Introduction
Jesus Christ—known in Islam as ʿĪsā ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary)—occupies a uniquely revered position in Islamic theology. Muslims believe him to be one of the greatest prophets of God, born miraculously to the Virgin Mary, a preacher of monotheism, a worker of divine miracles, and the Messiah. While Islam firmly rejects the divinity of Jesus, it honors him deeply as a noble messenger of God.
An often-asked question among both Muslims and non-Muslims is: What did Jesus look like? Unlike later artistic traditions in Christianity, Islam strictly avoids visual depictions of prophets. Instead, Muslims rely on textual descriptions, particularly those preserved in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (ḥadīth). These narrations provide a rare and respectful glimpse into the physical appearance of Jesus as conveyed by Islamic tradition.
This article explores how Jesus is described according to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, drawing from authentic ḥadīth collections, while also examining the theological significance of these descriptions.
Sources of Description in Islam
Islamic knowledge about the physical appearance of prophets comes primarily from ḥadīth literature, especially narrations in:
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Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
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Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
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Musnad Aḥmad
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described Jesus on several occasions, most notably in the context of:
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The Night Journey (al-Isrāʾ wa al-Miʿrāj)
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Descriptions of earlier prophets
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Events of the end times and the Second Coming of Jesus
These descriptions are not meant for artistic reproduction, but rather to affirm Jesus’ humanity, his prophetic status, and his resemblance to real human beings.
The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Description of Jesus
One of the most famous narrations comes from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“I saw Jesus, Moses, and Abraham. Jesus was of medium height, with a reddish-white complexion, and his hair was curly.”
This concise yet rich description has been carefully analyzed by Islamic scholars for centuries.
1. Medium Height and Well-Proportioned Build
Jesus is described as neither tall nor short, but of moderate stature. In Arabic, the term used implies balance and proportion, suggesting a dignified and harmonious physical presence.
This description aligns with how prophets are often portrayed in Islamic tradition—neither extreme nor exaggerated, but balanced, reflecting moral and physical equilibrium.
2. Complexion: Reddish-White (Aḥmar)
The Prophet ﷺ described Jesus as having a reddish-white complexion. This phrase has sometimes been misunderstood.
In classical Arabic usage, “reddish” does not mean red skin. Rather, it refers to a light complexion with healthy color, similar to a warm or rosy tone. Scholars clarify that this was a pleasant and radiant appearance, not pale or sickly.
This description also counters later European artistic portrayals that depict Jesus with features tied to specific cultures or eras. Islam presents Jesus as belonging to the Semitic Near East, consistent with his historical and geographical context.
3. Hair: Curly or Wavy
Multiple narrations state that Jesus had curly or wavy hair, described using Arabic terms indicating defined curls rather than straight hair.
In one narration, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“His hair looked as if water were dripping from it, though it was not wet.”
Scholars explain that this means Jesus’ hair was naturally glossy, thick, and well-formed, not unkempt. It reflects vitality and beauty without extravagance.
4. Facial Appearance and Expression
Although no narration gives a highly detailed facial breakdown, the Prophet’s ﷺ tone consistently implies that Jesus had a pleasant, dignified, and striking appearance.
In Islamic theology, prophets are protected from physical deformities that would repel people from their message. Thus, Jesus’ face would have reflected serenity, compassion, and strength, qualities associated with his mission of mercy and guidance.
Comparison with Other Prophets
Interestingly, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sometimes described Jesus in comparison with other prophets, particularly Moses (Mūsā) and Abraham (Ibrāhīm).
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Moses was described as lean and strong, with darker skin
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Abraham was said to resemble the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself
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Jesus stood out for his lighter complexion and curly hair
These comparisons emphasize that prophets, while spiritually united, were physically diverse, reinforcing Islam’s view of humanity’s varied creation.
Jesus at the Second Coming
One of the most detailed physical descriptions of Jesus appears in narrations about his return before the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Jesus, son of Mary, will descend… of medium height, wearing two light-colored garments, with his hands resting on the wings of two angels.”
The narration continues to describe:
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His hair appearing as if freshly washed
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Drops resembling pearls falling from it
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A commanding yet gentle presence
This description reinforces earlier accounts and emphasizes continuity—Jesus returns as the same prophet who was raised, not transformed or deified.
Theological Significance of These Descriptions
Islamic scholars stress that the purpose of describing Jesus’ appearance is not curiosity or visualization, but theology.
Key lessons include:
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Affirming Jesus’ humanity
His physical traits confirm that he was fully human, not divine. -
Rejecting exaggerated imagery
Islam avoids idealized or symbolic portraits that distort reality. -
Honoring Jesus without worshipping him
Respect is shown through accurate transmission, not iconography. -
Connecting believers to prophetic history
These descriptions make prophets relatable and real.
Why Islam Forbids Visual Depictions
Unlike Christianity, which developed a strong tradition of religious art, Islam prohibits images of prophets. This is to:
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Prevent idolization
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Preserve pure monotheism
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Ensure prophets are remembered for their message, not their form
Therefore, verbal descriptions—like those given by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—are the only acceptable way to understand how Jesus looked.
Conclusion
According to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Jesus (ʿĪsā ibn Maryam) was a handsome, well-proportioned man of medium height, with a reddish-white complexion and curly, glossy hair. His appearance reflected balance, dignity, and humanity—qualities befitting one of God’s greatest messengers.
These descriptions, preserved in authentic Islamic sources, offer a respectful and historically grounded portrayal that differs markedly from later artistic traditions. More importantly, they remind believers that Jesus was a human prophet, chosen by God, guided by revelation, and honored across religious boundaries.
In Islam, the true beauty of Jesus lies not merely in his appearance, but in his faith, character, and unwavering devotion to God—a legacy that continues to inspire millions around the world.
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