“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
Introduction: A Common Name, a Divided Understanding
Jesus Christ is central to Christianity, yet he is also honored in Islam. While Christians affirm Him as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the resurrected Lord, Muslims revere Him as Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), one of the greatest prophets of Islam. The fascinating overlap presents a profound opportunity for evangelism—especially in Muslim communities—by starting where Islamic reverence for Jesus begins and pointing toward the biblical truth of His divine identity.
This article explores how Jesus is portrayed in Islam and how Christians can strategically and respectfully use this common ground to introduce the full gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus in Islam: What the Quran Says
The Quran mentions Jesus (Isa) 93 times, more than the Prophet Muhammad. Islam affirms key elements of Jesus’s story that parallel Christianity:
- Virgin Birth: Surah 19 (Maryam) declares that Jesus was born miraculously from the Virgin Mary (Maryam), without a human father.
- His Titles: The Quran refers to Jesus as:
- Al-Masih (Messiah) – Quran 3:45
- Kalimatullah (Word of God) – Quran 3:45
- Ruhullah (Spirit from God) – Quran 4:171
- His Miracles: The Quran says Jesus healed the blind and lepers, raised the dead, and breathed life into clay birds (Quran 3:49).
- His Return: Islamic eschatology teaches that Jesus will return at the end of time to defeat the Dajjal (Antichrist), establish peace, and confirm the truth of Islam.
Despite this honor, Islam denies His crucifixion (Quran 4:157), divinity, and Sonship—core pillars of Christian faith.
2. Strategic Points of Engagement for Evangelism
Instead of starting with differences, Christians can begin by acknowledging the high regard Muslims have for Jesus, then guide the conversation into deeper truths.
Here are 10 evangelism strategies drawn from this shared respect:
1. Start With Jesus’s Virgin Birth
Both the Bible (Luke 1:26–35) and the Quran affirm the virgin birth.
Ask: “Why would God cause a virgin to give birth? What makes Jesus so unique that His entrance into the world required no earthly father?”
This opens the door to explaining the divine nature of Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 1:23).
2. Discuss the Titles ‘Word of God’ and ‘Spirit from God’
In Islam, Jesus is called the “Word of God” (Kalimatullah). This directly parallels John 1:1:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Explain that Jesus is not just a word from God but the Word who became flesh (John 1:14).
3. Clarify the True Meaning of ‘Messiah’
Islam uses the title “Messiah” but doesn’t define it. Share Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 9:6, Daniel 9:26) and the fulfillment in the New Testament (Luke 4:17–21), explaining that Messiah means anointed Savior who came to redeem mankind.
4. Use Jesus’s sinlessness
Jesus is the only prophet in Islam who is considered sinless.
Quran 19:19 refers to Jesus as “a holy son.”
Use this to show why Jesus alone could be a perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22). Ask: “If Jesus was sinless, what does that mean for His role in salvation?”
5. Bridge the Conversation Using Miracles
Jesus’s miracles in the Quran mirror those in the Gospels. Share the purpose of these signs:
“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” – John 20:31.
6. Gently Address the Crucifixion
The Quran denies Jesus died on the cross. Yet, history and scripture affirm it:
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” – 1 Corinthians 15:3.
Ask: “Why would God allow a sinless prophet to face such a death—unless it had eternal purpose?”
Explain the atoning work of the cross (Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:8).
7. Use the Resurrection as the Defining Difference
Islam teaches that Jesus was taken to heaven alive. Christians teach that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:4). This is the hinge of the gospel.
No other religious figure has conquered death.
“Because I live, you also will live.” – John 14:19
8. Leverage the Return of Jesus
Both Christians and Muslims believe Jesus will return. But for what purpose?
In Islam, He returns to confirm Islam.
In Christianity, He returns to judge the world and reign eternally (Revelation 19:11–16).
Ask: “If Jesus returns in glory, what does that say about His identity?”
9. Explain the Trinity with Clarity
Muslims often misunderstand the Trinity, believing Christians worship three gods.
Clarify: Christians believe in one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Use simple analogies (e.g., water as ice, liquid, and vapor) while backing it with Scripture (Matthew 28:19).
10. Emphasize the Personal Relationship Jesus Offers
In Islam, Allah is distant. Jesus, however, invites us into a personal relationship with God as Father (John 17:3). Through Christ, we become children of God (Galatians 4:6–7).
Ask: “Would you like to know God personally, not just know about Him?”
Conclusion: Preaching Christ in Muslim Communities
Muslim communities are not unreachable. They already honor Jesus—just not fully. Your goal as an evangelist is not to argue but to reveal the full identity of Jesus through truth and love.
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does… we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
Let every conversation be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), led by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in prayer.
Call to Action for Evangelists:
- Study the Quran’s references to Jesus—not to validate it, but to engage with understanding.
- Use common ground to present the biblical gospel.
- Be culturally sensitive, spiritually bold, and eternally focused.
“That the name of Jesus be known, not just admired—but worshipped. Not just as prophet—but as Lord.”
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