûn)

Prophet Jesus and His Mother

50. And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and gave them refuge on high ground—a ˹suitable˺ place for rest with flowing water. (Chapter 23: The Believers (Al-Mu'minûn), Verse 50)

Chapter 43: Ornaments (Az-Zukhruf)

All Objects of Worship in Hell?

57. When the son of Mary was cited as an example ˹in argument˺, your people ˹O Prophet˺ broke into ˹joyful˺ applause. [1014] 58. They exclaimed, “Which is better: our gods or Jesus?” They cite him only to argue. In fact, they are a people prone to dispute. 59. He was only a servant We showed favour to, and made as an example for the Children of Israel. 60. Had We willed, We could have easily replaced you ˹all˺ with angels,[1015] succeeding one another on earth. 61. And his ˹second˺ coming is truly a sign for the Hour. So have no doubt about it, and follow me. This is the Straight Path. 62. And do not let Satan hinder you, ˹for˺ he is certainly your sworn enemy.

The Truth About Jesus

63. When Jesus came with clear proofs, he declared, “I have come to you with wisdom, and to clarify to you some of what you differ about. So fear Allah, and obey me. 64. Surely Allah ˹alone˺ is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him ˹alone˺. This is the Straight Path.” 65. Yet their ˹various˺ groups have differed among themselves ˹about him˺, so woe to the wrongdoers when they face the torment of a painful Day! 66. Are they waiting for the Hour to take them by surprise when they least expect ˹it˺? (Chapter 43: Ornaments (Az-Zukhruf), Verses 57-66)

Notes

[1014] When 21:98 was revealed, warning the polytheists that all false gods will be in Hell, ’Abdullâh ibn Az-Ziba’ra, a poet who always attacked Islam, argued with the Prophet that if what the verse says is true, then Jesus will be in Hell as well! The polytheists, who were present, laughed in agreement with this argument. The Prophet replied that the verse was talking exclusively about idols, adding that Jesus himself did not ask anyone to worship him. Verse 21:101 was later revealed in support of the Prophet’s argument. Eventually, ’Abdullâh accepted Islam.

[1015] Or “We could have easily produced angels from you …”

Chapter 61: The ˹Solid˺ Ranks (Aṣ-Ṣaff)

Jesus and the Israelites

6. And ˹remember˺ when Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O children of Israel! I am truly Allah’s messenger to you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving good news of a messenger after me whose name will be Aḥmad.”[1196] Yet when the Prophet came to them with clear proofs, they said, “This is pure magic.” (Chapter 61: The ˹Solid˺ Ranks (Aṣ-Ṣaff), Verse 6)

Chapter 57: Iron (Al-Ḥadîd)

Jesus and His Followers

27. Then in the footsteps of these ˹prophets˺, We sent Our messengers, and ˹after them˺ We sent Jesus, son of Mary, and granted him the Gospel, and instilled compassion and mercy into the hearts of his followers. As for monasticism, they made it up—We never ordained it for them—only seeking to please Allah, yet they did not ˹even˺ observe it strictly. So We rewarded those of them who were faithful. But most of them are rebellious. (Chapter 57: Iron (Al-Ḥadîd), Verse 27)

Chapter 2: The Cow (Al-Baqarah)

Denying Allah’s Prophets

87. Indeed, We gave Moses the Book and sent after him successive messengers. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the holy spirit.[33] Why is it that every time a messenger comes to you ˹Israelites˺ with something you do not like, you become arrogant, rejecting some and killing others? 88. They say, “Our hearts are unreceptive!”[34] In fact, Allah has condemned them for their disbelief. They have but little faith. (Chapter 2: The Cow (Al-Baqarah), Verse 87)