Jesus in Islam? What The Muslims REALLY Believe


Dr. Omar Suleiman provides an in-depth exploration of Jesus's role and significance in Islam, alongside a comparative perspective with Christianity and Judaism.

In Islam, Jesus (peace be upon him) is revered as one of the five greatest prophets—Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad—tasked with conveying the unified message of submission to one God. The Qur'an emphasizes that all prophets are human, divinely inspired, and equal in their mission, yet Jesus holds unique distinctions.

Muslims believe in Jesus's virgin birth, miraculous abilities like curing the ill, raising the dead (by God's permission), and even speaking as an infant. These miracles, while exceptional, align with similar acts performed by earlier prophets, underscoring a consistent divine narrative.

While Christians uphold Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Savior, Islam posits that Jesus was not crucified but was saved by God and raised to the heavens. His return is awaited to reaffirm monotheism and justice.

Dr. Suleiman also highlights Islam’s high regard for Mary, the mother of Jesus, with an entire chapter in the Qur'an (Surah Maryam) dedicated to her story. Furthermore, the term "Messiah" is used in Islam to signify Jesus's anointment and chosen status, drawing linguistic and spiritual parallels with its roots in Aramaic and Arabic.

Beyond theology, Dr. Suleiman reflects on the historical harmony among religious communities under Islamic governance. He recounts the story of Saladin entrusting a Muslim family with the keys to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to ensure peaceful coexistence, a tradition upheld for over a millennium. These narratives counter misconceptions, showcasing examples of interfaith respect and shared reverence for holy figures like Jesus.

Dr. Suleiman emphasizes the importance of appreciating the shared reverence for Jesus across Islam and Christianity as a starting point for deeper interfaith dialogue. This acknowledgment of commonalities provides a foundation for addressing theological differences and promoting mutual understanding among the Abrahamic faiths.


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