How to Say 'Jesus' in Arabic

July 21, 2024

"عيسى" (ʿĪsa) in the Islamic tradition and "يسوع" (Yasuʿ) in the Christian tradition. Each name carries its own historical and theological connotations, reflecting the diverse ways in which Jesus is revered and understood. This article will explore these names, their meanings, and their significance, continue reading to learn how to say Jesus in Arabic.

How to Say Jesus in Arabic

Name

Arabic: عيسى (ʿĪsā) in Islam.
Arabic: يسوع (Yasūʿ) in Christianity.

Overview in Islam

In Islam, Jesus (known as ʿĪsā) is considered one of God's greatest prophets and messengers. Muslims believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) and that he performed many miracles with God's permission. Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was instead taken up to heaven by God, and someone else was made to appear like him on the cross. Jesus is expected to return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (the Antichrist).

In the Quran, Jesus (عيسى, ʿĪsā) is mentioned with great respect and is considered one of the most significant prophets. His story and teachings are spread across various chapters (surahs).

Birth and Early Life

Miraculous Birth:

Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), Verses 16-35: These verses narrate the story of the birth of Jesus, highlighting the miraculous nature of his conception and birth.

"وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ انْتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِيًّا" (Wa-ithkur fi al-kitabi Maryam ith intabathat min ahliha makanan sharqiyyan.) - "And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east."
Speaking as an Infant:

Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), Verse 29-30: Jesus speaks from the cradle to defend his mother’s honor.

"فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ ۖ قَالُوا كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَنْ كَانَ فِي الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ ۖ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا" (Fa-asharat ilayhi qaloo kayfa nukallimu man kana fi al-mahdi sabiyyan qala inni Abdullah ataniya al-kitaba wa-jaʿalani nabiyya.) - "So she pointed to him. They said, "How can we speak to one who is in the cradle, a child?" [Jesus] said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet."

Miracles of Jesus

Jesus is attributed with performing several miracles with the permission of God. Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3), Verses 49:

"وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ أَنِّي قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِآيَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ ۖ أَنِّي أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ الطِّينِ كَهَيْئَةِ الطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۖ وَأُبْرِئُ الْأَكْمَهَ وَالْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْيِي الْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۖ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِي بُيُوتِكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ" (Wa-rasoolan ila bani Isra'ila anni qad jitukum bi-ayatin min rabbikum anni akhluqu lakum min al-teeni kahay'ati al-tayri fa-anfukhu feehi fayakoonu tayran bi-ithni Allahi wa-ubri'u al-akmaha wal-abrasa wa-uhyi al-mawta bi-ithni Allahi wa-onabi'ukum bima ta'kuluna wama taddakhiroona fee buyootikum inna fee thalika la-ayatun lakum in kuntum mu'mineena.) - "And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers."

Jesus' Crucifixion and Ascension

The Quran teaches that Jesus was not crucified but was instead raised to heaven by God. Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4), Verses 157-158:

"وَقَوْلِهِمْ إِنَّا قَتَلْنَا الْمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمْ ۚ وَإِنَّ الَّذِينَ اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ لَفِي شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ إِلَّا اتِّبَاعَ الظَّنِّ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينًا بَل رَّفَعَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا" (Wa-qawlihim inna qatalna al-masih ʿIsa ibn Maryam rasool Allah wama qataloohu wama salaboohu walakin shubbiha lahum wa-inna alladhina ikhtalafoo feehi lafi shakkin minhu ma lahum bihi min ʿilmin illa ittibaʿa al-thanni wama qataloohu yaqeenan bal rafaʿahu Allahu ilayhi wa-kan Allahu ʿazeezan hakeema.) - "And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise."

Jesus' Return

Muslims believe that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (the Antichrist).

Overview in Christianity

In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the central figure and is believed to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Christians believe that Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary through a miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and preached about the Kingdom of God. He was crucified, died, and was buried, but on the third day, he rose from the dead, an event known as the Resurrection. Christians believe that Jesus' death and resurrection provide salvation and eternal life to those who believe in him. Jesus is also called the Messiah (the Anointed One) and is expected to return at the end of times.

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