Islam Beliefs
Sharing Jesus with Muslims by revealing His true identity: Comparing what the Bible says about Jesus Christ with the teachings of the Quran
One of the most common misconceptions that other religions have about Jesus is that He was “just a good person.” But did you know that the Quran mentions Jesus (as Isa, the Messiah, Son of Mary) over 90 times?
Many Christians do not realize that Muslims believe in Jesus. They know Him as “Prophet Isa Peace be Upon Him.” You’ll probably hear your Muslim friend say that Jesus was an honorable prophet or a great teacher. Islam’s view on Jesus is important for Christians to know because it helps us find common ground to start from and also addresses where the Quran got it wrong. The goal is for our Muslim friends to know Jesus– the real Jesus.
What’s the difference between Jesus in the Bible and the Quran version of Jesus?
To start, Jesus is known as “Isa” in the Quran; this is the Arabic word for His name. From here on out, we will speak about Jesus and Isa as two different people, because Isa is not an accurate representation of who Jesus is.
Three main beliefs separate Jesus from Isa: divinity, crucifixion, and origin.
Divinity- The Quran teaches Isa was a mere human, a prophet sent with a message to his people, the Jews (Quran 4:171). Muslims believe that Jesus is second to Muhammad, who is the perfect final prophet.
The Bible teaches that Jesus is God in the flesh and the awaited Messiah (John 1:18, Matthew 16:16).
Crucifixion- Islam teaches that Isa was never crucified; Allah rescued him and replaced him with a man who resembled him to be crucified in his place. This is called substitution theory (Quran 4:157).
Many biblical and historical references testify to the crucifixion and the death of Jesus. The Bible teaches Jesus died on the cross and was buried. He rose from the dead on the third day and was seen by hundreds of witnesses afterward to attest to His resurrection (Mark 15:22-31, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Origin- The Quran says that Isa was created by Allah. His origin is compared to that of Adam; they were both created from dust and ordered to "Be" (Quran 3:59).
The Bible teaches that Jesus is eternal; He has no beginning. The disciple John refers to Jesus as the Word, saying that in the beginning, the Word was with God and that He was one with God (John 1:1). Jesus’ relationship with God is described countless times in the Bible; Jesus Himself says that He and the Father “are one” (John 10:30).
The Few Similarities between Biblical Jesus and Quranic Jesus
When having a conversation about Jesus with your Muslim friend, it is great to start with the similarities. The Quran does include some truth about who Jesus is in its description of Isa because Muhammad derived his teachings from the many religions surrounding him in the Arabian peninsula, including some Christian tribes.
Muhammad began Islam with the goal of being accepted as a prophet by the Jews and Christians around him. This was during the Meccan Period when Muhammad was a peaceful leader. When the Jews, Christians, and idol-worshiping tribes kicked Muhammad out of Mecca, Allah’s orders to him supposedly changed to be violent towards nonbelievers, marking the start of the Medinan period. Read more about Muhammad and the start of Islam here.
Muhammad couldn’t completely change the story of Jesus, because too many Christians around him knew the truth. But if he could try to dilute the image of Jesus and change him from being God to just a prophet, then Muhammad could gain respect. According to the Quran, Isa was sinless just like Jesus. It is also recorded that he performed miracles and He was born of a virgin.
The Issue with the Muslim view of Jesus
Yes, the Quran includes Jesus, but He is a diluted Jesus! The Quran refuses Jesus' divinity and rejects His crucifixion, the two things that are game changers when it comes to salvation and restoring relationship with God.
Without Jesus’ death and resurrection, God's plan for our salvation would not exist and Jesus would only be a good teacher and messenger.
This is why we must lovingly reveal the difference between Isa and Jesus. If we can introduce our Muslim friends to the true Jesus they will have the opportunity to know His saving grace.
How do I talk to my Muslim friend about Jesus?
Knowing that our Muslim friend already believes in Jesus, even if most of it is incorrect, gives us a starting point for conversations about Him! Here are some questions you can ask your Muslim friend, as well as verses we recommend pointing them to:
- Did you know that Jesus did not only come for Christians but so that everyone could be free from sin and have a relationship with the heavenly Father?
- Jesus claimed He and the Father are one (John 10:30), and people wanted to kill Him for it. If He was lying, He cannot be the sinless prophet you believe in, correct?
- John chapter one is one of the best chapters to read about who Jesus is. Would you like us to read it together and discuss the nature of Jesus?
Sharing Jesus with a Muslim is a daunting idea to many Christians, but it does not have to be! We have an extensive library for you with practical resources, guides on Islam, and devotionals to prepare your heart for witnessing to Muslims. Here are some great articles to start with:
- How to start a spiritual conversation with your Muslim friend
- Can you really share the Gospel with a Muslim you just met? A ministry to Muslims explains
- Who was Muhammad? Everything Christians Need to Know About the Founder of Islam
Prayer about reaching Muslims for Jesus
Lord Jesus, help me be a witness of your love to my Muslim friends. I know that the best way I can love them is by pointing them to You. Give me the right words to introduce them to who you are as you revealed Yourself in the Bible. Thank you for your cross and resurrection through which I can have a personal relationship with You! Amen.