Jesus is honored, but he is not divine
“Islam doesn't destroy Isa alayhi salam and his status.”
Muslims should understand and respectfully share Islam's view of Jesus as a miraculous, honored human prophet and servant of God, avoiding both denial and deification.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Seasonal celebrations prompt reflection on Muslims' responsibility to explain Islam's view of Jesus to neighbors and colleagues.
- The khateeb urges respectful dialogue rather than debate and emphasizes that belief in Jesus is essential to Islam.
- Islam honors Jesus and Mary, affirming his miraculous birth, prophethood, and place among the greatest messengers.
- Jesus' miracles and servanthood demonstrate Allah's power and permission, not Jesus' divinity; Allah is one and indivisible.
- Islam rejects the crucifixion-based salvation account, teaches faith and good deeds, and affirms Jesus' future return to restore monotheism and justice.
- Listeners are urged to study, educate others clearly, and speak courageously while respecting others' freedom to accept or reject the message.
In the khateeb's words
“it's not about debating. It's not about kind of like shoving it down their throat. No, it's just about dialogue.”
“we believe in him as a great messenger of God a miracle of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala that was sent at mercy to the world”
“Islam doesn't destroy Isa alayhi salam and his status rather it brings it back again to its original pure status”
“you want to believe you don't want to believe that's up to you but if you ask me this is what we believe in”
For the dinner table
Shaykh Yaser Birjas explained that Muslims believe in Jesus, whom the Quran calls Isa ibn Maryam, and that believing in him is part of being Muslim. Islam honors Jesus and his mother Mary, teaches that his birth was miraculous, and describes him as a great messenger and servant of God, not God Himself. His miracles happened by God's permission, just as other prophets were given miracles. Muslims believe Jesus was not crucified, will return near the end of time, and will call people back to worshiping one God. The khutbah encouraged us to learn this clearly and share it through calm, respectful conversations rather than arguments.
- What surprised you about what Muslims believe about Jesus?
- How could you explain one part of the khutbah kindly to a friend?
- Why do you think the speaker said dialogue is better than debate?
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