The miracles of Jesus are renowned across the globe, yet their true purpose and context are often lost in a fog of misinterpretation.
The Quran does not just affirm Jesus’ miracles; Quran clarifies them, stripping away centuries of theological error.
The Quran presents the extraordinary acts of Jesus – known in Islam as Isa, son of Maryam – not as proof of divinity, but as definitive signs of his prophethood, performed solely by the power and permission of the one true God, Allah.
I will explain the authentic Islamic account of Jesus’ miracles, restoring them to their original, monotheistic context.
The Quranic Framework for Understanding the Miracles of Jesus
Understanding the miracles of Jesus in the Quran requires a specific theological framework.
Miracles of Jesus in the Quran are not presented as mere wonders, but as definitive signs with a profound purpose rooted in the Islamic creed.
1. The Purpose of Miracles in Islam
In Islam, miracles (mu’jizat) are acts performed by a prophet to prove the truth of his message.
Miracles in Islam serve as an incontrovertible sign for his people that he is not acting on his own authority, but is supported by the Creator Himself.
2. Miracles in Islam Are Signs of Prophethood, Not Divinity
The miracles of Jesus were a clear proof of his prophethood to the Children of Israel. They were never, however, an indication of divinity; a notion the Quran consistently and decisively rejects.
Jesus, like all prophets before and after him, was a mortal who performed miracles only through Allah’s power.
3. All Miracles Occur by the Will and Permission of Allah
The Quran is emphatic that no miracle can ever occur except by the leave, will, and permission of Allah.
This principle is the bedrock of Islamic monotheism (Tawhid) and is explicitly tied to the miracles of Jesus, reinforcing that the power belongs to Allah alone. As Allah states:
“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah…”
The Miraculous Birth of Jesus is The First Great Miracle
The very entry of Jesus into this world was itself a miracle of the highest order, and it is the first great sign bestowed upon him, showing Allah’s absolute power over His creation from the very beginning.
1. Maryam (Mary) and the Annunciation
The Quran narrates the annunciation to the pure and noble Virgin Maryam (Mary) with profound reverence.
The Angel Jibril (Gabriel) came to her with the news of a son, and her response was one of humble astonishment at this divine decree.
“She said, “My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?” [The angel] said, “Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.””
2. The Creation of Jesus is Parallel to Adam
Islam positions the creation of Jesus as a parallel to the creation of Adam.
To those who would question his fatherless birth, Allah provides the ultimate answer: the creation of Adam from dust, without a father or a mother, was an even greater manifestation of divine power.
“Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, “Be,” and he was.”
3. The Theological Significance of the Virgin Birth of Jesus in Islam
The virgin birth of Jesus is a cornerstone of Islamic belief, and demonstrates that Allah is not bound by the laws of nature He has created.
It serves as a powerful refutation of any notion that Jesus shares in God’s divinity, as he was, in fact, a creation of God, brought into existence by a unique and miraculous command.
Speaking from the Cradle is a Miracle of Jesus in Infancy
Immediately following his miraculous birth, Jesus performed his first miracle as an infant.
This act served to defend his mother’s honor and to announce his own divinely appointed role before he could even walk.
1. Jesus Defending His Mother’s Honor
When Maryam returned to her people carrying the infant Jesus, she was met with grave accusations.
In this moment of immense trial, she followed Allah’s command to remain silent and to point to the child for an answer.
The Quranic Verses on Jesus Speaking as a Baby
From the cradle, the infant Jesus spoke with the clarity and wisdom of a prophet. This miraculous event silenced the slanderers and established his special status in the eyes of all who witnessed it.
“So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?” [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.””
2. Jesus Establishing His Mission from the Very Beginning
In his very first words, Jesus declared his servitude to Allah (“Indeed, I am the servant of Allah”), affirmed his prophethood, and outlined the core of his mission.
This miracle established the foundation of his call from the moment of his birth.
The Miracles of Jesus in Quran During His Prophetic Mission
As Jesus began his call to the Children of Israel, Allah supported him with a series of astounding miracles.
Each miracle was tailored to the context of his people and served as an undeniable sign from their Lord.
1. The Miracle of Creating Birds from Clay
Jesus was given the ability to fashion the shape of a bird from clay, and then, by breathing into it, it would become a living bird.
This was a direct sign that the power of creation belongs only to Allah, who granted this miracle to His messenger.
“…I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I design for you from clay a figure like that of a bird, then I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave…”
2. The Miracles of Healing the Blind and the Leper
In an era known for advancements in medicine, Jesus performed feats of healing that no physician could replicate.
He cured the one born blind and the leper, not through medicine, but by the direct power of Allah, demonstrating divine authority over the human body.
“… And I cure the blind and the leper…”
3. The Ultimate Miracle of Raising the Dead
The most powerful of his healing miracles was giving life back to the dead. The Quran affirms this explicitly:
“…and I give life to the dead – by permission of Allah…”
This was the ultimate proof that all life and death are in Allah’s hands alone.
4. The Miracle of Knowing the Unseen (What People Ate and Stored)
Jesus was also given knowledge of the unseen (ghayb) as it pertained to his mission.
He could inform people of what they had just eaten and what they were storing in their homes, a sign that his knowledge came from a divine source.
“…And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers…”
5. The Miracle of Heavenly Table (Al-Ma’idah)
When his disciples requested a table spread with food from heaven, it was sent down as a sign to strengthen their faith.
However, this miracle also came with a stern warning that it was a test, and disbelief after its arrival would result in a severe punishment.
This event, so significant it gives its name to the fifth chapter of the Quran, underscores the responsibility that comes with witnessing a direct miracle from Allah.
The Quran narrates this exchange, culminating in a stern divine warning:
“Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers. Allah said, ‘I will send it down to you. But whoever among you disbelieves after that will be punished with a punishment that I will not inflict upon anyone else in the worlds.'”
The Miracle of The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
Beyond the miracles Jesus performed during his life, the Quran also details other profound divine interventions that are unique to him.
These events are not actions Jesus performed himself, but miracles enacted by Allah for him, signifying his special status and protection.
1. Divine Protection from Crucifixion
One of the most significant miracles is Allah’s direct intervention to save Jesus from the plot of his enemies who sought to kill and crucify him.
The Quran corrects the historical narrative that he was executed, stating clearly that Allah rescued him from this fate.
This event is a powerful demonstration of Allah’s ability to protect His messengers against the schemes of mankind. It confirms that the will of Allah always prevails over the plans of those who disbelieve.
“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.”
2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven (Ar-Raf’)
Directly connected to his salvation from crucifixion is the miracle of his ascension. Instead of allowing him to be harmed, Allah raised Jesus, in body and soul, up to the heavens to be with Him.
This is an honor bestowed upon no other prophet in this manner.
This act, known as Ar-Raf’, is a cornerstone of the Islamic belief regarding the final chapter of Jesus’ life on earth.
It solidifies his protected status and sets the stage for his eventual, prophesied return.
“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.”
3. Jesus’ Future Return as a Sign of the Hour
The final great miracle associated with Jesus is a prophesied one: his return to Earth before the Day of Judgment.
The Quran explicitly states that his return will be a sign (a form of knowledge) that the Final Hour is near.
His descent will not be with a new law, but as a just ruler and a follower of the final Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
This future miracle serves as a major sign of the end times, confirming the truth of Allah’s complete plan for humanity.
“And indeed, 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.”
Read also: Does Islam Believe Jesus Will Return?
Why is a Correct Understanding of Jesus’ Miracles in the Quran Important?
A proper Islamic understanding of Jesus’ miracles is a fundamental component of a Muslim’s faith (iman) and worldview, with deep theological implications.
1. Affirming the Power of Allah
First and foremost, these miracles direct a Muslim’s heart to the absolute and singular power of Allah.
The recurring phrase, “by permission of Allah,” teaches us that all power, all creation, and all control reside with Him alone.
2. Loving and Respecting All Prophets of God
Belief in all of God’s prophets is an article of faith in Islam. Understanding the great signs given to Jesus increases a Muslim’s love and reverence for him as a mighty messenger of Allah, strengthening the bond of brotherhood among all prophets.
3. Rejecting the Concept of Jesus’ Divinity
The Quranic narrative of the miracles of Jesus provides the clearest refutation of his divinity.
By consistently attributing these acts to Allah’s permission, Islam corrects the error of deifying a prophet and returns him to his rightful, honored status as a servant and messenger of Allah.
4. A Cornerstone of Islamic Christology
The miracles, as detailed in the Quran, are a cornerstone of Islamic Christology, as they define who Jesus was: a human prophet, supported by Allah, who performed signs to call his people back to the pure worship of the one true God, Allah.
That Brings Us to the Conclusion That…
The miracles of Jesus (Isa), as narrated in the Quran, are profound signs that affirm the core tenets of Islam.
The miracles of Jesus in the Quran highlight the absolute power of Allah, to whom all miracles are attributed, and solidify the status of Jesus as one of Allah’s most esteemed prophets, not as a divine being.
This understanding is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim’s faith.
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