Incarnation (تجسد, Tezahür)
Incarnation refers to the theological notion that the divine spirit can enter into a human being, thereby fusing the identity of the divine and the human. This concept is fundamentally at odds with Islamic theology, which emphasizes the absolute transcendence and unity (توحيد, Tawhid) of God.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: تجسد (Tajasud)
- Turkish: Tezahür
Islamic Perspective on Incarnation
Absolute Transcendence
Islamic theology is founded upon the principle of Tawhid, which denotes the absolute oneness and transcendence of Allah (God). This differs significantly from the concept of incarnation. Mainstream Islamic thought insists that God is beyond all human attributes and capacities and cannot be embodied in human form. The Qu’ran repeatedly emphasizes God’s incomparability and detachment from His creation:
- Quran 42:11: “There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He alone is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” (لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ)
Islamic Critique of Christian Doctrine
Muslim theologians have consistently argued against the Christian assertion of Jesus’s divinity and incarnation, emphasizing that such beliefs contradict fundamental Islamic doctrines about God’s nature:
- Quran 4:171: “O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah.” (يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ ۚ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ)
Influential Scholars and Works
Muslim scholars such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Arabi have profoundly critiqued the notion of incarnation:
- Al-Ghazali (Algazel, 1058-1111): Wrote extensively on the unity of God and His transcendence in works like “Ihya Ulum al-Din”.
- Ibn Taymiyyah (1263-1328): Argued vehemently against various heretical beliefs, focusing especially on anthropomorphism and incarnation.
- Ibn Arabi (1165-1240): Though mystical in his approach, Ibn Arabi highlighted the absolute transcendence of God despite his reliance on the concept of Divine Presence.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Decline of Knowledge and Recent Islam” by Alija Izetbegović
- “The Incoherence of Philosophers (Tahafut al-Falasifa)” by Al-Ghazali
- “Introductions to Sufism: Beginnings, Doctrines, Practices, Biographies, Histories, Bibliographies, Definitions, Literary Terminologies” by Claude Addas
Key Takeaways
- The doctrine of Tawhid is central to Islam, fundamentally opposing the concept of Incarnation.
- The Quran condemns the notion of God’s incarnation in Jesus or any other being, refuting Christian theological claims.
- Prominent Muslim theologians have written extensive critiques of incarnational theology.
Conclusion
In summary, while the concept of incarnation is central to certain religious theologies, it remains explicitly rejected within Islamic teachings. The importance of Tawhid and God’s absolute transcendence are cornerstones of Muslim belief, leaving no room for the fusion of divine and human identities.
