Anthropomorphism in Hadith: A Critical Examination of Muhammad’s Claims About Allah’s Image
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
The theological portrayal of God’s nature has always been a point of contention between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the transcendence and incomparability of Allah, declaring “There is nothing like unto Him” (Qur’an 42:11). In contrast, several hadiths attributed to Muhammad depict Allah in highly anthropomorphic terms—sometimes even resembling a human being. This creates a theological contradiction between the Qur’anic presentation of Allah as wholly unlike creation and Muhammad’s descriptions of Allah in hadith literature.
One such hadith is found in Sahih Muslim 2612e, which records Muhammad as saying: “When any one of you fights with his brother, he should avoid his face, for Allah created Adam in His own image.” The implication of this narration is that Allah possesses an “image” (ṣūrah) comparable to Adam’s form, thus raising the question: did Muhammad inadvertently ascribe human attributes to Allah, contradicting the Qur’an itself?
The Qur’an’s Theology of Transcendence
The Qur’an is explicit in denying anthropomorphism:
“Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision” (Qur’an 6:103).
“There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing” (Qur’an 42:11).
“He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him” (Qur’an 112:3–4).
These verses emphasize Allah’s absolute otherness, rejecting the idea that He could resemble creation in form or image.
Anthropomorphic Hadiths in Islam
In contrast, hadith literature introduces strikingly anthropomorphic descriptions of Allah:
Allah in Adam’s Image (Sahih Muslim 2612e): Adam was created in Allah’s image, implying similarity.
Allah’s Physical Form (Sahih al-Bukhari 7439): Muhammad described Allah as “a young man with curly hair, wearing a green garment.”
Allah’s Measurements: Some narrations even claim Adam’s height (60 cubits, about 90 feet) was modeled after Allah’s form (Sahih al-Bukhari 3326).
Such depictions suggest that Muhammad’s descriptions of Allah were inconsistent with the Qur’an’s rejection of corporeality.
Biblical Parallels and Distinctions
The Bible indeed declares that humanity was created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26–27). However, Christian theology interprets this not as a physical resemblance, but as a reflection of God’s moral, spiritual, and rational nature. The divine image in humanity refers to qualities such as reason, relational capacity, and dominion—not physical form (cf. Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:24).
Thus, while Christianity acknowledges that man is made in God’s image, it resists crude anthropomorphism. By contrast, Muhammad’s hadithic statements lean towards corporeal anthropomorphism, even detailing Allah’s youthful appearance and bodily dimensions.
Theological Contradictions in Muhammad’s Claims
The hadiths raise serious questions about Muhammad’s knowledge and his prophetic claims:
Contradiction with the Qur’an: If Allah has an image like Adam, this nullifies the Qur’anic teaching of Allah’s transcendence.
Confusion of Divine Attributes: Muhammad portrays Allah both as incomprehensible (via the Qur’an) and as corporeal (via hadith), producing theological inconsistency.
Prophetic Reliability: If Muhammad misrepresented Allah by attributing anthropomorphic qualities to Him, this undermines his credibility as a prophet who claims to deliver divine revelation.
Conclusion
The Islamic hadith tradition, by presenting Allah in anthropomorphic and even corporeal terms, stands in tension with the Qur’an’s insistence on divine incomparability. In contrast, the Bible presents a consistent theological framework: man is created in God’s image, not in physical form, but in spiritual and moral essence.
Muhammad’s contradictory statements raise significant doubts about his prophetic claims. If Allah is indeed transcendent as the Qur’an insists, then Muhammad’s portrayal of Allah as a man with youthful features cannot be reconciled with authentic divine revelation.
References
The Qur’an: Surah 6:103; 42:11; 112:3–4.
Sahih Muslim 2612e.
Sahih al-Bukhari 7439, 3326.
Genesis 1:26–27; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24.
Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim.
Al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari.
Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim.
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 1, Chapter 15.
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