Does Islam believe Jesus was crucified?

The Qur'an (4:157) says Jesus was not killed or crucified, but that it only appeared so, and that God raised him to Himself. Most Muslims therefore believe Jesus was not crucified.

Why do Christians believe Jesus was crucified?

Because the Gospels record it in detail, the earliest Christian creed (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) proclaims it, and Christians believe Jesus willingly died to bear the sins of the world and rose again.

What do historians say about the crucifixion of Jesus?

The crucifixion of Jesus under Pontius Pilate is affirmed by non-Christian sources like Tacitus and Josephus and is regarded by most historians, regardless of faith, as one of the most certain events of ancient history.

Christianity & Islam

Was Jesus Crucified? Islam and Christianity on the Cross

This is the deepest difference between the two faiths. The Qur'an says Jesus was not killed or crucified, 'but it appeared so unto them' (4:157). The Gospels say Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again, and this is the centre of the Christian faith. Most historians, including non-Christians, regard Jesus' crucifixion under Pontius Pilate as one of the most certain facts of ancient history. Here is each view, fairly stated.

What the Qur’an says

“And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger, they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them... they slew him not for certain, but Allah took him up unto Himself.”

Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:157-158 (Pickthall)

The most common Islamic understanding is that Jesus was not crucified; God rescued him and raised him to Himself, and it only appeared to onlookers that he was killed. Muslim scholars have held various views about exactly what happened, but they agree Jesus was not defeated in death.

What Christians believe

For Christians the cross is not a defeat but the very heart of God’s love: Jesus laid down his life willingly to bear the sins of the world, and rose again on the third day.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (KJV)

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13 (KJV)

What historians say

The death of Jesus by crucifixion under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate is affirmed not only by the Gospels but by early non-Christian sources such as the Roman historian Tacitus and the Jewish historian Josephus. For this reason most scholars, whatever their personal beliefs, regard the crucifixion as historically well established. We note this respectfully, not to score a point, but because the evidence is part of an honest conversation.

Where they differ

This is the great divide. Islam teaches Jesus was not crucified; Christianity teaches he was crucified, died, and rose, and that this is how God saves. Both cannot be true. It is worth examining the sources, ancient and scriptural, for yourself.

Qur’an quotations: Pickthall (1930, public domain); translations vary, compare others at quran.com. Bible: King James Version. Every reference on this page was checked against its primary source.

Frequently asked questions

Does Islam believe Jesus was crucified?: The Qur'an (4:157) says Jesus was not killed or crucified, but that it only appeared so, and that God raised him to Himself. Most Muslims therefore believe Jesus was not crucified.
Why do Christians believe Jesus was crucified?: Because the Gospels record it in detail, the earliest Christian creed (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) proclaims it, and Christians believe Jesus willingly died to bear the sins of the world and rose again.
What do historians say about the crucifixion of Jesus?: The crucifixion of Jesus under Pontius Pilate is affirmed by non-Christian sources like Tacitus and Josephus and is regarded by most historians, regardless of faith, as one of the most certain events of ancient history.

Come and see

The Qur’an itself honours the Injil (the Gospel) as “guidance and a light” (5:46). The most direct way to know who Jesus is, is to read his words for yourself. There is no pressure here, and no one has to know. You are welcome exactly as you are.

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Explore furtherWho is Isa (Jesus)?Maryam / Mary al-Masih / Messiah Word of God The Injil / Gospel The crucifixion The Trinity explained The return of Jesus