Islamic transvaluation of Jewish and Christian conceps of monotheism

Abstract

The study analyses the Jewish, Christian and Islamic conceptions of monotheism. It traces the beginning and growth of monotheism in history outlining the historical formation of Jewish and Christian concepts of monotheism, while Qur’Énic on Islamic TawÍÊd were examined. References are made to the writings of classical, medieval and modern Jewish, Christian and Muslim theologians, whose views and thoughts on the subject were discussed. Islamic transvaluation of Jewish and Christian concepts of monotheism is made, where the Jewish and the Christian understandings of monotheism are evaluated through the Islamic conception of monotheism. The differences and similarities as found among these conceptions on monotheism are indicated. Chapter One contains the opening remarks of the thesis including the objectives, questions, scope and method of study, as well as the literature review. Chapter Two provides an introductory analysis on monotheism its history, definition and concepts. Chapter Three demonstrates the understanding of monotheism in the Jewish theology. Chapter Four examines the Christian conception of monotheism in the context of Trinity. Chapter Five discusses monotheism from an Islamic perspective, particularly the concept of TawÍÊd and its theological implications on life. Chapter Six provides an evaluation of Jewish and Christian concepts of monotheism from the Islamic perspective. Chapter Seven contains the conclusion of the thesis. The study concluded that the three religions share the belief in a Creator God as the base of their religion. Judaism, Christianity and Islam give also much reverence to Prophet IbrÉhÊm (a.s), who, according to all three traditions, was the great witness to the One True and Living God. However, though these are converging points, these monotheistic religions are diverse in various points including the definition of monotheism and its source, the essence of God and His nature, worshipping of God, the role of the scripture to the understanding of God, and the relation of God to His creations, among others.