Introduction
From an Islamic theological standpoint, the mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is understood not as a rejection of Jesus Christ or his original message, but as a restoration and confirmation of the authentic monotheism preached by Jesus and all earlier prophets. Islam views itself as the final revelation in a continuous chain of divine guidance that includes Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). Within this framework, Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to uphold the original teachings of Jesus—teachings centered on pure monotheism and obedience to God—rather than later theological developments associated with Pauline Trinitarian Christianity.
This perspective does not deny the spiritual significance of Jesus Christ; on the contrary, Islam holds Jesus (ʿĪsā) in the highest esteem as one of the greatest messengers of God. However, Islam distinguishes between what it considers the authentic message of Jesus and theological doctrines that emerged in the centuries following him. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping the Islamic claim that Muhammad ﷺ affirmed “true Christianity” as originally taught by Jesus, rather than later creedal formulations.
Jesus in Islam: A Prophet of Pure Monotheism
Islam presents Jesus as a prophet who preached unwavering devotion to the One God. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus never claimed divinity and never instructed people to worship him. Instead, he called people to worship God alone, echoing the same monotheistic message proclaimed by earlier prophets.
This portrayal aligns closely with passages in the New Testament where Jesus affirms the oneness of God, such as his citation of the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” From an Islamic perspective, such statements reflect Jesus’ true mission—guiding people to God, not to himself.
Muslims therefore argue that original Christianity was fundamentally a continuation of Abrahamic monotheism. Jesus is seen as the Messiah sent to the Children of Israel to revive the Law and the Prophetic tradition, not to establish a new religion centered on his own divinity.
The Role of Paul and the Development of Trinitarian Theology
A central point of divergence between Islam and mainstream Christianity lies in the role of Paul the Apostle. Islamic scholars have long argued that many doctrines now considered central to Christianity—such as the Trinity, original sin, and salvation through the crucifixion—are absent from the explicit teachings of Jesus and instead developed later, particularly through Pauline theology.
Paul’s writings focus heavily on theological interpretations of Jesus’ death and resurrection, often framing salvation in terms that differ from the prophetic law-centered tradition of earlier messengers. From the Islamic viewpoint, this represents a theological shift away from Jesus’ original message of submission to God’s law and moral accountability.
Historically, Trinitarian doctrine itself was not formally codified until centuries after Jesus, most notably at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. Muslims see this as evidence that Trinitarianism is a post-Jesus development shaped by philosophical and political forces rather than direct prophetic instruction.
Muhammad ﷺ as a Restorer, Not an Innovator
Islam teaches that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not come to introduce a new religion, but to restore the original monotheistic faith that had been altered or obscured over time. The Qur’an describes itself as a confirmation of previous scriptures and a criterion (furqān) to clarify truth from later additions.
In this sense, Muhammad ﷺ is viewed as reaffirming the authentic teachings of Jesus—belief in one God, righteous conduct, prayer, charity, and moral accountability—while correcting doctrines that Islam considers theological innovations. The Qur’an explicitly addresses Christians, calling them back to monotheism and urging them not to elevate Jesus beyond his prophetic status.
From the Islamic perspective, this mission aligns Muhammad ﷺ not against Jesus, but alongside him, both serving the same divine purpose in different historical contexts.
The Concept of “Antichrist” in Theological Polemics
The term “Antichrist” has been used historically in various religious traditions as a polemical label to describe beliefs perceived as deviating from divine truth. In Islamic theology, the Qur’an does not use this term to describe Christian doctrines, but it does strongly warn against associating partners with God (shirk), which it considers the gravest theological error.
When some Muslim writers apply the term “Antichrist” to certain theological systems, they are not making a claim about individual believers, but critiquing doctrines they believe obscure pure monotheism. Islam differentiates clearly between theological disagreement and moral judgment of people; the Qur’an repeatedly commands Muslims to engage others with wisdom, respect, and justice.
Common Ethical and Spiritual Ground
Despite theological differences, Islam recognizes sincere Christians as fellow worshippers of God who strive for righteousness. The Qur’an acknowledges the devotion, humility, and spirituality found among many Christians and emphasizes shared moral values such as compassion, charity, and love of God.
This shared ethical foundation underscores the Islamic claim that Muhammad ﷺ upheld the essence of Jesus’ teachings. While theological interpretations differ, both traditions call for submission to God, moral integrity, and care for others.
Conclusion
From an Islamic theological perspective, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to affirm and restore the original monotheistic message preached by Jesus Christ, a message centered on worshipping one God and living a life of righteousness. Islam distinguishes between this original message and later doctrinal developments associated with Pauline Trinitarian Christianity, which Muslims believe diverged from prophetic monotheism.
This viewpoint is not an attack on Jesus or his true followers, but a reaffirmation of Islam’s belief in the continuity of divine revelation. Muhammad ﷺ is thus seen not as a rival to Jesus, but as the final messenger in the same prophetic tradition—calling humanity back to the worship of the One God, just as Jesus did before him.
In Islamic theology, the mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is understood as the final link in a continuous chain of divine revelation that began with Adam and continued through Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). Islam does not see itself as a break from Christianity, but as a restoration and confirmation of the original message of Jesus Christ—a message rooted in uncompromising monotheism and obedience to God.
Muslims believe that Jesus (ʿĪsā) preached what may be called true Christianity: submission to the One God, moral righteousness, and adherence to divine law. From this perspective, later theological developments—particularly Pauline Trinitarian Christianity—represent a departure from Jesus’ original teachings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is therefore viewed as one who upheld and clarified the authentic message of Jesus, rather than contradicting it.
Jesus in the Qur’an: A Messenger of One God
The Qur’an speaks of Jesus with deep reverence, affirming his miraculous birth, his role as the Messiah, and his status as one of the greatest prophets. However, it is explicit that Jesus is not divine, nor the son of God in a literal sense.
“The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; messengers have passed away before him.”
(Qur’an 5:75)
“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”
(Qur’an 3:51)
The Qur’an emphasizes that Jesus called people to worship God alone, not himself:
“And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, “Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah”?’ He will say, ‘Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right.’”
(Qur’an 5:116)
From the Islamic perspective, these verses preserve the true mission of Jesus: calling humanity back to pure monotheism (tawḥīd).
Jesus in the Bible: Affirming Monotheism
Muslim scholars often point out that the Bible itself contains numerous passages where Jesus affirms the oneness of God and distinguishes himself from God.
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replies:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
(Mark 12:29)
Jesus also prays to God as distinct from himself:
“This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
(John 17:3)
And he explicitly denies possessing independent divine authority:
“The Father is greater than I.”
(John 14:28)
From an Islamic viewpoint, such passages align closely with the Qur’anic portrayal of Jesus as a servant and messenger of God, reinforcing the belief that original Christianity was firmly monotheistic.
Paul and the Transformation of Christian Theology
A major point of divergence between Islam and mainstream Christianity concerns the influence of Paul the Apostle. Paul’s epistles form a substantial portion of the New Testament and emphasize themes such as salvation through faith in Jesus’ crucifixion and the diminishing role of Mosaic Law.
For example, Paul writes:
“A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
(Romans 3:28)
This contrasts with Jesus’ own emphasis on law and obedience:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets… not the smallest letter will disappear from the Law.”
(Matthew 5:17–18)
Islamic scholars argue that Paul’s theology introduced concepts not explicitly taught by Jesus, including the foundations for Trinitarian belief and vicarious atonement. Historically, the doctrine of the Trinity was not formally defined until the Council of Nicaea (325 CE)—nearly three centuries after Jesus.
From the Islamic perspective, this historical development suggests that Trinitarian Christianity is a later theological construction rather than the original message of Jesus.
The Qur’an’s Critique of Trinitarian Doctrine
The Qur’an directly addresses Christians, urging them to return to monotheism and to avoid elevating Jesus beyond his prophetic role:
“O People of the Scripture, do not exaggerate in your religion nor say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah.”
(Qur’an 4:171)
“They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the third of three.’ And there is no god except one God.”
(Qur’an 5:73)
These verses do not deny Jesus’ importance; rather, they seek to protect the absolute oneness of God, which Islam views as the core teaching of all prophets.
Muhammad ﷺ as a Confirmer of Jesus’ True Message
The Qur’an presents the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ not as an innovator, but as a confirmer of previous revelations:
“He has sent down upon you the Book in truth, confirming what was before it.”
(Qur’an 3:3)
Muhammad ﷺ is instructed to declare continuity with earlier prophets:
“We make no distinction between any of His messengers.”
(Qur’an 2:285)
In this framework, Muhammad ﷺ upholds the same essential message preached by Jesus: worship of one God, prayer, charity, fasting, humility, and moral accountability.
Jesus himself foretells the coming of a future messenger in the Gospel of John, referring to the “Paraclete” or “Advocate”:
“But when the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father… he will testify about me.”
(John 15:26)
Muslim scholars interpret this as a prophecy of Muhammad ﷺ, whose message both honored Jesus and corrected what Islam considers later distortions.
Theological Polemics and the Term “Antichrist”
The term “Antichrist” has historically been used within Christian discourse to describe beliefs seen as opposing true faith (e.g., 1 John 2:22). Some Muslim polemicists apply similar language when critiquing theological systems they believe obscure monotheism.
However, the Qur’an itself avoids demonizing believers and instead focuses on correcting beliefs:
“And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best.”
(Qur’an 29:46)
Islam distinguishes between theological disagreement and moral judgment, emphasizing respectful dialogue and justice toward all people.
Shared Ethics and Spiritual Values
Despite theological differences, Islam recognizes righteousness among Christians:
“And you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers those who say, ‘We are Christians.’”
(Qur’an 5:82)
Both Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ taught compassion, charity, humility, and devotion to God. These shared values underscore Islam’s claim that Muhammad ﷺ upheld the ethical and spiritual essence of Jesus’ teachings.
Conclusion
From an Islamic theological perspective, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came to uphold and restore the true Christianity preached by Jesus Christ—a faith centered on worshipping the One God and living a life of righteousness. Islam honors Jesus as the Messiah and a mighty prophet while rejecting later doctrines, particularly Pauline Trinitarian theology, that Muslims believe diverged from Jesus’ original message.
This perspective does not position Muhammad ﷺ against Jesus, but alongside him, both calling humanity to the same timeless truth: submission to the One God. In this sense, Islam views itself as the continuation and completion of the original monotheistic faith that Jesus himself taught.
