Who Is Jesus in the Bible vs. the Qur’an?
Today, many people want to highlight the similarities between Christianity and Islam. But when it comes to Jesus, the differences couldn’t be more significant! Both the Bible and the Qur’an speak about Him, but what they say is drastically different.
By comparing the truths of the Bible with Islamic teachings, you’ll see how the Qur’an presents a very different “Jesus” than the one Christians worship.
IS JESUS THE SON OF GOD?
The Bible says:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:1,14)
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Here, Jesus is revealed not as a mere prophet but as the eternal Word of God who became flesh. God Himself declares Jesus to be His Son.
The Qur’an says:
“It is not befitting for Allah to take a son; exalted is He!” (Qur’an 19:35)
Islam firmly rejects the idea of God having a Son. For Muslims, this is considered blasphemy.
For Christians, Jesus’ sonship is central to who He is—our Savior, God in human flesh. For Muslims, sonship is impossible, making their view of Jesus fundamentally different.
DID JESUS DIE ON THE CROSS?
The Bible says:
“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“The Son of Man came… to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
The Bible makes it clear: Jesus’ death was not an accident. It was the centerpiece of God’s plan to save us. His blood paid for our sins.
The Qur’an says:
“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them.” (Qur’an 4:157)
The Qur’an denies the crucifixion outright, teaching that Allah rescued Jesus and made it seem like someone else was killed.
This is the sharpest contrast. Without the cross, there is no atonement. Christianity rests on Jesus’ death and resurrection—without it, our faith collapses (1 Corinthians 15:17). Islam removes the cross entirely, leaving no sacrifice for sin.
DID JESUS RISE FROM THE DEAD?
The Bible says:
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)
“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6)
The resurrection is the greatest proof of Jesus’ power. He conquered death so we can have eternal life.
The Qur’an teaches:
Jesus never died, so He was never raised. Instead, Allah took Him up alive into heaven (Qur’an 4:158).
While the Qur’an acknowledges Jesus is with Allah, it denies His resurrection from the dead. For Christians, this denial robs the Gospel of its very heart—victory over death and the guarantee of our future resurrection.
WHAT ABOUT THE RETURN OF CHRIST?
The Bible says:
“…this Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Christ will return as Judge and King to establish His eternal kingdom.
Islamic tradition says:
Jesus will return, but not as Lord. Instead, he will return to support Islam, destroy Christianity, enforce Allah’s rule and to lead a Muslim army that will annihilate all Jews. Mohammed is recorded saying: “He will break the cross and kill the pigs…” (Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari 3448).
For Christians, Jesus’ second coming is a day of joy and hope. For Muslims, it’s tied to the triumph of Islam. The same figure—yet two radically different missions.
HOW ARE SINS FORGIVEN?
The Bible says:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
Forgiveness is a promise, secured by Jesus’ blood. Believers can be certain of salvation.
The Qur’an says:
“He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills.” (Qur’an 3:129)
In Islam, forgiveness depends on Allah’s unpredictable will. And the Qur’an explicitly states that believing Jesus is God’s Son—the heart of Christianity—is an unforgivable sin.
The Bible offers assurance: forgiveness is given through Christ. Islam offers no certainty, leaving followers unsure of their eternal destiny.
THE STARK DIFFERENCE
Both the Bible and the Qur’an depict Jesus—but they describe two very different figures.
In the Bible, Jesus is God’s Son, crucified and risen, Savior of the world.
In the Qur’an, Jesus is only a prophet, denied His cross, denied His resurrection, and denied His divine nature.
This difference isn’t small—it’s the difference between salvation and uncertainty, between grace and striving.
Want to Learn More?
For more than 100 years, Call of Hope has been proclaiming the true Jesus—Son of God and Savior—to Muslims around the world. If you want to learn practical ways to reach your Muslim neighbors, read When You Meet a Muslim or join us through prayer and giving!
