Islam Recognizes Faithful Followers of Jesus (PBUH), Including His Inner Circle
Qur’an Praises Jesus’ Disciples as True Believers and Helpers
Islam recognizes and honours the closest and most faithful companions of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, referring to them as Al-Hawariyyun (the Disciples). According to Islamic belief, these disciples were sincere followers who supported Jesus in his mission to preach monotheism and obedience to God.
Among the disciples, figures such as Peter, John, James and Andrew are widely regarded in Christian tradition as being closest to Jesus. Islamic sources do not single out individual disciples by name but collectively acknowledge their loyalty, faith and support for Jesus during his prophetic mission.
The Holy Qur’an explicitly mentions the disciples of Jesus in several verses, portraying them as believers who responded positively to his call. In Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:52), the Qur’an quotes Jesus asking, “Who are my helpers in the cause of Allah?” to which the disciples replied, “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims.” Islamic scholars explain that the term “Muslims” here signifies submission to the will of God, consistent with the message of all prophets.
Join our WhatsApp Group
Similarly, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:111) states that Allah inspired the disciples to believe in Him and His Messenger, highlighting their firm faith and divine approval. The Qur’an also recounts the episode of the table spread (Ma’idah), where the disciples requested a sign from Allah to strengthen their hearts, further reflecting their human nature alongside their sincere belief.
📢 8,000+ readers already joined for instant Kashmir News Trust updates
Join our Telegram Channel
A clear and direct reference to the disciples appears in Surah As-Saff (Chapter 61), verse 14, where Jesus explicitly seeks help from them. The verse states that Jesus, son of Mary, asked his disciples who would assist him in the cause of God. The disciples responded by declaring themselves as helpers of God, affirming their belief and loyalty.
The verse highlights a division among the Children of Israel, noting that while one group believed, another rejected the message. The Qur’an further states that God supported those who believed, granting them dominance over those who disbelieved.
Islamic scholars interpret this verse as a confirmation of the disciples’ faith, moral courage, and steadfastness. The passage underscores that the true followers of Jesus responded positively to his call and aligned themselves with God’s cause.
Islam rejects the notion of Jesus’ divinity and crucifixion but upholds deep respect for him as one of the greatest prophets and honours his disciples as righteous followers. Islamic tradition maintains that the disciples remained steadfast supporters of Jesus and his teachings, standing for truth despite opposition.
By acknowledging the disciples positively, Islam establishes continuity between the prophetic missions, emphasizing shared values of faith, obedience to God and moral integrity, while maintaining clear theological distinctions between Islamic and Christian doctrines. [KNT]
