Curious to know what the Quran says about the death of Jesus? In Islam, the Quranic narration highlights that Jesus (PBUH) was saved from crucifixion after a conspiracy against him by the Jews. This establishes justice, as Jesus is innocent and not burdened with paying for the sins of humanity.
This article explores the Quranic verses that mention the death of Jesus, building on the principle that ambiguous verses with multiple meanings must be understood in light of the clear and definite ones. It also examines the Quranic usage of the Arabic verb [yatawaffa], proving that it is not restricted only to literal death.
Finally, it reflects on the Quranic directive to follow Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for ultimate guidance, including his sayings about Jesus’ future second coming and natural death afterward.
Keep reading for a deeper understanding of the answer!
What does the Quran say about Jesus’ death?
The Quran discusses the death of Jesus in many verses and gives truth seekers a systematic approach in dealing with ambiguous issues carrying multiple meanings, referring them back to the clear and definite verse of the context. Following are the verses talking about Jesus’ death in the Quran based on Islamic belief:
The Quran directs to understanding ambiguous verses based on clear ones
Before reading any Quranic verse about Jesus, one needs to understand the following controlling Quranic rule:
The Quranic approach in understanding the seemingly ambiguous verses carrying multiple meanings is to refer them to the main verse of the topic definite and clear in meaning. Almighty God stresses this meaning saying:
“He is the One Who has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book, of which some verses are precise—they are the foundation of the Book—while others are ambiguous. Those with deviant hearts follow the elusive verses seeking ˹to spread˺ doubt through their ˹false˺ interpretations.”
(3:7)
Thus, when facing any verse that may carry more possible meanings about the nature of Jesus, it has to be understood in light of the clear and decisive ones.
The Quran directly negates murder of Jesus asserting his ascension
The clear and direct Quranic verse stressing the Islamic belief of Jesus being not crucified or died, and raised up to Almighty God, is the two verses (4:157-158). Any verses carrying multiple ambiguous meanings have to be understood in light of them, as the Quranic principle established.
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh.’ 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 up to Himself.”
Thus, any verse mentioning the death of Jesus needs to be understood in light of this clear and definite verse. For example, this applies to verses 19:33 and 5:117.
Read more: Was Jesus crucified in Quran?
The Arabic verb (yatawaffa) exceeds the meaning of literal death in the Quran
The verb (yatawaffa) in Arabic is used in the Quran not restricted to literal death, so in Jesus’ context it carries broader meaning. The verb yatawaffa in the Quran comes in two contexts:
- Literal death: “Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ ‘Your soul will be taken by the Angel of Death.’” (32:11)
- Natural sleeping: Almighty God describes everyday sleep saying:
“He is the One Who calls back your souls by night and knows what you do by day, then revives you daily to complete your appointed term.” (6:60)
Thus, it is no wonder to find the same verb [yatawaffa] used in the context of Prophet Jesus referring to the main principle of ascension clearly established.
An example is:
“˹Remember˺ when Allah said, ‘O Jesus! I will take you [mutawaffika] and raise you up to Myself. I will deliver you from those who disbelieve.’”
(3:55)
Some scholars interpret the word [mutawaffika] as making Jesus sleep before ascending him to the sky, while others said the verse has taqdim wa-ta’khir (advance and delay) meaning: take you up [O Jesus] then take your soul by literal death after your second coming to earth. Both interpretations align with the definite meaning of verse (4:157).
The Quranic narration on Jesus’ pre-death time hasn’t occurred yet
The Quran states that before Jesus’ death, everyone among the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) will believe in him:
“Every one of the People of the Book will definitely believe in him before his death. And on the Day of Judgment Jesus will be a witness against them.”
(4:159)
Since this was not the case at the earlier conspiracy against Jesus—
“And the disbelievers made a plan ˹against Jesus˺, but Allah also planned—and Allah is the best of planners.”(3:54)
—this necessitates a second coming for Jesus, during which the aggregate belief of the People of the Scripture will happen before his future death.
Still, there is another interpretation of this verse: the pronoun refers to the People of the Book themselves, meaning every one of them will believe in Jesus before the death of each individual.
Read also: Which Prophet Came After Jesus in Islam?
Muslims Are Asked by Quran to obey Prophet Muhammad who gives details on Jesus’ future second coming and natural death
The Quran asserts the necessity of following Prophet Muhammad for guidance, saying:
“Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger… And if you obey him, you will be ˹rightly˺ guided.’”
(24:54)
Prophet Muhammad highlighted Jesus’ future on earth after his second coming near the end of the world:
“There is no prophet between me and him, that is, Jesus (ﷺ). He will descend (to the earth)… He will fight the people for the cause of Islam. He will break the cross, kill swine, and abolish jizyah. Allah will perish all religions except Islam. He will destroy the Antichrist and will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die. The Muslims will pray over him.”
To sum up, the Quran clearly highlights the truth about Jesus based on the definite meaning of verses (4:157-158). It directs believers to the approach of dealing with ambiguous verses by referring them to the clear and definite ones as mentioned in verse (3:7), leaving no room for truth seekers but to understand the rest of the verses in their clear context.
Is Jesus a Prophet in Islam and why?
Yes, Prophet Jesus is one of the honorable top five Prophets in Islam, known for their perseverance in delivering the message of Almighty One God to their people. Since Islam is the message of all Prophets and Messengers sent from Almighty God, all Prophets share the same core mission of calling people to worship one God alone.
Almighty God says in the Quran:
“Indeed, We have sent revelation to you ˹O Prophet˺ as We sent revelation to Noah and the prophets after him. We also sent revelation to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants, ˹as well as˺ Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon. And to David We gave the Psalms.”
(4:163)
For more about Jesus in Islam, read the following article: Is Jesus a Prophet in Islam?
What does the Quran say about Jesus resurrection?
The Quran does not believe in Jesus’ resurrection because, according to Islam, Jesus did not die but was raised to heaven. He will return by the end of the world, live on earth for a period of years, and then face a natural death.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the second coming of Jesus to earth, his mission during that time, and his natural death after this future return by the end of the world, as mentioned in his saying:
“[Jesus] will live on the earth for forty years and then he will die.”
[Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud]
Read also: How Long After Jesus Was the Quran Written?
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer to what does the Quran say about the death of Jesus highlights the Islamic principles of justice and accuracy. The Quran narrates the conspiracy made against Prophet Jesus and that another was made to resemble him. While the exact identity of that person is beyond the scope of this article, some interpretations suggest it could have been the betrayer, which would represent justice, or even a disciple who voluntarily sacrificed himself to be a martyr rewarded with Paradise—an act not uncommon among true supporters of Prophets.
Furthermore, if the preservation of the Bible is questioned by Christian scholars themselves—who admitted the impossibility of retrieving the “Q source,” the commonly referenced original Gospel—then how can the crucifixion or death of Jesus on the cross be proven with certainty? The only authentic source preserved from human alteration is the Quran, which provides clarity on this matter.
- The Quran rejects the claim of Jesus’ crucifixion and death, affirming instead that he was raised up to Almighty God.
- Ambiguous verses must always be understood in the light of the clear and definite ones, such as verses (4:157–158). The Arabic verb [yatawaffa] shows broader meanings beyond literal death, further proving the principle of ascension.
- The Quran also confirms that Jesus’ true death will occur only after his second coming, as highlighted in the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, the Quran and authentic Prophetic traditions remain the only reliable sources to understand the truth about Jesus’ death and future.
This makes it clear: for truth seekers asking what does the Quran say about the death of Jesus, the answer lies in the divine preservation of revelation that stands above human distortion.
For more about the authenticity of the Quran and refutation of all possible sources but the divine one, read: Who is the author of the Quran? Our team is at your service for more discussion and deeper exploration of this topic. Start a fruitful WhatsApp conversation right now!
