Comparison of Mentions of Jesus and Muhammad in the Quran: A Closer Look

The Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, mentions the name of Jesus (also spelled Isa) 25 times by name. In contrast, the name of Prophet Muhammad is mentioned four times, but is indirectly addressed at every instance where a conversation is taking place. This statistic might appear to indicate a preference for Jesus over Muhammad. However, this observation opens up a broader discussion on the significance of these two prophetic figures.

Precedence of Jesus Over Other Prophets

One significant observation one can make from the Quran is the higher number of mentions of Jesus compared to Muhammad. Interestingly, the Bible, which has a prominent role in Christian teachings, does not mention Muhammad at all. This absence highlights the importance of Jesus Christ in Christian traditions and the presumed superiority of Jesus Christ over other claimants.

The significance of Jesus' name in Christianity is profound. Consider John 3:18, which states, 'He who believes in Him is not condemned but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.' This verse underscores the centrality of Jesus' name in Christian theology.

Devils' Fear and the Power of Jesus' Name

The fear that devils have for the name of Jesus is well-documented. In Luke 10:17, the seventy disciples report back to Jesus, saying, 'Even the demons are subject to us in Your name.' This text illustrates the power and authority that the name of Jesus holds over evil forces.

Divine Exaltation of Jesus

The divine exaltation of Jesus is rooted in His obedience and desire to save the world. In Philippians 2:5-7, the apostle Paul writes about the humility of Jesus:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” he says, continuing, “who, existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

It was this humility that led God the Father to exalt Jesus, as described in Philippians 2:9-11:

“Therefore God also exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The Bible is replete with examples of the unique status of Jesus Christ.

Significance of Muhammad and Jesus in Comparative Religion

Muhammad, recognizing the revelations and authority of Jesus, wrote more about Jesus than he did about himself. This suggests a deep recognition of Jesus' importance and authority.

No name is given in the Bible to save souls except the name of Jesus. This underscores the central and unique role of Jesus in Christian salvation theology.

While the Quran mentions Muhammad, the reverence and exaltation given to Jesus are unparalleled. This contrast reflects the different theological traditions and the unique roles of these two prophets in their respective religious frameworks.