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Is Allah Identical to the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ?

Understanding the Concept of God in Christianity and Islam


The question of whether Allah, as understood in Islam, is identical to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Bible, is one of profound theological significance. Both Christians and Muslims claim to worship one God, but the nature, character, and attributes ascribed to this deity in each religion differ significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to explore these differences to determine if Allah and the God of the Bible can be considered the same being.


In Christianity, God is revealed as Jehovah (JHVH), the personal and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who has made Himself known through the Scriptures and most fully in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:18). The Bible teaches that God is triune, meaning He exists as one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to Christian faith and is reflected in various passages, such as Matthew 3:16-17, where the Father, Son, and Spirit are present simultaneously.


In Islam, Allah is the Arabic word for God and is considered the supreme, singular, and indivisible deity. The Quran, which Muslims believe to be the final revelation from Allah, emphasizes the absolute oneness (tawhid) of Allah. Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4) declares, "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" This verse illustrates the strict monotheism in Islam and the rejection of any form of plurality within God's nature.



The Nature of God in Christianity: The Trinity


The Bible reveals that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4) but also triune, existing in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The concept of the Trinity is not explicitly spelled out in a single verse, but it is a doctrine derived from the totality of Scripture. For example, in the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19), indicating a singular name yet revealing three distinct persons.


The Father is recognized as the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 104:30). The Son, Jesus Christ, is described as the Word of God who became flesh (John 1:1, 14), revealing God to humanity and providing salvation through His death and resurrection (Romans 5:8-10). The Holy Spirit is the presence of God who indwells believers, guiding and empowering them to live according to God’s will (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9).


The Trinitarian nature of God is essential to understanding the Christian faith because it directly relates to the identity and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher; He is God in the flesh (John 1:14), the second person of the Trinity. His divine nature is affirmed in passages such as John 10:30, where He declares, "I and the Father are one," and in Colossians 2:9, which states, "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."



The Nature of Allah in Islam: Strict Monotheism


In contrast, Islam strictly adheres to the concept of tawhid, the absolute oneness of Allah. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that Allah is unique, has no partners, and is entirely separate from His creation. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:163) states, "And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful." This oneness precludes any division or plurality within Allah's nature, making the concept of the Trinity anathema to Islamic theology.


Muslims believe that Allah has revealed His will through a series of prophets, with Muhammad being the final and most significant. The Quran is considered the ultimate revelation of Allah, superseding previous scriptures, including the Bible. However, the Quran denies the divinity of Jesus and rejects the notion of Him being the Son of God. Surah An-Nisa (4:171) states, "O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, 'Three'; desist—it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son."


This verse explicitly denies the Trinity and the sonship of Jesus, making it clear that the Islamic conception of God is fundamentally different from that of Christianity.



The Identity and Role of Jesus Christ


The identity of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most significant point of divergence between Christianity and Islam. In Christianity, Jesus is recognized as the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, who became incarnate to redeem humanity from sin. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Word (Logos) who "was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This divine identity is further affirmed in John 1:14, where it says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."


Jesus’ role as the Savior is central to Christian belief. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus provided the means for humanity to be reconciled to God. Romans 5:8-10 explains, "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God." The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."


In Islam, however, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is regarded as one of the greatest prophets but not divine. The Quran acknowledges His virgin birth and His role as a messenger, but it denies His crucifixion and resurrection. Instead, it teaches that Jesus was not crucified but was rather taken up to heaven by Allah (Surah An-Nisa 4:157-158). This denial of the crucifixion and resurrection fundamentally alters the understanding of Jesus' mission and the means of salvation in Islam compared to Christianity.



The Means of Salvation: Grace Versus Works


Another critical difference between Christianity and Islam lies in the means of salvation. Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." This doctrine of salvation by grace is foundational to Christian belief, emphasizing that humans cannot earn their way to heaven; instead, they must rely on the finished work of Christ on the cross.


In contrast, Islam teaches that salvation is achieved through a combination of faith in Allah, good deeds, and adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj). The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), "Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve." Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, their deeds will be weighed, and their fate will be determined based on the balance of good versus bad deeds.


This works-based approach to salvation in Islam contrasts sharply with the Christian understanding of grace. While both religions emphasize the importance of righteous living, the basis for salvation in Christianity is the unmerited favor of God, not the accumulation of good deeds.



The Fatherhood of God: A Personal Relationship Versus a Distant Deity


In Christianity, God is often referred to as Father, a term that signifies a personal and intimate relationship between God and His people. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9), highlighting the closeness and care that God has for His children. This fatherhood is not merely a title but reflects the loving and nurturing nature of God, who desires a deep and personal relationship with His creation.


Moreover, the Bible emphasizes that believers are adopted into God's family through faith in Christ. Romans 8:15-16 states, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." This adoption is made possible through the atoning work of Christ, who reconciles believers to the Father.


In Islam, the concept of Allah as Father is entirely absent. Allah is viewed as the all-powerful Creator who is to be worshiped and obeyed, but not as a father figure who engages in a personal relationship with His followers. The relationship between Allah and Muslims is one of master and servant, with an emphasis on submission to Allah's will (the very meaning of the word "Islam"). While Muslims are encouraged to have a relationship with Allah through prayer and devotion, it is not characterized by the same intimacy and familial language found in Christianity.



The Concept of God's Love: Unconditional Love Versus Conditional Favor


The love of God is another area where significant differences exist between Christianity and Islam. The Bible teaches that God's love is unconditional and sacrificial, as demonstrated in the sending of His Son to die for sinners. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This love is not based on human merit but is an expression of God's grace and mercy.


Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes that God's love is steadfast and unchanging. Romans 8:38-39 reassures believers, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." This passage underscores the security that believers have in God's love, which is not contingent on their performance but on God's faithfulness.


In Islam, Allah's love is conditional and is extended to those who obey Him and follow His commands. The Quran repeatedly states that Allah loves those who do good and who are righteous (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195, Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:31). However, this love is not portrayed as unconditional or as sacrificial in the same sense as in Christianity. Allah's favor must be earned through obedience and good works, and there is no assurance of Allah's love apart from strict adherence to Islamic teachings.



The Role of Scripture: The Bible Versus the Quran


Another crucial difference between Christianity and Islam is their respective scriptures. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, comprising the Old and New Testaments. It is the authoritative and final revelation of God to humanity, containing the teachings, history, prophecies, and guidance that reveal God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."


Christians believe that the Bible is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice and that it is the ultimate standard by which all teachings and doctrines must be measured. The Bible's reliability is supported by historical evidence, fulfilled prophecies, and its consistency despite being written over centuries by different authors.


In Islam, the Quran is considered the final and complete revelation from Allah, believed to be verbally revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years. Muslims regard the Quran as the ultimate authority in all aspects of life, surpassing previous scriptures, including the Bible. The Quran is viewed as perfect and unchangeable, and it is believed to be the literal word of Allah in Arabic.


However, the Quran contradicts the Bible on several key points, particularly concerning the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, and the means of salvation. While the Quran acknowledges the Torah and the Gospel as revelations from Allah, it asserts that these scriptures have been corrupted over time, a claim that is not supported by historical evidence.



The Concept of Final Judgment


Both Christianity and Islam teach the reality of a final judgment, but their understanding of this event and its implications differ significantly. In Christianity, the final judgment is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where Jesus Christ will return to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-46). Those who have trusted in Christ for salvation will enter eternal life, while those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment in hell. This is the belief of much of Christianity but not the view of this author. First, they misinterpret the eternal punishment of Matthew 24:46. The Greek noun (κόλασις kolasis) refers to eternal cutting off from life. Lit lopping off, pruning.


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The basis of this judgment is faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God, not the accumulation of good works. Romans 14:10-12 affirms, "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."


In Islam, the final judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) is a central theme in the Quran. Muslims believe that on this day, every individual will be resurrected and judged based on their deeds. The Quran describes a scale (Mizan) that will weigh a person's good deeds against their bad deeds to determine their eternal fate (Surah Al-Qari'ah 101:6-9). Those whose good deeds outweigh their bad will enter paradise (Jannah), while those whose bad deeds prevail will be condemned to hell (Jahannam).


The concept of intercession is also present in Islam, where certain individuals, including prophets and martyrs, may intercede on behalf of others. However, there is no assurance of salvation in Islam, as it ultimately depends on Allah's will and mercy, which cannot be fully predicted or understood.



Conclusion: Are Allah and the God of the Bible the Same?


Given the significant theological differences outlined above, it is clear that Allah, as understood in Islam, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Bible, are not the same being. The nature of God, the identity and role of Jesus Christ, the means of salvation, the concept of God's love, and the understanding of final judgment all point to fundamentally different conceptions of God in Christianity and Islam.


While both religions emphasize the worship of one God, the character and attributes of this deity differ so drastically that they cannot be reconciled. The God of the Bible is a triune God, who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who offers salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Allah, on the other hand, is a singular, indivisible deity who demands submission and good works for salvation, with no assurance of His love or favor apart from strict adherence to Islamic teachings.


For Christians, the identity of God as revealed in Jesus Christ is central to their faith. To equate Allah with the God of the Bible would be to deny the very essence of Christian belief and the gospel message. Therefore, while Christians and Muslims may share some common ground in their belief in one God, the differences in their understanding of who this God is are too significant to be overlooked.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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