HOW IS ISLAM RELATED TO THE NUMBER 666?

By: Max Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ Almighty God

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Abstract

This article explores the theological, historical, and symbolic connections between Islam and the concept of the Antichrist, particularly focusing on the number 666 as described in the Book of Revelation. By examining scriptural evidence from the Bible and cross-referencing with the Quran, this study highlights the characteristics of the Antichrist, the persecution of Christians, and the significance of numerical symbolism in prophetic literature. Historical instances of religious oppression are considered to illustrate the practical manifestations of these prophetic warnings.

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1. Introduction

The term “Antichrist”, derived from the Greek antichristos, literally means “against Christ” or “instead of Christ.” In the New Testament, the Antichrist is described as an individual or system that opposes Christ and His followers through deception, persecution, and claims of divinity (1 John 2:22).

Key biblical characteristics of the Antichrist include:

1. Denying Jesus as the Messiah or the Son of God (1 John 2:22).

2. Opposing Christ, the Anointed One of God (Psalm 2:1–2; Luke 11:23).

3. Claiming to be Christ or imitating Him (Matthew 24:24).

4. Persecuting followers of Christ, treating their suffering as a personal affront to Him (Acts 9:5).

5. Claiming Christianity while engaging in deception or lawless behavior (Matthew 7:22–23; 2 Corinthians 11:13).

The alteration of Jesus’ name in Arabic to Isa bin Maryam, instead of the accurate linguistic form Yasu, illustrates a historical and theological distortion, which further underscores the concern for false representations of Christ.

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2. Identifying the Antichrist

Biblical scripture provides guidance on identifying the Antichrist:

• Spreading false teachings about Jesus (Matthew 24:9,11).

• Claiming to follow Christ while disobeying His commandments, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 6:46; Acts 10:42).

These behaviors are consistent indicators of opposition to Christ, illustrating both spiritual and social consequences for the faithful.

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3. Islam and the Number 666

A notable observation arises from the Quran, which contains 6,666 words across 114 chapters (surahs). Revelation 13:18 identifies the number of the Antichrist as 666, symbolizing imperfection, rebellion, and deception. Some biblical scholars interpret the numerical coincidence as a manifestation of symbolic warning:

“Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18, ESV)

The Bible further emphasizes the consequences for those who align with the Antichrist:

“If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God… and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone…” (Revelation 14:9–10, ESV)

This symbolic and prophetic warning underscores the danger of deceptive ideologies and false religious authority.

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4. Persecution and Apostasy

The persecution of Christians is a major hallmark of the Antichrist. In some interpretations of Islamic law, apostasy—renouncing Islam—is considered a capital offense (Quran 4:89; 2:217). Historical evidence demonstrates consistent patterns of violence against Christians, including:

• Destruction and arson of churches in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

• Targeted attacks on Christian communities across the Middle East and North Africa.

• Systematic efforts to suppress Christian evangelism and religious expression.

These actions parallel the biblical depiction of the Antichrist, who seeks to destroy faithful followers of Christ and suppress the gospel of the Kingdom.

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5. Historical and Scriptural Evidence

The alignment of certain Islamic practices with characteristics of the Antichrist can be summarized as follows:

1. Targeted opposition to Christians: Historical and contemporary evidence shows that Christian communities have often been specifically targeted, while adherents of other faiths or indigenous spiritual leaders face less persecution.

2. Enforcement of apostasy laws: These laws reflect coercion against those who would leave the faith, consistent with the biblical depiction of the Antichrist persecuting those who resist false religious authority.

3. Suppression of evangelism: Acts of violence, intimidation, and legal enforcement impede the spread of the gospel, reflecting the strategic opposition described in Revelation.

This intersection of theology and history provides a compelling framework for understanding the Antichrist’s practical and symbolic dimensions.

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6. Expanded Theological Analysis

The number 666, in biblical numerology, represents imperfection and rebellion against divine order. The Quranic word count of 6,666 can thus be interpreted as symbolically resonant with this warning, reflecting a spiritual and prophetic dimension.

Furthermore, the historical persecution of Christians under Islamic regimes demonstrates how numerical symbolism aligns with real-world events. Acts of violence, legal coercion, and systematic suppression of Christian communities illustrate the tangible effects of spiritual deception and opposition.

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7. Conclusion

The evidence from scripture, historical record, and symbolic numerology indicates that certain aspects of Islam correspond to characteristics of the Antichrist:

• Active persecution of Christ’s followers.

• Enforcement of apostasy laws.

• Suppression of evangelistic work.

Believers are thus called to vigilance, spiritual discernment, and steadfast adherence to Christ’s teachings in anticipation of the last days.

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8. Prayer and Blessing

May God grant believers:

• Strength to resist deception.

• Faithfulness during persecution.

• Wisdom to discern truth from falsehood.

Faithful followers are reminded to remain steadfast in Christ, avoiding ideologies and practices contrary to His commands.

Shalom.

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References

1. Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). 1 John 2:22; Psalm 2:1–2; Luke 11:23; Matthew 24:24; Acts 9:5; Matthew 7:22–23; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 6:46; Acts 10:42; Revelation 13:18; Revelation 14:9–10.

2. Quran, Translations by Sahih International. Surah 2:217; Surah 4:89.

3. Qutb, Sayyid. Fi Zilal al-Quran (In the Shade of the Quran).

4. Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.

5. Hengel, Martin. Judaism and Hellenism: Studies in Their Encounter in Palestine during the Early Hellenistic Period. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1974.