There are two issues to take into consideration regarding the use of the Arabic word Allah in reference to God. These two issues are: 1) linguistics and 2) theology. It is worthwhile to think through these two issues of linguistics and theology in order to come to an informed decision regarding its use in Christian witness to Muslims.
In short, one needs to ask why the Arabic word Allah is used for God in both the Bible and the Quran. Linguistically the word for God is Allah in the Arabic language, period.
Sometimes Muslims will impose the Arabic name for God into other languages. In North America this sometimes happens, but often Muslims will use the English word God in conversation and outreach efforts to non-Muslims.
The crux of the matter is what definition one gives to the word God in any language. That is, what are the theological ideas that someone has when they refer to God? The theology of the Arab Christian who uses the word Allah is completely different from the theology of the Muslim who also uses the word Allah.
The same can be said when the word “God” is used. Certainly when my Christian Arab brothers and sisters refer to Allah they are referring to the God I believe in who is explained in the Bible. On the other hand, even when my Muslim friend uses the word “God”, he is not referring to biblical theology. So at times, depending on the linguistic and theological context, it could be said that Christians worship Allah, whose son is Jesus; and Muslims worship God, whose prophet is Mohammed.
It is important to note that when Muslims are speaking English and use the Arabic word Allah instead of the word God, they surely are attaching Islamic theology to the definition of the word.
In terms of an evangelistic strategy, I have learned that it is wise to discuss the concept of God with the presupposition that we are talking about the one true God who created the heavens and the earth. It is probably better to do this instead of trying to convince a Muslim friend that they worship a different God. Muslims often have a zeal for God, but without knowledge. The Apostle Paul spoke of this zeal without knowledge in reference to the Jews.
For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge (Romans 10:2).
I believe it is wiser and more effective to educate the Muslim by turning on the light rather than pointing out errors in their belief system. May we have a heart to evangelize the Muslims as the Apostle Paul had for evangelizing the Jews.
Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation (Romans 10:1).
John Marion
Originally posted online July 25, 2005. Updates: September 2006, June 15, 2008
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