The Quran Teaches Jesus is “A Word From Allah” Not “The Word of Allah”
Jesus in the Quran: What Does the Quran Say About Jesus?
Discover why the Quran gives Jesus (peace be upon him) a special title that is unique to him. In the Quran Allah tells us something very important about him.
“Behold! The angels said: O Mary! Allah you good news of a Word from Him: Jesus, son of Mary; honoured in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those Nearest to Allah.” (Quran 3:45).
Jesus’s Birth Like Adam’s Creation
“Indeed, the likeness of Jesus with Allah is like Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was” (Quran 3:59).
Adam was created with no father or mother. Jesus was created with a mother but no father. In both cases Allah created them by His word “Be.” This is why Jesus is called “a word from Allah.” It points to the mode of creation, but not to divinity.
“A Word From Allah” vs “The Word of Allah”
What Does “A Word From Allah” Mean?
Jesus in the Quran is given a title unlike any other: “a word from Allah,” it means that he was a chosen Prophet and Messenger who carried Allah’s message. He was sent to bring guidance from Allah to the people, to show them the right path to God, and to remind them of the purpose behind their existence on earth.
Why Not “The Word of Allah”?
The phrase “the word of Allah” would mean something completely different. It would suggest that Jesus is Allah’s complete message, or that he is divine or part of Allah. Both of these ideologies go against the concept of monotheism and the core principle of Islam.
What about “a spirit from Him”?
“A spirit from Him” as mentioned in Quran 4:171 indicates honor and origin, not part of Allah’s essence. Similarly, Allah says He “breathed into” Adam of His spirit as well (Quran 15:29; 32:9). It signifies nobility and a life that Allah bestows, not divinity.
A Simple Way of Understanding
Think of it this way: If your teacher sends you to deliver a message to another class, you are carrying “a word” from your teacher. You are not “the word” of your teacher – you are just the “messenger”, sent to deliver a message.
Similarly, Jesus carried “a word”, meaning a message from Allah. He was not “the word” (the complete divine essence) of Allah.
Why This Distinction Matters in Islam
Jesus as a Chosen Prophet
Islam teaches that:
- Jesus is one of the greatest Prophets and Messengers of Allah
- He performed miracles by Allah’s permission
- He brought the Gospel (Injeel) to guide people
- He was and will be honored in this world and the next
- His message of monotheism was no different then all other Prophets
Message of Monotheism
Islam emphasizes that all Prophets and Messengers, including Jesus, were sent to guide us, show us the right path of God, and remind us to worship the Creator alone and not anything from the creation.
All Prophets Were “A Word From Allah”?
When someone is called “a word from Allah,” it means they are chosen by Allah as a Prophet/Messenger to convey divine guidance and are a sign from Allah for the people.
Common Questions About This Teaching
Q: Does this make Jesus less important?
A: Not at all! Jesus remains one of the most honored Prophets in Islam. The Quran speaks about him with great respect and love. Muslims around the world follow and live by his example.
Q: What does the Quran say about Jesus?
A: Muslims believe Jesus is:
- A mighty Messenger of Allah for the lost sheep of Israel
- Born of the Virgin Mary by Allah’s command
- Came to remind his people and revive the teachings of Moses
- Given the ability to perform miracles by Allah’s permission
- A Prophet who will return before the Day of Judgment
Q: What’s the main message here?
A: The main message is that Jesus brought Allah’s word to people, but he himself is not divine. He is a beloved prophet and messenger. Allah says:
“The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, is only a messenger of Allah and His word which He conveyed to Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say ‘Three.’ Allah is only One God; exalted is He above having a son” (Quran 4:171).
Conclusion: Respecting the Quranic Teaching
Understanding that Jesus is “a word from Allah” rather than “the word of Allah” helps us appreciate the beautiful way Islam honors this great prophet while maintaining the core belief of monotheism.
Jesus (peace be upon him) strove carrying Allah’s message with honor and will always be remembered as one of the greatest messengers in human history. If you wish to discover more about his life and the message that he came with, order your Free Quran today!