While it's a common misconception, Jews do not believe in Allah as understood in Islam.
The confusion often arises because Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their roots back to Abraham and share a belief in one God. However, the name and specific attributes given to God vary across these religions.
| Religion | Name for God | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Judaism | YHWH (often referred to as Adonai) | The God of the Hebrew Bible, the one who made a covenant with Abraham and the Israelites. |
| Christianity | God (also referred to as Father) | The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, understood as a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). |
| Islam | Allah | The one and only God, the creator and sustainer of the universe. |
Understanding the Abrahamic God
Although these religions share a common root, they have developed distinct theological and practical aspects. The reference provided from 05-Sept-2017 states, "Jews, Christians and Muslims all worship the same God," but this requires careful consideration. They believe in the *same* God in the sense that all three are monotheistic faiths that trace their belief back to Abraham. However, the name, the nature, and the specific understanding of that God differ significantly.
Here's a breakdown of why the term “same God” is complex:
- Different Names: While Jews do not use the name “Allah” for God, they use names like YHWH (often replaced with Adonai when read), while Muslims refer to God as "Allah".
- Different Interpretations: The attributes and roles ascribed to God vary considerably between the three religions.
- Different Scriptures: Each religion has its own scriptures and interpretations of the divine. Judaism emphasizes the Torah and other books of the Hebrew Bible, Christianity centers around the Bible which includes the Old Testament and New Testament, and Islam revolves around the Quran.
Key Differences
While there may be a common ancestral origin, Judaism does not teach that YHWH is referred to as Allah. While the reference mentions that the three religions worship the *same* God, this statement needs to be seen as referring to the same lineage and not as meaning that each religion's God is exactly the same.
- Jews believe that YHWH is one, indivisible God and do not accept the Christian concept of a Trinity or the Islamic understanding of Allah.
- Muslims believe that Allah is the unique and ultimate God, rejecting the idea of the Trinity and the Jewish concept of a chosen people.
In conclusion, though these religions share historical roots and concepts, the God worshipped, while stemming from the same root, is perceived and approached differently. Jews do not refer to their God as Allah, though both religions share the belief in a single God.
