Story of Isa عليه السلام
The Messiah, son of Maryam عليها السلام, created by Allah’s command, strengthened with the Holy Spirit, given the Injil, supported with clear miracles, raised by Allah, and destined to return before the Last Day.
The journey of Isa عليه السلام
A complete Qur’an-based path through Maryam’s glad tidings, miraculous birth, speech in the cradle, miracles, disciples, the table spread, false claims rejected, the crucifixion claim corrected, raising to Allah, and return before the Last Day.
Maryam عليها السلام is chosen
Allah chooses and purifies Maryam above the women of the worlds.
The angels give glad tidings
Maryam is told of a word from Allah named the Messiah, Isa son of Maryam.
Isa عليه السلام is created by Allah’s command
His birth without a father is a sign of Allah’s power, like Adam عليه السلام in another way.
He speaks in the cradle
He declares himself the servant of Allah, given Scripture, and made a Prophet.
He calls Bani Israel to worship Allah
His message is tawheed, obedience, mercy, and confirmation of previous revelation.
Allah supports him with miracles
By Allah’s permission, he heals, gives life to the dead, and tells people what they store.
The disciples support him
They say they are helpers of Allah and believe.
The table spread is requested
The disciples ask for a table from heaven, and Isa عليه السلام makes dua.
Allah raises Isa عليه السلام
The Qur’an rejects that they killed or crucified him; Allah raised him to Himself.
Isa عليه السلام will return
Authentic hadith teach his return near the end of time, with justice and truth.
Approximate Timeline / Dates
The Qur’an and authentic hadith give the religious facts, but exact calendar dates are not made the foundation of the story.
Exact dates are not confirmed
No exact birth year, birth date, or full calendar timeline of Isa عليه السلام is given in the Qur’an or authentic hadith. Islamic teaching does not depend on a fixed calendar birthday.
Before Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Isa عليه السلام came before Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and gave glad tidings of a Messenger to come after him named Ahmad.
He will return before the Last Day
Authentic hadith teach that Isa عليه السلام will descend before the end of time. He has not died yet in the ordinary earthly death; Allah raised him.
Family Tree / Lineage
Personal Family Tree
This visual should show the reliable close family details connected to Isa عليه السلام.
$personal_family_tree_image at the top of this file.
- Use for: Maryam عليها السلام → Isa عليه السلام.
- Confirmed: Isa عليه السلام is the son of Maryam عليها السلام and was born without a father by Allah’s command.
- Do not add: a father, spouse, children, or unsupported family details.
Prophetic Lineage
This visual should show the broader Prophetic lineage context without claiming every missing generation is known.
$prophetic_lineage_image at the top of this file.
- Use for: Ibrahim عليه السلام → Ishaq عليه السلام → Ya'qub عليه السلام → Bani Israel → family of Imran → Maryam عليها السلام → Isa عليه السلام.
- Connected Prophets: Zakariyya and Yahya عليهما السلام lived near his time.
- Keep clear: Isa عليه السلام has no father; this must stay visible in the personal family tree.
Maryam عليها السلام chosen and purified
The story of Isa عليه السلام begins with the honour of his mother, Maryam عليها السلام.
Allah chose Maryam, purified her, and chose her above the women of the worlds. She was raised in worship and placed under the care of Zakariyya عليه السلام. Her purity and obedience are central to the story.
The Qur’an protects her honour strongly and condemns false accusations against her. Isa عليه السلام is repeatedly called the son of Maryam, making her honour part of his identity.
Allah chose Maryam عليها السلام
إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَاكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَاصْطَفَاكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَاءِ الْعَالَمِينَ
Innallaha istafaki wa tahharaki wastafaki 'ala nisa'il-'alamin.
Indeed, Allah has chosen you, purified you, and chosen you above the women of the worlds. Source: Quran 3:42.
Son of Maryam عليها السلام
The Qur’an repeatedly calls Isa عليه السلام the son of Maryam, affirming his miraculous birth and his mother’s honour. See Quran 3:45, 4:171, 5:75, and 19:34.
The angels announce Isa عليه السلام
The angels gave Maryam عليها السلام glad tidings of a word from Allah. His name would be the Messiah, Isa son of Maryam, honoured in this world and the Hereafter, and among those brought near to Allah.
Maryam asked how she could have a child when no man had touched her. The answer was that Allah creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it “Be,” and it is.
This is the foundation of the Islamic belief about Isa عليه السلام: he was born miraculously without a father by Allah’s command, not because he is divine, but because Allah is the Creator of all things.
Glad tidings of a word from Allah
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنْهُ اسْمُهُ الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ
Innallaha yubashshiruki bikalimatim-minh, ismuhul-Masihu 'Isa ibnu Maryam.
Allah gives you glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Isa son of Maryam. Source: Quran 3:45, relevant meaning.
Allah creates what He wills
إِذَا قَضَىٰ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُن فَيَكُونُ
Idha qada amran fa innama yaqulu lahu kun fa yakun.
When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is. Source: Quran 3:47, relevant meaning.
The miraculous birth
Maryam عليها السلام withdrew to a place away from her people. Allah sent the angel to her, and she sought refuge in the Most Merciful. She was told that she would have a pure son.
When the pains of childbirth came, she was distressed. Allah comforted her and provided for her. She was told to eat, drink, and be comforted, and to keep silence from speaking to people.
When she returned carrying the child, her people were shocked and accused her. She pointed to the baby, and Isa عليه السلام spoke from the cradle by Allah’s permission.
A pure son
لِأَهَبَ لَكِ غُلَامًا زَكِيًّا
Li ahaba laki ghulaman zakiyya.
To grant you a pure boy. Source: Quran 19:19, relevant meaning.
Eat, drink, and be comforted
Maryam عليها السلام was comforted, given provision, and told to eat, drink, and be comforted after giving birth. Source: Quran 19:24-26, meaning summarized.
I am the servant of Allah
The first words of Isa عليه السلام recorded in the Qur’an begin with servanthood to Allah.
He did not say he was divine. He did not claim worship for himself. He said: I am the servant of Allah. He said Allah had given him the Scripture and made him a Prophet.
His cradle speech defended his mother’s honour, announced his Prophethood, and established pure tawheed from the beginning.
I am the servant of Allah
إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا
Inni 'abdullah. Ataniyal-kitaba wa ja'alani nabiyya.
Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet. Source: Quran 19:30.
Blessed wherever I am
وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ
Wa ja'alani mubarakan ayna ma kunt.
And He made me blessed wherever I am. Source: Quran 19:31, relevant part.
Prayer, zakah, and kindness to mother
Isa عليه السلام said Allah enjoined upon him prayer and zakah as long as he lived, and made him dutiful to his mother, not arrogant or wretched. Source: Quran 19:31-32, meaning summarized.
Peace upon me
وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدتُّ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا
Was-salamu 'alayya yawma wulidtu wa yawma amutu wa yawma ub'athu hayya.
And peace is upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I am raised alive. Source: Quran 19:33.
The message of Isa عليه السلام
Isa عليه السلام was sent to Bani Israel. He confirmed what came before him of the Torah and made lawful some things that had been forbidden to them. He came with a sign from Allah and called them to fear Allah and obey him.
His message was not to worship him. His message was: Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is the straight path.
He was given the Injil, a revelation containing guidance and light, confirming the Torah before it.
Messenger to Bani Israel
Isa عليه السلام was sent as a Messenger to Bani Israel, confirming what came before him of the Torah and bringing signs by Allah’s permission. Source: Quran 3:49-50, meaning summarized.
Allah is my Lord and your Lord
إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُوهُ ۗ هَٰذَا صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
Innallaha rabbi wa rabbukum fa'buduh. Hadha siratum-mustaqim.
Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path. Source: Quran 3:51 and Quran 19:36.
He was given the Injil
Allah gave Isa عليه السلام the Injil, in which there was guidance and light, confirming the Torah before it. Source: Quran 5:46, meaning summarized.
Glad tidings of Ahmad
Isa عليه السلام gave glad tidings of a Messenger to come after him whose name would be Ahmad. Source: Quran 61:6, meaning summarized.
Miracles by Allah’s permission
The Qur’an repeatedly connects the miracles of Isa عليه السلام to Allah’s permission. He shaped from clay the form of a bird, breathed into it, and it became a bird by Allah’s permission. He healed the blind and the leper by Allah’s permission. He gave life to the dead by Allah’s permission. He told people what they ate and stored in their homes.
These miracles prove Allah’s power and Isa’s Prophethood. They do not make Isa عليه السلام divine. The repeated phrase “by Allah’s permission” protects tawheed.
Bird from clay by Allah’s permission
Isa عليه السلام shaped from clay the form of a bird and breathed into it, and it became a bird by Allah’s permission. Source: Quran 3:49 and Quran 5:110, meaning summarized.
Healing and raising the dead by Allah’s permission
Isa عليه السلام healed the blind and the leper and gave life to the dead by Allah’s permission. Source: Quran 3:49 and Quran 5:110, meaning summarized.
The disciples and helpers of Allah
When Isa عليه السلام sensed disbelief from them, he asked: who are my helpers toward Allah? The disciples replied that they were helpers of Allah, believed in Allah, and asked Allah to witness that they were Muslims.
Their words show that supporting a Prophet means supporting the religion of Allah, not worshipping the Prophet. Their allegiance was to Allah.
The disciples’ dua
رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ
Rabbana amanna bima anzalta wattaba'nar-rasula faktubna ma'ash-shahidin.
Our Lord, we believe in what You have sent down and we follow the Messenger, so write us among the witnesses. Source: Quran 3:53.
The table spread from heaven
The disciples asked Isa عليه السلام whether his Lord could send down to them a table from heaven. Isa عليه السلام told them to fear Allah if they were believers. They explained that they wished to eat from it, have their hearts reassured, know that he had spoken truth, and be witnesses over it.
Then Isa عليه السلام made dua, asking Allah to send down a table from heaven as a festival and sign, and to provide for them, for Allah is the best of providers.
Send down to us a table from heaven
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ ۖ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Allahumma rabbana anzil 'alayna ma'idatam-minas-sama'i takunu lana 'idan li awwalina wa akhirina wa ayatam-minka. Warzuqna wa anta khayrur-raziqin.
O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us, and You are the best of providers. Source: Quran 5:114.
They did not kill him or crucify him
The Qur’an clearly rejects the claim that Isa عليه السلام was killed or crucified. Rather, it was made to appear so to them, and Allah raised him to Himself.
This is a central Islamic belief. Isa عليه السلام was not abandoned to his enemies. Allah saved him and raised him. His earthly mission will continue when Allah sends him back before the Last Day.
They did not kill or crucify him
وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ
Wa ma qataluhu wa ma salabuhu.
They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him. Source: Quran 4:157, relevant part.
Allah raised him to Himself
بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ
Bal rafa'ahullahu ilayh.
Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. Source: Quran 4:158.
Isa عليه السلام never called people to worship him
The Qur’an records a powerful scene on the Day of Judgement: Allah will ask Isa عليه السلام whether he told people to take him and his mother as gods besides Allah.
Isa عليه السلام will declare Allah’s perfection and deny saying what he had no right to say. He will say that he only told them what Allah commanded: worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
This section is essential because it protects tawheed and the honour of Isa عليه السلام at the same time.
Glory be to You
سُبْحَانَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِي أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِحَقٍّ
Subhanaka ma yakunu li an aqula ma laysa li bihaqq.
Glory be to You. It was not for me to say what I had no right to say. Source: Quran 5:116, relevant meaning.
Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord
أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ
Ani'budullaha rabbi wa rabbakum.
Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Source: Quran 5:117, relevant part.
If You forgive them
إِن تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ ۖ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
In tu'adhdhibhum fa innahum 'ibaduk. Wa in taghfir lahum fa innaka antal-'azizul-hakim.
If You punish them, they are Your servants. If You forgive them, indeed You are the Almighty, the Wise. Source: Quran 5:118.
Honouring Isa عليه السلام correctly
Islam honours Isa عليه السلام by believing in his Prophethood, miraculous birth, miracles, raising, and return, while refusing to worship him or call him the son of Allah.
The return of Isa عليه السلام
Authentic hadith teach that Isa عليه السلام will descend near the end of time. He will judge with justice, break the cross, kill the false messiah, and establish truth by Allah’s command.
The return of Isa عليه السلام is not a new Prophethood after Muhammad ﷺ. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the final Prophet. Isa عليه السلام will return as a follower of the final revelation and a just ruler.
His descent before the Last Day
Authentic hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim mention the descent of Isa عليه السلام before the end of time, his justice, and his role against the false messiah. Meaning summarized.
His return does not change the finality of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Isa عليه السلام will not bring a new law replacing Islam.
Duas and powerful words connected to Isa عليه السلام
إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا
Inni 'abdullah. Ataniyal-kitaba wa ja'alani nabiyya.
Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet. Source: Quran 19:30.
اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ ۖ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Allahumma rabbana anzil 'alayna ma'idatam-minas-sama'i takunu lana 'idan li awwalina wa akhirina wa ayatam-minka. Warzuqna wa anta khayrur-raziqin.
O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us, and You are the best of providers. Source: Quran 5:114.
سُبْحَانَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِي أَنْ أَقُولَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِحَقٍّ
Subhanaka ma yakunu li an aqula ma laysa li bihaqq.
Glory be to You. It was not for me to say what I had no right to say. Source: Quran 5:116.
أَنِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ
Ani'budullaha rabbi wa rabbakum.
Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Source: Quran 5:117.
إِن تُعَذِّبْهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ ۖ وَإِن تَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
In tu'adhdhibhum fa innahum 'ibaduk. Wa in taghfir lahum fa innaka antal-'azizul-hakim.
If You punish them, they are Your servants. If You forgive them, indeed You are the Almighty, the Wise. Source: Quran 5:118.
Common questions about Isa عليه السلام
These points are essential because many misunderstandings about Isa عليه السلام affect tawheed.
Did Isa عليه السلام have a father?
No. Isa عليه السلام was born to Maryam عليها السلام without a father by Allah’s command. This is a miracle and a sign of Allah’s power.
Is Isa عليه السلام divine?
No. Islam honours him as a mighty Messenger, the Messiah, and the son of Maryam, but he is not Allah and not the son of Allah. He is the servant and Messenger of Allah.
Was Isa عليه السلام crucified?
The Qur’an says they did not kill him and did not crucify him. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.
Will Isa عليه السلام return?
Yes. Authentic hadith teach that Isa عليه السلام will descend before the end of time and rule with justice.
Was Isa عليه السلام given revelation?
Yes. Allah gave him the Injil, containing guidance and light and confirming the Torah before it.
Do Muslims need to know his exact birthday?
No. The Qur’an does not give a calendar birthday for Isa عليه السلام. Faith in him is based on revelation, not a yearly date.
Allah creates as He wills
Isa عليه السلام was born without a father by Allah’s command, proving Allah’s complete power.
Honour Prophets without worshipping them
Isa عليه السلام is deeply honoured in Islam, but worship belongs to Allah alone.
Miracles happen by Allah’s permission
Every miracle of Isa عليه السلام was by Allah’s permission, not independent power.
Defend the honour of Maryam عليها السلام
The Qur’an protects Maryam from false accusations and honours her purity.
Tawheed is the straight path
Isa عليه السلام called people to worship Allah, his Lord and their Lord.
Allah protects His Messengers
They plotted, but Allah raised Isa عليه السلام and will send him back by His wisdom.
Common mistakes about this story
- Giving Isa عليه السلام a father: he was born without a father by Allah’s command.
- Calling him divine: he is the servant and Messenger of Allah.
- Forgetting Maryam’s honour: the Qur’an strongly defends and honours her.
- Missing “by Allah’s permission”: his miracles happened only by Allah’s permission.
- Teaching crucifixion as Islamic belief: the Qur’an rejects that he was killed or crucified.
- Ignoring his return: authentic hadith teach his descent before the end of time.
The whole story in ten lines
- Maryam عليها السلام was chosen and purified by Allah.
- Isa عليه السلام was born without a father by Allah’s command.
- He spoke in the cradle and declared himself the servant of Allah.
- He was given the Scripture and made a Prophet.
- He was sent to Bani Israel and given the Injil.
- He performed miracles by Allah’s permission.
- The disciples supported him and believed.
- He made dua for the table spread from heaven.
- They did not kill or crucify him; Allah raised him.
- He will return before the Last Day and rule with justice.
Main references used
- Qur’an: Maryam chosen and glad tidings of Isa عليه السلام: Quran 3:42-47.
- Qur’an: Birth of Isa عليه السلام and his speech in the cradle: Quran 19:16-36.
- Qur’an: Isa عليه السلام sent to Bani Israel, miracles by Allah’s permission, and disciples’ belief: Quran 3:49-53.
- Qur’an: Injil, miracles, table spread, and denial of worshipping Isa عليه السلام: Quran 5:46, 5:110-118.
- Qur’an: They did not kill or crucify Isa عليه السلام; Allah raised him: Quran 4:157-158.
- Qur’an: Isa عليه السلام gave glad tidings of Ahmad: Quran 61:6.
- Hadith: Authentic hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim mention the descent of Isa عليه السلام before the end of time.
- Dates and lineage note: Exact birth date, full calendar timeline, death date, grave location, spouse, and children are not given as clear Qur’an facts.
Isa عليه السلام teaches honour with pure tawheed
His story is filled with wonder: a miraculous birth, speech in the cradle, healing by Allah’s permission, revelation, disciples, rescue from enemies, raising to Allah, and a return before the Last Day. Yet his first words in the cradle remain the key to the whole story: “I am the servant of Allah.” To love Isa عليه السلام correctly is to honour him as Allah honoured him, and to worship only the One he called people to worship.