Working on a side project this morning, I studied something fascinating about Islam. The way Jesus (Isa) is presented in the Qur’an has striking similarities with how he is presented in the Bible. It seems like these similarities could provide an opportunity for helpful dialogue with Muslim neighbors.
Jesus is revered in Islam. Muslims are taught to show respect by referring to him as Isa, alayhi al-salām, which means peace be upon him. Islam recognizes Jesus as a great prophet, second only to Muhammad himself. Of course, this is a far cry from honoring Jesus as God, the foundational belief of Christianity. However, it is an important touchpoint.
Our evangelistic conversations with Muslims should revolve around Jesus. After all, it is Jesus our Muslim neighbors need to know. As Dr. Trevor Castor advises:
“Muslims like to talk about Jesus. He is mentioned numerous times in the Qur’an. Try to develop the skill of bringing conversations back to Jesus and do not become sidetracked with lesser things (al-Qaeda, ISIS, 9/11, wars, nationalism, Israel or another political ideology for that matter). Resolve to know nothing except Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2). Believing in Jesus is the only sufficient stumbling block to Muslims following Him. You do not need to speak about Muhammad or Islam. There is no need to make Islam, the Qur’an, or Muhammad look bad for Jesus to look good. Jesus looks great all on his own.”[1]
If we are to love our Muslim neighbor as ourselves, we need to do our best to understand Islam with all its implications. As it turns out, there are some intriguing connections within Islam that could ultimately point them to Jesus as God and our Savior. The following Bible study briefly considers what the Qur’an teaches about Jesus compared to what the Bible teaches. I want to think through the similarities as potential opportunities to help our Muslim neighbors see the truth of who Jesus is.
Jesus as Nabi (Prophet)
Prophets served as spokespersons for God, communicating God’s will to his people. Muslims are taught to believe the Biblical prophets. The Qur’an teaches that Jesus was one of many prophets (Surah 2:136; 33:7), and Allah’s penultimate messenger.
In Acts 3:17-23, the apostle Peter quotes Moses who prophesied that God would raise up a prophet, and that we are to listen to everything he says. That prophet would be the Messiah.
Earlier in John 6:66-69, Peter recognizes Jesus has the words of eternal life. So, regardless of what others do, we are obliged to follow the way of Jesus.
How might these verses challenge a Muslim’s understanding of who Jesus is?
A Muslim would be interested to know that the Bible confirms Jesus’ role as a prophet. But they might be challenged by the presentation of Jesus as superior to all other prophets because he is the only prophet who is also identified as the Messiah.
Jesus as Kalima (Word)
The Word of God is a prevalent theme in both Christianity and Islam. But only one person is ever identified as the Word of God in either. At least twice the Qur’an refers to Jesus as the Word (Surah 3:39; 4:171).
In John 1:1-3 and Hebrews 11:1-3, the Bible explains that Jesus is the word by which God created everything. In dynamic and personal sense, Jesus is the living, creating Word of God.
How might these verses challenge a Muslim’s understanding of who Jesus is?
A Muslim would be interested to know that the Bible refers to Jesus as the Word of God, but they will be challenged by the Bible identifying Jesus as God incarnate (“The word became flesh…”). Jesus as the Word is equated to and identified as God.
Jesus as Al-Masih (Messiah)
The term Messiah refers to “God’s promised one.” Eleven times the Qur’an calls Jesus the Messiah, most notably in Surah 3:45.
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah specifically tells us that a child will be born and identified as God (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7). Matthew tells of Jesus’ birth being the fulfillment of God’s promise (Matthew 1:21-23)
How might these verses challenge a Muslim’s understanding of who Jesus is?
A Muslim would be interested to know that Jesus is identified as the God’s Messiah, especially because Muslims are taught to believe the prophets of the Bible. Interestingly, Jesus is the only one the Qur’an refers to as the Messiah. However, they will be challenged by the fact that this Messiah came to save us from our sin.
Hopefully this will be helpful for your next conversation with a Muslim neighbor.
If there is someone you think these thoughts might help, feel free to share!
[1] Trevor Castor, “Muslim Evangelism: 7 Ways to Share the Gospel,” Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies, n.d., https://www.zwemercenter.com/guide/muslim-evangelism/.