Prophet Jesus

At a glance

In the Quran, Prophet Jesus, known as Isa ibn Maryam, holds an elevated rank as one of the greatest messengers of Allah. Sent specifically to the Children of Israel, he came confirming the Torah before him, explaining disputed matters, and proclaiming pure devotion to the One Creator. His miraculous birth without a father stands as a timeless demonstration that Allah creates whatever He wills through His divine command alone. Throughout his mission, Allah supported Jesus with extraordinary miracles that spoke directly to his people, from speaking in infancy to healing the blind and raising the dead by Allah's permission. The Quran rigorously clarifies his pure servitude, rejecting any claims of divinity or divine sonship attributed to him. As a noble prophet, his life exemplifies complete devotion, humility before Allah, and profound kindness toward his mother.

Key verses

1. Ali 'Imran 3:45-46: The angels announce to Mary the glad tidings of Jesus as a Word from Allah, honored in this life and the next, who will speak to people from the cradle and in adulthood.
2. Al-Ma'idah 5:110: Allah recounts His abundant blessings upon Jesus and Mary, confirming that every miracle Jesus performed occurred exclusively by Allah's divine leave.
3. Ali 'Imran 3:36-37: Mary's mother consecrates her newborn daughter to Allah's service, and Allah accepts Mary gracefully, placing her under the righteous guardianship of Prophet Zechariah.
4. Al-Ma'idah 5:72: Jesus directly admonishes the Children of Israel to worship Allah alone, warning that attributing partners to Allah bars one from Paradise.
5. At-Tahrim 66:12: Allah praises Mary, the daughter of Imran, for guarding her chastity, believing in the scriptures of her Lord, and standing among the devoutly obedient.
6. Ali 'Imran 3:49: Jesus presents clear signs of his prophethood to the Children of Israel, emphasizing that giving life and healing happen solely by Allah's permission.
7. Az-Zukhruf 43:63: Jesus arrives with wisdom to clarify religious controversies, urging his people to maintain consciousness of Allah and obey his prophetic guidance.
8. Maryam 19:29-32: Speaking as an infant in the cradle, Jesus proclaims his servitude to Allah, his prophethood, his duty of prayer and charity, and deep devotion to his mother.
9. Al-Anbiya 21:91: Allah honors the immaculate Mary by breathing of His spirit into her, making her and her son a universal sign for all creation.
10. An-Nisa 4:171: The People of the Scripture are warned against excess, defining Jesus as a messenger of Allah and His word bestowed upon Mary, not part of a trinity.

Words to know

عيسى عليه السلام `Isa 'alayhi al-salam`

Prophet Jesus, the servant and messenger of Allah, born miraculously to Mary without a human father.

المسيح `al-Masih`

The Messiah, an honorific title signifying blessings, purity from sins, or his miraculous touch that healed the sick by Allah's permission.

Root: م س ح

Characteristics of Jesus

From the paper: «صفات عيسى عليه السلام»

In the Quran, Jesus is identified by his proper name and his matronymic lineage: the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary (Ali 'Imran 3:45). Naming him after his mother Mary serves as clear proof of her pristine innocence and confirms that he had no earthly father. The title al-Masih is a prestigious honorific, derived from Hebrew or Syriac roots meaning the blessed, or referencing his practice of wiping the afflicted to heal them, journeying through the earth, or being shielded from Satan at birth. Mentioned twenty-five times across eleven surahs, Jesus possessed the highest moral and physical qualities befitting a resolute messenger (An-Nisa 4:171). He was distinguished by eminent standing (wajaha) in both worlds, deep closeness to Allah, unmatched righteousness, and profound wisdom (Ali 'Imran 3:45-46, Al-Ma'idah 5:110). He was devoted in filial piety to his mother, devoid of arrogance or rebellion (Maryam 19:32). Hadith narrations describe him physically as a well-proportioned man of medium build, with a reddish-white complexion and flowing, smooth hair, bearing a striking resemblance to the companion Urwah ibn Mas'ud.

Introduction to Mary

From the paper: «التعريف بمريم عليها السلام»

Mary descends from the righteous household of Imran, a noble family chosen by Allah above the worlds alongside the households of Adam, Noah, and Abraham (Ali 'Imran 3:33-34, At-Tahrim 66:12). When her mother Hannah conceived, she dedicated the child in her womb entirely to the sanctuary's service (Ali 'Imran 3:35). Upon delivering a girl, she invoked Allah's protection for Mary and her future offspring from Satan (Ali 'Imran 3:36). Allah accepted Mary with gracious acceptance and nurtured her in purity (Ali 'Imran 3:37). The sanctuary leaders cast lots with their pens to decide her guardianship, and Prophet Zechariah was granted custody (Ali 'Imran 3:44). Whenever Zechariah entered Mary's prayer chamber, he discovered miraculous provisions of fresh sustenance, which she attributed directly to Allah's limitless bounty (Ali 'Imran 3:37). The angels announced that Allah had purified Mary and chosen her above all women of the world, commanding her to remain steadfast in prayer and prostration (Ali 'Imran 3:42-43). Her singular virtue is highlighted by the fact that she is the only woman in creation to whom a child is attributed in divine scripture without a father (Al-Anbiya 21:91).

Mary's pregnancy with Jesus

From the paper: «حمل مريم بعيسى عليهما السلام»

The conception of Jesus was a unique miracle demonstrating Allah's omnipotence (Maryam 19:21). The angel Gabriel appeared before Mary in the form of a well-proportioned man. When Mary sought refuge in the Most Merciful, the angel clarified that he was a divine messenger sent to bestow a pure son (Maryam 19:17-19). Though she questioned how she could bear a child having never been touched by any human, the angel declared that bringing this to pass is effortless for Allah (Maryam 19:20-21, Ali 'Imran 3:47). Life was breathed into her, and she withdrew to a remote place (Maryam 19:22, Al-Anbiya 21:91, At-Tahrim 66:12). Overcome by the pangs of labor beneath a palm tree, Mary felt overwhelming grief regarding the false accusations she would face (Maryam 19:23). She was comforted by a voice assuring her of Allah's care, directing her to shake the palm tree for fresh dates, drink from a fresh stream, and observe a vow of silence if confronted (Maryam 19:24-26). When her people accused her of impropriety, she pointed to the newborn baby (Maryam 19:27-29). By Allah's leave, the infant Jesus spoke eloquently, vindicating his mother, acknowledging his servitude to Allah, and announcing his prophethood (Maryam 19:30-33).

Dialogues of Jesus

From the paper: «حوارات عيسى عليه السلام»

The central mission of Jesus, like that of all prophets, was calling mankind to pure monotheism and sincere worship of Allah alone (An-Nahl 16:36, Al-Anbiya 21:25). On the Day of Resurrection, an awe-inspiring dialogue will take place before all creation where Allah asks Jesus whether he ever told people to take him and his mother as deities (Al-Ma'idah 5:116). Jesus will glorify Allah, disassociating himself completely from such falsehood, affirming that he only commanded what he was ordered: to worship Allah, his Lord and their Lord (Al-Ma'idah 5:116-117). In his dialogues with the Children of Israel, Jesus preached pure monotheism, warning them that associating partners with Allah leads to eternal ruin (Al-Ma'idah 5:72). He confirmed the divine truths of the Torah while easing certain legal restrictions and bringing clear wisdom (Ali 'Imran 3:50, Az-Zukhruf 43:63-64). Furthermore, he gave glad tidings of the coming of the final messenger, Ahmad (As-Saff 61:6). When Jesus sensed disbelief and hostility from among his folk, he asked who would support his mission, to which the sincere disciples (al-Hawariyyun) declared their belief and submission to Allah (Ali 'Imran 3:52, As-Saff 61:14).

Miracles of Jesus

From the paper: «معجزات عيسى عليه السلام»

Allah granted Jesus dazzling signs tailored to the advanced medical arts of his era, demonstrating that his works exceeded human craft (Al-Baqarah 2:253, Al-Ma'idah 5:110). His first miracles were his fatherless creation and his articulate speech from the cradle to exonerate his mother (Ali 'Imran 3:46, Maryam 19:29-30). By Allah's permission, Jesus fashioned the shape of a bird from clay, blew into it, and it became a living bird that flew away (Ali 'Imran 3:49, Al-Ma'idah 5:110). He cured the congenitally blind and the leper, conditions incurable by ordinary medicine, and brought the dead back to life by the leave of Allah (Ali 'Imran 3:49, Al-Ma'idah 5:110). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the phrase 'by My permission' to eliminate any misapprehension of his divinity, establishing that life-giving and healing belong solely to Allah. Jesus also informed people of unseen details, disclosing what they ate and what they hoarded within their private homes (Ali 'Imran 3:49). Finally, at the earnest request of his disciples, Jesus supplicated for a heavenly feast (al-ma'idah) to descend as an enduring sign and festive celebration for believers (Al-Ma'idah 5:112-115).

Ascension and descent of Jesus

From the paper: «رفع عيسى عليه السلام ونزوله»

When his adversaries plotted to murder Jesus, Allah thwarted their scheming and raised him safely to heaven (Ali 'Imran 3:54-55). The Quran decisively refutes that he was killed or crucified, stating that the matter was made to appear so to them, while those who disputed were trapped in conjecture (An-Nisa 4:157). Sunnah scholars affirm that Jesus was raised bodily and spiritually to heaven. Furthermore, his descent near the end of time serves as an established sign of the Hour (Az-Zukhruf 43:61). Upon descending, every remaining person from the People of the Book will believe in him before his natural death (An-Nisa 4:159). Prophetic reports detail that he will descend as a just judge, breaking the cross, abolishing the jizya, and slaying the false messiah (al-Dajjal). Scholars highlight profound wisdoms behind his return: exposing the fabrication of those who claimed to have crucified him, demonstrating that all mortals created from dust must ultimately die and be buried on earth, and confirming his sincere prayer to join the followers of Prophet Muhammad.

Takeaways

1. Uncompromising Devotion to Monotheism

   Prophet Jesus consistently directed all worship, reverence, and servitude to Allah alone, demonstrating that no created being shares in divine sovereignty (Al-Ma'idah 5:72).

2. Honoring and Serving One's Parents

   Even while speaking in the cradle, Jesus proclaimed his obligation to be devoted and dutiful to his mother Mary, proving that filial piety is a cornerstone of faith (Maryam 19:32).

3. Complete Reliance on Allah in Hardship

   Mary faced extreme distress and slander during childbirth, yet she placed her full reliance in Allah, who provided sustenance and vindicated her honor (Maryam 19:23-26).

4. Recognizing Miracles as Divine Favors

   Jesus never claimed credit for his miraculous acts, always affirming that healing, creation, and revival occur strictly by Allah's divine permission (Al-Ma'idah 5:110).

Reflect

• How does reflecting on the humility and pure servitude of Prophet Jesus inspire your own daily devotion to Allah?
• Mary endured intense isolation and false accusations while trusting Allah's plan; how can her example comfort you during personal trials?
• Jesus declared his duty of prayer, charity, and honoring his mother from infancy; in what practical ways can you strengthen these obligations today?

Go deeper

Technical meaning

The Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, is the servant and messenger of Allah, created miraculously without a father through Allah's creative decree.

Technical meaning

A miracle (mu'jizah) is an extraordinary act manifested through a claimant to prophethood during the time of accountability, challenging opponents to produce its like, thereby proving his truthfulness.

Every verse in the paper

All 72 verses the research paper discusses, grouped under its own headings.

Introduction to Jesus «التعريف بعيسى عليه السلام»

His name and lineage «أولًا: اسمه ونسبه»

3:45

Characteristics of Jesus «صفات عيسى عليه السلام»

His moral characteristics «أولًا: صفاته الخُلُقية»

3:36, 3:45, 3:46, 4:171, 5:110, 43:63, 5:116, 4:172, 5:72, 5:114-115, 5:118, 19:31, 19:32

Introduction to Mary «التعريف بمريم عليها السلام»

Her name and lineage «أولًا: اسمها ونسبها»

66:12, 3:33-34

The pregnancy with Mary «ثانيًا: الحمل بمريم عليها السلام»

3:35-36

Birth and fulfillment of the vow «ثالثًا: الوضع والوفاء بالنذر»

3:36

Status and virtue of Mary «رابعًا: مكانة مريم عليها السلام وفضلها»

3:37, 3:36, 3:44, 3:42, 3:43, 21:91, 66:12, 3:45, 2:87, 4:171, 23:50

Mary's pregnancy with Jesus «حمل مريم بعيسى عليهما السلام»

3:45-47, 19:16-22, 21:91, 66:12, 15:29, 3:59, 19:23-26, 23:50, 19:27-28, 19:29, 19:30-33

Dialogues of Jesus «حوارات عيسى عليه السلام»

Dialogue of Jesus with his Lord «أولًا: حوار عيسى عليه السلام مع ربه عز وجل»

16:36, 21:25, 3:46, 5:72, 43:63-64, 5:116-120

Dialogue of Jesus with the Children of Israel «ثانيًا: حوار عيسى عليه السلام مع بني إسرائيل»

19:29-33, 3:49, 3:51, 5:72, 19:36, 43:64, 3:50, 43:63, 5:46, 61:6, 61:14, 11:80, 3:48, 5:110, 5:112, 3:52-53, 3:54-55, 5:17, 9:30, 4:171, 5:73

Miracles of Jesus «معجزات عيسى عليه السلام»

2:253, 3:45-46, 5:110, 19:27-33, 3:49, 5:112-115

Ascension and descent of Jesus «رفع عيسى عليه السلام ونزوله»

Ascension of Jesus to heaven «أولًا: رفع عيسى عليه السلام إلى السماء»

3:55, 4:157

His descent at the end of time «ثانيًا: نزوله عليه السلام آخر الزمان»

43:61, 4:159

About this source

Volume

13

Research paper

«عيسى عليه السلام» (Prophet Jesus)

Read the full paper (Arabic)

Encyclopedia of Thematic Tafsir of the Noble Quran, published by the Tafsir Center for Quranic Studies.

This study guide summarizes the Arabic research paper. For full scholarly detail, refer to the original. This preview has not been reviewed yet.

Related topics

• The Gospel الإنجيل
• People of the Scripture أهل الكتاب
• Mary مريم
• Prophet Moses موسى عليه السلام
• Christians النصارى