Both Christians and Muslims believe in Jesus, however Muslims do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. There are areas of agreement though between Christians and Muslims which make Jesus unique even within Islam. For instance, Muslims believe Jesus was born of a virgin. The Qur’an says:
And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East and had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our spirit, and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. She said: Lo! I seek refuge in the Beneficent One from thee, if thou art God-fearing. He said: I am only a messenger from thy Lord, that I may bestow on thee a faultless son. She said: How can I have a son when no mortal hath touched me, neither have I been unchaste? He said: So, it will be. Thy Lord saith: It is easy for Me. And it will be that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained. And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place. Sura 19:16-22.
Both the Bible and Qur’an agree that Jesus was sinless. This is a trait unique to Jesus in both texts. It is implied in the Qur’an that a man cannot be faultless unless he is born of a virgin (Sura 19:19). Since Jesus was the only man to be born of a virgin, he is also the only sinless man that ever lived.
Although Islam denies that Jesus was crucified, it does teach that He ascended. Sura 4:158 says, “Allah took Him up to Himself.” Both the Bible and Qur’an agree that Jesus ascended to heaven and is alive there to this day.
Finally, both Christianity and Islam believe that Jesus will return. Christians and Muslims differ in what they expect Jesus to do when He returns, but both expect Him to return and take control of the earth again. “And (Jesus) shall be a sign for (the coming of) hour (of Judgment).” Sura 43:61
The virgin birth of Jesus, His sinlessness, His ascension and His second coming demonstrate that He was much more than a prophet. While other men come from the dust and return to it, Jesus came from God and returned to God. (John 16:28).
Even though there are similarities, there is a vast difference in Muslims’ understanding. In addition to not believing that Jesus is God, Muslims do not believe in original sin see no need for forgiveness. Although they believe Jesus is a prophet, they do not believe that on the cross He died for the sins of mankind providing redemption for all who will believe.
Prayer Point:
During Ramadan when Muslims are seeking, we thank You, Father, that your drawing power is leading them to read the gospels to learn the power of the cross of Christ for their lives, opening their eyes to the truth of Christ’s salvation.
We Take Up the Rod of Heaven’s Authority:
We declare that the spiritual darkness over the minds of Muslims can no longer keep them from salvation, and a great desire for “truth” is stirring in their hearts, bringing them to the realization of sin in their lives and a longing for forgiveness!
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