The Trinity in Islamic Context - Scriptural Critique and Historical Insights
Introduction
In Islamic theology, the concept of the Trinity is addressed with significant critical analysis, primarily within the Qur’an. The passages from Surahs Al-Ma’idah (5:76-79, 5:116-117) and An-Nisa (4:169) discuss the notion of associating partners with God, a concept referred to as Shirk (شرك) in Islam, which is considered to be an unforgivable sin if one dies without repenting for it.
Qur’anic Critique of the Trinity
Al-Ma’idah (Sūrah 5:76-79)
The passage from Surah Al-Ma’idah highlights the misbelief according to Islam:
<p>“They misbelieve who say, ‘Verily, God is the Messiah, the son of Mary’; but the Messiah said, ‘O children of Israel! Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.’ Verily, he who associates aught with God, God hath forbidden him Paradise, and his resort is the Fire, and the unjust shall have none to help them.”<br> “They misbelieve who say, ‘Verily, God is the third of three, for there is no God but one; and if they do not desist from what they say, there shall touch those who misbelieve amongst them grievous woe. Will they not turn again towards God and ask pardon of Him? For God is forgiving and merciful.’”<br> “The Messiah, the son of Mary, is only a prophet! Prophets before him have passed away; and his mother was a confessor; they both used to eat food. See how We explain to them the signs, yet see how they turn aside!”</p>
An-Nisa (Sūrah 4:169)
Surah An-Nisa further elaborates:
<p>“O people of the Book! Overstep not bounds in your religion; and of God, speak only truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is only an apostle of God, and His Word which He conveyed into Mary, and a Spirit from Him. Believe, therefore, in God and His apostles, and say not, ‘Three’: (i.e., there is a Trinity)—Forbear—it will be better for you. God is only one God! Far be it from His glory that He should have a son! His, whatever is in the Heavens, and whatever is in the Earth! And God is a sufficient Guardian.”</p>
Historical Context and Misconceptions
Influence of The Collyridians
Historians suggest that Prophet Muhammad might have encountered the Collyridians, a sect in Arabia, which elevated the Virgin Mary to divine status and engaged in idolatrous worship practices including offering a cake called Collyris. This misconception possibly influenced the way the Trinity is critiqued in the Qur’an. Hence, rather than the orthodox Christian Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Qur’anic critique might target a localized, distorted version.
Scholarly Commentaries
Islamic scholars like Al-Baiḍāwī (A.H. 685) and Ḥusain (A.H. 900) provided interpretations of these verses. Al-Baiḍāwī interprets “Three” either as three deities—Allāh, al-Masīḥ (the Christ), and Maryam, or as three essences (Aqānīm):
- Ab (Father): Ẕāt or Essence
- Ibn (Son): ʿIlm or Knowledge
- Rūḥu ’l-Quds (Holy Spirit): Ḥayāt or Life
Etymology and Translation
- Trinity: from Latin “Trinitas,” meaning the number three, a triad.
- Arabic: التثليث (at-Taslīth)
- Turkish: Üçleme
Further Readings
- The Qur’an: A New Translation by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
- God and Man in the Qur’an by Toshihiko Izutsu
- Muslim-Christian Polemics in Safavid Iran by Alberto Tiburcio Urquiola
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Islamic critique of the Trinity is rooted in a fundamental principle of Tawhid (توحيد), or the oneness and unity of God. The referenced Qur’anic verses and scholarly interpretations aim to correct what Islam perceives as theological deviations. It’s crucial to understand these critiques within both a theological and historical framework to grasp the complex interfaith dynamics and the historical context that shaped these perspectives.
For more in-depth understanding, the recommended readings offer scholarly insights into both the Qur’anic text and its wider interpretative tradition.
