The story of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him)
The story of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) is a prominent part of the Quran, with verses scattered throughout the scripture highlighting his miraculous birth, his prophethood, and the miracles he performed. Below is a summary of the life of Prophet Isa (AS) based on Quranic verses.
1. Birth of Maryam (Mary) and Her Piety
Maryam’s mother dedicated her unborn child to the service of Allah. After her birth, Maryam was cared for by Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him). She grew up in purity and devotion to Allah, and Allah provided her with sustenance
Relevant Verse: "When the wife of Imran said, 'My Lord, indeed I have pledged to You what is in my womb, consecrated [for Your service], so accept this from me. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.' " (Quran 3:35)
2. Miraculous Birth of Prophet Isa
Maryam was chosen by Allah and blessed with purity. An angel (Gabriel) appeared to her in the form of a man, informing her of Allah’s plan for her to bear a son. She was initially astonished as she was a virgin, but the angel reassured her that it was a decree from Allah
Relevant Verse: "[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.'" (Quran 3:42)
3. Isa's Birth and Miraculous Speech as an Infant
Maryam retreated to a secluded place and gave birth to Isa. When she returned to her people, they were shocked and accused her. In response, Isa, as an infant, spoke from the cradle, proclaiming his role as a servant of Allah and a prophet, defending his mother’s honor
Relevant Verse: "He [Isa] said, 'Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.'" (Quran 19:30)
4. Prophethood and Miracles of Isa
Allah bestowed upon Isa the wisdom and knowledge of the Torah and the Injil (Gospel) and confirmed him as a prophet for the Children of Israel. Through Allah’s permission, he performed many miracles, including healing the blind, curing lepers, and even bringing the dead back to life
Relevant Verse: "And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will create for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I will breathe into it, and it will become a bird by permission of Allah.'" (Quran 3:49)
5. Isa’s Message and His Disciples
Isa’s mission was to confirm the message of previous prophets, particularly the Torah, and to preach monotheism. He invited people to worship Allah and revealed the coming of a prophet after him (Ahmad, understood by Muslims as a reference to Prophet Muhammad). Isa had disciples who supported his mission, though some among the Children of Israel rejected his message
Relevant Verse: "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.'" (Quran 61:6)
6. The Plot to Kill Isa and His Ascension
Certain groups plotted to kill Isa, but Allah had a greater plan. According to Islamic belief, Isa was not crucified. Instead, Allah raised him up to Himself, and it was made to appear to people that he was crucified. Muslims believe that Isa was not killed and will return before the Day of Judgment
Relevant Verse: "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." (Quran 4:157)
7. Isa’s Return Before the Day of Judgment
The Quran and Hadith indicate that Isa will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice. His second coming is viewed as a major sign of the end times and a means of rectifying misconceptions about his nature
Relevant Verse: "And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path." (Quran 43:61)
These verses form a holistic view of Prophet Isa's life in the Quran, portraying him as a revered prophet with a miraculous birth, a powerful mission, and a role in the end times. The Quran consistently emphasizes Isa's human nature as a servant and messenger of Allah, distinguishing the Islamic perspective from Christian beliefs of divinity.
Refer (3:35-37).
Refer (3:45-47; 19:16-21).
Refer (19:22-34).
Refer (3:49; 5:110).
Refer (3:52-53; 61:6, 14).
Refer (4:157-158).
Refer (43:61).