Title: Theological Reflections on the Islamic Concept of Allah in Light of Christian Revelation
Author: Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Abstract
This paper engages in a comparative theological critique between the Islamic portrayal of Allah and the Christian understanding of God as revealed in the Bible. Drawing from Islamic hadith literature, Quranic interpretation, and Christian scripture, the article questions the logical and theological coherence of Islamic doctrines. It raises serious theological, philosophical, and soteriological concerns about the character of Allah and the practices around his worship, especially as they relate to salvation, divine justice, and eschatology. The paper culminates in a gospel-centered call to truth and freedom through Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation, referencing John 8:31 and John 14:6.
Introduction
Muslims often find themselves in a difficult position when attempting to theologically defend Allah, especially when critical questions arise regarding the logic and coherence of Islamic doctrine. When faced with robust Christian arguments grounded in scripture and reason, many resort to mockery, deflection, or emotional outbursts rather than rational engagement. This paper aims to examine these critical points academically, particularly highlighting hidden inconsistencies in Islamic theology which are often obscured by Islamic clergy from their congregations. As Christians committed to sharing the truth in love, we must educate our Muslim brothers and sisters so they may come to know the truth, which, as Jesus promised, will set them free (John 8:31–32).
Section I: The Paradox of Salawat – Praying for Muhammad
According to Islamic hadith:
“Whoever performs the ‘Asr prayer on Friday and says before standing up: ‘O Allah, send prayers upon Muhammad, the illiterate prophet, and upon his followers, and grant them eternal peace eighty times,’ he will be forgiven eighty years of sins.”
— Al-Sadiqu Al-Amin, Vol. 1-2, Hadith No. 347, p. 160.
Critical Questions:
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Who is worthy of intercession: the believer or the prophet?
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Why does the prophet demand salutation and blessings from the believers?
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Where in the Bible do we find Jesus asking for believers to pray for Him?
Unlike Muhammad, Jesus never asked for such prayers. Instead, He prayed for His followers and offered Himself as the intercessor (John 17:9–26; Romans 8:34). The Islamic requirement to bless a deceased prophet raises theological concerns regarding the completeness and divinity of Muhammad’s mission.
Furthermore, the idea that praying for Muhammad results in the forgiveness of 80 years of sin opens the door for moral abuse. Could this doctrine be behind the motivation of some extremists who believe that martyrdom or obedience to Muhammad’s traditions will earn them unearned righteousness?
Section II: The Shocking Hadith – Will Allah Enter Hell?
A major theological challenge arises from the following hadith:
“Hell will continue saying, ‘Is there any more?’ until the Lord of Glory puts His Foot in it. Then it will say, ‘Enough! Enough! By Your Glory!’ and it will draw itself together.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 654
This anthropomorphic description, where Allah physically places His foot in Hell to pacify it, presents numerous theological problems:
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Divine Vulnerability: A god who physically interacts with hell seems susceptible to spatial-temporal limitations.
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Theological Dissonance: The Christian God is the eternal Judge, distinct and separate from Hell, and will cast Satan and death itself into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).
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Deceptive Imagery: If Allah can enter Hell or interact with it materially, is he really distinct from creation? Or is this a mischaracterization of divinity?
Section III: The Final Judgment – The Biblical View of Hell and God's Sovereignty
The Bible makes a clear distinction between the Creator and created realities, including Hell. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus says:
“Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”
This verse establishes:
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Hell was never made for God or humanity but for the Devil and fallen angels.
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God is the supreme Judge who sends the wicked into Hell, not a being who interacts with Hell to calm it down.
Likewise, in Revelation 20:11–15, we are told:
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The dead will be judged before God.
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Anyone whose name is not found in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire.
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Death and Hades (not God) are thrown into the lake of fire.
There is no indication that God (Yahweh) ever steps into Hell or interacts with it as if it were alive.
Section IV: A Call to Truth – The Real Identity of God
From the biblical evidence, the God revealed in Scripture (Yahweh) is holy, righteous, omnipotent, and transcendent. He is not confined by the limitations or anthropomorphic depictions found in certain Islamic texts. In fact, the idea that “Allah” enters Hell contradicts the very nature of divine transcendence and omnipotence.
It therefore raises the possibility that the Islamic depiction of Allah is a counterfeit, a false deity masquerading as divine. This aligns with what Jesus said about false prophets and deceptions in the last days (Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:14).
Section V: The Way to Salvation – Jesus Christ Alone
Jesus Christ declares in John 14:6:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
And in Revelation 3:20:
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Dear Muslim reader, Jesus Christ is calling you today. He does not ask you to pray for Him but instead invites you into a relationship with Him, where He intercedes for you. He is the only one whose name is written in the Book of Life, and through Him alone can your name also be written therein (Revelation 20:15).
Conclusion: Choose Life Today
To all seekers of truth: reflect deeply on these theological discrepancies. Question what you have been taught. Don’t settle for incomplete or inconsistent doctrines. True salvation and eternal life are found only in Jesus Christ.
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32
References
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The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV)
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Sahih al-Bukhari (Volume 8, Hadith 654)
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Al-Sadiqu Al-Amin, Vol. 1-2, Hadith No. 347
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Quranic interpretations (as referenced by Muslim scholars)
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Revelation 20:11–15, Matthew 25:41, John 3:16, John 14:6, Revelation 3:20
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Founder, Shimba Theological Institute
Max Shimba Ministries Org
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