Many Christians are unaware that in Islam, Jesus is considered a prophet of God, just as he is in Christianity. Muslims also believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus without a father. The Prophet said, “I am the closest of the people to Jesus the son of Mary in this life and the Hereafter… and there was no other prophet between us.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 2365)

Islam holds both Muhammad and Jesus as prophets who brought the divine message of God to mankind. Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born in 570 CE in Makkah, while Jesus Christ was born 600 years earlier in Jerusalem. The message that both Jesus and Muhammad brought from God was essentially the same. This message has been preserved for eternity in the form of the Quran revealed to the Prophet Muhammad from God. One of the teachings of the Quran regarding prophets and messengers is: “We make no distinction between any of them.” (3: 84) That is, each prophet has to be accorded the same respect and regard, making no distinctions between them.

From Prophet Jesus’ life, we can draw many lessons that can provide us with wonderful guidance. The Quran repeatedly mentions Jesus Christ, and we can learn much from his life. Jesus Christ says: ‘‘But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you”. (Luke, 6:27-30) The same teaching is echoed in the Quran: And good deeds and evil deeds are not alike. Repel evil with good, and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend. (The Quran, 41:34) This is a practical code of conduct for us, showing us the way to live in peace and harmony.

From the life of Prophet Jesus, we learn many lessons of unilateral ethics.