Jesus and Muhammad Compared

The Qur’an calls both Jesus and Muhammad messengers. It also calls Jesus the Messiah, a word from God, born of Mary, and a sign, and it calls Muhammad the seal of the prophets. The Gospel of John calls Jesus the Word who was God, made flesh. Those are not the same office.

Key Points

• Qur’an 3:59Qur’an 3:59 · Saheeh InternationalIndeed, the example of Jesus to Allāh is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.Qur’an 3:59 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (1) says the example of Jesus to God is like Adam: created from dust, then “Be,” and he was.
• Qur’an 5:75Qur’an 5:75 · Saheeh InternationalThe Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.Qur’an 5:75 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the Messiah was only a messenger, and that he and his mother used to eat food. Qur’an 43:59Qur’an 43:59 · Saheeh InternationalHe [i.e., Jesus] was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel.Qur’an 43:59 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him a servant and an example for Israel.
• Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls Muhammad the seal of the prophets. Qur’an 33:21Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalThere has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him an excellent pattern.
• Qur’an 4:157Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they did not kill Jesus or crucify him. 1 Corinthians 15:3–41 Corinthians 15:3–4 · King James Version^15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ^15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:1 Corinthians 15:3–4 · King James VersionOpen source (3) says Christ died, was buried, and rose.
• Qur’an 5:72Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalThey have certainly disbelieved who say, "Allāh is the Messiah, the son of Mary" while the Messiah has said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he who associates others with Allāh - Allāh has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says those who say “Allah is the Messiah” have disbelieved. John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source says the Word was God. John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source has Thomas say, “My Lord and my God.”
• Qur’an 19:19Qur’an 19:19 · Saheeh InternationalHe said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e., son]."Qur’an 19:19 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls Jesus “a pure boy.” Sahih al-Bukhari 3431Sahih al-Bukhari 3431 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Sa`id bin Al-Musaiyab: Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'There is none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan touches it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time of birth because of the touch of Satan, except Mary and her child." Then Abu Huraira recited: "And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan" (3.36)Sahih al-Bukhari 3431 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (4) says Satan touches every child of Adam except Mary and her child.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 6307Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source records Muhammad saying he asks forgiveness and repents more than seventy times a day. Qur’an 3:144Qur’an 3:144 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allāh at all; but Allāh will reward the grateful.Qur’an 3:144 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says Muhammad is only a messenger, who can die or be killed.

Titles the Qur’an Gives Jesus

The Qur’an does not treat Jesus as a minor name. Qur’an 3:45Qur’an 3:45 · Saheeh International[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allāh 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 among those brought near [to Allāh].Qur’an 3:45 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him a word from God, the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the hereafter. Qur’an 5:110Qur’an 5:110 · Saheeh International[The Day] when Allāh will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit [i.e., the angel Gabriel] and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind [from birth] and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, "This is not but obvious magic."Qur’an 5:110 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source lists signs done by God’s permission: speech in the cradle, the Torah and the Gospel, a bird from clay, healing, and the dead brought forth. Do Muslims Believe in Jesus? sets those titles out before the disagreements.

Qur’an 3:59Qur’an 3:59 · Saheeh InternationalIndeed, the example of Jesus to Allāh is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.Qur’an 3:59 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, Saheeh International:

Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allāh is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, “Be,” and he was.

Qur’an 3:59 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

The comparison is with Adam’s creation, not with a child God produced by a partner. Can God Have a Son? quotes the Qur’an’s rejection of begetting. Christians also deny that the Son is a baby God fathered with Mary. The incarnation says the eternal Son took flesh. John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source and John 1:14John 1:14 · King James VersionAnd the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.John 1:14 · King James VersionOpen source are that claim: the Word was God, and the Word was made flesh.

Qur’an 5:75Qur’an 5:75 · Saheeh InternationalThe Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded.Qur’an 5:75 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the Messiah, son of Mary, was only a messenger, that messengers passed on before him, and that he and his mother used to eat food. Eating is the verse’s proof that they were not divine. Qur’an 43:59Qur’an 43:59 · Saheeh InternationalHe [i.e., Jesus] was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel.Qur’an 43:59 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says Jesus was only a servant on whom God bestowed favor, made an example for the Children of Israel. A real concession belongs here: the Qur’an honors Jesus. It honors him as servant, messenger, and Messiah, and it refuses the sentence that he is God.

The Seal and the Pattern

Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says Muhammad is not the father of any of their men, but the Messenger of God and the seal of the prophets. Saheeh International glosses “seal” as “last.” Qur’an 33:21Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalThere has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says there has been for them in the Messenger of God an excellent pattern, for anyone whose hope is in God and the Last Day.

Jesus, on the Qur’an’s own order, comes first. He is a prophet to Israel. Muhammad, on that same book, comes later and closes the line. Who Was Muhammad? dates his death to 8 June 632. Did Jesus Exist? places Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate in the reign of Tiberius. The public dates already on those pages put about six centuries between Pilate’s Judaea and Medina in 632. Jesus did not name Muhammad. The claim that he did is answered in Is Muhammad the Paraclete? and Is Muhammad the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18?.

Qur’an 3:144Qur’an 3:144 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allāh at all; but Allāh will reward the grateful.Qur’an 3:144 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says Muhammad is only a messenger, that messengers have passed on before him, and asks what the believers would do if he died or were killed. The verse expects a messenger who can die. How Did Muhammad Die? quotes the reports of that death.

Death, Sin, and the Cross

Qur’an 4:157Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they did not kill the Messiah and did not crucify him, and that another was made to resemble him to them. The word “another” in Saheeh International is inside brackets. The denial of killing and crucifixion is not. 1 Corinthians 15:3–41 Corinthians 15:3–4 · King James Version^15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ^15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:1 Corinthians 15:3–4 · King James VersionOpen source says Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day. Did Jesus Die on the Cross? puts those texts side by side. The resurrection is the Christian claim after that death.

Qur’an 19:19Qur’an 19:19 · Saheeh InternationalHe said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e., son]."Qur’an 19:19 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has the angel tell Mary he has come to give her news of “a pure boy.” Sahih al-Bukhari 3431Sahih al-Bukhari 3431 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Sa`id bin Al-Musaiyab: Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'There is none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan touches it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time of birth because of the touch of Satan, except Mary and her child." Then Abu Huraira recited: "And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan" (3.36)Sahih al-Bukhari 3431 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source:

Narrated Sa`id bin Al-Musaiyab: Abu Huraira said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, ’There is none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan touches it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time of birth because of the touch of Satan, except Mary and her child.” Then Abu Huraira recited: “And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan” (3.36)

Qur’an 19:19 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Sahih al-Bukhari 6307Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying." By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day."Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source records Abu Huraira hearing Muhammad say, “By Allah! I ask for forgiveness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.” Muslims do not read that line as rebellion after prophethood. The words still stand beside the exception for Mary and her child, and beside a Jesus the Qur’an calls a pure boy. What Do Christians Believe About Muhammad?

Qur’an 5:72Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalThey have certainly disbelieved who say, "Allāh is the Messiah, the son of Mary" while the Messiah has said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he who associates others with Allāh - Allāh has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they have disbelieved who say Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary, while the Messiah has said to worship Allah, his Lord and their Lord. The Gospel’s answer is John 20:28John 20:28 · King James VersionAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source, Thomas’s “My Lord and my God,” and John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source, “the Word was God.” Who is greater, on the Qur’an’s page, is the seal, the excellent pattern, the last messenger. Who Jesus is, on the Gospel’s page, is God the Son. Islam and Christianity is that difference in one place. Tawhid and Christian monotheism is the oneness each side is guarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Relationship Between Jesus and Muhammad?

In the Qur’an both are messengers of God, and Muhammad is last. Jesus is also Messiah, word, and a servant sent to Israel. The New Testament does not know Muhammad. It confesses Jesus as Lord and God.

Who Came First, Jesus or Muhammad?

Jesus. He was crucified under Pilate in the reign of Tiberius. Did Jesus Exist? Muhammad died in Medina in 632. Who Was Muhammad? The span is about six centuries.

Did Jesus Mention Muhammad?

The Gospels do not name him. The claim that the Paraclete or Deuteronomy 18 already did is answered on Is Muhammad the Paraclete? and Is Muhammad the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18?.

Who Is Greater in Islam, Jesus or Muhammad?

Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls Muhammad the seal of the prophets. Qur’an 33:21Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalThere has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allāh an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allāh often.Qur’an 33:21 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him an excellent pattern. Jesus receives titles Muhammad does not: Messiah, word, virgin birth, and the signs in Qur’an 5:110Qur’an 5:110 · Saheeh International[The Day] when Allāh will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit [i.e., the angel Gabriel] and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind [from birth] and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, "This is not but obvious magic."Qur’an 5:110 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source. The book still ranks Muhammad as last.

Who Is More Powerful, God or Jesus?

Christians confess one God. John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source says the Word was God, not a second god beside God. Qur’an 5:72Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalThey have certainly disbelieved who say, "Allāh is the Messiah, the son of Mary" while the Messiah has said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he who associates others with Allāh - Allāh has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls it disbelief to say Allah is the Messiah. The disagreement is whether Jesus is included in the one God. Is Jesus God?

Keep Reading

• Do Muslims Believe in Jesus?
• Was Jesus a Muslim?
• Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
• Who Was Muhammad?
• What Do Christians Believe About Muhammad?
• Is Jesus God?
• What Is the Difference Between Islam and Christianity?