Which Religion Believes That Jesus Is Not God? Exploring Islam and Other Perspectives

Which Religion Believes That Jesus Is Not God?

For many people around the world, the identity of Jesus is a foundational element of their faith. The question, "Which religion believes that Jesus is not God?" often arises during conversations about different faiths and their core tenets. It's a query that delves into theological differences and the very understanding of divinity. My own journey, encountering individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, has consistently highlighted the profound significance of this question. I remember a particularly enlightening discussion years ago with a Muslim friend who, with immense respect and clarity, explained his faith's perspective on Jesus. This conversation was a turning point for me, demystifying a belief system that, from an outsider's viewpoint, could seem complex. It underscored that differing views on Jesus's divine status don't necessarily equate to a lack of reverence; rather, they stem from distinct theological frameworks.

So, which religion believes that Jesus is not God? The most prominent religion that holds this belief is **Islam**. Muslims revere Jesus as a prophet of God, a messenger sent to guide humanity, but they firmly do not believe he is divine or the Son of God in a literal, biological sense. This distinction is absolutely central to Islamic theology. It’s crucial to understand that this is not a dismissal of Jesus's importance; rather, it is an affirmation of God's absolute oneness, a concept known as Tawhid in Arabic, which is the bedrock of Islam. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, speaks extensively about Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic), acknowledging his miraculous birth, his teachings, and his role as a prophet. However, it consistently emphasizes his humanity and his subservience to the one true God, Allah.

Beyond Islam, there are various other smaller religious movements and theological viewpoints within other faiths, or entirely separate from major religions, that also do not believe Jesus is God. These can include certain branches of Judaism (which historically never accepted Jesus as the Messiah or divine), various Christian denominations that emphasize Jesus's humanity or reject the Trinity doctrine (such as some Unitarian groups), and smaller, often historically significant, groups like the Ebionites or early Gnostic sects that held differing views on Jesus's nature. However, when addressing the core question on a global scale, Islam stands out as the most significant and widespread religion with this theological position. Understanding these differing perspectives enriches our appreciation for the diversity of human belief and the nuanced interpretations of religious texts and figures.

Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Jesus

Islam's view of Jesus, or Isa al-Masih as he is known, is one of profound respect and deep theological nuance. To truly grasp which religion believes that Jesus is not God, delving into the Islamic understanding is paramount. Muslims consider Jesus to be one of the most important prophets in a long line of divine messengers, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and finally, Muhammad, who is considered the Seal of the Prophets. This lineage of prophethood is a cornerstone of Islamic faith, and Jesus holds a particularly esteemed position within it. The Quran, Islam's sacred text, recounts many miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and speaking from the cradle as an infant, all of which are attributed to the power of God granted to him. This acknowledgment of his divine-given abilities is not seen as evidence of his divinity, but rather as a testament to God's power working through His chosen messenger.

The central tenet of Islam, Tawhid, which means the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God (Allah), dictates that worship is due to God alone. Associating any partner with God, in any form, is considered the gravest sin (Shirk). Therefore, the idea of Jesus being the Son of God in a literal or divine sense, or being God himself, is seen as a direct contradiction to Tawhid. The Quran explicitly states in Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112), "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him." This verse is often cited to firmly establish the nature of God and the creaturely status of all beings, including Jesus.

Muslims believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Maryam) through a miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit (Ruh al-Qudus), a belief shared with Christianity. However, they do not interpret this as a divine fatherhood. Mary herself is highly revered in Islam, with an entire chapter of the Quran named after her. Jesus is seen as a pure creation of God, born of a virgin mother, as a sign and a mercy. His earthly life was dedicated to calling people to worship the one true God, just as previous prophets had done. He delivered the Injil (Gospel) from God, which Muslims believe was a divine revelation, though they also believe it has been altered or misinterpreted over time, leading to the need for the final revelation of the Quran.

Furthermore, Islamic tradition does not believe in Jesus’s crucifixion in the way Christians understand it. The Quran states in Surah An-Nisa (Chapter 4, Verse 157-158): "And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.' And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise." This passage is interpreted to mean that Jesus was not killed on the cross; instead, God raised him to heaven, and someone else was made to appear as Jesus and was crucified in his place. This signifies that Jesus was not subjected to the ultimate humiliation and suffering of crucifixion and death, a concept that aligns with his elevated status as a prophet but also reinforces his divine protection and special role in God's plan.

Key Islamic Beliefs About Jesus

• Prophethood: Jesus is considered a highly esteemed prophet of God, sent to guide the Children of Israel.
• Miraculous Birth: Muslims believe in his virgin birth through Mary, as a divine act of God.
• Humanity: Jesus was a human being, a servant of God, not divine or the Son of God in a literal sense.
• Divine Revelation: He received the Injil (Gospel) as a divine scripture from God.
• Not Crucified: Muslims believe Jesus was not crucified but was raised alive to heaven by God.
• Second Coming: Islamic eschatology includes the belief that Jesus will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment.

Exploring Other Religious and Theological Views

While Islam is the most prominent religion with the belief that Jesus is not God, it's important to acknowledge that other perspectives exist. These can range from specific theological interpretations within larger faiths to smaller, distinct religious movements. Understanding these variations helps paint a comprehensive picture of how different groups perceive Jesus's nature. It’s fascinating how a single figure can be interpreted so differently across belief systems, each with its own historical context and theological reasoning.

Judaism's Stance on Jesus

Judaism, the ancestral religion of Jesus, does not accept him as the Messiah or as divine. For Jewish people, the Messiah is a future figure who will usher in an era of universal peace, justice, and spiritual enlightenment, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem and gathering all Jews back to the land of Israel. Jesus, according to Jewish tradition, did not fulfill these prophecies. His teachings, while sometimes seen as a continuation of Jewish ethical principles, did not align with the messianic expectations as understood within Judaism. Furthermore, the concept of a divine being or a son of God in a literal sense is fundamentally at odds with the strict monotheism of Judaism, which emphasizes God's absolute oneness and incorporeality.

There are various interpretations within Judaism regarding Jesus. Some view him as a historical figure, a Jewish preacher who lived in the first century. Others may see him as a teacher or even a reformer. However, none of these views attribute divinity to him or consider him the promised Messiah. The rejection of Jesus's divinity is not seen as disrespectful to Jesus himself, but rather as a adherence to the core principles of Jewish faith that have been maintained for centuries. It’s about maintaining the integrity of their own theological framework, which predates Christianity.

Unitarianism and Non-Trinitarian Christian Groups

Within the broad spectrum of Christianity, there are groups and theological stances that do not adhere to the traditional doctrine of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and, consequently, do not believe Jesus is God in the same way as mainstream Christianity. Unitarianism is a prime example. Unitarians believe in the absolute oneness of God and see Jesus as a great teacher, prophet, or moral exemplar, but not as part of a divine Trinity or as God incarnate. They emphasize reason, conscience, and the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, often drawing from various religious traditions.

Historically, there have been various non-Trinitarian movements within Christianity, such as the Arians in the early church, who believed Jesus was subordinate to God the Father and not co-eternal. While Arianism as a formal doctrine is no longer prevalent in major denominations, the underlying idea of Jesus's non-divinity or subordination persists in some smaller Christian sects and individual theological interpretations. These groups often point to biblical passages that they believe emphasize Jesus's prayers to the Father, his declarations of being sent by the Father, and his acknowledgment of the Father being greater than him, as evidence for his distinct and subordinate nature.

Historical Sects and Minority Views

Throughout history, various smaller religious groups and sects have held beliefs about Jesus that differ from mainstream Christian dogma. The Ebionites, an early Jewish-Christian sect, are believed to have viewed Jesus as a human prophet, albeit the Messiah, chosen by God. They emphasized Jewish law and rejected Paul's epistles. Gnostic groups, diverse and complex in their beliefs, often had intricate cosmologies that might view the material world as flawed and created by a lesser deity. Their understanding of Jesus varied widely, with some seeing him as a spiritual revealer who brought divine knowledge, but not necessarily as God himself in the way understood by Nicene Christianity.

More contemporary examples include some independent churches or new religious movements that may interpret Jesus's role differently. These groups, while often Christian in their terminology, may depart from orthodox creeds regarding the nature of Jesus. Their beliefs can stem from personal revelation, reinterpretation of scripture, or syncretic influences from other religions. While these groups may not be as globally widespread as Islam, they contribute to the diverse tapestry of beliefs surrounding Jesus.

Theological Underpinnings: Why These Differences Exist

The fundamental divergence in beliefs about Jesus's divinity stems from different interpretations of scripture, theological priorities, and historical development. Understanding these underpinnings is key to appreciating the "which religion believes that Jesus is not God" question. It’s not about right or wrong, but about deeply held theological convictions that shape entire worldviews.

The Concept of God's Oneness

At the heart of the Islamic and Jewish views, and indeed many non-Trinitarian Christian perspectives, lies the unwavering commitment to the absolute oneness of God. For Muslims, Tawhid is the ultimate truth. The Quran is replete with verses emphasizing God's uniqueness, His transcendence, and the prohibition of associating partners with Him. This emphasis means that any concept of a divine Jesus is fundamentally incompatible with their understanding of God. The relationship between God and humanity is one of Creator and creation, and attributing divinity to a created being, no matter how revered, would be considered a violation of this fundamental principle.

Similarly, Judaism’s monotheism is exceptionally strict. The Shema Yisrael ("Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one") is the central declaration of Jewish faith. The idea of God having a son in a literal, divine sense is incomprehensible within this framework. The divine is considered singular, indivisible, and utterly transcendent. While Jewish tradition speaks of God's spirit or divine presence, it never equates these with a separate divine entity or a human being.

Interpretation of Scripture

Different religions and theological schools interpret the same scriptures, or their own respective scriptures, in profoundly different ways. For Christians, the New Testament is seen as revealing Jesus's divine nature through his words, actions, and the theological interpretations of the apostles, particularly Paul. Passages like John 1:1 ("In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God") and John 10:30 ("I and the Father are one") are central to the doctrine of the Trinity and Jesus's divinity.

Conversely, Muslims interpret these same passages (or their perceived antecedents in earlier scriptures) through the lens of the Quran. They might argue that "the Word" refers to God's divine command or revelation, and that Jesus was a manifestation of that word, not God himself. They would emphasize other Quranic verses that stress Jesus's humanity and his role as a messenger. For example, Surah Al-Ma'idah (Chapter 5, Verse 116) quotes God asking Jesus, "O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah'?" And Jesus will reply, "I never said to them except what You commanded me – to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." This dialogue, according to Islamic belief, explicitly refutes any notion of Jesus claiming divinity for himself or accepting worship.

Jewish interpretation of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) does not contain any prophecies or theological concepts that would support the Christian understanding of Jesus as the Messiah or divine. Their understanding of messianic prophecies remains rooted in a political and spiritual deliverer who fits within a specific historical and theological context that Jesus, in their view, did not fulfill.

The Role of Tradition and Historical Development

Religious beliefs are not static; they evolve within communities and are shaped by historical events, philosophical influences, and the interpretations of key figures. The doctrine of the Trinity, for instance, was formalized through centuries of debate and councils within early Christianity, notably the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and the Council of Chalcedon in 451 CE. These councils sought to define the nature of Jesus Christ in relation to God the Father, solidifying the orthodox Christian belief in his full divinity and full humanity.

Islam emerged centuries later, and its theological framework was developed with an explicit understanding and sometimes in reaction to prevailing Christian and Jewish beliefs. The Quran's clear pronouncements on God's oneness and Jesus's role as a prophet were thus foundational to Islamic theology, shaping its distinct approach to the figure of Jesus. Similarly, Judaism continued its theological development, reinforcing its monotheistic foundations and its understanding of messianic prophecy, which did not align with the emerging Christian narrative.

Comparative Analysis: Jesus in Islam vs. Christianity

To truly understand which religion believes that Jesus is not God, a direct comparison between the Islamic and Christian views on Jesus is incredibly illuminating. It highlights the core theological differences that lead to such divergent conclusions about his identity.

The Divinity of Jesus: A Core Christian Doctrine

In mainstream Christianity, the divinity of Jesus is a non-negotiable article of faith. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, fully God and fully human. This belief is based on a reading of the New Testament that emphasizes:

• Jesus's Claims: His statements like "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30) and his acceptance of worship.
• Miracles and Authority: His performance of miracles as God and his authority over nature and sin.
• Apostolic Testimony: The declarations of the apostles, such as Thomas's exclamation, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28), upon seeing the resurrected Jesus.
• Theological Interpretation: The New Testament epistles, particularly those of Paul, which present Jesus as divine and as the mediator between God and humanity.

This belief in Jesus's divinity is central to the Christian concept of salvation, where Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross is seen as atonement for the sins of humanity, made possible by his divine nature. His resurrection is seen as proof of his divine power over death.

Jesus in Islam: Prophet, Messenger, and Human

As previously discussed, Islam views Jesus (Isa) as a highly revered prophet, a messenger of God, born of a virgin, and the performer of miracles by God's will. However, he is consistently presented as a human being, a servant of Allah, and not divine.

• Quranic Emphasis on Humanity: The Quran repeatedly refers to Jesus as a human being, "son of Mary," and a servant of God (e.g., Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:75: "The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make the signs clear to them; then look how they are deluded.").
• Rejection of Trinity: The concept of the Trinity is explicitly rejected in the Quran as associating partners with God (Shirk).
• Jesus's Role in Islam: He is seen as a significant prophet who delivered God's message to the Children of Israel, and his return before the Day of Judgment is a key belief, where he will act as a just ruler and affirm the truth of Islam.
• Subservience to God: All actions attributed to Jesus are understood as being through God's power and command, underscoring his role as a conduit for divine will, not as the source of divine power itself.

Key Differences Summarized

Here's a table highlighting some of the most significant differences:

Aspect	Christianity (Mainstream)	Islam
Nature of Jesus	Fully God, Fully Human (The Son of God, part of the Trinity)	Human Prophet, Messenger of God (Isa al-Masih)
Relationship to God	Divine Son, Co-equal with God the Father and Holy Spirit	Servant of God, Chosen Messenger of Allah
Crucifixion	Believed to have been crucified for the sins of humanity	Believed not to have been crucified; raised alive to heaven by God
Salvation	Through faith in Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection	Through submission to Allah's will (Islam), good deeds, and God's mercy. Jesus is not the means of salvation in himself.
Worship	Jesus is worshipped as God incarnate	Jesus is revered and respected, but worship is due to Allah alone
Holy Book Reference	New Testament (Bible)	Quran

The Significance of Jesus's Identity in Religious Dialogue

The question "Which religion believes that Jesus is not God?" is not merely an academic theological inquiry; it touches upon the very identity and salvific claims of major world religions. The differing views on Jesus's nature have profound implications for interfaith relations, theological understanding, and personal faith journeys. It’s a topic that, when approached with respect and a desire for understanding, can foster greater appreciation for the richness of human spiritual expression.

Implications for Interfaith Dialogue

When engaging in interfaith dialogue, understanding these fundamental differences is crucial. For Christians, Jesus's divinity is the cornerstone of their faith, the very mechanism of salvation. For Muslims, the absolute oneness of God is paramount, and any attribution of divinity to Jesus would be considered Shirk. This fundamental divergence means that while mutual respect and common ground can be found on ethical teachings and shared values, the core theological claims about Jesus’s identity represent a significant point of distinction.

Acknowledging these differences openly and honestly, without seeking to proselytize or diminish the other’s beliefs, is the hallmark of respectful interfaith engagement. It allows for deeper understanding and the building of bridges based on shared humanity and common ethical concerns, even when theological agreement is not possible. For instance, both Christians and Muslims highly value Jesus’s teachings on compassion, justice, and love for one’s neighbor. These shared ethical principles can serve as a powerful basis for cooperation on social justice issues and community building.

Personal Faith and Understanding

For individuals, grappling with the identity of Jesus can be a deeply personal and transformative process. Someone raised in a Christian household might be introduced to the Islamic perspective and begin to question or deepen their understanding of their own faith. Conversely, a Muslim might explore Christian teachings and seek to reconcile the differences. This exploration often involves:

• Scriptural Study: Examining the relevant texts in the Bible and the Quran, paying attention to context and interpretation.
• Seeking Guidance: Consulting with religious scholars, leaders, or knowledgeable individuals from different traditions.
• Personal Reflection: Engaging in prayer, meditation, or contemplation to understand what resonates with one's own conscience and spiritual experience.

It is important to remember that religious belief is a deeply personal matter, and individuals arrive at their understanding through various paths. The goal should be to foster an environment where people can explore these profound questions with intellectual honesty and spiritual integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Islam view Jesus's role in the afterlife?

In Islam, Jesus (Isa) holds a significant position in the afterlife narrative. Muslims believe that Jesus was not killed on the cross but was raised alive to heaven by God (Allah). His earthly mission was to guide the Children of Israel, and he delivered a divine scripture, the Injil (Gospel). However, Islam teaches that the Injil was altered over time, and the final, complete divine revelation is the Quran, delivered to the Prophet Muhammad. Jesus remains in heaven, alive and well, awaiting his second coming to Earth.

According to Islamic tradition, Jesus will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. This return is a sign of the End Times. When he descends, he will not come with a new religion or as a divine figure, but as a follower and upholder of Islam. He will break the cross, kill the swine, abolish the jizya tax (historically levied on non-Muslims in Islamic states), and kill the Antichrist (Dajjal). He will live for a period, marry, have children, and eventually die a natural death. His grave is said to be in Medina, near the Prophet Muhammad. His role is to re-establish justice and truth on Earth, confirming the finality of the Prophet Muhammad's prophethood and the truth of Islam, and to live out his days as a righteous Muslim. This belief underscores Jesus's importance as a divine messenger and his crucial role in God's ultimate plan for humanity, while still maintaining his status as a human prophet and servant of God.

Why does Judaism not consider Jesus the Messiah?

Judaism's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah stems from several core theological and historical reasons. The concept of the Messiah in Jewish tradition is tied to a series of specific prophecies and expectations detailed in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). These prophecies include:

• Universal Peace and Justice: The Messiah is expected to usher in an era of global peace, where "nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4). He will bring an end to conflict and suffering.
• Restoration of Israel: The Messiah will gather the exiled Jewish people back to the land of Israel and restore the Davidic kingdom, with Jerusalem as its capital.
• Temple Rebuilding: The Third Temple in Jerusalem is expected to be rebuilt during the Messianic era.
• Universal Knowledge of God: The world will be filled with the knowledge of God, as "the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9).

From a Jewish perspective, Jesus's life and ministry did not fulfill these prophecies. The world did not experience a universal era of peace, the Jewish people were not gathered back to Israel, and the Temple was not rebuilt. Instead, shortly after Jesus's time, Jerusalem and the Second Temple were destroyed by the Romans, leading to further diaspora and suffering for the Jewish people. Therefore, Jesus could not have been the promised Messiah according to Jewish interpretation of scripture. Furthermore, the Jewish understanding of God is strictly monotheistic, emphasizing God's absolute oneness and incorporeality. The idea of a divine Messiah or a Son of God in a literal sense is incompatible with this fundamental belief.

Does the Quran contradict itself regarding Jesus's divinity?

No, the Quran does not contradict itself regarding Jesus's divinity. On the contrary, it is remarkably consistent in presenting Jesus as a prophet of God and a human being, while firmly rejecting any notion of his divinity or that he is the literal Son of God. The Quranic verses concerning Jesus are intended to clarify his true status and to refute what Muslims believe to be misinterpretations and exaggerations that crept into Christian theology over time.

For instance, the Quran describes Jesus's miraculous birth through the Virgin Mary, emphasizing God's power in creating him. However, it immediately follows this by stating that he is a servant of God and a messenger. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:72) states: "They have certainly disbelieved who say, 'Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary.' But the Messiah said, 'O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.' Indeed, Allah whoever ascribes partners with Allah - Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are no helpers for the wrongdoers." This verse explicitly condemns the belief in Jesus's divinity. Similarly, when God asks Jesus on the Day of Judgment if he told people to worship him and his mother, Jesus will respond by reaffirming his role as a prophet who only conveyed God's message to worship Allah alone (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:116-118). These and many other verses consistently uphold the oneness of God and the humanity of Jesus, presenting a clear and unified theological stance.

Are there any Christian denominations that do not believe Jesus is God?

Yes, there are Christian denominations and theological movements that do not adhere to the traditional doctrine of the Trinity and, consequently, do not believe Jesus is God in the same way as mainstream Christianity. These are often referred to as non-Trinitarian groups. The most prominent among them is Unitarianism. Unitarians believe in the absolute oneness of God and view Jesus as a great teacher, prophet, or moral exemplar, but not as part of a divine Trinity or as God incarnate. They emphasize reason, conscience, and the inherent worth of every individual, drawing from various religious traditions and philosophies.

Historically, there have been other non-Trinitarian movements, such as Arianism, which believed Jesus was subordinate to God the Father and not co-eternal. While Arianism as a formal doctrine is no longer dominant, its influence can be seen in some smaller Christian sects today. Other groups that might hold non-Trinitarian views include some Jehovah's Witnesses, who believe Jesus is God's first creation, the Son of God, but not God himself. Christadelphians also hold distinct views on Jesus's nature, emphasizing his full humanity and his role as a prophet and the Son of God, but not as God. These groups, while identifying as Christian, interpret biblical texts differently to support their understanding of Jesus's non-divine nature, often focusing on passages that emphasize Jesus's prayers to the Father, his subordination, and his human limitations.

What is the primary difference between the Islamic and Christian understanding of salvation?

The primary difference between the Islamic and Christian understanding of salvation, as it relates to Jesus, lies in the core beliefs about Jesus's nature and his role in atonement. For mainstream Christians, salvation is achieved primarily through faith in Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the divine Son of God. His sacrificial death on the cross is seen as an atonement for the sins of humanity. Through his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who believe in him. The emphasis is on Jesus's atoning sacrifice as the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. As John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

In Islam, salvation is achieved through submission (Islam) to the will of Allah, acknowledging His absolute oneness (Tawhid), and living a righteous life according to the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad). While Jesus is highly revered as a prophet, he is not considered the means of salvation in himself. Muslims believe that individuals are responsible for their own deeds and will be judged by Allah based on their faith and actions. Forgiveness of sins comes directly from Allah through sincere repentance and His mercy. There is no concept of original sin requiring an atoning sacrifice. Prophet Muhammad is considered the final messenger, and his message is the culmination of divine guidance. Therefore, while Jesus's life and teachings are respected, salvation in Islam is not contingent upon belief in his divinity or his atoning sacrifice; it is contingent upon direct submission to and worship of Allah alone.