Yes, Jews and Muslims generally believe in the same God, although their understanding and worship of that God differ in some respects.
The shared belief in one God, monotheism, is a central tenet of both Judaism and Islam. Both religions trace their roots back to Abraham, whom they both consider a patriarch and a prophet. This common ancestry contributes to the shared understanding of God as the creator and sustainer of the universe.
Similarities in the Concept of God:
- Monotheism: Both Judaism and Islam are strictly monotheistic religions.
- Creator: Both believe God is the creator of the universe and everything in it.
- Omnipotent and Omniscient: Both believe God is all-powerful and all-knowing.
- Merciful and Compassionate: Both traditions emphasize God's mercy and compassion.
Differences in Religious Practice and Theology:
Despite these similarities, significant differences exist in the way Jews and Muslims practice their faith and understand God's relationship with humanity. These differences include:
- Prophets and Messengers: While both traditions recognize many of the same prophets (e.g., Abraham, Moses), Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last and greatest prophet. Jews do not accept Muhammad as a prophet.
- Holy Texts: Jews consider the Torah to be the divinely revealed word of God. Muslims consider the Quran to be the final and complete revelation of God's word.
- Concept of the Trinity: Christianity introduces the concept of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), which is rejected by both Judaism and Islam. Judaism and Islam emphasize the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid in Islam).
- Religious Law: While both religions have systems of religious law (Halakha in Judaism and Sharia in Islam), the specific laws and their interpretations differ significantly.
Expert Opinion:
As stated in the provided reference, even prominent Rabbis like Moshe Feinstein have acknowledged that Muslims refer to the same God, even using the term "Allah." The video excerpt quoted him saying "Allah that's the ABS God the same God that we have."
In conclusion, while Jews and Muslims share a fundamental belief in one God, differences in religious practices, theology, and the acceptance of prophets exist. However, the core belief in a single, all-powerful creator suggests a shared foundation in their understanding of the divine.
