Exploring God's Concept Across Religions

Sep 10, 2024

Lecture Notes on the Concept of God in Different Religions

Introduction

  • Speaker: Dr. Zakir Naik
  • Audience Interaction: Non-Muslim participant asks questions
  • Context: Discussion on the concept of God in various religions, focusing on Islam.

Participant's Query

  • Name of participant: AOS Yakubu
  • Profession: Student (300 level, Mass Communication at Naal State University)
  • Question Context:
    • The participant refers to the use of the pronoun "we" in the Quran when God speaks, questioning if it implies multiple divine beings.

Dr. Zakir Naik's Response

  • Understanding Plurality:
    • The Arabic word for "we" is "nahu".
    • Explanation of plural usage in languages (e.g., English and Urdu).
      • Types of Plural:
        • Plural of number
        • Plural of respect (e.g., royal plural)
    • The use of "we" by God does not imply multiple gods but rather a royal form of address.

Follow-Up Question from Participant

  • The participant questions why God uses "we" instead of "I" during creation, suggesting that only one God should create.

Dr. Naik's Explanation

  • God's Prerogative:
    • God has the choice to use different pronouns.
    • Example of how a king or prince may express themselves in various ways.
    • Highlights the beauty of God's language and expression.

Discussion on the Trinity

  • Participant's Belief:
    • The participant believes in the Trinity (one God in three persons).

Dr. Naik's Challenge to the Trinity

  • Questioning Biblical References:
    • Asks for a biblical verse that explicitly mentions the Trinity.
    • Points out that the term "Trinity" is not found in the Bible.
    • States that the Quran addresses the concept of Trinity and warns against it (Surah 4:171, Surah 5:73).

Biblical Analysis by Dr. Naik

  • Verses Mentioned:
    • First Epistle of John 5:7 cited as closest reference to Trinity, but questioned as a fabrication.
    • Emphasizes that Jesus did not claim divinity and cites various Gospel verses:
      • John 14:28
      • John 10:29
      • Matthew 12:28
      • Luke 11:20
      • John 5:30
    • Points out the affirmation of monotheism in Mark 12:29.

Conclusion

  • Final Notes:
    • Encourages further questions while addressing the importance of understanding the context and meanings in different religious texts.
    • Asserts the importance of studying and understanding the scriptures accurately.