Did you know that the Quran has its own version of the story of Jesus’ birth? This gives us a great opportunity to talk about Jesus with our Muslim friends, because we have this story as common ground.
However, there are some major differences between the biblical nativity story and the Islamic version of the birth of Jesus. As Christians, it is good for us to know what story our Muslim friends know about Jesus’s birth so when the topic comes up, we have tools to ask them the right questions.
Why the birth of Jesus in the Quran differs from the Christmas nativity story in the Bible
The birth of Jesus according to the Quran and the Hadith is very different from what we read in the Bible. The Quran¹ is the main religious text for Islam, and the Hadith² is the second most trusted source for Muslims after the Quran.
There are some similarities that surprisingly respect Jesus, who is called Isa in Islam, and even honor Him above any other prophet mentioned in the Quran, even Muhammad himself.
The Quran’s account of the Christmas story was written over 600 years after Jesus' birth! It includes many events drawn from non-canonical sources, like false gospels.
Muhammad also picked pieces of the stories from the Ebonite cult Christians of his time. The Ebonites believed in a false trinity consisting of “God, Mary, and Jesus.” To this day, Muslims believe that Christians worship this trinity³ and believe in three gods, and not in a monotheistic God.
What is the Islamic version of Jesus’ birth, the nativity story, in the Quran?
There are parts of the Christmas story in the Quran that are accurate and align with what the Bible tells us. The Quran says:
Jesus was born of a virgin.
He was conceived through the Spirit of God.
He had no biological father.
He was born sinless and pure.
The Quran never mentions where exactly Isa was born, but most Muslims would accept that Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem. Here is the Quranic version of Jesus’s birth in detail:
Maryam's Conception - Immaculate conception in the Quran
The Quran described Maryam as a truthful young woman who was sinless by Allah’s protection; angels spoke to her and just like her son, Prophet Isa, she was not touched by Satan at birth. She was obedient therefore she was a sign from Allah to the world. (Surah 3:35-44; 19:16; 21:91; 66:12)
While still a virgin (Surah 6:12), an angel appeared to her when she had hidden herself behind a curtain. The angel told her that she would bear a pure boy by the power of Allah and that he would be called the Messiah, Isa, Son of Maryam (Surah 19:17, 19).
Her child would be sinless, a word of Allah, and his Spirit. Maryam was obligated to conceal her pregnancy because she was not married to a man (Surah 19:20).
Learn more about what Islam teaches about Jesus’ mother Mary⁴.
Isa’s Birth - The miraculous birth of Isa in the Quran
When it was time to give birth, Maryam went eastward to an unpopulated area and there, alone in a desolate place, (Surah 19:16, 22) under a palm tree, she gave birth to Isa (Surah 19:22).
While giving birth, Maryam almost died from hunger and thirst, (Surah 19:23) but the baby Isa, called out to her from beneath her and told her to eat from the date tree and drink from the stream Allah just made beneath her. Isa said: "Grieve not; surely your Lord made a stream to flow beneath you; And shake towards you the trunk of the palm-tree; it will drop on you fresh ripe dates: So eat and drink and refresh the eye” (Surah 19:20-27; 3:46).
Isa’s Infanthood - What the Quran says about Isa after birth
The people in Maryam’s village shamed her for having a baby with no husband (Surah 19:25- 28) but she did not answer, she only pointed to the child. Then infant Isa told the people who he was in order to protect his mother from false accusations.
He said: "Surely I am a servant of Allah; He has given me the book and made me a prophet: And he has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity so long as I live… And peace on me on the day I was born, and on the day I die, and on the day I am raised to life" (Surah 19:27-33).
According to Islam, Isa and his mother lived a peaceful life and they were never in need. The Quran says that Isa performed various miracles during his life, including breathing life into clay birds, healing the blind and the lepers, and raising the dead (Surah 3:49).
The Differences between the Quranic and Biblical Christmas Stories:
To begin with Mary’s early years, the Quran provides a lot more backstory to Mary’s family than the Bible ever shares. The only thing that the Bible tells us about Mary’s family is that she is related to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:39-45). There is no story in the Bible about Mary’s mother or her being brought up in a temple.
According to the Bible, Mary was not sinless, however she was favored by God. (Luke 1:30)
The story of Isa’s birth is incredibly different from the biblical story of Jesus’ birth. In the Bible, instead of going and giving birth under a palm tree, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable. She is with her betrothed Joseph, who is not mentioned in the Quran, and they are in Bethlehem for the Roman census. There was no room for them to stay in an inn, so they must stay the night in a barn and baby Jesus is born there.
There is also the included story of lowly shepherds and rich Magis coming to visit the child, but no story of Him speaking to Mary. (Luke 2)
Jesus’ earliest words recorded in the Bible are when He is twelve years old and stated in the Temple when His family went to Jerusalem for Passover. Mary and Joseph have no idea where He is, and when they find Him, He says, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)
How to talk about the story of Jesus’ birth with your Muslim friends and share the gospel with them:
Christmas is a great opportunity to talk about Jesus with your Muslim friends, because they already believe in Him! Introducing them to the true story and character of Jesus will change the way they view Him. Here are some great conversation starters to talk about the Christmas story:
I celebrate Christmas because I believe it is in honor of Jesus, who is my Lord and Savior. What do you know about the Christmas story?
I would love to share the biblical Christmas story with you. Would you like us to read it together?
Like you, I also believe that Jesus was born from the virgin Mary. I think His miraculous birth is a testament that He is not like any other prophet. Do you know that I am able to have a personal relationship with Him? He completely changed my life for the better.
Of course, never approach these conversations from a place of judgment or trying to prove why you are right. Your focus should be on sharing the true character of Jesus and how His love has changed your heart and life. Cover yourself and your Muslim friend with prayer, and be open to where the Spirit leads your conversation.
Prayer for talking about Jesus with my Muslim friend
Dear Lord, please bless me with wisdom and discernment this Christmas. Thank you for coming to earth as a baby to restore our relationship with You. Help me talk to my Muslim friend about Christmas and introduce them to You. Amen.
Links to additional resources
1 Facts you didn’t know about the sacred books of Islam: https://www.calloflove.org/post/facts-you-didn-t-know-about-the-sacred-books-of-islam
2 Facts you didn’t know about the sacred books of Islam: https://www.calloflove.org/post/facts-you-didn-t-know-about-the-sacred-books-of-islam
3 What Islam teaches about the Holy Spirit + what the Bible says instead: https://www.calloflove.org/post/what-islam-teaches-about-the-holy-spirit-what-the-bible-says-instead
4 A Christian expert’s look into the Islamic beliefs on the virgin Mary: https://www.calloflove.org/post/a-christian-expert-s-look-into-the-islamic-beliefs-on-the-virgin-mary
