Jesus in the Quran: What the Quran Says About Isa and Mary
Is Jesus mentioned in the Quran? How often he is named, where his story appears, what the Quran says about his birth, miracles and mission, and where Islam and Christianity differ.
Last updated: 2026-10-03
Yes — Jesus is mentioned in the Quran, by name and with great respect. In Arabic he is called Isa, often as “Isa ibn Maryam” (Jesus, son of Mary). This article summarises what the Quran says about him, with references so you can read the passages yourself. It describes Islamic teaching; it does not argue for or against any faith.
How often is Jesus mentioned?
Jesus is named as Isa 25 times in the Quran, and he is also called al-Masih (the Messiah), a word of God and a spirit from God. His mother Mary (Maryam) is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and a whole surah is named after her: Surah Maryam (19).
Where his story appears
- Surah Ali 'Imran (3) tells of Mary’s own birth and upbringing, the announcement of Jesus’ birth and some of his miracles (from 3:35 onwards).
- Surah Maryam (19) describes Mary withdrawing from her family, the angel’s message, the birth of Jesus and his speaking as a newborn (19:16–34).
- Surah Al-Ma'idah (5) lists miracles granted to him by God’s permission (5:110) and includes the request for a table spread with food from heaven, which gives the surah its name.
- Surah An-Nisa (4) addresses the end of his earthly life (4:157–158).
What the Quran teaches about Jesus
- A virgin birth. The Quran affirms that Mary conceived Jesus without a father, by God’s command.
- A prophet and messenger. He is one of the greatest prophets in Islam, sent to the Children of Israel and given a scripture, the Injil (Gospel).
- Miracles. The Quran mentions him speaking from the cradle, healing the blind and the leper, and raising the dead — each “by God’s permission”.
- His return. Islamic tradition, based on hadith, holds that Jesus will return before the end of time.
Where Islam and Christianity differ
The Quran presents Jesus as a human prophet, not as divine or as the son of God, and it rejects the idea of the Trinity. The passage in An-Nisa states that he was not killed or crucified but that it was made to appear so, and that God raised him up. These are central points of difference between the two faiths, and both Muslim and Christian scholars have written about them at length.
What the Quran says about Christians
The Quran refers to Christians and Jews as “People of the Book”, meaning communities that received earlier scripture. Some verses praise Christians’ devotion and closeness to Muslims, others criticise beliefs the Quran considers mistaken, and the meaning of individual verses depends heavily on their historical context. Reading a verse together with a reliable commentary, rather than in isolation, is the best way to understand it.
Read the passages
The Arabic text of Surah Maryam (19) and Surah Ali 'Imran (3) is on this site; for meaning, use one or two translations side by side — see choosing an English translation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Jesus mentioned in the Quran?
- Yes. He is named Isa 25 times and called the Messiah, and his mother Mary has a surah named after her.
- What does the Quran say about Jesus?
- That he was born of the virgin Mary, was a prophet and messenger of God who performed miracles by God's permission, and was not divine. It also says he was not crucified but raised up by God.
- Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
- Yes. Belief in Jesus as a prophet is part of Islamic faith, and many Muslims name their children Isa and Maryam.
This article explains common understanding and history for general readers; it is not a religious ruling. For questions of practice, consult a qualified scholar. See the disclaimer.
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