Is Jesus (Isa) a Muslim? Understanding His Role in Islam

In the rich tapestry of Islamic theology, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) holds a significant and revered position. While the term “Muslim” as it is used today refers to the followers of Islam, the question of whether Jesus can be considered a Muslim is nuanced and rooted in the Islamic understanding of prophethood and submission to God’s will. Here, we delve into the Islamic perspective on Jesus and explore why, in many respects, he can indeed be viewed as a Muslim.

**1. **Prophet and Messenger of God

In Islam, Jesus is considered one of the greatest prophets and messengers sent by God (Allah) to guide humanity. The Quran honors Jesus as a significant figure who conveyed God’s message to the Children of Israel. Muslims believe that Jesus was given the Injil (Gospel) and that his teachings were meant to bring people closer to the worship of one God.

**2. **Submission to God’s Will

The word “Muslim” literally means one who submits to the will of God. From an Islamic standpoint, all prophets, including Jesus, are seen as Muslims because they devotedly submitted to God’s commands and conveyed His message. In this theological sense, Jesus embodies the essence of what it means to be a Muslim – a faithful servant submitting to the will of the Almighty.

**3. **Monotheism and Worship

Central to Islam is the concept of Tawhid, the oneness of God. Jesus’ teachings, as depicted in the Quran, emphasize monotheism and the worship of one God. He called people to recognize and worship God alone, rejecting any form of polytheism. This core message aligns perfectly with Islamic beliefs, reinforcing the view that Jesus’ mission was in harmony with the principles of Islam.

**4. **Miraculous Birth and Life

Muslims believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus, born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) without a father. The Quran details this miracle and the many others performed by Jesus, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, all by God’s permission. These miracles are seen as signs of his prophethood and his special status among God’s messengers.

**5. **Prophecies and Teachings

In Islam, Jesus’ teachings are considered to have been pure and divinely inspired. However, Muslims believe that over time, his message was altered. The Quran is seen as the final and unaltered word of God, reaffirming the messages of previous prophets, including Jesus. This continuity emphasizes that Jesus’ original teachings were in line with Islamic principles.

**6. **Role in the End Times

Islamic eschatology holds that Jesus will return in the end times to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (the Antichrist, or Dajjal). This belief underscores his ongoing significance and his role in God’s plan, further linking him to the Islamic faith.

Conclusion

While Jesus is not called a “Muslim” in the contemporary sense, his life and mission are viewed through an Islamic lens that emphasizes his submission to God and his role as a prophet. In the broader theological context, Jesus is considered to embody the principles of Islam, making him a revered and significant figure within the faith. His commitment to monotheism, his role as a messenger, and his prophesied return all underscore his alignment with the core tenets of Islam. Thus, from an Islamic perspective, Jesus can indeed be seen as a Muslim, a faithful servant who submitted to the will of God and conveyed His divine message.