Do Sunni Muslims Believe in Jesus?
Sunni Muslims, as the largest denomination within Islam, often raise questions about their beliefs regarding Jesus Christ. While many non-Muslims might assume that Jesus is revered in Islam, it is essential to delve deeper into the beliefs and teachings of Sunni Muslims to understand their perspective on this matter.
Belief in Jesus Christ
Sunni Muslims do believe in Jesus Christ, but their beliefs about him differ significantly from those held by Christians. In Islam, Jesus is considered to be a highly revered and respected prophet, known as ‘Isa in Arabic. However, it is crucial to note that Islam does not view Jesus as the son of God or divine, as Christians do. Instead, Muslims believe that Jesus was a human messenger of God (Allah) who was born without a father, as the Quran states in Surah 19:21: “He is Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the word of truth about which they doubt.”
Prophet and Messenger
According to Sunni Islam, Jesus was a prophet and messenger of God, who was sent to guide the Children of Israel. Muslims believe that Jesus performed miracles, such as speaking from the cradle, healing the blind, and raising the dead, as mentioned in the Quran. However, these miracles were not considered to be supernatural or divine in nature, but rather as signs of his prophethood. The Quran also highlights that Jesus did not claim divinity, nor did he claim to be the son of God.
Rejection and Ascension
In Sunni Islam, the story of Jesus is closely tied to the concept of his rejection by the Children of Israel. Muslims believe that Jesus was rejected by his people, and as a result, he did not die on the cross. Instead, they believe that Jesus was raised up to heaven by God, as mentioned in the Quran in Surah 5:75: “And because of their saying, ‘We have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah,’—though they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared to them so like as they killed him, and those who differ concerning it are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only following conjecture, for they killed him not for certain.” This belief is a significant point of divergence between Sunni Muslims and Christians.
Final Judgment and Resurrection
In the Islamic belief, Jesus will return on the Day of Judgment. When he returns, he will restore justice, defeat the Antichrist, and help establish peace on Earth. However, Jesus will not claim divinity or challenge the authority of Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in Islam. After Jesus’ role in the final judgment, he will be resurrected and will live for a thousand years alongside Prophet Muhammad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sunni Muslims do believe in Jesus Christ, but their beliefs are distinct from those of Christianity. They view Jesus as a revered prophet and messenger of God, who performed miracles and was raised up to heaven. However, they do not believe in his divinity or sonship, and they consider Prophet Muhammad to be the final prophet. Understanding these beliefs is crucial in appreciating the diverse perspectives within Islam regarding Jesus Christ.
