December is a wonderful time to share the story of Prophet Isa for kids from an Islamic perspective. Prophet Isa (AS) — known as Jesus in English — holds a deeply honoured and beloved place in Islam. He is one of the five greatest messengers of Allah, mentioned by name more than 25 times in the Quran. His story is one of miracles, devotion, and a powerful message that resonates across time. Let’s explore his life in a way that our Muslim children can understand, cherish, and be proud of.
The Miraculous Birth of Prophet Isa (AS)
The story of Prophet Isa begins with his mother, Maryam (Mary) — who is so honoured in Islam that an entire chapter of the Quran is named after her: Surah Maryam. Maryam was known for her extraordinary piety, worship, and closeness to Allah from a very young age. She was placed in the care of the Prophet Zakariyyah (AS) and spent her days in devoted prayer.
One day, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to Maryam with a remarkable message: Allah had chosen her to be the mother of a son, a prophet, without a father. This was a miracle — a direct command from Allah, the Creator of all things. Maryam asked, “How can I have a son when no man has touched me?” The angel replied: “Thus it will be; your Lord says: ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us.'” (Quran 19:21)
When Isa (AS) was born, Maryam faced great difficulty and returned to her people. They questioned her and doubted her. But then something astonishing happened — baby Isa spoke from the cradle. He said: “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.” (Quran 19:30) This miracle — speaking as a newborn — was the first of many signs that Allah gave to Prophet Isa (AS).
The Miracles of Prophet Isa (AS)
Allah blessed Prophet Isa with miracles unlike any given to most prophets. The Quran describes several of these:
- Speaking as a baby: As we have seen, Isa (AS) defended his mother from the cradle, speaking clearly as a newborn — one of the greatest miracles in all of prophetic history.
- Healing the sick: With Allah’s permission, Isa (AS) could heal those who were blind from birth and those with leprosy, diseases that had no cure at the time.
- Bringing the dead back to life: By Allah’s permission, he could restore life to the dead — a profound reminder that all power belongs to Allah alone.
- Creating a bird from clay: Isa (AS) would fashion the shape of a bird from clay, breathe into it by Allah’s permission, and it would become a living bird. The Quran makes clear: this was done “by the permission of Allah” — every miracle was a gift from Allah, not from Isa’s own power.
These miracles were signs — evidence for the people of his time that he was truly a messenger from Allah, sent to guide them.
His Message: Tawheed and Devotion to Allah
The core message of Prophet Isa (AS) was the same as that of every prophet before and after him: worship Allah alone, with no partners. This is Tawheed — the oneness of Allah — and it is the heart of Islam.
Isa (AS) said to his people: “Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path.” (Quran 3:51) He called people to goodness, mercy, and submission to Allah. He was given the Injeel (the Gospel in its original, pure form) as a scripture and guidance for the Children of Israel.
Islam teaches that Prophet Isa (AS) was not divine and was not the son of God — he was a human prophet and servant of Allah, one of the greatest ever sent. Muslims love and respect him deeply, and saying his name is always followed by “Alayhi Assalam” — “Peace be upon him.”
In Islam, Isa (AS) is also called Al-Masih — the Messiah — and his return near the Day of Judgement is part of Islamic belief. He will return as a just leader and a Muslim, confirming the message of Islam.
What Makes the Islamic View of Prophet Isa Special
For Muslim children who encounter the story of Prophet Isa at school or from friends, it is beautiful to explain that Muslims love Prophet Isa (AS) deeply. We honour his mother Maryam as one of the greatest women in all of human history. We believe in his miracles. We await his return.
The difference between Islam and other faiths regarding Isa is one of understanding who he is — Islam sees him as a magnificent, miracle-working, deeply beloved prophet of Allah, a human man chosen for a divine mission. That is an honoured and extraordinary status. Children should feel proud to know and love him as one of “our prophets” too.
Here are some ways to bring the story of Prophet Isa for kids to life at home:
- Read Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) together, discussing each verse in simple language.
- Create a “Prophets We Love” journal — let your child draw and write one fact about Prophet Isa (AS).
- Ask your child: “What is your favourite miracle of Prophet Isa? Why?” Encourage reflection and wonder.
- Remind your child: when we say “Isa alayhi assalam,” we show our love and respect for him.
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