Learn why Muslims honour Jesus and Mary, and where Islamic and Christian beliefs differ.
Jesus is honoured as a messenger
Muslims believe in Jesus, known in Arabic as Isa, as a great messenger of Allah. The Qur’an calls him the Messiah and describes his miraculous birth to Maryam. Belief in him belongs to belief in Allah’s messengers, rather than being an optional addition.
Maryam has a special place
The Qur’an describes Maryam’s devotion and the announcement of her son’s birth. Surah Maryam is named after her. These accounts can be read here with a translation of meaning; notice how the passages place her story within a wider discussion of revelation and worship.
Where the beliefs differ
Islam does not regard Jesus as God or the divine son of God, and rejects the Trinity. Qur’an 4:171 identifies him as a messenger and calls people to Allah’s oneness. Muslims and Christians can share respect for Jesus while holding different beliefs about his nature and mission.
Read before comparing
Begin with the Qur’anic passages and our biography of Isa. A short comparison should not reduce all Christian traditions or all Muslim interpretations to a slogan. Ask respectful questions and separate what a scripture says from what someone assumes another community believes.
Common questions
Is Jesus mentioned in the Quran?
Yes. The Qur’an discusses Isa and Maryam in several passages, including Surahs Al Imran and Maryam.
Do Muslims believe Jesus is God?
No. Muslims honour him as a messenger and Messiah, while worshipping Allah alone.
Read the sources here
Qur’an buttons open the local text and translation. Hadith and scholarly notes are authored summaries, with the collection or source identified.