# Jesus and Muhammad Compared > The Qur’an calls both messengers, and calls Jesus the Messiah, born of Mary. The Gospels say the Word was God, crucified and raised. - Canonical: https://apologetics.wiki/islam/jesus-and-muhammad-compared - Religions: Islam - Denominations: none - Beliefs: none - Tags: islam, jesus, muhammad, quran - Updated: 2026-10-13 - Author: [Paul Ambrose](https://apologetics.wiki/author/hi-its-paul) ([GitHub](https://github.com/hi-its-paul)) 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 3:59](https://quran.com/3/59) [(1)](#ref-1) says the example of Jesus to God is like Adam: created from dust, then “Be,” and he was. - [Qur’an 5:75](https://quran.com/5/75) says the Messiah was only a messenger, and that he and his mother used to eat food. [Qur’an 43:59](https://quran.com/43/59) calls him a servant and an example for Israel. - [Qur’an 33:40](https://quran.com/33/40) calls Muhammad the seal of the prophets. [Qur’an 33:21](https://quran.com/33/21) calls him an excellent pattern. - [Qur’an 4:157](https://quran.com/4/157) says they did not kill Jesus or crucify him. [1 Corinthians 15:3–4](/bible/1-corinthians/15) [(3)](#ref-3) says Christ died, was buried, and rose. - [Qur’an 5:72](https://quran.com/5/72) says those who say “Allah is the Messiah” have disbelieved. [John 1:1](/bible/john/1/1) says the Word was God. [John 20:28](/bible/john/20/28) has Thomas say, “My Lord and my God.” - [Qur’an 19:19](https://quran.com/19/19) calls Jesus “a pure boy.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 3431](https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3431) [(4)](#ref-4) says Satan touches every child of Adam except Mary and her child. - [Sahih al-Bukhari 6307](https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6307) records Muhammad saying he asks forgiveness and repents more than seventy times a day. [Qur’an 3:144](https://quran.com/3/144) 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 3:45](https://quran.com/ali-imran/45) calls him a word from God, the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, distinguished in this world and the hereafter. [Qur’an 5:110](https://quran.com/5/110) 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?](/islam/jesus-in-the-quran-and-the-gospels) sets those titles out before the disagreements. [Qur’an 3:59](https://quran.com/3/59), 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. The comparison is with Adam’s creation, not with a child God produced by a partner. [Can God Have a Son?](/islam/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](/christianity/what-is-the-incarnation) says the eternal Son took flesh. [John 1:1](/bible/john/1/1) and [John 1:14](/bible/john/1/14) are that claim: the Word was God, and the Word was made flesh. [Qur’an 5:75](https://quran.com/5/75) 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 43:59](https://quran.com/43/59) 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 33:40](https://quran.com/33/40) 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 33:21](https://quran.com/33/21) 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?](/islam/who-was-muhammad) dates his death to 8 June 632. [Did Jesus Exist?](/christianity/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?](/islam/is-muhammad-the-paraclete) and [Is Muhammad the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18?](/islam/is-muhammad-the-prophet-of-deuteronomy-18). [Qur’an 3:144](https://quran.com/3/144) 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?](/islam/how-did-muhammad-die) quotes the reports of that death. ## Death, Sin, and the Cross [Qur’an 4:157](https://quran.com/4/157) 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 15:3–4](/bible/1-corinthians/15) says Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day. [Did Jesus Die on the Cross?](/islam/did-jesus-die-on-the-cross) puts those texts side by side. [The resurrection](/christianity/resurrection-of-jesus) is the Christian claim after that death. [Qur’an 19:19](https://quran.com/19/19) has the angel tell Mary he has come to give her news of “a pure boy.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 3431](https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3431): > 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) [Sahih al-Bukhari 6307](https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6307) 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?](/islam/what-do-christians-believe-about-muhammad) [Qur’an 5:72](https://quran.com/5/72) 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 20:28](/bible/john/20/28), Thomas’s “My Lord and my God,” and [John 1:1](/bible/john/1/1), “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](/islam/islam-vs-christianity) is that difference in one place. [Tawhid and Christian monotheism](/islam/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?](/christianity/did-jesus-exist) Muhammad died in Medina in 632. [Who Was Muhammad?](/islam/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?](/islam/is-muhammad-the-paraclete) and [Is Muhammad the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18?](/islam/is-muhammad-the-prophet-of-deuteronomy-18). ### Who Is Greater in Islam, Jesus or Muhammad? [Qur’an 33:40](https://quran.com/33/40) calls Muhammad the seal of the prophets. [Qur’an 33:21](https://quran.com/33/21) calls him an excellent pattern. Jesus receives titles Muhammad does not: Messiah, word, virgin birth, and the signs in [Qur’an 5:110](https://quran.com/5/110). The book still ranks Muhammad as last. ### Who Is More Powerful, God or Jesus? Christians confess one God. [John 1:1](/bible/john/1/1) says the Word was God, not a second god beside God. [Qur’an 5:72](https://quran.com/5/72) calls it disbelief to say Allah is the Messiah. The disagreement is whether Jesus is included in the one God. [Is Jesus God?](/christianity/is-jesus-god) ## Keep Reading - [Do Muslims Believe in Jesus?](/islam/jesus-in-the-quran-and-the-gospels) - [Was Jesus a Muslim?](/islam/was-jesus-a-muslim) - [Did Jesus Die on the Cross?](/islam/did-jesus-die-on-the-cross) - [Who Was Muhammad?](/islam/who-was-muhammad) - [What Do Christians Believe About Muhammad?](/islam/what-do-christians-believe-about-muhammad) - [Is Jesus God?](/christianity/is-jesus-god) - [What Is the Difference Between Islam and Christianity?](/islam/islam-vs-christianity) ## Passages Quoted on This Page ### Qur’an 5:75 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/5/75) > The 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 43:59 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/43/59) > He [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 33:40 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/33/40) > Muḥammad 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 33:21 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/33/21) > There 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 4:157 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/an-nisa/157) > And [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. ### 1 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: ### Qur’an 5:72 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/al-maidah/72) > They 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. ### John 1:1 King James Version. > In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ### John 20:28 King James Version. > And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. ### Qur’an 19:19 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/19/19) > He said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e., son]." ### Sahih al-Bukhari 6307 Muhammad Muhsin Khan. [Open on sunnah.com](https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6307) > Narrated 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." ### Qur’an 3:144 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/3/144) > Muḥammad 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 3:45 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/3/45) > [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 5:110 Saheeh International. [Open on quran.com](https://quran.com/5/110) > [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." ### John 1:14 King James Version. > And 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. ## Sources Numbered to match the HTML References list. Item 1 is `#ref-1` under `#references`. Scripture links to the King James Version on this site. 1. [Qur'an, 3:59; 5:75; 43:59; 33:40; 33:21; 4:157; 5:72; 19:19; 3:144; 5:110](https://quran.com/3/59) (Saheeh International, as published on Quran.com. Words in square brackets are part of that translation.) 2. [Gospel of John, 1:1; 1:14; 20:28](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1). King James Version 3. [First Letter to the Corinthians, 15:3–4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/1-corinthians/15). King James Version 4. [Sahih al-Bukhari, 3431; 6307](https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3431) (English translation by Muhammad Muhsin Khan. Sunni hadith.) ## See Also - [Did Jesus Die on the Cross?](https://apologetics.wiki/islam/did-jesus-die-on-the-cross) — The Qur'an is widely read as saying Jesus was not crucified. The Gospels, Paul, and two Roman-era historians say he was. - [Did Jesus Pray Like a Muslim?](https://apologetics.wiki/islam/did-jesus-pray-like-a-muslim) — No. Jesus fell on his face and prayed to the Father. That is not the five daily prayers, toward the Sacred Mosque, that the Qur’an times. - [Do Muslims Believe in Jesus?](https://apologetics.wiki/islam/jesus-in-the-quran-and-the-gospels) — Yes. Muslims believe Jesus was born of Mary and is the Messiah. They do not believe he is God or that he died on the cross. Jesus in the Qur’an and the Gospels is that comparison. - [Does Jesus Do What Only God Does?](https://apologetics.wiki/islam/does-jesus-do-what-only-god-does) — The Qur'an says God gives life to the dead, is the First and the Last, and comes with the angels. The Gospel says Jesus does those things. - [Is Muhammad the Paraclete or Ahmad?](https://apologetics.wiki/islam/is-muhammad-the-paraclete) — Some Muslims hear Muhammad in Jesus' promise of the Comforter, and in the name Ahmad in Qur'an 61:6. John 14–16 says who that person is.