⫷ The Birth, Prophethood, and Date of ʿĪsā (AS) in Islamic Teachings ⫸
The Qur’an does not explicitly mention the season, month, or day of ʿĪsā (AS)’s birth. However, in Sūrah Maryam, Allah says:
"وَهُزِّيۤ إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ ٱلنَّخْلَةِ تُسَـٰقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبٗا جَنِيّٗا"
"And shake the trunk of the date-palm tree toward you; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."
(Sūrat Maryam: 25)
From this verse, some commentators have inferred that ʿĪsā (AS) was born in the summer, as fresh dates are typically found in that season.
However, other scholars argue that Allah is fully capable of producing dates in any season, including winter, hence no definitive conclusion can be drawn.
Even among some Christian historians and clergy, there has been a view that ʿĪsā (AS) was born in summer, although later traditions shifted emphasis to winter observances, such as December 25.
The Prophethood of ʿĪsā (AS) was specifically for Banī Isrāʾīl (the Children of Israel). This is explicitly stated in the Qur’an and earlier scriptures.
All Prophets prior to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ were sent to specific nations, whereas the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent for all of humanity and jinn, until the Day of Judgement.
There is no authentic mention in the Qur’an or Hadith regarding the exact day on which ʿĪsā (AS) was born.
Though Christians celebrate December 25 as his birthday, this date is not supported by any authentic Islamic sources, and its origins lie in later Church traditions, not in divine revelation.
✔ Most likely indication from the Qur’an suggests summer as the season of birth—not conclusively proven
✔ ʿĪsā (AS)’s Prophethood was only for Banī Isrāʾīl
✔ No confirmed Islamic source states the exact day of his birth
❖ Question:
- According to the Qur’an, was the birth of ʿĪsā (Jesus, peace be upon him) in the summer?
- Was his Prophethood for all people or limited to a specific nation?
- Which day was he born on according to Islamic sources?
❖ Answer by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh:
① Season of ʿĪsā (AS)’s Birth: Summer or Winter?
The Qur’an does not explicitly mention the season, month, or day of ʿĪsā (AS)’s birth. However, in Sūrah Maryam, Allah says:
"وَهُزِّيۤ إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ ٱلنَّخْلَةِ تُسَـٰقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبٗا جَنِيّٗا"
"And shake the trunk of the date-palm tree toward you; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."
(Sūrat Maryam: 25)
From this verse, some commentators have inferred that ʿĪsā (AS) was born in the summer, as fresh dates are typically found in that season.
However, other scholars argue that Allah is fully capable of producing dates in any season, including winter, hence no definitive conclusion can be drawn.
Even among some Christian historians and clergy, there has been a view that ʿĪsā (AS) was born in summer, although later traditions shifted emphasis to winter observances, such as December 25.
② The Scope of ʿĪsā (AS)’s Prophethood
The Prophethood of ʿĪsā (AS) was specifically for Banī Isrāʾīl (the Children of Israel). This is explicitly stated in the Qur’an and earlier scriptures.
All Prophets prior to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ were sent to specific nations, whereas the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent for all of humanity and jinn, until the Day of Judgement.
③ The Day of His Birth
There is no authentic mention in the Qur’an or Hadith regarding the exact day on which ʿĪsā (AS) was born.
Though Christians celebrate December 25 as his birthday, this date is not supported by any authentic Islamic sources, and its origins lie in later Church traditions, not in divine revelation.
❖ Summary:
✔ Most likely indication from the Qur’an suggests summer as the season of birth—not conclusively proven
✔ ʿĪsā (AS)’s Prophethood was only for Banī Isrāʾīl
✔ No confirmed Islamic source states the exact day of his birth
