The Line of Prophets A Continuation of the Message

Isa (Jesus) – The Honored Messiah and Servant of Allah

In the Islamic tradition, few figures are as revered and profoundly discussed as Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary). His story is one of miracle, prophecy, and divine mission — a life that embodies the very heart of Islamic teachings: unwavering submission to Allah and a relentless call to pure monotheism. Although he shares much with the figure of Jesus in Christianity, Isa in Islam is understood through a unique lens — not as a divine son or a figure of atonement, but as a prophet, a miracle-worker, and a harbinger of the end times.

A Birth Beyond the Natural

Isa’s story begins before his own birth — with his mother, Maryam, a woman of unmatched purity and devotion. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an, and she is described as chosen above all other women:

“And [mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.’”
(Surah Al-Imran 3:42)

Maryam conceived Isa miraculously, without any male intervention. When she questioned how such a thing could happen, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) replied:

“‘It will be,’ said He. ‘Your Lord says, “It is easy for Me.”’”
(Surah Maryam 19:21)

Isa’s virgin birth, like Adam’s creation from dust, serves as a sign of Allah’s absolute power to create as He wills. The Qur’an draws this explicit parallel:

“The example of Isa in the sight of Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.”
(Surah Al-Imran 3:59)

A Messenger from the Cradle

One of the first miracles attributed to Isa occurred while he was still an infant. When Maryam faced accusations from her people, Isa miraculously spoke from the cradle to defend her and announce his divine mission:

“[Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’”
(Surah Maryam 19:30)

This moment is foundational in the Islamic understanding of Isa — not as divine, but as a servant (‘abd) and prophet (nabi) of Allah.

A Prophet to the Children of Israel

Isa was sent specifically to the Children of Israel, a community burdened by both internal corruption and foreign domination. His message was a call to return to the true path of Allah — to reform the soul, purify worship, and practice compassion, justice, and righteousness. He confirmed the Torah, which had been revealed before him, and brought the Injil (Gospel) as a continuation and clarification of earlier revelation.

“And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you...”
(Surah Al-Imran 3:50)

Like many prophets before him, Isa’s call was met with resistance from the elite of his society, particularly religious leaders who feared the loss of power and privilege. Nevertheless, his teachings centered on humility, care for the poor and oppressed, forgiveness, and a return to sincere worship of Allah.

Miracles by Allah’s Permission

Isa performed numerous miracles, not as evidence of his divinity, but as signs (ayat) of his prophethood, granted by Allah:

  • He healed the blind and the leper.

  • He breathed life into a bird made of clay.

  • He raised the dead.

  • He knew what people stored in their homes.

All of these, the Qur’an emphasizes, were done “bi-idhnillah” — by Allah’s permission:

“I heal the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead — by permission of Allah...”
(Surah Al-Imran 3:49)

These miracles are signs not of Isa’s divine status, but of the divine power working through him.

Rejection and the Divine Rescue

While the Gospels describe Jesus’ crucifixion, Islam presents a different account. The Qur’an emphatically states:

“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:157)

Islam teaches that Isa was not crucified, nor was he killed. Instead, Allah raised him up — rafa‘ahu Allahu ilayh — unto Himself, rescuing him from his enemies. His mission on earth was interrupted, but not ended.

“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:158)

The Awaited Return

A pivotal element of Islamic belief is the Second Coming of Isa. He will return before the Day of Judgment as a just ruler, a breaker of falsehoods, and a champion of monotheism. Islamic eschatology teaches that Isa will:

  • Defeat the Dajjal (Antichrist), a figure of ultimate deception.

  • Break the cross – symbolizing the rejection of the false claim of his divinity.

  • Kill the swine – a symbolic purging of corruption.

  • Rule with justice and abolish the jizyah (tax on non-Muslims), as all will follow Islam.

  • Perform Hajj or Umrah, showing his continued obedience to Allah.

He will not bring a new religion but will affirm the message of Muhammad and live as a follower of the final Prophet.

After a period of just rule, Isa will die a natural death, and Muslims believe he will be buried in Medina, beside the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

A Prophet of Mercy and Power

Isa’s legacy in Islam is deeply spiritual and powerful. He is a prophet of mercy, a sign of Allah, a word from Allah (kalimatullah), and a spirit from Him (ruh minhu) — all honorifics that highlight his divine mission, not his divinity.

His life story exemplifies many key Islamic values:

  • Tawheed (pure monotheism) — his unwavering call to worship Allah alone.

  • Submission — as a servant and messenger of God.

  • Compassion and justice — especially for the marginalized.

  • Hope and perseverance — even in the face of disbelief and persecution.

“Indeed, the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:171)

In Conclusion

In Islam, Isa is not diminished but recast: not the Son of God, but one of the greatest messengers of God. His life, message, miracles, and future return all bear witness to the central tenets of Islam — that guidance has always come from Allah, that prophets were sent to every nation, and that the final truth is the same truth that Isa himself preached: La ilaha illa Allah — there is no god but Allah.


Note to Readers:
If you believe that the representation of Islam in this post does not accurately reflect its teachings or core beliefs, we encourage you to share your perspective. Please reference specific Islamic sources—whether from the Qur’an, Hadith, or scholarly interpretations—to clarify where our representation may differ. The aim is to engage in a respectful, informed, and evidence-based discussion to better understand Islam’s true narrative. Your input is valuable in promoting accurate dialogue.

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