It is nothing new that we hear people saying that Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) has died for our sins, which is the core belief of the Christians. But as Muslims, are we going to believe that too? Did Prophet Isa die for our sins truly as an atonement? For centuries, Christians held the belief that Jesus was crucified to atone for the sins of humanity, sacrificing himself for the salvation of all.
However, Islam presents a very different story concerning the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) which we need to understand as a Muslim. Do not miss a line in this guide to fully understand the answer to the burning question “Did Prophet Isa die for our sins?”. But before that, why does this matter to us as a Muslim?
Yes, it’s important because hearing people saying all that rubbish around that Prophet Isa (Jesus) died for our sins can shake your faith at times. But by knowing the truth, we protect our beliefs and strengthen our connection to Allah. This led to this puzzle “Did Prophet Isa die for our sins really?”
Understanding the Islamic Perspective: Did Prophet Isa die for our sins
Islam teaches us to turn to the Quran and Hadith for clarity, especially on matters of great importance. The story of Prophet Isa is no exception. While most of the Christians believe the crucifixion to be an undeniable fact, Islam says otherwise. The Quran explicitly denies that Jesus was killed or crucified. Instead, it was made to appear so to the people, but Allah raised him up to Himself. Allah says:
“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.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:157)
This verse from the Quran opens the door to one of the most misunderstood events in religious history: about the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him). Let’s think about it, what was Prophet Isa’s work on earth, was he sent down to earth to die for our sins or propagate the word of God and lead the people to the right path?
This is a reminder that Allah’s wisdom surpasses all human understanding. Prophet Isa’s mission wasn’t about dying for our sins; it was about bringing the message of Tawhid—monotheism. His purpose was to guide the Children of Israel back to the straight path, not to become a sacrificial figure. Allah made it known to us that we are all responsible for our actions.
“And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.” (Surah Al-An’am, 6:164).
We can’t pin our sins on someone else, no matter how righteous they are. How does that even sound? You are the sinner and we are pinning the sin on another person to bear our sins. Who does that or allows that?
Even though He hasn’t completed his mission yet, which is why understanding his true role is so essential in knowing that He wasn’t sent down to die for our sins. He is still coming back to this earth as a Muslim and not a prophet of God to complete his remaining mission Allah ordained on him.
What Does the Quran Say About the Crucifixion of Isa (peace be upon him)?
To understand the answer to the question – did Prophet Isa die for our sins?, let’s see what the Quran said about the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) in Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158):
“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.”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:157-158)
This verse really challenges the common Christian belief that Prophet Isa (Jesus) was crucified and died for humanity’s sins. Instead, it clearly states that he was neither killed nor crucified, but it appeared that way to the people. So, what does this mean, and how does this differ from what most people believe?
Breaking Down the Verse:
Will it be good for a messenger of Allah to tortured, disgraced and crucified like that? Obviously No. The Jews and Romans believed they had successfully crucified Prophet Isa (AS), but in reality, Allah protected him from this. Instead of Isa (AS) being killed, it was made to seem that way. The term “it appeared so to them” can be understood that someone else was made to resemble Isa (AS) and was crucified in his place.
This is part of Allah’s divine wisdom—He protected His messenger from a humiliating death and instead raised him up to Himself. This concept of divine protection is fundamental in Islamic belief. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, does not allow His beloved prophets to suffer unnecessarily.
Think about it. Isa (AS) was a righteous prophet who brought a message of guidance, mercy, and justice. It wouldn’t be good for a messenger of Allah to suffer such a fate when his mission wasn’t complete.
The Christian Perspective vs. Islamic Belief
In Christianity, the belief is that Jesus died to atone for the sins of humanity, offering salvation through his sacrifice. If you ask them that did prophet Isa die for our sins, they will say yes. But Islam presents a different real and truthful perspective.
Rather than focusing on atonement through crucifixion, Islam emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. Isa (AS) was a prophet sent to guide his people, and his role as a messenger was not to die for the sins of others but to call people back to Allah.
Islam teaches that every individual must seek forgiveness for their own shortcomings. Allah, in His mercy, provides countless opportunities for repentance. As we navigate through life, we will inevitably make mistakes, but those mistakes don’t need to define us. Allah says in the Hadith Qudsi,
Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) say: “Allah Almighty said: ‘O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind.O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I shall forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to meet Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I shall bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it is.” (Tirmidhi)
Allah also says in the Quran,
“Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53).
Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) came to confirm the message of the earlier prophets, particularly the teachings of the Torah, and to prepare the way for the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). His role was not to serve as a sacrificial lamb, but rather to call people back to the worship of Allah alone, just like the prophets before him. Allah says:
“And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” (Surah Al-An’am (6:164)
The question, “Did Prophet Isa die for our sins?”, is answered clearly in Islam: he didn’t die for our sins, nor was he sent for that purpose. He was a guide, a light for his people.
Another important thing that needs to be addressed is the role of Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) in Islam. Christians view him as a savior who died for the sins of humanity, but in Islam, he is prophet and messenger of Allah —a mighty messenger sent to guide the Children of Israel back to the straight path. Allah says in the Quran:
“And [mention] when Isa, the son of Maryam, said, ‘O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad (Muhammad, SAW).” (Surah As-Saff, 61:6)
As at now, we’ve cleared the misunderstanding about the burning question—Did Prophet Isa die for our sins?— and it has been answered clearly through kitab and sunnah. Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) was not crucified nor killed but was raised up by Allah in a miraculous event that protected him from the schemes of those who wished him harm.
The concept of Prophet Isa (Jesus) dying for our sins simply doesn’t align with the core principles of Islam. Because if we say that He died for our sins, does that mean that we won’t be punish for any sins we commit without repenting from it?
Does this mean that those that are doing bad things like robbery, killing, kidnapping and others won’t have any punishment for the sins committed without repenting till they die?
Obviously this doesn’t makes sense at all. No person will bear the burden of another.
Understanding that Prophet Isa (Jesus) did not die for our sins is also part of our faith because it is part of the Quran verses that we must believe. You can read the full story of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) here.
Now if we are ask that did Prophet Isa die for our sins, I hope we know the right answer now and the evidence to back it up. Prophet Isa (Jesus) did not die for our sins, but he did leave behind teachings and examples that can help us live righteously and seek the mercy of Allah.
Now that we’ve explored the Islamic perspective on a crucial question—Did Prophet Isa die for our sins?—it’s essential to reflect on this knowledge and share it with others.
Many people, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, may have lingering doubts or misunderstandings about Prophet Isa’s (peace be upon him) role in Islam. By sharing this knowledge, you’re not just passing along information, but you’re also helping to clear up misconceptions and encouraging others to deepen their understanding of our faith.
May Allah guide us all to the truth and grant us the wisdom to understand His message. Aameen.
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