askvity

Is Allah in the Bible?

Published in Religious Comparison 2 mins read

No, the name "Allah" does not appear in the original Hebrew or Greek texts of the Bible. However, the concept of God represented by "Allah" in Islam is the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians.

Understanding the Term "Allah"

The Arabic word "Allah" simply means "God." It is used by Arabic-speaking Christians, Jews, and Muslims to refer to the one God. Therefore, while the word itself isn't in the Bible, the concept it represents certainly is.

Historical Context and Translations

  • Alternate Translations: Some translations, like those by Theodore Abu Qurrah, have used "Allah" as a translation for "God" in certain verses, illustrating the shared concept of God across different faiths. This demonstrates an attempt to reflect the shared understanding of God across the Abrahamic faiths. For example, John 1:1, translated as "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" can be translated as "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Allah, and the Word was Allah." in some translations.

  • Muslim Commentary: The use of "Allah" by Muslim commentators further highlights the common theological foundation between Islam and the religions whose scriptures are contained in the Bible. They apply this term to the God of the Bible, acknowledging the shared belief in one God.

This does not mean that the Bible explicitly mentions "Allah," but it underscores the shared concept of God that unites the Abrahamic faiths. The discrepancy lies solely in the terminology used to refer to the divine being.

Related Articles