Did You Know that Prophet Jesus (A.S) is Highly Revered in the Holy Quran?

Muslims hold Hazrat Isa (A.S) in high reverence!

As my Christian brothers and sisters around the world are preparing to celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of Prophet Jesus (A.S), I would like to share how Muslims recognize Hazrat Isa [in Arabic] (A.S) as one of the prophets in Islam.

Many Christians are unaware that Muslims hold Prophet Jesus (A.S) in high reverence. A Muslim never takes the name of Prophet Jesus (A.S), without saying Alayhis-salaam – a phrase used for prophets who are infallible.  

Let’s have a look at a few facts that you may not know about Hazrat Isa (A.S) and his mother, Mary (Maryam in Arabic) in Islam:

Jesus in the Holy Quran

Hazrat Isa (A.S) is mentioned in the Holy Quran in 93 verses. It is interesting to note that Hazrat Isa (A.S) is mentioned 25 times directly by the name Isa, 48 times in third person and 35 times in first person with various titles attached. Thus, Hazrat Isa (A.S) is the most mentioned prophet in the Holy Quran. As the messenger of Allah (SWT), he was sent to guide the Children of Israel with a new revelation, the Gospel (al-Injīl). Hazrat Isa (A.S) is a prophet who neither married nor had any children.  

Hazrat Isa (A.S) is mentioned 25 times directly by the name Isa in the Holy Quran!

Unlike Christians, Muslims do not believe that Hazrat Isa (A.S) is the son of Allah (SWT). Hazrat Isa (A.S) is being addressed with respect as:

"Isa Ibn Maryam" (Son of Mary), "Rasul -Ullah" [Messenger of Allah (SWT)] and Mushia bi’l Baraka [the Messiah, someone blessed by Allah (SWT)], “Masi (Heb)” [Messiah [translated as Christ], "Abdullah" (servant of Allah (SWT).

 “We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.” ~ Quran 2:87

 “Christ Jesus, the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah (SWT).” ~ Quran 4:171

“And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him.” ~ Quran 5:46

The Virgin Birth

Islam corroborates that Hazrat Isa (A.S) was born to a virgin Mary (Maryam). She said, "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?" ~ Surah Maryam 19:20

Mother Mary (Maryam) holds an exalted place in Islam as the only woman mentioned by name in the Holy Quran and described as the greatest of all women.

And [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds." ~ Quran 3:42

While other female figures are identified only by their relation to others, such as the wife of Adam and the mother of Musa (Moses), or by their title, such as the Queen of Sheba; on the other hand, Maryam has an entire chapter in the Holy Quran named after her – Sura 19 Maryam. Maryam is mentioned seventy times in the Holy Quran more than the entire New Testament.

[And mention] when the angels said: "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]." ~ Quran 3:45

Maryam is mentioned seventy times in the Holy Quran more than the entire New Testament!

Muslims believe that Prophet Jesus (AS) performed miracles!

The Holy Quran describes the miracles Hazrat Isa (A.S) performed, such as healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, and breathing life into clay birds; but does not Jesus himself with divinity. Rather, the Holy Quran attributes the miracles as being wrought by Allah (SWT) through the instrument ability of Jesus.

And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], “Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.” ~ Surah Ali 'Imran 3:49

Hazrat Isa (A.S) is a sign to all humankind of Allah’s (SWT) infinite mercy and compassion. The Holy Quran honours the great Prophet Jesus (A.S) and even fourteen hundred years later Muslims continue to hold Hazrat Isa (A.S) as being a Messenger of Allah (SWT).

It is part of my faith as a Muslim to accept Hazrat Isa (A.S) as a pious and righteous man and one of the prophets. Hazrat Isa (A.S), like all Prophets of Islam, brought a message of peace, love and brotherhood to the world.

On Christmas Day, we all rejoice with our brothers of the New Testament for the happy tidings that came with the day!