Islam teaches that from the beginning of time, prophets have been sent to teach their people to believe in the One True God and obey His commandments. The message Jesus brought to his people was no different. Jesus emphasized that his mission did not cancel the laws received by Moses but fulfilled them. “And in the footsteps [of the previous prophets], We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Torah that had come before him. We sent him the Gospel; therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Torah that had come before him — a guidance and an admonition to those who fear God” (Qur'an 5:46).

According to Islam, Jesus was thus a link in a long chain of prophets and messengers sent by God to humankind. Jesus was sent to the Children of Israel, who had deviated from the teachings of Moses and other messengers. He was supported by miracles, to prove that he was a messenger of God. However, the majority of people rejected his ministry.

Messenger of God

Islam rejects any notion that Jesus was anything more than a human messenger of God. Muslims do not believe that Jesus was “God on earth” or a part of a Trinity. The Qur'an is very clear: “Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger. Many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both had to eat their daily food. See how God makes his signs clear to them, yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth! Say, ‘Will we worship, besides God, something that has no power either to harm or benefit you? But God Alone, He it is that hears and knows all things’” (Qur'an 5:75–76).

“Son of God”

Islam rejects the idea that Jesus was somehow part of God or a “begotten son of God.” The title “son of God” had been given to others before him, and it merely indicated that a person was a “servant of God.” This person was close and dear to God because of his faithful service, but there is no connotation that such a servant is actually part of God Himself. Muslims believe this term became misused and misinterpreted by monotheists through the influence of the Greek and Roman pagan theology.

The Qur'an recognizes that Jesus had no human father, but this miracle is no reason to call Jesus the son of God or God Himself. The Qur'an points out that Adam had neither a father nor a mother (Qur'an 3:59). In Islam, God Alone is the Almighty, and He is able to create as He wills.

The “Messiah”

The Qur'an does call Jesus the “Messiah,” from the Semitic word maseeh. This term comes from a root word (masaha) that means “to rub” or “to anoint.” Historically, priests and kings were anointed when being consecrated to their offices. The Greek word for “anointed” is Christos, from which the name “Christ” developed. In Islamic terms, every prophet of God is anointed or appointed for religious service. Thus the term “messiah” is merely one way of describing Jesus' special status as a prophet. Throughout the Qur'an, Jesus is referred to by many titles of respect: “messiah,” “the servant of God, “the righteous prophet,” “a mercy from God,” “the sign of God,” “the word of God,” and “the spirit from God.” Most commonly, however, he was simply and respectfully referred to as “Jesus, son of Mary.”

Muslim Rejection of the Trinity

Islam flatly rejects the concept of the Trinity, equating it with polytheism. The Oneness of God is the fundamental basis of all monotheistic teaching, and Islam is very strict about this interpretation. The Qur'an calls upon people to reflect on and purify their faith: “Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of God … so believe in God and His messengers. Say not, ‘Three.’ Desist — it will be better for you. For God is One God, glory be to Him!” (Qur'an 4:171).

Another verse is more direct and clear: “They disbelieve who say, ‘God is one of three in a Trinity.’ There is no god except One God. If they desist not from their word of blasphemy, truly a grievous chastisement will befall the disbelievers among them [in the Hereafter]” (Qur'an 5:73).

Muslims point out that there were many people in the early Christian communities who did not believe in the Trinity. Even today, there are some Christian congregations that reject or de-emphasize this teaching.