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by Michael Edwards

08/02/25
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Study on Quranic Verses Related to Jesus, the People of the Book, the Gospel, and His Return. This study is offered to assist the Christian in sharing the gospel with Muslims. Many Muslims do not even realize these verses exist in the Quran. If you like to share your faith in Christ, knowing what the Quran states about Jesus and the People of the Book will be very helpful.

This study presents verses from the Quran discussing Jesus (Isa in Arabic), the People of the Book (Jews and Christians), the Gospel (Injil), belief in previous scriptures, and Jesus’ return, along with interpretations to provide deeper insight into their meanings within the Islamic context. The verses are quoted in full, with their locations (surah and ayah numbers), using the Sahih International translation. Interpretations draw on classical Islamic exegesis (tafsir), such as Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Al-Jalalayn, to clarify theological significance while remaining concise. The focus is to illuminate the Quranic perspective on Jesus’ role, the respect for prior revelations, and his eschatological return.

Verses About Jesus (Isa)

The Quran portrays Jesus as a major prophet and messenger, emphasizing his miraculous birth, divine mission, and spiritual significance.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:87)
"And We did certainly give Moses the Torah and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit. But is it [not] that every time a messenger came to you, [O Children of Israel], with what your souls did not desire, you were arrogant? And a party [of messengers] you denied and another party you killed."
Interpretation: This verse establishes Jesus as a divinely appointed messenger in the lineage of prophets sent to the Children of Israel. The “clear proofs” refer to his miracles (e.g., healing, raising the dead), and the “Pure Spirit” is commonly understood as the angel Gabriel, who strengthened him. The verse critiques the rejection of prophets by some Israelites, highlighting a pattern of resistance to divine guidance, which Jesus also faced.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:136)
"Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'"
Interpretation: This verse underscores the Islamic principle of universal prophethood, requiring Muslims to believe in all prophets equally, including Jesus. It emphasizes the continuity of divine revelation across prophets, with Jesus’ mission (the Gospel) as part of Allah’s guidance. The lack of distinction highlights Islam’s rejection of favoritism among prophets, uniting them under monotheism.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:253)
"Those messengers - some of them We caused to exceed others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the Son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Pure Spirit. If Allah had willed, those [generations] succeeding them would not have fought each other after the clear proofs had come to them. But they differed, and some of them believed and some of them disbelieved. And if Allah had willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allah does what He intends."
Interpretation: This verse acknowledges that some prophets, including Jesus, were given unique roles or miracles, elevating their status in specific contexts. Jesus’ “clear proofs” (miracles) and support from the Pure Spirit signify his special mission to guide the Israelites. The verse also reflects on human division over divine messages, indicating that disputes among Jesus’ followers arose from misinterpretations, not the message itself.

Surah Ali 'Imran (3:45)
"[And mention] when the angels said, 'O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah].'"
Interpretation: This verse announces Jesus’ miraculous birth, referring to him as a “word” from Allah, often interpreted as a divine command (“Be”) that brought him into existence without a father. His title “Messiah” (Al-Masih) denotes his anointed role as a prophet, and his distinction in both worlds highlights his spiritual eminence and closeness to Allah.

Surah Ali 'Imran (3:52-53)
"When Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, 'Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah?' The disciples said, 'We are supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]. Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the messenger Jesus, so register us among the witnesses [to truth].'"
Interpretation: This passage depicts Jesus’ call for loyal followers amidst disbelief, with the disciples affirming their faith in Allah and Jesus’ message. Their declaration as Muslims reflects submission to Allah, aligning with the Quranic view that true followers of Jesus adhered to monotheism, not later doctrines like the Trinity.

Surah Ali 'Imran (3:55)
"[Mention] when Allah said, 'O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ.'"
Interpretation: This verse is pivotal, indicating Allah’s protection of Jesus by raising him to Himself, interpreted as saving him from crucifixion (see 4:157-159). The superiority of Jesus’ true followers (those adhering to monotheism) until the Day of Resurrection suggests their spiritual triumph. Some scholars link this to Jesus’ return, when his true message will prevail.

Surah An-Nisa (4:157-159)
"And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.' And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise. And there is none from the People of the Scripture but that he will surely believe in Jesus before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness."
Interpretation: This verse explicitly denies the crucifixion of Jesus, asserting that Allah raised him alive to Himself, a point of theological divergence from Christianity. The phrase about the People of the Book believing in Jesus “before his death” is often interpreted as referring to his return, when all will recognize his true prophetic role before the Day of Judgment, where he will testify against those who misrepresented his message.

Surah An-Nisa (4:171)
"O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, 'Three'; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs."
Interpretation: This verse corrects Christian doctrines, particularly the Trinity and divinity of Jesus, affirming his status as a human messenger and a creation of Allah’s command. It calls the People of the Book to monotheism, emphasizing Jesus’ role as a prophet while rejecting exaggerated claims about him.

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:110)
"[The Day] when Allah will say, 'O Jesus, Son of Mary, remember My favor upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you designed from clay [what was] like the form of a bird with My permission, then you breathed into it, and it became a bird with My permission; and you healed the blind and the leper with My permission; and when you brought forth the dead with My permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, "This is not but obvious magic."'"
Interpretation: This verse recounts Jesus’ miracles, performed by Allah’s permission, to affirm his prophethood. The miracles (speaking in the cradle, creating birds, healing, raising the dead) demonstrate divine favor but are explicitly attributed to Allah’s power, not Jesus’ own. The verse also highlights opposition from some Israelites, accusing him of magic, and Allah’s protection of him.

Surah Maryam (19:16-36)
This passage narrates Mary’s story and Jesus’ birth. Key verses:
- 19:30-34: "[Jesus] said, 'Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive and [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.' That is Jesus, the son of Mary - the word of truth about which they are in dispute."
  Interpretation: Jesus’ first words as an infant affirm his servanthood to Allah, prophethood, and the Gospel’s revelation. His blessings, duties (prayer, charity, filial piety), and rejection of tyranny emphasize his righteousness. The mention of his death and resurrection aligns with Islamic belief in his eventual natural death after his return, clarifying disputes about his nature.

Verses Encouraging Belief in the People of the Book

The Quran acknowledges Jews and Christians as recipients of divine scriptures, encouraging respectful engagement while urging them to uphold their revelations and recognize Islam’s truth.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:62)
"Indeed, those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammad] - those [among them] who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness - will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve."
Interpretation: This verse offers hope for salvation to righteous Jews and Christians who believed in Allah and the Last Day before Muhammad’s prophethood. It reflects Islam’s inclusive view of earlier monotheistic communities, provided they adhered to true faith and good deeds, though Islam is seen as the final, perfected religion.

Surah Ali 'Imran (3:113-115)
"They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer]. They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous. And whatever good they do - never will it be removed from them. And Allah is Knowing of the righteous."
Interpretation: This passage praises upright Jews and Christians who practice devotion and righteousness, distinguishing them from those who stray. It acknowledges their potential for salvation if they adhere to monotheism and good deeds, reinforcing Islam’s call to recognize shared values while inviting them to the final revelation.

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:66)
"And if only they upheld [the law of] the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to them from their Lord, they would have consumed [provision] from above them and from beneath their feet. Among them are a moderate community, but many of them - evil is that which they do."
Interpretation: This verse urges the People of the Book to follow their scriptures authentically, promising divine blessings for doing so. The “moderate community” refers to those who adhere to true monotheism, while the criticism of others highlights deviations, such as altering scriptures or neglecting their laws.

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:68)
"Say, 'O People of the Scripture, you are [standing] on nothing until you uphold [the law of] the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.' And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. So do not grieve over the disbelieving people."
Interpretation: This verse challenges Jews and Christians to adhere to their scriptures, which, in their original form, align with monotheism and prepare for the Quran’s message. The increased transgression of some reflects their rejection of Muhammad’s prophethood, despite their scriptures’ confirmation of it.

Verses Affirming the Gospel (Injil)

The Quran recognizes the Gospel as a divine revelation to Jesus, affirming its guidance while urging adherence to its original message.

Surah Ali 'Imran (3:3-4)
"He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur'an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution."
Interpretation: The Quran positions itself as a continuation and confirmation of the Torah and Gospel, all revealed by Allah as guidance. The Gospel’s role as “guidance for the people” underscores its divine origin, though the Quran is seen as the final, uncorrupted revelation.

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:46-47)
"And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous. And let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the defiantly disobedient."
Interpretation: The Gospel is described as containing “guidance and light,” confirming the Torah and providing moral instruction. Christians are called to judge by its original teachings, which align with monotheism. The verse implies that deviations from the Gospel’s true message constitute disobedience.

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:66)
(Repeated for relevance) "And if only they upheld [the law of] the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to them from their Lord, they would have consumed [provision] from above them and from beneath their feet. Among them are a moderate community, but many of them - evil is that which they do."
Interpretation: Repeated to emphasize the Gospel’s role as a divine guide, this verse suggests that sincere adherence to the Gospel’s original teachings would bring blessings, reinforcing the Quran’s call for the People of the Book to return to their scriptures’ authentic monotheistic message.

Surah Al-Hadid (57:27)
"Then We sent following their footsteps Our messengers and followed [them] with Jesus, the son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel. And We placed in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy and monasticism, which they innovated; We did not prescribe it for them except [that they did so] seeking the approval of Allah. But they did not observe it with due observance. So We gave the ones who believed among them their reward, but many of them are defiantly disobedient."
Interpretation: This verse affirms the Gospel’s divine origin and praises the compassion of Jesus’ true followers. Monasticism, however, is noted as a human innovation, not divinely mandated, and its improper practice led to deviations. The verse rewards true believers while critiquing those who strayed.

Verses Supporting Belief in Previous Scriptures and Trust in Jesus

The Quran mandates belief in all prophets and scriptures, including Jesus and his Gospel, as integral to Islamic faith.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:136)
(Repeated for relevance) "Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'"
Interpretation: This verse reinforces the unity of divine revelation, with Jesus’ Gospel as a cornerstone. Muslims are obligated to trust in Jesus as a prophet and his scripture, viewing them as part of Allah’s consistent message of monotheism.

Surah An-Nisa (4:136)
"O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray."
Interpretation: This verse makes belief in all scriptures, including the Gospel, a pillar of faith. Rejecting Jesus or his revelation is equated with disbelief in Allah, emphasizing the interconnectedness of divine messages.

Surah Ash-Shura (42:13)
"He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein. Difficult for those who associate others with Allah is that to which you invite them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him]."
Interpretation: This verse links the missions of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, emphasizing a unified religion of submission to Allah. Jesus’ role is to establish monotheism, and the verse calls for unity among believers, with the Quran as the final guide.

Verses and Islamic Perspective on Jesus’ Return

The Quran alludes to Jesus’ return as a sign of the Day of Judgment, with hadith providing detailed purposes for his second coming, rooted in Islamic eschatology.

Surah An-Nisa (4:159)
"And there is none from the People of the Book but that he will surely believe in Jesus before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be against them a witness."
Interpretation: Scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret this to mean that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment, leading all People of the Book to recognize him as a prophet, not divine. His role as a witness on the Day of Resurrection suggests he will testify against those who misrepresented his message (e.g., claiming divinity).

Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:61)
"And indeed, he [Jesus] will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path."
Interpretation: Tafsir Al-Jalalayn and others view this as a clear reference to Jesus’ return as a major sign of the Hour (Day of Judgment). His descent will herald the end times, urging humanity to follow Allah’s path, with Jesus reinforcing the Quran’s message of monotheism.

Purpose of Jesus’ Return in Islamic Tradition

The Quran is concise on Jesus’ return, but authentic hadith (e.g., Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) elaborate, portraying him as a central figure in end-time events:

Defeating the Dajjal (False Messiah): Jesus will confront and kill the Dajjal, a deceptive figure who will mislead many, restoring truth (Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Hadith 6924).

Establishing Justice and Monotheism: He will rule justly, breaking the cross (rejecting false doctrines like the Trinity), killing the pig (symbolizing unlawful practices), and abolishing the jizyah, as all will embrace Islam (Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Hadith 6924).

Uniting Believers: Jesus will lead the faithful, fulfilling Surah 3:55’s promise of his followers’ superiority, uniting them under Islam (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 55, Hadith 657).

Sign of the Hour: His return signals the imminent Day of Judgment, aligning with Surah 43:61, urging preparation for divine accountability.

Relevant hadith:

Sahih Muslim (Book 41, Hadith 6924): “The son of Mary… will descend amongst you as a just ruler and will break the cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizyah…”

Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 55, Hadith 657): “Jesus, son of Mary, will descend… and he will judge by the law of the Quran…”

These hadith depict Jesus as a restorer of truth, eliminating falsehood and guiding humanity to Islam before the final judgment.

Conclusion

The Quran presents Jesus (Isa) as a revered prophet, miraculously born, divinely supported, and entrusted with the Gospel, a guide of “light and guidance.” Muslims are commanded to believe in him and his scripture as part of a unified divine message, alongside the Torah and Quran. The Quran respects the People of the Book, urging them to follow their scriptures’ original teachings while inviting them to Islam. Verses like 4:159 and 43:61, supported by hadith, highlight Jesus’ return to defeat the Dajjal, establish justice, and affirm monotheism, marking him as a sign of the Hour. This portrayal underscores Islam’s view of Jesus as a pivotal figure in divine guidance and eschatology, culminating in the Quran’s final message.

The Quran written in the 6th century AD, supports a belief in Jesus and the Gospel and claims to be a further revelation from God. The Bible on the other clearly tells us there will be no further revelations. Jesus and the Gospel are the final revelation. The Bible warns of adding or subtracting to it's message:

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

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