The short answer
Qur’an 4:157–158 says that those who claimed to have killed Jesus did not kill or crucify him, but that it was made to appear so to them, and that God raised him to Himself. Most Muslim interpreters have understood this to mean that Jesus was not crucified and that someone else was made to resemble him, though interpretations of the details vary.
A little more context
Muslims also believe that Jesus will return before the end of time. This is one of the clearest differences between Islam and Christianity, and it is best acknowledged plainly in any conversation between the two faiths. The two agree on Jesus’ virgin birth, his miracles, and his status as the Messiah sent to Israel.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 4:157-158 The Qur’an on the crucifixion and the raising of Jesus.
- Qur’an 3:55 God’s promise to raise Jesus to Himself.
- Qur’an 19:16-36 The birth of Jesus.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.