The Ministry of Jesus:

A Comparative Study of the Qur’an and New Testament

L. Ali Khan

 

Abstract: This article examines the core components of Christian belief within a comparative framework of the Qur’an and the New Testament. Islam, emerging 600 years after Christianity, reveres Jesus as a cherished prophet but rejects his divinity as the Son of God. While the Qur’an acknowledges several miracles performed by Jesus during his ministry, it omits others that conflict with Islamic theology. In Islam, Jesus is recognised as the Messiah, though not the figure foretold in the Old Testament. Most notably, the Qur’an firmly asserts that Jesus was neither crucified nor killed but ascended to heaven. Despite these differences, Islam and Christianity share a close theological kinship under the same God. This article seeks to clarify misconceptions that often perplex followers of the world’s two largest religions. Beyond identifying shared elements, this article highlights the importance of faith leaders understanding the theological contexts that shape these differences. Recognising the differences between the two faiths with respect is as vital as highlighting their commonalities. Such an understanding significantly influences the dignity and religious freedom, under law, afforded to Muslim minorities in Western societies and Christian minorities in Muslimmajority regions.