Islam and Christianity, the world’s two largest divine religions, share many beliefs in common — God’s absolute and eternal existence, His creation of the universe from nothing, and His control of all matter through His infinite might. Muslims and Christians oppose the same intellectual errors, struggle against atheism, racism and moral degeneration, and use very similar methods to communicate the message of God’s existence. Their common aim is to help all people know God, so that they can build a world full of justice, peace and tolerance.
Both Christians and Muslims harbour a deep love and respect for Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), God’s chosen messenger, who is introduced to us in the Qur’an and made superior to the worlds. He is ‘of high esteem in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near’ (Surah Al ‘Imran: 45) — a most valuable servant, honoured by God with various miracles and superior moral values.
Muslims, who believe in all the prophets and books sent by God, respect the beliefs and values of both Christians and Jews. The Qur’an considers the Torah, the Psalms and the New Testament to be divine books, and regards Jews and Christians as People of the Book.
The Qur’an Rejects Belief in the Trinity
The Qur’an, the only source from which people can obtain totally accurate information about Christianity and Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), is clear on this matter:
People of the Book! Do not go to excess in your religion. Say nothing but the truth about God. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only the Messenger of God and His Word, which He cast into Mary, and a Spirit from Him. So believe in God and His Messengers. Do not say: ‘Three.’ It is better that you stop. God is only One God. He is too glorious to have a son!
— Surah An-Nisa’: 171
Say: ‘He is God, Absolute Oneness; God, the Everlasting Sustainer of all. He has not given birth and was not born. And no one is comparable to Him.’
— Surah Al-Ikhlas: 1–4
A Servant & Messenger of God
Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) himself rejected all claims concerning his supposed divinity. The Qur’an relates his words:
He said: ‘I am the servant of God. He has given me the Book and made me a Prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I am and directed me to perform prayer and give the alms as long as I live.’
— Surah Maryam: 30–31
The New Testament itself frequently emphasises God’s infinite power and describes Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) as a messenger with human characteristics — one who was born, who grew, who ate with his disciples and thanked God for his food, who felt tired and slept. All of these are natural human needs, and meeting them contradicts any claim of divinity.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and people.
— Luke 2:52
After every miracle, he made it clear to everyone that it occurred only because God willed it. He emphasised that he was no more than a servant sent to deliver God’s message: ‘By myself I can do nothing… for I seek not to please myself but Him Who sent me.’ (John 5:30)
God’s Promise: His Return
The Qur’an reveals that the unbelievers plotted to take Jesus’ life — but they did not succeed:
They did not kill him and they did not crucify him, but it was made to seem so to them… God raised him to Himself. God is Almighty, All-Wise.
— Surah An-Nisa’: 157–158
The Qur’an uses the word tawaffa — ‘to take back’ — for Jesus, a word that also describes the taking of the self in sleep, rather than the words used for the death of other prophets. God raised him to His presence, and the Qur’an indicates strongly his second coming:
He [Jesus] is a Sign of the Hour. Have no doubt about it. But follow me. This is a straight path.
— Surah Az-Zukhruf: 61
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revealed in numerous reliable (mutawatir) hadiths that Jesus (peace be upon him) will descend as a just ruler, judge by the law of the Qur’an, and turn people towards living by religious moral values — bringing peace, justice and prosperity to the world.
By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the son of Mary will shortly descend amongst you as a just ruler.
— Sahih al-Bukhari
A Shared Hope
Like all believers, we hope our Lord will grant us the honour of welcoming Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), and that our Christian brothers and sisters will rejoice at the glad tidings — seeing the truth of God’s absolute Oneness, and turning to Him alone. Our goal is to command what is good and to help all people recognise the one true God.
Go Deeper
Read Dr. Maurice Bucaille’s acclaimed study comparing the Holy Scriptures in the light of modern knowledge.