The Image of God in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity - Essay Example

The Image of God in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity Compare and Contrast the Image of God in Islam, Judaism And Christianity By Farzeela Faisal The most profound and exciting quest of the ages is the search for the ultimate meaning of the universe. Not many men are philosophers as they engage in this quest; but all pursue it, either with sharp awareness or with but a dim realization of their goal. Esthetic and social activity as well as theological or philosophical inquiry is significant indications of the universality and earnestness of this seeking after the final meaning of the world, which supports the life of men. Whether the result takes the form of sensuous pleasure, an ethical code, a metaphysical system, or a religious creed, the assumption is that a formula for living has been found which corresponds in some sense to what the universe finally means. Usually the clearest expression of this formula employs the vocabulary of religion, and particularly the word "God." Judaism The Old Testament, which the Jews follow as their holy book, tells them that the God is one. They have to believe on the oneness and purity of God. And he said, tomorrow. And he said, be it according to thy word; that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. (Exodus 8:10) Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. (Deuteronomy 4:35) Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deuteronomy 4:39) And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: (1 Kings 8:23) Above verses were taken from the Old Testament (King James Version) idea of the unity of God is vigorously proclaimed, and it is made the foundation of faith and conduct. It is not accidental that the oneness of Israels God and the requirement of absolute, unqualified love for him are announced in the same biblical passage. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD (Deuteronomy 6:4) and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might (Deuteronomy 6:5) This oneness has both an intellectual and a religious basis. Reason seeks a unifying principle faith, a single object of supreme devotion. Thus mans philosophical quest for ultimate reality and his historical worship of the one God have contributed to a deepening certainty that God is one. Christianity There are different Christian communities, which follow different versions of bible (new testament). All Christian community accepts the old testament (Kings James Version) in which the oneness of God is described. And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord. (Mark 12:29) And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength (Mark 12:30) Different communities of Christianity override the concepts given in that testament by newer version of Bible. There are two prominent communities, which believe in Trinity of God. One of them believes the Trinity to be the father, the son and the Holy Ghost. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Mathew 28:18) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Mathew 28:19) The other community believe that the trinity to be the Father, the virgin Mary and the Son. The common concept of both the communities is the God is one however exists in three persons i.e. either father, son and Holy Spirit or father, Virgin Mary and Son. Islam Islam firmly gives the belief that the God is one. In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful (Quran 112:0) Proclaim, "He is the One and only GOD.” The Absolute GOD. Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten. None equals Him. (Quran 112:1-4) Quran, which is the final of all the Holy books strictly, denies the concept of trinity. It also says that the Jesus is not the spirit of God (Allah) but the spirit from God because God has breathed individual spirits in every human being, as a spirit is basically a commandment of God. They ask thee concerning the Spirit. Say: "The Spirit (cometh) by command of my Lord: Of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you." If it were Our Will, We could take away that which We have sent thee by inspiration: Then wouldst thou find none to plead thy affair in that matter against Us. (Quran 17:85-86) The Quran rejects the divinity of Jesus and claim and prove that he is the messenger of God. O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Jesus Christ the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah, And His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not ‘Trinity’: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: glory be to Him: (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. (Quran 4:171) Quran also emphasizes that the name Jesus is not the word of Allah but it is actually the word from Allah (God). Behold! The angels said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus. The son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those Nearest to Allah. (Quran 3:45) Similarities Reference of All the three Prophets All the three Holy books acknowledge all the three Prophets i.e. Moses (PBUH), Jesus (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH). In Old Testament (Torah), evidences are there for Jesus (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH). For Jesus we can find: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2) The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a law giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. (Genesis 49:10) For Mohammad (PBUH) we can find the series of passages, which describe the fore coming messenger after Jesus (PBUH). This description is now proven to resemble to the Messenger Mohammad (PBUH). And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of asses, and a chariot of camels; and he hearkened diligently with much heed (Isaiah 21:7) And he said, The Lord came from Si’nai, and rose up from Se’ir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. (Deuteronomy 33:2) Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. (Isaiah 42:1) The New Testament also acknowledges and gives the evidence of Moses (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH). The New testament gives the story of Moses and his deeds. Moses is regarded as a symbol of the law in the three gospels i.e. Mathew, Mark and Luke. AND after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart. And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. (Mathew 17:1-3) And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.(Mark 9:4) And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias. Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:30-31) The New Testament also gives the evidence of Mohammad (PBUH) as the prophet who is going to come after Jesus. It also proves that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the only Messenger for all of mankind (Jews and Gentiles). Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all is fulfilled. (Mathew 5:17-18) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (Mohammad PBUH) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guid you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:12-14) Quran describes the stories and deeds of both Moses (PBUH) and Jesus (PBUH) in a fair detail. For Moses some of the information which is stated in Quran: Then we sent after them Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his group, with our proofs. But they turned arrogant; and were transgressing people. When the truth came to them from us, they said, "This is obviously magic!" Moses said, "Is this how you describe the truth when it comes to you? Is this magic? How can any magicians prevail?" They said, "Did you come to divert us from what we found our parents doing, and to attain positions of prominence for yourselves? We will never join you as believers." (Quran 10:75-78) We have endowed the Children of Israel with a position of honor, and blessed them with good provisions. Yet, they disputed when this knowledge came to them. Your Lord will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding everything they disputed. (Quran 10:93) For Jesus some of the information which is stated in Quran: O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about GOD except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of GOD, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. You shall not say, "Trinity." You shall refrain from this for your own good. GOD is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. GOD suffices as Lord and Master. The Messiah would never disdain from being a servant of GOD, nor would the closest angels. Those who disdain from worshipping Him, and are too arrogant to submit, He will summon them all before Him. (Quran 4:171-172) Adultery Adultery is considered a sin in all religions. In Old Testament it is written: If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. (Deuteronomy 22:22) In the New testament it is stated: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (The Epistle of Romans 13:9) Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD. (Jer 29:23) Quran is also against adultery: Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their eyes (and not stare at the women), and to maintain their chastity. This is purer for them. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything they do. (Quran 24:30) The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be swayed by pity from carrying out GODs law, if you truly believe in GOD and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their penalty. The adulterer will end up marrying an adulteress or an idol worshiper, and the adulteress will end up marrying an adulterer or an idol worshiper. This is prohibited for the believers. (Quran 24:2-3) As from the earlier discussion, it is proven that Old Testament gives the evidence of both Jesus (PBUH) and Mohammad (PBUH). After Judaism, due to the arrival of Jesus, came the more refine form of teachings given by Moses in Torah (Old Testament). This refine teachings was then called as New Testament and the followers are said to be Christians, hence the religion Christianity came into being. After Jesus, due to the arrival of Mohammad (PBUH) came the final and the most refined of all the prior teachings (Moses and Jesus teachings) whose collection was then names as Holy Quran. The followers of Mohammad (PBUH) and Quran are then called as Muslims and the religion is named as Islam. References Edgar J. Goodspeed, J. M. Powis Smith, The Complete Bible: An American Translation, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1939. King James Version, New York, American Bible Society, 1999. L. D. Hurst, N. T. Wright, The Historical Jesus and the Theology of the New Testament, The Glory of Christ in the New Testament, Oxford, 1987. Otto J. Baab, The Theology of the Old Testament, Abingdon Press, New York, 1949. Read More