When discussing the nature of God in Christianity and Islam, a fundamental difference lies in the concept of holiness. In Christianity, the holiness of God is a primary attribute, while in Islam, the Quran does not explicitly describe Allah using the term “holy.” Understanding this difference is crucial for appreciating how each religion views God and His relationship to sin.
Holiness in Christianity
In Christianity, God’s holiness is a central and defining attribute. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that God is “holy,” meaning He is completely pure, morally perfect, and wholly separate from sin. For instance, Isaiah 6:3 proclaims: “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.”
This verse highlights God’s absolute moral purity and His complete separation from sin. Holiness is not just an attribute of God but His very essence. It represents His unique, unapproachable, and transcendent nature. Christianity teaches that all humans are sinners and fall short of God’s glory. Romans 3:23 states: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Because of God’s holiness, He cannot tolerate sin, creating a separation between humans and God. The only way this separation can be bridged is through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, Jesus died on the cross to atone for humanity’s sins, allowing those who believe in Him to be reconciled with God. John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 affirm this message: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
In Christian doctrine, all sin is a serious offense against a holy God and is punishable by eternal separation from Him, which is hell. However, through faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance, Christians believe they can receive forgiveness and eternal life with God. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The Concept of Holiness in Islam
In Islam, Allah possesses many attributes, including being all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful. However, the Quran does not specifically use the term “holy” (Arabic: “muqaddas”) to describe Allah. Instead, Allah is described as “pure” and “perfect,” which indicates moral and spiritual perfection. For example, Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4) states: “Say, ‘He is Allah, [Who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'”
And Surah Al-Hashr (59:23) describes Allah’s attributes as follows: “He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.”
Sin in Islam (Arabic: “dhambi” or “ithm”) refers to any action that goes against the will and commands of Allah. Sins are classified into major (kabira) and minor (saghira) categories. Major sins include acts like idolatry (shirk), murder, theft, and adultery. The Islamic perspective on what constitutes sin can differ significantly from Christianity’s, with some actions deemed sinful in Christianity not being considered so in Islam, and vice versa.
While the Quran emphasizes Allah’s mercy and willingness to forgive those who sincerely repent, it also maintains that Allah is just and will punish those who persist in wrongdoing without seeking forgiveness. The most severe sin in Islam is “shirk” (associating partners with Allah), which is considered unforgivable if one dies without repenting. Surah An-Nisa (4:48) states: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.”
Key Differences in the Understanding of Holiness and Sin
In Christianity, God’s holiness is fundamental, shaping the entire understanding of God’s nature and His relationship with humanity. Holiness demands separation from sin and establishes the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.
In Islam, while Allah is considered perfect and pure, the specific concept of holiness as understood in Christianity does not have a direct equivalent in the Quran. Allah is described as pure, transcendent, and above all imperfection, but the term “holy” in the way it is used in Christian scripture is not present.
Christianity traditionally teaches the doctrine of original sin, where all humans inherit sinfulness from Adam and Eve’s disobedience. In contrast, Islam rejects original sin, teaching that every person is born sinless and is only accountable for their own actions.
Conclusion
In Christianity, the holiness of God is a foundational aspect of His nature. God’s holiness means He is completely separate from sin and entirely pure, setting a standard for moral perfection that humans cannot reach on their own. Because God is holy, He hates sin but loves sinners, providing a path to redemption and reconciliation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
In contrast, the Quran does not describe Allah as “holy” in the way the Bible describes the God of Christianity. While Allah is described as pure and morally perfect, the specific attribute of holiness—God’s complete separation from sin—is not emphasized in Islamic theology. Therefore, the central idea of God’s holiness, as understood in Christianity, does not have a direct parallel in Islam. While Allah does hate sin and is just in punishing it, the concept of a loving God who hates sin yet provides a means for sinners to be reconciled with Him is more distinctively Christian.
Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing the unique way each religion views God’s relationship to sin and humanity. In Christianity, God’s holiness is the primary reason He cannot tolerate sin but also the reason He offers salvation to all.