Jesus in Islam

In Islam, Jesus, who is referred to as Isa (peace be on him) in the Quran, is respected as a prophet and messenger of God but is not considered divine or part of a trinity, differing from Christian beliefs. Ahmadi Muslims follow the teachings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who offered unique interpretations regarding Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and second coming that distinguish them from both traditional Islamic and Christian views.

According to Ahmadiyya belief, Jesus was crucified but survived due to divine intervention, entering a state that resembled death rather than truly dying. After recovering, he is believed to have journeyed eastward to continue his mission among the “lost tribes of Israel.” Ahmadi Muslim teachings hold that Jesus ultimately reached Kashmir, where he lived out his natural life and passed away. They identify his burial site as the Roza Bal shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir.

The Ahmadiyya interpretation of Jesus’ second coming is also unique. They believe that the return of Jesus is a metaphorical event, not a physical descent from heaven. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad claimed to fulfill the role of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi (Guided One) as foretold in various religious texts, including Islamic traditions. This interpretation emphasizes the concept of a spiritual revival rather than a literal return, marking the advent of an era focused on the peaceful propagation of Islam’s teachings and moral reform.

For the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, this belief in the metaphorical return of Jesus highlights their commitment to peace, dialogue, and unity. Their mission emphasizes spreading Islam’s values through peaceful means, compassion, and service to humanity, rejecting any form of extremism or violence.