Within Islamic theology, Jesus (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) occupies an honored position as one of the greatest prophets of God. Muslims affirm his miraculous birth, his message of monotheism, and his performance of miracles by God’s permission. However, Islam strongly differs from mainstream Christian theology regarding the crucifixion of Jesus and the later development of doctrines such as the Trinity. Some Islamic interpretations also critically examine the role of Paul of Tarsus in shaping what later became orthodox Christianity. This article explores these views as they appear in Islamic scripture, classical commentary, and later Muslim polemical thought.
The Qur’anic View of the Crucifixion
The foundational Islamic position on the crucifixion of Jesus is derived from the Qur’an, particularly Surah al-Nisāʾ (4:157–158). The Qur’an states that those who opposed Jesus claimed to have killed and crucified him, but in reality, “they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them.” Instead, God raised Jesus unto Himself.
Islam does not present a detailed historical narrative of who attempted the crucifixion or how the event appeared to occur. However, the Qur’an places responsibility on certain groups among the Children of Israel who rejected Jesus and conspired against him. Classical Muslim commentators often identify these opponents as religious authorities of the time, sometimes associated with the Pharisaic or priestly leadership described in the New Testament. Importantly, Islamic theology does not hold all Jews collectively responsible; rather, it speaks of specific leaders or factions who opposed Jesus’ prophetic mission.
Thus, from an Islamic perspective, there was an attempt by Jesus’ opponents to have him executed, but the attempt ultimately failed, as God intervened and saved His prophet. This view directly contradicts the Christian belief that the crucifixion was a real, historical event and a necessary part of salvation.
Jesus’ Message in Islam
In Islam, Jesus is understood to have preached the same essential message as all prophets: pure monotheism (tawḥīd). He called people to worship the one God of Abraham, to obey divine law, and to live righteously. Muslims believe that Jesus did not claim divinity, nor did he teach the doctrine of the Trinity.
From this standpoint, any later belief that Jesus was the literal Son of God or part of a triune deity is seen as a deviation from his original message. The Qur’an explicitly rejects the divinity of Jesus while emphasizing his humanity and prophetic status.
Paul of Tarsus in Islamic Critique
Paul of Tarsus is a central figure in the development of Christianity as it exists today. His epistles form a significant portion of the New Testament, and his theological interpretations heavily influenced early Christian doctrine. In mainstream Christianity, Paul is regarded as a sincere apostle who spread the message of Jesus to the Gentile world.
In contrast, many Muslim scholars and polemicists have viewed Paul more critically. Some argue that Paul transformed Jesus’ original monotheistic teachings into a new theological system that emphasized salvation through faith in the crucified Christ rather than adherence to divine law. From this perspective, Paul is seen not as a transmitter of Jesus’ teachings, but as an innovator who reinterpreted them.
More polemical Islamic writings have gone further, portraying Paul as an agent—either conscious or unconscious—of earlier religious authorities who opposed Jesus. According to this view, although Jesus’ enemies failed to kill him, they succeeded indirectly by reshaping his message through Paul’s theology. It is important to note that this claim represents a theological critique rather than a historically verified conclusion.
The Development of Trinitarian Doctrine
Islamic theology holds that the doctrine of the Trinity was not taught by Jesus and was not fully articulated by his earliest followers. Historically, even many Christian scholars acknowledge that Trinitarian doctrine developed gradually over several centuries, reaching formal definition in church councils such as Nicaea (325 CE) and Constantinople (381 CE).
Muslim critics argue that Paul’s writings laid the groundwork for this development by elevating Jesus’ status and introducing concepts such as divine sonship and atoning sacrifice. Over time, they argue, these ideas evolved into the formal doctrine of the Trinity, which Islam views as incompatible with pure monotheism.
The Qur’an strongly rejects the Trinity, emphasizing that God is one, indivisible, and unique. From the Islamic viewpoint, Trinitarian Christianity represents a theological departure influenced by human interpretation rather than divine revelation.
Comparing Islamic and Christian Perspectives
It is essential to recognize that these Islamic interpretations are not shared by Christians or by most secular historians. Christianity affirms the crucifixion as a historical fact and views Paul as a faithful apostle whose teachings were inspired by God. Modern historians generally see Paul as a complex religious thinker operating within Second Temple Judaism, not as an agent of a conspiracy.
The Islamic critique, however, is rooted in a different theological framework, one that prioritizes strict monotheism and continuity among prophetic messages. Within that framework, the crucifixion is denied, Jesus’ divinity is rejected, and Paul’s influence is viewed with suspicion.
Conclusion
According to Islam, Jesus was a great prophet who was neither crucified nor divine. While his opponents attempted to kill him, God protected him and raised him up. Some Islamic interpretations identify these opponents with religious authorities of the time and later critique Paul of Tarsus as a key figure in reshaping Jesus’ message. From this perspective, Trinitarian Christianity is seen as a later theological development rather than the original teaching of Jesus.
These views reflect deep theological differences between Islam and Christianity. Understanding them requires recognizing the distinct religious assumptions underlying each tradition, as well as the difference between faith-based interpretations and historical scholarship.
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