What does the Bible say about Allah?

The question of what the Bible says about Allah is a nuanced one, requiring careful consideration of theological, historical, and linguistic contexts. The term "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God" and is used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews as well as Muslims. However, in contemporary usage, particularly in the Western world, "Allah" is predominantly associated with the Islamic conception of God. To address this question from a non-denominational Christian perspective, we must explore the biblical understanding of God, compare it with the Islamic understanding, and consider the implications for interfaith dialogue.

The Biblical Understanding of God

The Bible presents a comprehensive and multifaceted portrayal of God, emphasizing His attributes, actions, and relationship with humanity. Central to the biblical narrative is the concept of monotheism—the belief in one, all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present God. This is foundational to both the Old and New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself to Moses with the name "Yahweh" (often rendered as "LORD" in English translations), signifying His eternal and self-existent nature (Exodus 3:14). God is depicted as the Creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1), the Sustainer of life (Psalm 104:30), and the Redeemer of His people (Isaiah 43:1).

The New Testament continues this monotheistic tradition but introduces a more complex understanding of God's nature through the doctrine of the Trinity. God is revealed as one Being in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This is seen in passages such as Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," and in the prologue of John's Gospel, which identifies Jesus as the Word who "was with God and was God" (John 1:1).

The Islamic Understanding of Allah

Islam, like Christianity, is a monotheistic religion, and Muslims worship Allah as the one true God. The Islamic conception of God shares several attributes with the biblical portrayal: Allah is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe. However, there are significant theological differences between the two faiths.

Islamic theology strongly emphasizes the oneness of God (tawhid) and rejects any division of God's essence. The Qur'an explicitly denies the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus (Surah 4:171). Allah is described as utterly transcendent and incomparable, with no partners or equals (Surah 112:1-4).

Comparing the Biblical and Islamic Conceptions of God

While both the Bible and the Qur'an affirm the existence of one God who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the differences in their portrayals are profound and far-reaching.

1. Nature and Attributes: The Bible presents God as both transcendent and immanent—He is above and beyond His creation, yet intimately involved in it. This is exemplified in the Incarnation, where God becomes man in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). In contrast, Islamic theology emphasizes Allah's absolute transcendence and otherness, making any form of incarnation inconceivable.

2. Relational Aspect: The biblical God is deeply relational, inviting humans into a covenant relationship with Him. This is seen in God's interactions with the patriarchs, the nation of Israel, and ultimately through the person of Jesus Christ, who calls His followers friends (John 15:15). In Islam, while Allah is merciful and compassionate, the relationship between Allah and humans is more that of a master to servants, with a strong emphasis on submission (Islam means "submission" in Arabic).

3. Salvation and Redemption: Christianity teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). The death and resurrection of Jesus are central to this redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Islam, on the other hand, teaches that salvation is achieved through submission to Allah's will, adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, and living a righteous life. There is no concept of a savior who atones for the sins of humanity; each person is responsible for their own deeds (Surah 53:38-39).

The Biblical Perspective on Other Gods

The Bible addresses the existence of other gods and religious beliefs in several places, often in the context of warning against idolatry and syncretism. In the Old Testament, the first of the Ten Commandments declares, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). The prophets frequently denounce the worship of foreign gods, emphasizing that Yahweh alone is the true God (Isaiah 45:5).

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul acknowledges the existence of other so-called gods but affirms that for Christians, "there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live" (1 Corinthians 8:6). Paul also engages with the religious beliefs of his contemporaries, as seen in his speech at the Areopagus, where he speaks of the "unknown god" whom the Athenians worshipped and identifies this God as the one true Creator (Acts 17:22-31).

Interfaith Dialogue and Respect

While the theological differences between Christianity and Islam are significant, it is essential to approach interfaith dialogue with respect, understanding, and a commitment to seeking common ground. Both faiths affirm the existence of one God, the importance of prayer, and the call to live a moral and righteous life. These shared values can serve as a foundation for mutual respect and cooperation.

Moreover, Christians are called to love their neighbors, including those of different faiths (Mark 12:31). This love is expressed not only in words but in actions that demonstrate compassion, kindness, and a genuine interest in the well-being of others. Engaging in respectful dialogue allows for a deeper understanding of each other's beliefs and fosters a spirit of peace and goodwill.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention Allah by name, it provides a robust framework for understanding the nature of God, which can be compared and contrasted with the Islamic conception of Allah. The biblical portrayal of God as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments emphasizes His relational, redemptive, and Trinitarian nature, which differs significantly from the Islamic understanding of Allah's absolute oneness and transcendence.

As Christians engage with Muslims and others of different faiths, it is crucial to do so with respect, empathy, and a commitment to truth. By understanding the theological distinctions and commonalities, believers can better articulate their faith and build bridges of understanding and friendship with those who hold different beliefs.