The Abrahamic faiths — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam — are intricately interwoven with each other through a rich tapestry of shared histories, prophets, and religious principles. The patriarch Abraham is considered the founding father of these religions, as he fathered both Ishmael and Isaac, crucial figures in the Islamic and Jewish/Christian faiths respectively. However, despite these interconnected roots, a growing contention among some Christian missionaries asserts that Allah, as depicted in the Qur’an, is fundamentally different from God as portrayed in the Bible. Here are six reasons that reaffirm the essential similarity between Allah and God, illuminating the profound commonality between the faiths, rather than focusing on differences.
Shared Origins
The roots of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can be traced back to Abraham’s faith, a monotheistic religion[1]. Abraham’s sons, Ishmael and Isaac, gave rise to lineages that later formed the basis of the Islamic and Jewish/Christian faiths respectively. While Isaac is considered the forefather of the Israelites, Ishmael is traditionally viewed as the ancestor of the Arab peoples, amongst whom Islam eventually arose[2]. Consequently, the foundational histories of these religions allude to their shared origin.
Common Prophets and Figures
The Qur’an and the Bible feature many similar prophets and figures, further supporting the idea of a shared divine source. Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and many other figures appear in both texts, often with strikingly similar narratives[3]. Despite some differences in interpretation and emphasis, the fundamental message often remains the same, reinforcing the belief in a shared divine revelation.
Concept of Monotheism
Monotheism, the belief in a single, all-powerful God, is the cornerstone of all three Abrahamic religions[4]. Both the Qur’an and the Bible champion monotheism, advocating for the worship of one God. In Islam, Allah is considered the omnipotent, omniscient Creator. Similarly, in Christianity, God is depicted as the Creator of the universe, omnipotent and all-knowing. Despite cultural and linguistic differences, both texts fundamentally share the belief in one supreme deity.
Moral and Ethical Teachings
Both the Qur’an and the Bible provide a moral and ethical framework for their followers, emphasizing similar values such as justice, compassion, humility, and respect for all of God’s creation[5]. While the specifics may differ due to cultural and historical contexts, both texts underscore the importance of living a virtuous life, again underlining a common source of divine guidance.
Divine Attributes
The Qur’an and the Bible share a common depiction of divine attributes. Both texts describe God as merciful, just, compassionate, omnipotent, and omniscient[6]. Additionally, in both Islam and Christianity, God is depicted as infinitely benevolent and forgiving. These attributes further underscore the similarities between Allah and God.
Linguistic and Semantic Considerations
The word ‘Allah’ in Arabic and ‘God’ in English (or ‘Dieu’ in French, ‘Gott’ in German, etc.) fundamentally refer to the same concept — an omnipotent divine entity[7]. ‘Allah’ is the Arabic term used to denote God and is used by both Muslim and Christian Arabs. The variations in the name are due to linguistic differences rather than theological ones.
The Bottom Line
In light of these six reasons — shared origins, common prophets, the principle of monotheism, analogous moral teachings, similar divine attributes, and linguistic considerations — the contention that Allah and God are fundamentally different becomes tenuous at best. While each religion undoubtedly possesses its unique characteristics and interpretations, the similarities between the God of the Bible and Allah of the Qur’an are profound. It is crucial to remember these shared aspects, as understanding the common roots and beliefs of these faiths can serve as a path toward fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
