It is a general tendency that when you hate someone, without knowing him, based on ideas fed to you, specially when it comes to matter related to faith, you tend to become extremely emotional that mar or obscure your judgmental abilities. Since the proclamation of Islam, the other Divine religions, like the Jewism and Christianity, felt threatened and their priests and scholars embarked upon a hate campaign about Islam, which unfortunately continues till date.
We have already published a number of posts to respond to the lies, misinformation and objections about Islam which can be found in our exclusive reference page: The Rebuttal. Continuing with our endeavour to clear the fog of lies, today we take yet another lie about Islam. The lie is so damning that we could not write it verbatim in our caption for it is far below the diginity of any sane human, no matter what religion or faith he belongs to, to utter such a derogatory mindset. The lie is appended below and we will thereafter respond to it:
Islam is centered around a false god - He is really Satan in disguise
Now this objection is totally baseless, derogatory that expresses the mind of the sick, who in their hatred about Islam can go to this utterly baseless. Although this is not the perception and mindset of mainstream Christians, but a perspective held by certain fringe groups or individuals. This perspective is rooted in a combination of theological, historical, and cultural misunderstandings.
Here are the detailed reasons behind this phenomenon:
Theological Differences
Trinity vs. Tawhid: A central theological difference is the Christian belief in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) versus the Islamic concept of Tawhid (absolute oneness of God). Some Christians who misunderstand or reject Tawhid might perceive the Islamic rejection of the Trinity as heretical or even demonic.
Christology: Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, whereas Islam regards Jesus (Isa) as a prophet, not divine. This fundamental difference leads some Christians to view Islamic teachings about Jesus as not just different, but as opposing their own, which can be demonized.
Historical and Cultural Misunderstandings
Medieval Polemics: During the Middle Ages, Christians and Muslims often viewed each other as existential threats. Christian polemicists sometimes depicted Muhammad and Islam in extremely negative terms, equating them with heresy and devilry. These polemics have left a lingering suspicion and misrepresentation.
Lack of Knowledge: Many Christians who equate Allah with Satan do so out of ignorance about Islam. They may not realize that "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for God, used by Arab Christians and Jews as well. This misunderstanding is exacerbated by limited exposure to authentic Islamic teachings.
Extremist Narratives
Extremist Views: Some fringe Christian groups promote the idea that Islam is a satanic deception. This view is often propagated by those who interpret end-time prophecies in a way that demonizes Islam, viewing it as part of a satanic plot against Christianity.
Cultural and Political Factors
Geopolitical Conflicts: The association of Islam with terrorism in the media, especially after events like 9/11, has led to a fear and demonization of Muslims and their beliefs. This climate of fear can foster extreme views where Islam is seen not just as different, but as malevolent.
Religious Exclusivism: Some Christians hold an exclusivist view of salvation, believing that their faith is the only true path to God. From this perspective, other religions, including Islam, are seen as false and potentially influenced by evil forces.
Misinterpretation of Islamic Teachings
Misunderstanding Jihad: The concept of jihad is often misunderstood by non-Muslims. While mainstream Islam teaches that jihad primarily refers to a spiritual struggle, extremists' misuse of the term has led to its association with violence, further fueling misconceptions.
Summary
The equation of Allah with Satan by some Christians stems from a mix of theological differences, historical polemics, cultural misunderstandings, ignorance, and extremist narratives. These factors combine to create a perception that is not based on an informed understanding of Islamic teachings but rather on fear, misrepresentation, and prejudice.
Mainstream Christianity, however, does not endorse this view. Many Christian leaders and scholars recognize that Muslims worship the same God that they do, albeit with different understandings and beliefs about His nature and revelations. Efforts towards interfaith dialogue continue to address and reduce these misunderstandings, promoting mutual respect and understanding between Christians and Muslims.
So let no one deceive about Islam by lies, misinformation and disinformation. Islam provides the easiest access to Allah without any intermediary to speak to Him, repent one's sins and seek forgiveness.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
You may read more posts on countering / responding to lies / misinformation and disinformation about Islam: The Rebuttal: Countering disinformation being spread about Islam (Reference Page)
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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