Jesus is Not Isa bin Maryam: A Theological and Historical Challenge to Islamic Christology

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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Abstract

This paper explores the sharp distinction between the Jesus of the New Testament and the Isa bin Maryam of the Qur’an. While Christianity identifies Jesus as the eternal Son of God, crucified and resurrected for humanity’s salvation, Islam presents Isa as a mortal prophet, denied of crucifixion, stripped of divine identity, and positioned as a forerunner of Muhammad. By analyzing scriptural evidence, historical witness, and theological implications, this study argues that Isa is not Jesus. Instead, Isa represents a seventh-century Islamic reconstruction of Christ’s figure, detached from historical foundations and apostolic testimony.

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1. Introduction

The question of who Jesus is remains the dividing line between Christianity and Islam. Christians confess Jesus as the Christ, Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16), the incarnate Word (John 1:14), and the Savior of the world (John 4:42). Islam, however, identifies Jesus with Isa bin Maryam, a prophet in the Qur’an who was neither divine nor crucified, but merely a messenger who prepared the way for Muhammad.

The importance of clarifying this distinction cannot be overstated. If Jesus and Isa are not the same, then interfaith assertions that Christians and Muslims worship the same figure are theologically misleading. This article demonstrates, through historical, textual, and doctrinal analysis, that Jesus of Nazareth is not Isa of the Qur’an.

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2. Eyewitness Testimony and the Principle of Verification

2.1 Biblical Eyewitness Testimony

The New Testament rests on multiple eyewitness testimonies:

• Matthew, a disciple, records the crucifixion and resurrection.

• John, “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” presents theological reflections grounded in firsthand experience (John 21:24).

• Paul, though not an immediate disciple, encountered the risen Christ and corroborated earlier apostolic testimony (1 Corinthians 15:3–8).

The New Testament documents were written within the lifetime of eyewitnesses (30–90 CE), offering historical credibility.

2.2 Qur’anic Non-Eyewitness Account

By contrast, the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad (610–632 CE), centuries after Jesus’ ministry. Muhammad never encountered Jesus, nor did any eyewitness of Jesus inform him directly. The Isa narrative derives from oral traditions, apocryphal writings, and theological constructs circulating in Arabia.

Ironically, the Qur’an itself states: “Bring two witnesses from among your men” (Qur’an 2:282). Yet the Qur’an offers no eyewitness to validate Isa’s story. Thus, the Qur’an fails its own epistemic requirement for truth verification.

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3. The Identity of Jesus Versus Isa

3.1 Jesus as the Word and Son of God

Christianity confesses:

• “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14).

• Jesus is the “Son of God” (John 10:36).

• “Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Jesus is not merely a prophet; He is divine, the eternal Logos incarnate.

3.2 Isa as a Created Prophet

Islam, however, describes Isa as:

• A prophet like Adam, created from dust (Qur’an 3:59).

• Not a son of God (Qur’an 17:111).

• Not Allah, but a messenger (Qur’an 4:171).

This Isa cannot be reconciled with the biblical Jesus. The Qur’an reduces Him to a mortal servant, denying His divine sonship and role in salvation history.

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4. Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Atonement

4.1 Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

The crucifixion of Jesus is central to Christian theology:

• “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

• “The blood of Jesus… cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

• Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

Without crucifixion and resurrection, there is no Christian Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:17).

4.2 Islamic Denial of Crucifixion

The Qur’an denies the crucifixion: “They did not kill him, nor crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them” (Qur’an 4:157). Isa escapes death, and thus, in Islam, there is no atonement. This denial undermines the historical consensus, as even secular historians affirm Jesus’ crucifixion as one of the best-attested facts of antiquity.

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5. Eschatology: Jesus the King Versus Isa the Herald of Muhammad

5.1 Jesus as King of Kings

Revelation 17:14 declares: “The Lamb will triumph… for He is Lord of lords and King of kings.” Jesus is enthroned as sovereign over all creation.

5.2 Isa as Servant of Muhammad

Islam subordinates Isa to Muhammad: “O Children of Israel, I am the messenger of Allah to you, confirming what was before me in the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad” (Qur’an 61:6).

Here Isa’s mission is reframed—not as Redeemer, but as forerunner to Muhammad. Such a view diminishes the biblical Christ and distorts His messianic role.

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6. Theological Implications

1. Authority of Scripture: The New Testament rests on apostolic eyewitness; the Qur’an on non-historical revelation.

2. Nature of Christ: Jesus is divine; Isa is mortal.

3. Salvation: Jesus saves through His death and resurrection; Isa offers no salvation.

4. Eschatology: Jesus reigns as eternal King; Isa submits to Muhammad.

These divergences reveal that Isa is not Jesus but a theological invention serving Islamic claims.

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7. Conclusion

The evidence is clear: Jesus of the New Testament cannot be equated with Isa bin Maryam of the Qur’an. Christianity presents Jesus as the eternal Son of God, crucified and risen for the redemption of mankind. Islam presents Isa as a prophet who denies crucifixion, sonship, and divinity, ultimately serving to legitimize Muhammad.

Therefore, Muslims who claim to honor Jesus through Isa are venerating a different figure. To know the true Jesus is to know Him as He is revealed in the Gospels: the Son of God, the Savior, and the risen Lord. Anything less is a distortion.

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References

Biblical Sources

• The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV).

• Luke 2:12; John 1:14; Mark 16:6; John 10:36; Matthew 27:32–50; John 19:30; 1 John 1:7; Philippians 2:5–6; Titus 2:13; Revelation 17:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8.

Qur’anic Sources

• Qur’an 2:282; Qur’an 3:59; Qur’an 3:32; Qur’an 4:157–158; Qur’an 4:171; Qur’an 17:111; Qur’an 19:22–25; Qur’an 19:35; Qur’an 61:6.

Secondary Sources

• Brown, Raymond E. The Death of the Messiah. Doubleday, 1994.

• Wright, N.T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. Fortress Press, 2003.

• Cragg, Kenneth. Jesus and the Muslim: An Exploration. Oneworld Publications, 1999.

• Stendahl, Krister. Paul Among Jews and Gentiles. Fortress Press, 1976.

• Ibn Kathir. Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim.

• Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith collections.

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✍️ By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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