Jesus as a Muslim: Exploring the connection between all three religions

Jesus in Islam

In Islam, Jesus (isa ibn Maryam) is revered as one of the mightiest prophets, born to the Virgin Maryam (Maryam bint Imran) through a miraculous birth. Muslims believe in his teachings, his miracles, and his eventual return. However, unlike Christianity, Islam does not accept the idea of Jesus as the Son of God or part of the Holy Trinity. Instead, Muslims see Jesus as a prophet who spread the message of monotheism belief in one God, Allah.

Jesus as a Muslim

The term “Muslim” simply means “ the one who submits to the will of God.” By this definition, Muslims consider all the prophets, including Jesus, to be Muslims. According to the Holy Quran, Jesus preached submission to the one God, emphasised the importance of following his important guidance, and lived a life in complete submission to God's will. Therefore, from an Islamic perspective, Jesus was a Muslim in the sense that he lived according to God's laws and called others to do the same. Jesus fist words whereas as an infant in his cradle

"Jesus declared I am truly a servant of Allah. He has destined me to be given the Scripture and to be a prophet"

(Surah Maryam, 19:30)

He did not say that he is god or the son of god.

Jesus in Christianity

In contrast to Islam, Christianity views Jesus as the central figure of faith, not just a prophet but the Son of God and the Messiah. Christians believe that Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross were meant to save humanity from sin. The Christian belief in Jesus as God incarnate differs significantly from the Islamic view, yet both religions respect him as a figure of immense importance.

Jesus Role in Christian Theology

For Christians, Jesus is the divine mediator between God and humanity. His life and resurrection serve as the foundation of Christian salvation. While Muslims do not agree with the Christian doctrine of Jesus' divinity, both faiths agree on Jesus’ profound moral teachings, his call for justice, compassion, and, notably, charity.

The Jewish Perspective of Jesus

Judaism holds a different view of Jesus. While Jews acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure, they do not accept him as the Messiah or a divine figure. In Jewish teachings, the awaited Messiah has yet to come, and Jesus is not considered a prophet. This difference illustrates how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam though interconnected have distinct theological understandings of Jesus as a historical figure.

Charity: A Common Teaching Across Religions

One of the most striking commonalities between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism is the emphasis on charity and caring for the less fortunate. Jesus, across both Islamic and Christian texts, is portrayed as a figure of compassion who championed the cause of the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. Donate to our cause here at Tottenham Hale Mosque and Community where we have communities for both a brothers and sisters we facilitate brothers Football, Badminton, Quran classes, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), sisters halaqa, and much more. Donate and support our project today and become part ever growing community. Donate here or check out our services page here and join the project.

Charity in Islam

In Islam, charity (known as *Zakat*) is one of the Five Pillars of Faith. Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth to help those in need. Charity is not only seen as an act of kindness but as a means of purifying one’s wealth and soul. Muslims believe that giving to the poor brings them closer to God and is a way to demonstrate gratitude for the blessings they have received. In the Quran zakat is mentioned in 26 different verses and  several surahs such as  Surah Al-Tawba,  Surah Al-A`raf, Surah Al-Ma'arij,   Surah Fuṣṣilat, Surah Al-Mujâdilah, and Surah Al-Muzzammil.

Charity in Christianity

Similarly, Jesus' teachings in the New Testament emphasise the importance of charity. The parable of the Good Samaritan, the Sermon on the Mount, and numerous other passages highlight the Christian obligation to love one’s neighbour and help those in need. Christians are encouraged to give freely and generously, reflecting the love and compassion that Jesus embodied throughout his life.

Charity in Judaism

In Judaism, charity (Tzedakah) is a key religious duty. Rooted in the Jewish scriptures, giving to the poor is not viewed merely as an act of kindness but as an obligation. The Hebrew word *Tzedakah* itself means righteousness, underscoring the belief that helping those in need is a core component of leading a just and righteous life.

The Unity of Charity Across Religions

Despite their theological differences, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism converge on the importance of charity. Whether it’s through *Zakat*, *Tzedakah*, or Christian charitable giving, all three faiths encourage their followers to contribute to the well-being of others, thus reflecting a shared commitment to justice and compassion.

Conclusion Jesus is a prophet and a Muslim

In conclusion, from an Islamic perspective, Jesus (Isa) serves as a bridge between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, highlighting both common ground and theological differences. Islam views Jesus as a Muslim and a prophet of God, who preached submission to God’s will (Tawhid) and lived a life of moral integrity. While Christianity regards him as the divine Savior and Judaism sees him as a historical figure, not the awaited Messiah. Islam emphasises his role as a Muslim and a prophet of God, part of a long line of messengers sent to guide humanity.

Despite these theological differences, one undeniable commonality between the three faiths is the shared emphasis on charity. Jesus’ teachings on caring for the poor, the sick, and the needy are reflected in the practices of all three religions. Through acts of charity, followers of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism can find unity in the values of compassion and love that Jesus embodied, transcending doctrinal distinctions and reinforcing a shared commitment to doing good for others. As, Muslims we know Jesus (ISA) did not die for our sins that he was Muslim who worshipped Allah and he did not associated any partners with him. This is supported in both Quran and the Bible. When Jesus returns he will follow the way of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) the last messenger of Allah.

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keywords: Jesus, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, charity and God.

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