The short answer
Because of what the Qur’an says about God and about Jesus. One of its shortest chapters says that God is one and eternal and that “He neither begets nor is He begotten” (Qur’an 112:1–4). Of Jesus it says that he was a messenger, a word from God and a spirit from Him, and that God is far exalted above having a son (Qur’an 4:171). It also records Jesus’ own words: “I am a slave of God” (Qur’an 19:30) and “Worship God, my Lord and your Lord” (Qur’an 5:72).
A little more context
Muslims take the title in its literal sense and reject it on that basis; they know that many Christians use it in a different, theological sense, and that is exactly the conversation worth having. What Muslims do not do is diminish Jesus. The Qur’an gives him titles it gives no one else and asks Muslims to honour him. In the Qur’an, the honour and the refusal to worship him come from the same source: what Jesus himself taught.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 112:1-4 The Qur’an’s shortest statement about God.
- Qur’an 4:171 Who Jesus is, and “do not say Three”.
- Qur’an 19:30 Jesus’ first words in the Qur’an.
- Qur’an 5:116-117 Jesus asked whether he told people to worship him.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.