Three faiths, one God of Abraham

Who is God
to each of us?

Jews, Christians and Muslims each speak of the God of Abraham. Here each faith describes God in its own words, from its own scriptures and teachers, before we set them side by side.

Each in its own words

In Judaism's own wordsGod in JudaismHear, O Israel: the One God, whose own Name is not spoken aloud.5 min read

In Christianity's own wordsGod in ChristianityOne God, whom Christians know as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and whom Arabic-speaking Christians call Allah.5 min read

In Islam's own wordsGod in IslamThe One God, Creator of all, known through His Names and His signs.5 min read

Side by sideSame word, different mouthsThe names of God in Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic, and the prayers they open.4 min read

Where we agree, and where we don't

Shared

One God, Creator of heaven and earth, not part of the world and not like anything in it. Merciful and just. The God who spoke to Abraham, Moses and the prophets (peace be upon them). Every faith teaches that how we live honours or dishonours His Name.

Different, and said plainly

Christians know the one God as Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and confess Jesus (peace be upon him) as the Son. Jews and Muslims understand God's oneness as admitting no such distinction, and honour Jesus differently: Muslims as a prophet and the Messiah, born of Mary (peace be upon her). Muslims believe Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last prophet; Jews and Christians do not. We don't blur these differences.

Go deeper

Big QuestionIs it the same God?Three Christian answers, and the Jewish and Muslim ones.

We can all do betterThe Name, honoured or dishonouredWhat each faith says about using God's Name in vain.

InteractiveThe family tree of the wordFrom Akkadian ilum to Arabic Allāh.