The Muslim's holy book, al-Qur'an (the recital)

[Memeandmeagain]

Hello everyone.

I am just curious to learn how God (Allah) is described or mentioned in other religious books?

As you know, as an articles of belief, Muslims believe in every single Prophet that God have sent over time to different nations. From Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus (peace be upon them all) to the last and final Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Muslims believe the Qur'an is the literal word of God.

In many places in the Qur'an, God tells us some of his qualities and attributes so that we can comprehend who God is and not rely on just having faith.

Qur'an asks its readers to use knowledge, wisdom and evidence to know and believe in God's existence.

The following verse is an example :-

Meaning in English (Qur'an is only in Arabic, everything else is an interpretation of human translators).

Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.
Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep.
To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?
He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills.
His Kursi (Throne) extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not.
And He is the Most High, the Most Great.

And in another verse.

He is Allah—there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him: Knower of the seen and unseen. He is the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.

He is Allah—there is no god except Him: the King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher ˹of all˺, the Almighty, the Supreme in Might, the Majestic. Glorified is Allah far above what they associate with Him ˹in worship˺!

He is Allah: the Creator, the Inventor, the Shaper. He ˹alone˺ has the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth ˹constantly˺ glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty, All-Wise.

Is there anything similar in other religious books?

Sorry for the long post.

Peace.

Hi I'm sure there are descriptions in the Bible, maybe someone would share but if you don't mind I have a question-
as you say Muslims revere the prophets of Judaism as well as Jesus.
But what about the prophets of other faiths, like Hinduism? Or the Gurus of the Sikhs?

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. 19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! 20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? 22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

Almighty God

Only Allah (God) know best why only Jews and Christians are mentioned as Ahl al-Kitab (The people of the Book) in the Qur’an and rest are mentioned in general as idol worshippers and disbelievers.

The link between Jews, Christians and Muslims is Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). And those to whom divine revelations (Torah (at-tawraat), the Psalms (az-zabur) and the Gospel (al-injiil) have been given prior to coming of the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace blessings be upon him) and Qur’an.

I am not any theologian, just someone trying to learn and understand God in other religions so that I can better understand where they are coming from in discussions etc.

Everyone is free to believe and believe according to their understanding and proofs and evidences that are all around us.

@Uncomplicated, thank you. Much appreciated.

I can relate some statements that are similar to what Qur’an mentions. But, statements to do with Jesus is completely alien to Muslims and the Qur'an.

I wish not to offend anyone by quoting few English meaning of verses related Jesus if I may.

Muslims acknowledge Jesus (peace be upon him) as one of the greatest prophets in Islam. In the Qur’an, God All-Mighty mentions Jesus by name no less than 34 times; 26 times as ‘Jesus’ and 8 times as ‘the Messiah’.

Important: The following verses are in isolation and you may need to read the preceding or consecutive verses in order to understand the context.

[3:45] [And mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah ].

[3:59] Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, “Be,” and he was.

[4:157] And [for] their saying, “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah .” And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.

[4:163] Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him. And we revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, the Descendants, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the book [of Psalms].

[4:171] 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. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.

So, as you can see Muslims have a very different understanding of Jesus (peace be upon him) than our Jewish and Christian brethren.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotheism
this is an interesting article and lists non Abrahamic monotheistic religions as well

So, as you can see Muslims have a very different understanding of Jesus (peace be upon him) than our Jewish and Christian brethren.

There is a central theme within Christianity of unity with God and each other in love.

"1	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20133%3A1&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 133:1</a>
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in <strong>unity</strong>!<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20133%3A1%2D3&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Context</a>t<span class="underline"> | <a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20133&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Chapter</a>r</span> | <a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%20133%3A1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Other Translations</a>s<span class="underline"> 

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204%3A3&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:3</a>
Endeavouring to keep the <strong>unity</strong> of the Spirit in the bond of peace.<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204%3A2%2D4&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Context</a>t</span> | <a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Chapter</a>r<span class="underline"> | <a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Ephesians%204%3A3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Other Translations</a>s</span> 

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204%3A13&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:13</a>
Till we all come in the <strong>unity</strong> of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204%3A12%2D14&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Context</a>t<span class="underline"> | <a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Chapter</a>r</span> | <a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Ephesians%204%3A13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Other Translations</a>s_"

But also that we look forward to fuller a knowledge of God,

"1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

(https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=Unity&version=KJV)

So, where there is unity in faith and love, God is made manifest and we can see God.

1	

"<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204%3A12&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1 John 4:12</a>
No man hath seen <strong>God</strong> at any time. If we <strong>love</strong> one another, <strong>God</strong> dwelleth in us, and his <strong>love</strong> <strong>is</strong> perfected in us."

1	

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204%3A16&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1 John 4:16</a>
And we have known and believed the <strong>love</strong> that <strong>God</strong> hath to us. <strong>God</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>love</strong>; and he that dwelleth in <strong>love</strong> dwelleth in <strong>God</strong>, and <strong>God</strong> in him.

And we see God perfectly in and through Jesus, as he is without sin.

1	

"<a class="break-all" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A9&version=KJV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John 14:9</a>
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath <strong>see</strong>n me hath <strong>see</strong>n <strong>the</strong> <strong>Father</strong>; and how sayest thou <strong>the</strong>n, Show us <strong>the</strong> <strong>Father</strong>?"

And we see God perfectly in and through Jesus, as he is without sin.

Sorry, that was what I just write now. Meant to close the quote before I wrote that.🤦‍♀️

So there is a sense of seeing but not fully seeing God.

As in when we are operating in faith and love, it is God operating through us, directing us. Although our human selves might not have the full understanding to process it all.

If I recall correctly, Greek Orthodoxy describes this something like being able to see God through His actions but not in His fullness.

Wow, thank you all for taking time out to contribute, really do appreciate it.

Again, I just want emphasis that I am not on here to upset anyone or disagree with what they believe.

According to followers of Islam. God constantly tells all people to make use of our intellect, eyes, hearing and evidences around and then come to a firm conclusion.

Having faith in God is simply not enough because you need proof of His existence. It is far too important to leave it up to someone else.

So someone does not become a practicing Muslim without firm faith, belief and proof that they can attest to.

For Muslims, the Qur'an (only in Arabic, the language it was revealed in) is the ultimate proof and miracle.

In another chapter of the Qur'an, meaning in English. God tells us:

Say, ˹O Prophet (Muhammad),˺ “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.”

That is why Muslims find it extremely difficult to comprehend God being described or imagined in any other way.

We cannot fathom how Trinity works without any disrespecting our Christian brethren.

We believe in the miracle birth of Jesus (peace be upon him), his mother Mary (there is chapter of the Qur’an named after Mary) was a virgin and he spoke in his cradle and he brought dead back to life with God's permission. And he never claimed Divinity.

And his story is mentioned in Qur'an in many places, far too many for me to type. Like, meaning in English.

“Jesus, the son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger, before whom there lived many other Messengers. His mother (Mary) was a truthful woman and both of them ate earthly food [and lived an earthly existence as mortal human beings]. Consider how We explain the evidence (of the Truth) to them and see where they then turn back.” (Noble Qur’an 5:75)

@Memeandmeagain, and Christians see there is God in God's (perfect) message.

However, as imperfect human beings, how much of this perfect message we receive and understand can vary.

Just as the words I write here reflect what I think. But physically they are something else - they exist digitally here on this platform and the thoughts in my head exist physiologically in my brain.

And if those thought communicated to someone else and promoted them to have the same thoughts then perhaps they might have the same physiological signature?

Op, the quote you posted earlier says that the Quran says Jesus did not die on the cross.
This is direct opposite to Christianity. Christians believe Jesus did die on the criss, to take everyone's punishment for our sins, so that we can ask Gods forgiveness. He then rose again and then went to heaven. The Quran also seems to say Muslims believe in God as one, but Christians believe in the trinity, God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit.

Cross, that should say.

Well, @treesandweeds, I can see there will be mystery in this for some too depending on their viewpoint. Jesus certainly did experience death on the cross as His spirit left His body (as described in the Bible plus the description on the centurion piercing His body) ....and yet He came back to life, in the resurrection.

So depending on which points in time an observation is acknowledged one might say the crucifixion was not able to finish Him off.

Christians believe in the trinity, God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit.

But the trinity is in complete unity so is one.

@treesandweeds, I guess what I'm trying say or make it clear from Islamic perspective of view and Muslim belief is that both, Christians and Muslims believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) that existed, walked on the earth, preached God's message as he was commanded to do by God. He ate food like rest of us, he prayed to God for help when those around him disbelieved in his message etc.

It seems Christians and Muslims part way on the account of Jesus claiming divinity, which completely alien to Islam.

But, that doesn't Christians can't believe in that. How God tells us in Qur’an that that is not true and people say it are in error because they don't have any proof, meaning the original text revealed to Jesus.

From my little understanding of bible, all the books are written by Jesus's followers and some who never met him in person nor did Jesus (peace be upon him) approve of the text unlike the Qur’an, which was revealed over 23 years in stages and were recited by Muslims and written down while Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was still alive. And we still have the exact word for word revelation today.

Sorry, I don't want get bogged down in theological discussions as I'm not qualified to do so.

I'm only curious of how God is perceived and thought off in other religious books.

Muslims only know about Judaism and Christianity from what is mentioned in the Qur’an.

I am surprised to see how much similarities there are between all 3 religion. And that tells me source has to be the one and only same God.

If course there are differences, they are tiny compared to what we all agree on.

There are those whose job it is to highlight and magnify the small differences to drive people away from each other unfortunately.

And let me quickly mention of forced conversion (it's completely nonsensical, to compel someone to believe what you believe. Belief is in the heart, and no one can force anyone to change what their heart believes regardless of what they may be forced to utter with their mouths) by quoting what the Qur’an says, meaning in English:

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O you disbelievers! (people who do not accept the message of Islam)

I do not worship what you worship.

Nor are you worshippers of what I worship.

Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship.

Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship.

For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."

It clearly says, those do not want believe in Islam, you have your religion and Muslims have their religion.

So, why would muslims ever want convert or force anyone (if such as thing was even permitted?).

Yes, Muslims have been commanded to invite people so they can hear the final message of God. Then it's between them and God what happens.

No one shall carry the burden of another on Judgement day.

I hope I made some sense.

@glimpsing

Christians believe in the trinity, God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit.

But the trinity is in complete unity so is one.

If that makes perfect sense to you, you have the evidence and your heart is content with it then who is anyone else to question it?

But, having read the Qur'an, it will be impossible for Muslims to agree with that belief even though we can vouch for Jesus (peace be upon him) Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit. We believe in all of them as God's servant and nothing more.

They are honoured by God and are close to God.

Peace.

We believe in all of them as God's servant and nothing more.

An interesting belief indeed. If someone is nothing more but God's servant there is no ego, everything they are is God's, to do His will. They will do only the will of God. For Christians that is marvellous and miraculous indeed! There we can see God manifest through the service of His servants.

As a teacher of RE and philosophy I’m loving this thread!

So glad I've come across this thread. I'm so impressed at the respectful exchange in knowledge from the two religions being discussed.

In the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have been told by God (indirectly also to Muslims) how best to conduct discussions.

The meaning in English:

(O Prophet) Invite ˹all˺ to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and kind advice, and only debate with them in the best manner. Surely your Lord ˹alone˺ knows best who has strayed from His Way and who is ˹rightly˺ guided.

Understandably, religion is very emotive subject and tends to bring out both, the good and bad in a person.

If only we could remain calm and listen to what others have to say even though we may vehemently disagree with some of things then the world would have been a much better place and more understanding.

An example would be like Muslims believe Jesus (peace be upon him) is only a Messenger of God, just like many other previous Messnegers that God sent and gone by. I would guess some of our Christian brethren might find it offensive.

And the similar thing applies to Muslims when we hear that God have partners or other diety association. It is the most hateful and destitable thing anyone can say about God.

To show how disliked it is, we recitate (in Arabic, after every 5 times prayers or when we remember God throughout the night and day)

Meaning in English:

“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, with no partner or associate. His is the dominion and all praise is due to Him, and He is Able to do all things. Glory is to Allah, praise is to Allah, none has the right to be worshiped but Allah, Allah is the Most Great, and there is no power or strength except with Allah, the Most High, the Most Supreme”

But, we should still debate in the best of manners as God taught us in the Qur'an.

There is no need to abuse or denigrate somoeone else's belief or diety even though we may not agree or like it.