Trinity, Crucifixion Atonement & More

Christianity vs. Islam: Trinity, Crucifixion & Atonement

Islam’s Perspective on the Concept of the Trinity in Christianity

All three Abrahamic religions – Islam, Judaism, and Christianity – claim to be monotheistic, worshipping one Supreme God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. While this holds true for Islam and Judaism, Christianity diverged from strict monotheism with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity. This doctrine, formulated three and a half centuries after the departure of Jesus Christ, has sparked internal and external controversy within Christianity.

Christians describe God as a triune godhead consisting of three divine persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, unified as one being. While Christians assert that these three are co-eternal and co-equal, the doctrine has caused confusion. As the Bible states, “For God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Islam, in contrast, maintains the simplicity and clarity of God’s absolute oneness.

 

Logical Inconsistencies in the Trinity

The concept of the Trinity presents significant logical challenges. Christians claim that God is simultaneously the Father and His own Son. This raises questions: How can one be the Father of Himself? If God had a child, it would undermine the concept of His oneness. Moreover, God, being perfect, does not require a wife, child, or the form of an imperfect human body.

 

The Trinity in Biblical Context

Only one verse in the Bible explicitly references the Trinity: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one” (1 John 5:7, King James Version). However, this verse was later expunged from the Bible by Christian scholars, who deemed it a fabrication. It was absent from the original Greek manuscripts and added by the Pauline Roman Catholic Church. Modern Bible translations, such as the Revised Standard Version, exclude this verse.

This inconsistency raises critical questions: Why do some Christian preachers still use the King James Version despite its proven fabrications? How can Christians trust the Bible as the Word of God when verses are added and removed? Would God allow His Book of Guidance to contain fabricated verses?

 

The Quran’s Preservation and Clarity

In contrast, the Holy Quran has remained unchanged since its revelation over 1,400 years ago. Not a single word has been added or removed, as God has promised to preserve it. The Quran is regarded as the ultimate Book of Guidance for humanity until the Day of Judgment.

 

Historical Development of the Trinity

The concept of the Trinity was introduced three and a half centuries after the departure of Jesus Christ. Neither Jesus, his disciples, nor Paul, who introduced the idea of Jesus as the “divine Son of God,” were aware of this doctrine. Notably, the Old Testament, the foundational scripture of the Abrahamic faiths, makes no mention of the Trinity. This omission raises questions: If the Trinity is a fundamental concept, why was it not mentioned to the Jews? Did God change His nature or message?

The Old Testament emphasizes monotheism: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Similarly, the New Testament quotes Jesus affirming this belief: “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one’” (Mark 12:29). Jesus also stated, “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Luke 4:8). Three can never equal one, regardless of justification.

 

The Quran’s Affirmation of God’s Oneness

The Quran confirms the absolute oneness of God, consistent with previous revelations:

“Your God is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone” (Quran 18:110).

“And your Allah is One Allah: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful” (Quran 2:163).

 

Quranic Rejection of the Trinity

Islam firmly rejects the concept of the Trinity:

“O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the Son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah… So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, ‘Three’; desist – it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God” (Quran 4:171).

“And they say: ‘The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children).’ Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins. That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent that He should beget a son” (Quran 19:88-92).

 

Consequences of Believing in the Trinity

The Quran warns against associating partners with God:

“They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the third of three’… And if they do not desist from what they are saying, there will surely afflict the disbelievers among them a painful punishment” (Quran 5:73).

“The Messiah, Son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look at how they are deluded” (Quran 5:75).

 

The Quran’s Position on the Divinity of Jesus and Mary

While the Quran does not explicitly address the modern Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), it condemns trinitarianism and the deification of Jesus and Mary. When the Quran was revealed, some Christians considered Mary a deity and referred to her as the “mother of God.” These beliefs, evolving over time, are firmly rejected in Islam.

Christianity’s View on Salvation and Atonement

Before addressing Islam’s perspective on atonement, it’s essential to examine Christianity’s stance on salvation. Christians believe every child is born with the taint of original sin, stemming from the disobedience of Prophet Adam and Eve (PBUT) when they ate from the forbidden tree. This inherited sin necessitates belief in atonement – the idea that Jesus Christ died for humanity’s sins. According to Christian teachings, salvation is achieved by accepting that Jesus died for one’s sins, with no obligation to worship God, perform good deeds, or adhere to divine laws.

Christians argue that faith in atonement grants a guaranteed path to Paradise, even if one leads a sinful life. This raises a critical question: If salvation depends solely on believing in atonement, why do Christians study the Bible and Jesus’ teachings?

 

Biblical Contradictions Regarding Atonement

If Jesus Christ’s death were central to salvation, he would have explicitly taught this. However, no biblical verse directly states that Jesus died for humanity’s sins. Christians assert that God sacrificed His only begotten son, but this concept raises logical inconsistencies. Why would the All-Mighty God, who owns the universe, need to sacrifice anything? Sacrifice implies giving up something irretrievable, which contradicts God’s infinite power.

Moreover, the Bible includes verses that refute the concept of inherited sin and collective punishment:

• “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin” (Deuteronomy 24:16).
• “The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child” (Ezekiel 18:20).

 

Paul’s Role in Introducing Atonement

The concept of atonement originates from Paul, who claimed that Jesus appeared to him in a vision. Paul’s teachings, which diverged significantly from those of Jesus Christ, introduced doctrines like original sin and redemption. Notably, these ideas were absent from the teachings of previous Prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Noah (PBUT). If atonement were essential, why didn’t these Prophets teach it?

When asked about attaining eternal life, Jesus emphasized adherence to God’s commandments rather than belief in atonement:

“Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’… Jesus replied, ‘If you want to enter life, keep the commandments’” (Matthew 19:16-21).

 

The Bible’s Emphasis on Good Deeds

The Bible underscores the importance of good deeds alongside faith:

• “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore, anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:18-19).
• “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14).

 

Islam’s Logical and Just Approach to Salvation

Islam rejects inherited sin and the need for atonement. It teaches that each individual is accountable for their actions, with exceptions for those who have not reached puberty or are not of sound mind. Salvation in Islam requires belief in One God and adherence to His commandments, including the Five Pillars of Islam and the Six Articles of Faith.

When humans err, sincere repentance is the key to forgiveness. The Quran recounts how Prophet Adam (PBUH) sought forgiveness after his transgression:

“Then Adam received some words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful” (Quran 2:37).

God’s mercy is boundless, and His gate of repentance remains open until one’s death or the Day of Judgment:

• “But whoever repents after their wrongdoing and mends their ways, Allah will surely turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran 5:39).
• “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves by sinning, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful’” (Quran 39:53).

In Islam, salvation is achieved through belief, good deeds, and God’s mercy, ensuring a just and logical path to Paradise.

 

The Story of Prophet Jesus | The Attempt to Crucify Prophet Jesus

The mother of Prophet Jesus is Mary (Mariam in Arabic). She was a very pious and righteous woman, the holiest and greatest of all women who ever lived. Mary gave birth to Prophet Jesus in the valley of Bethlehem, away from the people, after which she returned. God created Prophet Jesus without a human father, just as Prophet Adam (PBUH) was created without either a human father or mother; Allah said, “Be,” and it was. Prophet Jesus performed a miracle by speaking as a baby through the power and will of God.

As Jesus Christ grew into adulthood, he began to travel and preach God’s message throughout the land of Palestine to the children of Israel. He taught the Book sent to him by God, known as the Injeel.

 

The Miracles of Prophet Jesus

To prove his Prophethood, God granted Jesus (PBUH) the ability to perform miracles. He could fashion birds from clay and breathe life into them, heal the sick and the blind, and even resurrect the dead — all by the will and power of God. Prophet Jesus (PBUH) emphasized that no deity is worthy of worship except the One True God and that salvation can only be attained through Him. His teachings attracted a devoted group of followers, known as the disciples, who listened to his teachings with humility.

 

Rejection and Plot Against Prophet Jesus

Despite his miracles and clear message, many among the Children of Israel had strayed from God’s path. When Jesus (PBUH) continued to preach God’s commandments, they rejected him, turned their backs on him, and plotted against him. The Children of Israel complained to the Roman authorities, who were pagan idol worshipers with political power. They accused Prophet Jesus (PBUH) of preaching a message that threatened Roman authority, provoking the governor to order his arrest and crucifixion.

 

Divine Protection of Prophet Jesus

The Romans attempted to crucify Prophet Jesus (PBUH) by hanging him on a cross — a common form of execution. However, God protected His Prophet by raising him to the Heavens, saving him from harm. The person crucified was made to appear like Jesus (PBUH), leading the Israelites and Romans to mistakenly believe they had succeeded. The Quran affirms:

“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but another was made to resemble him to them… Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise” (Quran 4:157-158).

 

The Role of Paul in Christianity and How He Changed the Teachings of Jesus Christ

When Jesus Christ began his mission to call the Israelites back to God, many rejected his message. However, a small group of sincere followers accepted his teachings and became known as the disciples or apostles. These devoted companions pledged their allegiance to God and His Messenger, Jesus Christ.

 

Paul’s Influence and Divergence

After Jesus (PBUH) was raised to the Heavens, the message of his teachings faced challenges. Around 35 CE, Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, emerged. A Roman citizen and former enemy of Jesus’ followers, Paul claimed to have seen Jesus in a vision. He introduced new doctrines that contradicted the teachings of Jesus and his disciples. Paul emphasized concepts like Jesus’ divinity, the atonement, and salvation through faith alone.

 

Contradictions in Paul’s Teachings

Paul’s version of Christianity diverged significantly from Jesus’ teachings, such as adherence to God’s commandments. The disciples, who lived and learned from Jesus (PBUH), opposed Paul’s innovations. Despite this, Paul’s influence grew due to his power and connections, leading to the widespread acceptance of his teachings.

 

The Evolution of Modern Christianity

Over time, Paul’s doctrines became the foundation of modern Christianity. The Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 CE, formalized beliefs such as the Trinity and Jesus’ divinity. Constantine’s adoption of Christianity as the state religion further cemented these doctrines, while alternative views were suppressed. The Quran critiques such deviations:

“Say, ‘People of the Book, do not overstep the bounds of Truth in your religious beliefs. Do not follow the whims of the people who went astray before you. They have led many others astray, and they continue to stray from the right path’” (Quran 5:77).

 

Islam’s Restoration of Jesus’ True Teachings

Islam asserts that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to restore God’s true message, which includes the original teachings of Jesus (PBUH). The Quran confirms that modern Christianity has been altered by human hands:

“So woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands and then claim, ‘This is from God,’ to exchange it for a small gain. Woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn” (Quran 2:79).

Through the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islam calls humanity back to the worship of the One True God, preserving the message of all Prophets, including Jesus (PBUH).

 

The Influence of Paganism on Christianity

Overwhelming evidence exists that modern-day Christian beliefs, practices, and concepts such as the Atonement, Salvation, the idea of God incarnate in man, the blood sacrifice, the concept of a triune God, and other Christian concepts did not originate from God nor Jesus Christ; instead, they came from men influenced by pagan rituals and beliefs. These Christian rituals came from the same pagan beliefs and ideals that Jesus Christ fought against and did all he could to destroy. These Christian ideas came from Pagan Roman and Greek concepts and Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Pagan ideologies.

 

Pagan Roots of Christian Concepts

The pagan worship environment that Paul was immersed in heavily influenced him. The idea of a man-god, similar to the Christian belief in Jesus Christ’s divinity, is not a new concept. The ancient Egyptian Pharaohs were supposedly man-gods who had to be sacrificed for society’s greater good and were worshipped by believers. Other past nations falsely worshipped man-gods. The Christian symbol was first a fish, a symbol of the Last Supper; then it morphed into a cross. The ancient Egyptians also used the cross as their religious symbol of their sun god — the cross of light.

 

The Trinity’s Pagan Origins

The Trinity is also not new, as Christians took that concept from pagan ideologies. Many ancient religions held the idea of a threefold division in the entities they worshiped, such as in ancient Egypt, Greece, and India. Trinities were worshipped in various places during the time of Jesus Christ. Some of the pagan gods wrongfully worshipped supposedly died violently and were resurrected to save their people—such as Christians believe.

 

Mithraism and Christian Borrowings

In Mithraism, Persians believed Mithra to be a great mediator between God and man. He was born on December 25th by a virgin who died for humanity and was resurrected after being buried. He was called their savior. Mithra’s festivals were the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox (Christmas and Easter). Again, these modern-day Christian concepts were taken from past pagan religions. December 25th is not found in the original teaching of Jesus Christ, nor is it the date that Jesus Christ was born, as many Christian scholars acknowledge.

December 25th fell around the time of the pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, which fell in midwinter during the shortest day of the year—when the “sun is born.” December 25th was known as the birthday of the Roman Sun-god, Sol-Invictus, and the Persian sun-god, Mithra. Many of the gods worshiped in the past were sun-gods, and nearly all were born on or around what is now Christmas Day. Christians borrowed the concept of Christmas Day from the ancient pagan festival of the sun.

 

Pagan Influences on Christian Rituals

The concepts of the Christmas tree, its ornaments, and Santa Claus also come from pagan ideologies. The concept of Easter is derived from a pagan spring festival of the Anglo-Saxon goddess of light and Spring, Eostre. Paganism also influenced the concept of Easter eggs. Christians moved the day of Sabbath, which was on Saturday (Sabbath in Arabic connotes seventh, as in the seventh day of the week), to the Roman sun-day (Dies Soli), the holy day of the sun-god Apollo, who was wrongfully worshipped. Once the innovative concept of “one god as three different persons” was introduced to the pagan Romans and others, it became easy to grasp and adopt the idea, as they had similar elements despite their different names. The pagans were familiar with the concept of gods in a trinity, so they accepted Paul’s teachings.

 

Basic Understanding of the Similarities and Differences Between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism

 

The Abrahamic Religions: A Shared Foundation

Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, the world’s three largest religions, are collectively known as the Abrahamic faiths. Each considers itself monotheistic, worshiping one God. However, while Muslims and Jews worship God as a single, indivisible entity, Christians believe in the concept of the Trinity.

 

Christianity’s Belief in the Trinity

Christians claim to worship one God manifested in three persons:

1. The Father in Heaven,
2. The Son, Jesus Christ, who came to Earth as the savior, and
3. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Counselor.

Christians insist this does not represent three separate gods but rather one God in three forms. However, this belief is contradictory to the concept of strict monotheism, as common logic dictates that one and three cannot be the same.

 

Prophets in Islam vs. Christianity

Prophets in Islam are deeply respected but never worshiped. Muslims believe prophets are messengers sent by God to guide humanity, but they are mortal humans with no divine status.

• Jesus Christ: According to Islam, Jesus was one of God’s mightiest messengers, sent to confirm the Torah, ease the lives of the Children of Israel, and reaffirm belief in one God. However, Christians elevate Jesus to divine status, considering him both the Son of God and God Himself, which Islam firmly rejects.

 

God’s Attributes in Islam

In Islam, God (Allah) is eternal, all-knowing, and all-powerful. He was never created and has no beginning or end. While Christians believe Jesus possessed divine powers, Muslims assert that any powers Jesus demonstrated were given to him by God. Unlike created beings, God’s attributes and powers are inherent and infinite.

 

The Shared Worship of One God

Despite theological differences, Muslims, Christians, and Jews all worship the same God.

• Muslims refer to God as Allah, a term that simply means “The God” in Arabic.
• Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians also use the term Allah to describe God.

This demonstrates that Allah is not a foreign or exclusive deity for Muslims but rather the universal God of all monotheistic faiths. However, each religion has distinct beliefs about God’s nature.

 

The Mission of Jesus in Christianity and Islam

Christians believe Jesus Christ was sent to teach humanity about God and that salvation comes from believing in his crucifixion and redemption. In Islam, Jesus’ mission was to call the Children of Israel back to the worship of one God and to confirm earlier scriptures. Islam rejects the concepts of crucifixion and atonement.

 

The Role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Islam

Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the final messenger sent by God after Jesus. He, like all other prophets, was a mortal human, distinct from God. His role was to restore God’s message, which had been altered over time.

 

Judaism and the Prophetic Mission

Judaism traces its ancestry back to Prophet Abraham (PBUH) and holds Prophet Moses (PBUH) in high regard. Jews believe in the same God as Muslims but refer to Him as Elohim or Yahweh.

 

Shared Practices Between Islam and Judaism

Islam and Judaism share many similarities, including:

• Strict monotheism,
• Belief in resurrection and an afterlife,
• Systems of religious law,
• Ritualized prayers,
• Fasting, and
• Reverence for Jerusalem as a holy place.

 

Both religions also reject Christian beliefs in the Trinity and atonement.

 

The Acceptance and Rejection of Prophets

Muslims believe in all prophets sent by God, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and Muhammad (PBUT). Jews, however, rejected prophets sent after Moses, including Jesus and Muhammad. Islam teaches that rejecting any prophet is a rejection of God’s command to believe in all His messengers.

 

Key Differences in the Concept of Salvation

Christianity teaches that humanity inherited original sin from Adam and Eve (PBUT), requiring belief in Jesus’ atonement for salvation. In contrast, Islam holds that individuals are accountable for their own actions. Salvation is achieved through faith in one God, sincere repentance, and good deeds.

 

The Concept of Atonement in Islam and Christianity

 

Christianity’s View on Atonement and Salvation

Christianity teaches that every child is born with original sin, inherited from Prophet Adam and Eve (PBUT) after they disobeyed God by eating from the forbidden tree. According to Christians, this sinful state requires belief in atonement — the idea that Jesus Christ died for humanity’s sins.

Christians believe salvation is attained through faith in Jesus’ crucifixion, without the necessity of worshiping God, performing good deeds, or adhering to divine commandments. They argue that Jesus fulfilled these laws on their behalf, making further obedience unnecessary.

 

Questions Raised About Atonement in Christianity

If salvation depends on believing in Jesus’ death for humanity’s sins, why did Jesus not explicitly teach this? Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus state that he would die for humanity’s sins. Instead, he emphasized the importance of following God’s commandments (Matthew 19:16–21).

Moreover, Biblical verses contradict the concept of inherited sin and collective responsibility, emphasizing individual accountability:

• “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin” (Deuteronomy 24:16).
• “The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child” (Ezekiel 18:20).

 

Paul’s Role in Shaping Christian Beliefs

The concept of atonement was not introduced by Jesus but by Paul, who made radical changes to Christianity. Paul claimed Jesus appeared to him in a dream, after which he began teaching doctrines not found in the Bible or Jesus’ teachings.

 

Salvation of Previous Prophets and Messengers

If salvation depends on accepting Jesus Christ as the savior, how did earlier prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Noah (PBUT) attain Paradise, as they lived before Jesus? These righteous messengers of God neither knew of nor preached original sin or atonement, further demonstrating that these ideas are innovations introduced later.

 

The Biblical Emphasis on Good Deeds

Contrary to Christian beliefs that faith alone is sufficient for salvation, the Bible highlights the importance of good deeds:

• “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14).
• Jesus also affirmed the necessity of obeying God’s commandments for eternal life: “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17).

Islam’s Logical and Simple Concept of Atonement and Salvation

In Islam, there is no concept of inherited sin or intermediaries between humans and God. Every individual is accountable for their actions, and salvation requires belief in one God, adherence to His commandments, sincere repentance, and good deeds.

Repentance: A Path to Forgiveness in Islam

Islam teaches that God’s mercy is boundless and accessible through repentance. Prophet Adam (PBUH) set the example when he sought forgiveness for his disobedience, and God accepted his repentance without requiring the sacrifice of another being:

“Then Adam received some words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of Repentance, the Merciful” (Quran 2:37).

The Role of Free Will in Islam

Unlike angels, who are sinless, humans were created with free will and are prone to mistakes. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that repentance is a sign of righteousness:

• “Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who sin are those who repent” (Sunan Ibn Majah 4251).

God’s forgiveness extends to all sins, regardless of their magnitude or frequency, as long as sincere repentance is sought:

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves by sinning, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful’” (Quran 39:53).

Attaining Paradise Through Belief and Action

While belief in one God is essential, Islam teaches that good deeds, adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, and observance of Sharia law strengthen one’s connection with God and pave the way to His mercy. Ultimately, entry into Paradise is granted through God’s infinite mercy.