Learn more about Prophet Jesus (Isa) in Islam and the story of prophet Jesus in The Quran. It is a comprehensive guide for all Muslims and non-Muslims.
Table of Contents
Who is Prophet Isa (Jesus) In Islam?
Prophet Jesus (AS) is one of the prophets who Allah mentioned in the noble Quran, as believers can learn from the wisdom of his story. Allah referred to him 25 times in the Quran. Prophet Isa (AS) was the last prophet of the children of Israel.
According to the prophets’ arrangement, the prophet Jesus (AS) was the prophet that came before the final messenger of Allah, Muhammed (PBUH).
What Did Prophet Muhammad Say About Prophet Isa?
It’s noteworthy that prophet Isa (AS) informed his followers that prophet Muhammed (PBUH) would come after him. In the Quran, he mentioned the name of the final messenger (PBUH) as Ahmad:
“And ˹remember˺ when Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O children of Israel! I am truly Allah’s messenger to you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving the good news of a messenger after me whose name will be Aḥmad.”1 Yet when the Prophet came to them with clear proofs, they said, “This is pure magic.”
Surah Al-Saf, verse 6.
Allah sent prophets to call their people to believe in the oneness by worshipping Allah as the only God and creator and abandoning other beliefs such as idols. So, Get to know the full story of prophet Isa (PBUH).
Prophet Isa (Jesus) Birth Story in The Quran
In the noble Quran, Allah mentioned the story of the prophet Jesus (AS) from the beginning. His birth was a miracle, as Allah sent the Angel to inform Isa’s mother (Lady Mary) that she would have a son, a gift from Allah.
Lady Mary asked how she would have a son without a husband. The Angel told her that Allah could do anything as it was easy for him to create a human without a father. Allah wanted to create Isa (AS) as a sign for humanity:
“He replied, “So will it be! Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me. And so will We make him a sign for humanity and a mercy from Us.’ It is a matter ˹already˺ decreed.”
(19:21) – Surah Maryam
After some months, she gave birth to her son and returned to her people who were shocked by the newborn baby she held in her arms.
They thought that she had committed a terrible sin. They scolded her, but she didn’t reply and pointed to her child.
They asked her how a newborn child could speak, but the miracle happened when her child spoke, as he said that he is Allah’s servant, who had given the book and made a prophet, and Allah blessed him and bid him to establish prayer and almsgiving:
˹Jesus˺ declared, “I am truly a servant of Allah. He has destined me to be given the Scripture and to be a prophet. He has made me a blessing wherever I go, and bid me to establish prayer and give alms-tax as long as I live.
(30-31:19) Surah Maryam.
The Story Of Prophet Isa As a Prophet In the Quran
Allah taught Prophet Jesus (AS) the book that is the teachings of previous prophets, wisdom, the Torah, and the Gospel, as Allah mentioned these blessings in the Quran. As Allah says in the Quran:
“And Allah will teach him writing and wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel.”
Surah Ali’Imran (3:48).
Allah commanded Isa (AS) to call the children of Israel to worship Allah without a partner, as he became a prophet at the age of 30.
His people asked for miracles to believe in Allah when the prophet Jesus (AS) started to spread the message among of children of Israel (bani Israel).
One of the messages and principles he had spread was that there isn’t mediation between Allah and people.
Allah gifted the prophet Isa (AS) with several miracles. By Allah’s Will,
Jesus (AS) used clay to sculpt a live bird that could fly.
He could cure blind people, return sight to them, cure people with leprosy, and revive the dead.
Although prophet Isa (AS) had astonishing miracles, his people didn’t convince and believe his message. However, few followers believed in his message. He preached to his people the Bible and monotheism.
Prophet Isa’s teachings disturbed Jew priests as they thought his role was a threat to their positions.
The Story of The Holy Table of Prophet Jesus
In the glorious Quran, there are incidents of Isa’s story that Allah mentioned such as the story of the holy table.
The story started when his followers asked him for sending down a table from heaven to eat from it, support their faith, and be proof of prophet Jesus’s message. Allah narrates in the Quran:
˹Remember˺ when the disciples asked, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Would your Lord be willing to send down to us a table spread with food from heaven?” Jesus answered, “Fear Allah if you are ˹truly˺ believers.”
(4:112/114) Surah Alma’idah.
They said, “We ˹only˺ wish to eat from it to reassure our hearts, to verify you are indeed truthful to us, and to become its witnesses.”
Jesus, son of Mary, prayed, “O Allah, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread with food as a feast for us—the first and last of us—and as a sign from You. Provide for us! You are indeed the Best Provider.”
Prophet Isa (AS) asked Allah to send a table from heaven for his disciples, and then Allah responded to his dua as he sent a covered table.
The prophet (AS) prayed to Allah before uncovering the table that was full of food. His disciples had been fasting for 30 days before sending the table.
The people who ate from this table were more than 1000. Prophet Isa (AS) urged them to thank Allah for this blessing.
Although this miracle was proof of the honest message of Allah’s belief, the followers didn’t believe in Allah as the only God, as they believed in Isa (AS) as a God later.
What does the Quran say about Jesus christ’s crucifixion?
According to the Quran, unlike the Bible, the Jewish people didn’t crucify the prophet Jesus (AS). While prophet Jesus (AS) continued teaching his people and spreading Allah’s message, Jews realized that his existence was an obstacle in their way.
There were many accusations against him. He was accused of magic, loyalty to the devil, and violation of the Mosaic law.
The Jewish priests met to set up a plan of capturing and killing the prophet Jesus (AS).
Allah mentioned in surah Al-Ma’ida that there was another one that accepted to sacrifice for Jesus (AS), as Allah made this person look like him, so Jews thought he was prophet Isa (AS).
And for [Jewish] boasting, “We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue for this ˹crucifixion˺ are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever—only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him.
Suran al-Ma’idah (4:157).
According to Ibn Abbas’report (may Allah be pleased with him), when prophet Isa knew the Jews’ plan to kill him, he asked his companions: “Which of you will be made to look like me and be killed in my stead, and he will be with me in the same level as me (in Paradise)?”
There was a young man who was ready for sacrifice, but prophet Isa repeated his question and found the same young man answered, then Allah made this person look like Jesus (AS).
How Did Prophet Isa die in Islam?
Allah saved prophet Isa (AS) from crucifying and killing. But the prophet didn’t die in Islam, according to Surah Al-Imran in the Quran as Allah raised him to Heaven.
˹Remember˺ when Allah said, “O Jesus! I will take you1 and raise you up to Myself. I will deliver you from those who disbelieve and elevate your followers above the disbelievers until the Day of Judgment. Then to Me, you will ˹all˺ return, and I will settle all your disputes.
Surah al-Imran (3:55).
Prophet Isa’s story is the only one that didn’t end, as Allah kept him in heaven until his second coming at the end of time before Judgement Day. The descent of prophet Isa (AS) is one of the last hour’s signs.
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Prophet Isa’s return signs
According to Islam, Prophet Isa’s second coming will be after the descent of the Anti-Christ (Messiah Dajjal). He will chase Antichrist to kill him, as the messenger of Allah said (PBUH):”
He [Jesus Christ] would chase him [the Dajjal] and kill him. Then people will live for seven years where there will be no rancour between two persons.”
(Muslim)
Moreover, he will have several missions such as killing pigs, breaking the cross, and abolishing the jizyah tax, as he will rule Muslims with justice.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:” The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary [Jesus] descends among you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the jizyah tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts)’ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
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Conclusion – What Is The Summary Of The Story Of Prophet Isa In The Quran?
Prophet Isa (AS) in the Quran is the son of lady Mary (Maryam) who was born miraculously without a father. Allah sent him to invite the people of Israel to worship Allah without a partner and believe in the oneness.
Allah gifted him with several miracles such as talking in the cradle, curing the blind and leper, and bringing life to the dead.
Jews planned to kill the prophet Isa, but Allah saved and raised him to heaven. In the End days before Judgement day, prophet Isa will come again and rule people with justice.
