### The Definition of Jesus Christ in Islam and Christianity
#### **Jesus Christ in Islam**
In Islam, Jesus, son of Mary, is one of the greatest prophets and is considered among the most important messengers (known as the "Ulul Azm"). He is mentioned in several places in the Quran, and his birth, miracles, and ascension are seen as extraordinary signs from God. Although Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final prophet, Jesus (known as "Isa" in Arabic) holds a significant place in Islamic teachings.
##### **The Birth of Jesus (Isa) in Islam**
Jesus was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary (Maryam in Arabic), without a father. The Quran details his birth in the chapters of Mary (Surah Maryam) and the Family of Imran (Surah Al-Imran). According to Islamic belief, the angel Gabriel (Jibril) appeared to Mary and told her that she would conceive a son by the will of God, even though she had not been touched by any man. The Quran says:
> “So We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said, ‘I seek refuge from you with the Most Merciful if you should be righteous.’ He said, ‘I am only a messenger of your Lord to give you a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?’ He said, ‘Thus it will be. Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter already decreed.’” (Quran 19:17-21)
This miraculous birth of Jesus is viewed as one of God's great signs to humanity.
##### **Jesus' Prophethood and Miracles in Islam**
Jesus (Isa) is considered a prophet sent to the Children of Israel to guide them back to the worship of the One God and to rectify the deviations they had fallen into. In the Quran, Jesus is attributed with several miracles, all performed by God's permission. These include:
- Bringing the dead back to life.
- Healing the blind and the leper.
- Creating a bird from clay and breathing life into it.
- Speaking as a newborn in the cradle.
The Quran mentions:
> “And [He will be] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ‘Indeed, I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed, in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.’” (Quran 3:49)
##### **The Ascension of Jesus in Islam**
Muslims believe that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, as is commonly believed in Christianity. Instead, the Quran teaches that God raised Jesus to Himself, and someone else was made to resemble him in appearance, taking his place. The Quran states:
> “And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ 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. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Quran 4:157-158)
##### **The Return of Jesus in Islam**
Muslims believe that Jesus will return to Earth in the end times as a key figure in the Day of Judgment. He will rule according to Islamic law, defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal), and restore justice and peace on Earth. His return is considered one of the major signs of the Day of Resurrection.
#### **Jesus Christ in Christianity**
In Christianity, Jesus, also known as Jesus Christ, is the central figure of the faith. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection are the foundation of Christian theology. In Christian belief, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, and he came to Earth to redeem humanity from sin.
##### **The Birth of Jesus in Christianity**
According to the Christian Gospels, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary through the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit, without a human father. This miraculous birth is viewed as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. The Gospel of Matthew states:
> “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23).
##### **The Ministry and Miracles of Jesus**
During his earthly ministry, which lasted about three years, Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, calling people to repentance, love, and forgiveness. He performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and turning water into wine. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divinity and his unique relationship with God.
##### **The Crucifixion and Redemption in Christianity**
At the heart of Christian belief is the concept of redemption through the crucifixion of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was crucified to atone for the sins of humanity, offering salvation to all who believe in him. The crucifixion is seen as a sacrificial act of love and mercy, through which the sins of the world are forgiven. The Bible says:
> “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
##### **The Resurrection**
Three days after his death, Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead, an event that is celebrated as Easter. The resurrection is viewed as proof of Jesus’ divine nature and the ultimate victory over sin and death. It is also the foundation of the Christian hope for eternal life after death.
##### **The Trinity**
In Christian theology, Jesus is the second person of the Holy Trinity, which includes God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is considered God incarnate, who came to Earth to live among humans and bring them salvation.
#### **Key Differences Between Islam and Christianity**
Despite both faiths recognizing Jesus as a major figure, there are fundamental differences in how he is understood. In Islam, Jesus is seen as a prophet and servant of God, not divine or the son of God. In Christianity, Jesus is regarded as the Son of God, the Savior, and a central figure in the Holy Trinity.
- In Islam, Jesus was not crucified but rather was raised to Heaven.
- In Christianity, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are the cornerstone of salvation.
These differences shape the distinctive theological perspectives of each religion regarding the role and significance of Jesus Christ.