The Humanization of Jesus: An Islamic Perspective 🟢

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

Jesus (known as Isa in Islam) is often portrayed as a divine figure, but from an Islamic viewpoint, he was a regular human being, like all the prophets before him. He ate and drank as any person would, engaged in conversation with his community, visited the marketplace, and performed everyday human activities. The Qur’an emphasizes his humanity by depicting him as someone who walks among people, experiences life, and shares in the joys and struggles of existence. This portrayal serves to highlight the profound belief in monotheism; the idea that God cannot have corporeal needs or experiences. How could a divine being eat, drink, or need to relieve himself, as all humans do? Such actions underscore that Jesus, while revered, was not a god but a messenger of God, representing the inherent humanity that all prophets share. This understanding is crucial in recognizing the full essence of Jesus as a compassionate figure whose life and teachings transcend religious boundaries.

In the rich tapestry of global religions, Jesus occupies a pivotal role. For Muslims, Jesus is not only a significant prophet but also a revered figure whose life and message transcend religious boundaries. We aim in this article to highlight the Islamic perspective on Jesus, focusing on his humanity while drawing parallels with Christian beliefs.

In Islam, Jesus is considered one of the five greatest prophets, alongside Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad. The Qur’an holds him in high regard, emphasizing his humanity and noble qualities. One of the most essential attributes of Jesus is his miraculous birth, which Muslims celebrate, acknowledging that he was born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam). The Qur’an states:

“O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary — distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and those who are near [to Allah].” — (Qur’an 3:45)

This verse showcases not only the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth but also his esteemed status in the eyes of God.

Jesus’ life is marked by compassion, kindness, and a commitment to justice. Muslims believe he performed miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, by the will of God. These acts reflect his deep humanity and profound empathy for others. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is depicted as one who is moved by the suffering of others: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” — (Matthew 9:36)

This shared understanding of Jesus as a compassionate figure highlights the common ground between Islam and Christianity. The Qur’an notes Jesus’ ability to perform miracles as a sign of his prophethood:

“And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, ‘O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you, confirming what was before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.’ But when he came to them with clear proofs, they said, ‘This is obvious magic.’” — (Qur’an 61:6)

Both the Qur’an and the New Testament accentuate Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of treating others with mercy. The Qur’an states:

“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. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me.” — (Qur’an 3:50)

In these words, Jesus is depicted as a reformer, seeking to guide humanity toward righteousness. Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches: “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” — (Luke 6:27)

These teachings reinforce the image of Jesus as a messenger of peace and reconciliation, a theme dear to both Islamic and Christian teachings.

While the Islamic perspective acknowledges Jesus as a prophet, it also emphasizes his human qualities. He experienced love, pain, joy, and sorrow — the full spectrum of human emotions. In the Qur’an, it is stated:

“The Messiah, son of Mary, was but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him.” — (Qur’an 5:75)

This verse reinforces the belief that, while Jesus is a revered figure, he is not divine but a messenger devoted to spreading God’s word.

In an increasingly polarized world, recognizing the humanity of Jesus from both Islamic and Christian perspectives can foster dialogue and understanding. By emphasizing love, compassion, and forgiveness, both religions present a figure who inspires millions worldwide. The stories of Jesus serve not only as religious narratives but as powerful lessons about the core values that unite humanity.

By celebrating the human qualities of Jesus, Muslims and Christians alike can find common ground, promoting mutual respect and understanding in a diverse world.