Understanding the Islamic Creed

Understanding the Islamic Creed

The Pure Oneness of God

6.1 Introduction

Early Christianity emerged from Judaism, which is strictly monotheistic (belief in one God). This strong emphasis on the singular God of Israel (Yahweh) was deeply ingrained in the minds of the first Christians. Jesus affirmed the oneness of God in several occasions (e.g. Mark 12:29 “The Lord our God, the Lord is one”).

A Call for Wisdom: It is a striking historical irony that the early prayers offered on the site of Hagia Sophia were led by Arian bishops who, like the Muslims (centuries later), rejected the co-equality of the Trinity in favor of the supremacy of the One indivisible God.