In the Qur’an, Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) is mentioned multiple times, and his story is told in several Surahs (chapters). Below are some verses with their Arabic text and English translation:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:87)
- Arabic:
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْكِتَابَ وَقَفَّيْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ بِٱلرُّسُلِۖ وَءَاتَيْنَا عِيسَى ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ وَأَيَّدْنَٰهُ بِرُوحِ ٱلۡقُدُسِۗ أَفَكُلَّمَا جَآءَكُمۡ رَسُولُۢ بِمَا لَا تَهۡوَىٰٓ أَنفُسُكُمُ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتُمۡ فَفَرِيقٗا كَذَّبۡتُمۡ وَفَرِيقٗا تَقۡتُلُونَ - Translation:
“And indeed, We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers. And We gave Isa, the son of Maryam, clear signs and supported him with the Holy Spirit. But is it that whenever a messenger came to you with something you did not desire, you became arrogant, and some you denied, and some you killed?”
2. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:253)
- Arabic:
تِلۡكَ ٱلرُّسُلُ فَضَّلۡنَا بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖۘ مِّنۡهُم مَّن كَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُۖ وَرَفَعَ بَعۡضَهُمۡ دَرَجَٰتٖۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَا عِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتِ وَأَيَّدۡنَٰهُ بِرُوحِ ٱلۡقُدُسِۗ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا ٱقۡتَتَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَٰتُ وَلَٰكِنِ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ ءَامَنَ وَمِنۡهُم مَّن كَفَرَۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا ٱقۡتَتَلُواْ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفۡعَلُ مَا يُرِيدُ - Translation:
“Those messengers We favored some above others. To some of them Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. We gave Isa, the son of Maryam, clear signs and supported him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had willed, those succeeding them would not have fought each other after the clear proofs had come to them. But they differed; some of them believed and some disbelieved. And if Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah does what He intends.”
3. Surah Aal-Imran (3:45-51)
- Arabic:
إِذۡ قَالَتِ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَـٰمَرۡيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٖ مِّنۡهُ ٱسۡمُهُ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ وَجِيهٗا فِي ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡءَاخِرَةِ وَمِنَ ٱلۡمُقَرَّبِينَ ٤٥ وَيُكَلِّمُ ٱلنَّاسَ فِي ٱلۡمَهۡدِ وَكَهۡلٗا وَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ ٤٦ - Translation:
“When the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Isa, the son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah]. He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous.'”
4. Surah Aal-Imran (3:52-55)
- Arabic:
فَلَمَّآ أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنۡهُمُ ٱلۡكُفۡرَ قَالَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِيٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَٱشۡهَدۡ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ ٥٢ - Translation:
“But when Isa felt disbelief from them, he said, ‘Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah?’ The disciples said, ‘We are supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims.'”
5. Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158)
- Arabic:
وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ إِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا ٱلۡمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِي شَكّٖ مِّنۡهُۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينَۢا ١٥٧ بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡهِۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمٗا ١٥٨ - Translation:
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Isa, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”
6. Surah Maryam (19:16-36) – The Birth of Isa
- Arabic (Partial):
وَٱذۡكُرۡ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ مَرۡيَمَ إِذِ ٱنتَبَذَتۡ مِنۡ أَهۡلِهَا مَكَانٗا شَرۡقِيّٗا ١٦… - Translation (Partial):
“And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.”
This Surah describes the miraculous birth of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) and how he spoke in the cradle to defend his mother’s honor and proclaim his prophethood.
7. Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:110-111)
- Arabic:
إِذۡ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ ٱذۡكُرۡ نِعۡمَتِي عَلَيۡكَ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَتِكَ إِذۡ أَيَّدتُّكَ بِرُوحِ ٱلۡقُدُسِ تُكَلِّمُ ٱلنَّاسَ فِي ٱلۡمَهۡدِ وَكَهۡلٗا وَإِذۡ عَلَّمۡتُكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَٱلتَّوۡرَىٰةَ وَٱلۡإِنجِيلَۖ - Translation:
“When Allah will say, ‘O Isa, son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Holy Spirit, and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel…'”
The story of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) in Islam is a revered narrative that carries deep spiritual significance. Isa (PBUH) is one of the most prominent figures in Islamic tradition, considered a prophet and messenger of Allah. His story differs from the Christian narrative in some aspects, especially regarding his divinity and crucifixion, but there are also many similarities, such as the belief in his miraculous birth and his important role as a prophet of God.
The Miraculous Birth of Prophet Isa (PBUH):
Isa (PBUH) was born to Maryam (Mary, peace be upon her), a pious and devout woman. Maryam (PBUH) is held in high esteem in Islam, and an entire chapter in the Qur’an is named after her (Surah Maryam, Chapter 19). Her story begins with her miraculous conception.
According to Islamic tradition, Maryam (PBUH) was dedicated to the service of Allah from an early age by her mother. She grew up under the care of the prophet Zakariya (PBUH), her guardian, and lived a life of devotion to Allah. One day, while she was worshiping in seclusion, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel, PBUH) appeared to her in human form and gave her the news of a miraculous event. The Qur’an narrates this moment:
“The angel said, ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord [sent] to give you [news of] a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?’ He said, ‘Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, “It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.”’” (Qur’an 19:19-21)
Thus, by the command of Allah, Maryam (PBUH) conceived Isa (PBUH) without a father, a miracle that is paralleled only by the creation of Adam (PBUH), who was also created without a father or mother. Maryam (PBUH) went through this trial with patience, and when the time of birth came, she withdrew to a secluded place where she delivered Isa (PBUH). Allah provided her with sustenance during the birth and commanded her to remain silent in response to the accusations of her people.
The Infant Miraculously Speaks
After the birth of Isa (PBUH), Maryam (PBUH) returned to her people, who were shocked to see her carrying a child. They accused her of immorality, but instead of responding verbally, she pointed to the infant Isa (PBUH). At that moment, Allah caused Isa (PBUH) to speak miraculously from the cradle, defending his mother and declaring his prophethood:
“[Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive.’” (Qur’an 19:30-31)
This miraculous speech not only cleared Maryam (PBUH) of the false accusations but also signified the beginning of Isa’s (PBUH) mission as a prophet of Allah.
The Message of Prophet Isa (PBUH)
Isa (PBUH) was sent as a prophet to the Children of Israel, continuing the message of monotheism (Tawhid) preached by previous prophets such as Musa (Moses, PBUH) and Harun (Aaron, PBUH). The Qur’an emphasizes that Isa (PBUH), like all other prophets, called people to worship Allah alone:
“And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.’” (Qur’an 61:6)
Isa (PBUH) was given the Injil (Gospel), a scripture that confirmed the Torah and contained guidance and light. However, over time, the true message of Isa (PBUH) was altered by some of his followers, which is why Muslims believe that the Qur’an came as the final and unaltered revelation to correct these distortions.
The Miracles of Prophet Isa (PBUH)
Like many other prophets, Isa (PBUH) was supported by miraculous signs, all of which were performed by the will and permission of Allah. These miracles were meant to affirm his prophethood and convince the Children of Israel of his divine mission. The Qur’an mentions several of these miracles:
- Healing the Sick and Blind: Isa (PBUH) cured those who were born blind and healed lepers, demonstrating the power of Allah to cure illnesses that were considered incurable by human standards.
- Raising the Dead: By the will of Allah, Isa (PBUH) brought the dead back to life. This miracle further proved that life and death are in the hands of Allah alone.
- Creating a Bird from Clay: Isa (PBUH) fashioned a bird from clay, breathed into it, and by Allah’s permission, it became a living bird. This act highlighted Allah’s power to give life.
These miracles were not performed by Isa (PBUH) independently but by Allah’s permission, as a testament to his prophethood.
The Disciples of Isa (PBUH)
Isa (PBUH) had a group of close followers known as the Hawariyyun (disciples), who believed in his message and supported him in his mission. They pledged to assist him in spreading the message of monotheism and obeying Allah’s commands. In the Qur’an, Allah speaks of their loyalty:
“When Jesus sensed disbelief from them, he said, ‘Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah?’ The disciples said, ‘We are supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims.’” (Qur’an 3:52)
The Hawariyyun played a crucial role in helping Isa (PBUH) propagate his message, but not all of the Children of Israel accepted him as a prophet. Some rejected him and plotted against him.
The Plot to Crucify Isa (PBUH)
One of the key differences between the Islamic and Christian narratives is the account of Isa’s (PBUH) crucifixion. According to Islamic teachings, the Jews who rejected Isa (PBUH) conspired to kill him by crucifixion. However, Allah intervened and saved Isa (PBUH) from this fate.
The Qur’an explicitly states that Isa (PBUH) was not crucified or killed but was raised up by Allah:
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Qur’an 4:157-158)
Islam teaches that it was made to appear as though Isa (PBUH) had been crucified, but in reality, Allah saved him and raised him to the heavens. This belief highlights Allah’s power to protect His prophets and that Isa (PBUH) was honored by being raised to the heavens rather than suffering the fate of crucifixion.
The Return of Isa (PBUH)
Isa (PBUH) will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. His second coming is a major sign of the end times. Muslims believe that Isa (PBUH) will descend from the heavens, defeat the false messiah (Al-Masih ad-Dajjal), and establish justice and peace on Earth.
The return of Isa (PBUH) is seen as part of the divine plan to restore truth and righteousness. He will not come with a new message but will uphold the teachings of Islam and guide people back to the worship of Allah. Eventually, Isa (PBUH) will pass away after fulfilling his mission, and the Day of Judgment will draw near.
Also, read the Story of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) (Pbuh)