Despite the many disparities between Islam and Christianity, they actually have some aspects in common. Interestingly, both religions are Abrahamic and monotheistic. Then, what about God? Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God? As it is known, Christians believe in Jesus. So, Do Muslims believe in Jesus too? In this article, we will answer these questions and show you the difference between God in Islam and God in Christianity.
The Concept of God in Islam
We often hear that Muslims worship Allah but who is Allah? Allah as a term is in fact the standard Arabic word for God. It presumably comes from the contraction of the Arabic word al-Ilah meaning “the God” in English. Contrary to the popular misconception, Allah is not the personal name of the God Muslims worship but simply the word God in Arabic.
Although Allah does not have a personal name, He has 99 beautiful names (Al Asma Ul Husna) which is a collection of the most beautiful names of Allah (SWT) that reflect His attributes such as AR-RAHMAAN (The Most or Entirely Merciful), AR-RAHEEM (The Bestower of Mercy), AL-MALIK (The King and Owner of Dominion), AL-QUDDUS (The Absolutely Pure), AS-SALAM (The Perfection and Giver of Peace) and others. Allah (SWT) encourages us to call Him with such names as He says:
“And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of] those who practice deviation concerning His names” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:180).
Now that the term and beautiful names have been explained, who is Allah? Chapter 112 provides the perfect answer to this question. Allah (SWT) says:
“Say, ‘O Prophet,’ “He is Allah—One (and Indivisible); Allah—the Sustainer (needed by all). He has never had offspring, nor was He born. And there is none comparable to Him.” (Surah Al-Ikhlas).
Allah (SWT) is unique, infinite, eternal, immortal, all wise, omniscient, most powerful and almighty. No words could ever do Him justice for He is the perfect creator of this universe and everything from smallest to biggest. Most importantly nonetheless, He is One and Only. Tawhid (oneness of Allah) is the core of Islam as it is clear in the Quran. He says:
“That is Allah—your Lord! There is no god (worthy of worship) except Him. (He is) the Creator of all things, so worship Him (alone). And He is the Maintainer of everything.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:102).
Believing that there is only one deity (that is Allah (SWT)) is the essence of Islam. Whoever wants to become a Muslim is required to take Shahada which itself is a declaration of the oneness of Allah (SWT) and that Muhammed (pbuh) is His prophet.
God in Christianity:
Though Christianity is also a monotheistic religion same as Islam, the concept of God slightly differs. Christians believe in the Holy Trinity which refers to the divine three persons of the one Godhead. They are the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. So, how are they different?
- God the Father: Christians call God the Father. He is supreme, all powerful, knows everything, and controls everything. As he created the universe and everything in it, he is the Father of the universe. God is also known to be Jesus Christ’s father according to Christians.
- The Son (Jesus): Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, is referred to as God the Son. For Christians, Jesus represents God taking on human form and being sent to fulfill the salvation of humanity. They believe he was crucified to atone for humankind’s sins, allowing them to meet God again after death. They also believe he was present when the universe was created but he was not in a human form however.
- The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of God’s power in the world. It frequently appears in the scriptures as wind, fire, or as a dove. Christians are able to discern God’s will for their lives through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Further, a lot of Christians think Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus was brought about by the Holy Spirit. In addition, numerous Christians hold the view that the Holy Spirit still works through people, manifesting traits that distinguish a true Christian.
The doctrine of trinity is the essence of Christianity. For Christians, there is on way to believe in one without the other since they all make the one essence of God.
Jesus in Islam vs Jesus in Christianity
Among the similarities between Islam and Christianity is the presence of Jesus in both religions. His position and role however is the key element that makes up the whole difference between the two most widespread religions. Christianity claims him as God the Son. To Christians, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God on earth. In Islam, on the other hand, Jesus is only a prophet sent by Allah (SWT) to preach his people like many other prophets. According to the Quran, Almighty says:
“Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants [al-Asbaṭ] and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:136).
It is important to highlight though that such difference does not imply in any sense that Jesus is not respected or loved by Muslims. On the contrary, Jesus in Islam is highly valued and appreciated. Even Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) emphasized the close and good relationship they have per the following hadith: Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said:
“Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Check out our articles about prophet Isa (Jesus):
- the religion of prophet isa
- when will isa return
- Jesus’s grandparents
- What language did isa speak?
- isa’s age when he became a prophet
Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God?
While both religions share the idea that there is an omnipresent (present everywhere at the same time), omniscient (knows everything) and omnipotent (has infinite power) God, they do not refer to the same God.
The Holy Trinity is regarded as the divine doctrine of Christianity. God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the three equal persons that make up the one God entity; they all possess the same, divine essence. Islam rejects such belief as God (Allah) in Islam is One and Only. Moreover, Jesus Christ (God the Son) is none other than a prophet in Islam. This would only mean one thing: Muslims and Christians do not worship the same God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christians and Muslims have different concepts of God. While the Christian religion emphasizes the Holy Trinity, Islam strongly rejects it. Yet, this does not inspire any sort of hate and disrespect between the two religions. Muslims ought to be humble and respectful towards everyone. We are all brothers and sisters after all.
May Allah guide us all to the right path.
