Questions and Answers on Islamic Doctrine

Chapter 2: Belief in Prophets and Missions

Question 17: How can you prove that Jesus Christ was not crucified?

Answer 17: This question can be answered from different angles:

1. There are many ambiguities surrounding the issue of Christ’s crucifixion in the canonical Gospels.  How was the Crucifixion carried out?  For how long did Jesus hung on the cross?  What are the precise dates?  Who carried the cross?  What was his prayer while he was on the cross?  How do you explain his cry of despair?  Who were the witnesses?  What happened after the crucifixion?  There is no consensus on these questions.  So much of the crucifixion story is based on mere conjecture.

2. The issue of crucifixion is based on the belief in the original sin and redemption by blood.  This issue contradicts common sense, and it is irreconcilable with God’s justice and mercy.  How can the innocents be held accountable for the actions of the guilty?

3. Finally, the Qur’an has unambiguously refuted the Bible’s crucifixion story.  God says: “…They killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of Jesus was put over another man, and those who differ therein are full of doubts.  They have no knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture.  For surely, they killed him (Jesus) not.  But God raised him up (with his body and soul) unto Himself.  And God is ever all-powerful, all wise” (Holy Qur’an: 4: 157-158).