One of my hobbies is to study the origins and meanings of religious terms. Recently, I became interested in the phrase “Kalimatullah,” or Allah’s Word.
“… Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an Apostle of God and His Word …” (Qs 4:171).
This appears to be a title for Isa Al-Masih. It seems kind of odd, doesn’t it? Where does the word come from? Why is it written in the Quran?
Titles usually have significant meanings. Let’s discover the meaning of this title together and see how it may impact our eternal destiny!
The Title “Kalimatullah” for Isa in the Quran
To better understand this title, let’s read three verses below.
“… Yahya witnessing the truth of a Word from God” (Qs 3:39).
“Behold! the angels said ‘O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus the son of Mary held in honor in this world and the Hereafter …’” (Qs 3:45).
“… Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an Apostle of God and His Word …” (Qs 4:171).
Why did the Quran Give Isa the Title “Kalimatullah”?
Most of the titles given to Isa in the Quran are also given to other prophets: Slave of Allah, Rasulullah, Messenger of Allah. Why was Isa given this title?
In the Quran, Isa Al-Masih was given three unique titles not given to any other prophet: Al-Masih (Messiah), Ruh Allah (Spirit of Allah), and Kalimatullah (Word of Allah).
The title “Kalimatullah” seems very strange. I need to know why Isa was given that title.
We know the people in Mecca and Medina heard Christians using that title for Isa Al-Masih. Maybe the Muslims started using it because the Christians were using it? But why did Allah give Isa that title?
Origin of the Word “Kalimatullah”
The word “kalimat” in Greek is “logos.” Greek was the language used in the Roman Empire when Isa lived. Logos became an important word in Stoic Philosophy.
Logos is the rational law that controls everything and motivates everything, including humans. It’s defined as the divine wisdom manifest in the creation, government, and redemption of the world. The word relates to divine power that brings order to everything.
“Kalimatullah” in the Injil
Allah the All-Knowing, understood the meaning of Logos when revealing the Injil. Allah chose the title “Kalimatullah” specifically for Isa Al-Masih.
In the Injil, one well-known verse is: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us …” (John 1:14).
Why Did Allah Call Isa the “Kalimatullah”?
The Injil explains that Isa is “one with Allah.”
“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father [Allah] … I and the Father [Allah] are one … In the beginning was the Word [Isa], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … Through him all things were made …” (Injil, John 14:9-10, 10:30, 1:1, 3).
As you can see, the word logos is primarily used to describe divine power that controls the universe. According to the Injil, Isa Al-Masih is the Logos who is sovereign over the world!
Isa helped create the world and will one day be the final Judge. So, the title “Kalimatullah” is perfect for Isa!
What Else Did Allah Reveal About Isa?
Did you know the “Kalimatullah” is also the source of light and life? (Injil, 1 John 1:5, John 1:4). How come?
Because Isa Al-Masih can give us true life. The “Kalimatullah” came down from heaven to bring eternal life to all His followers. If you trust and receive the “Kalimatullah” as your source of light and life, you will enjoy eternal life in Heaven forever! Believe in Isa Al-Masih today!
SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW
We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:
- What do you think of the title “Kalimatullah,” or Allah’s Word, for Isa Al-Masih?
- Isa is Allah’s Word who has control over all creation. What do you think about that statement?
- What difference does it make that Allah and His Word are one, not separate?
[We invite you to visit us at http://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6). For a deeper understanding of Jesus, we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]
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How to render John 3:16 so Muslims can understand its meaning? Can one use the term ‘kalimatullah’ to express verse 16 without being turned away by ‘only begotten Son’ and compromising the truth?
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Dear Donald,
Muslims believe Quran is the final revelation of Allah. Quran 3:45 writes that Jesus is the Messiah and the Word of God (Kalimatullah).
Quran commands Muslims to read the Bible (Qs 3:3-4) and to follow Jesus (Qs 5:46) because He is the Way to God and will judge everyone at end time (Qs 43:61-63).
“It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution” (Qs 3:3-4).
“And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah” (Qs 5:46).
“And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way. When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: “Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me” (Qs 43:61-63).
Most importantly pray for them to know the way, the truth and the life.
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If a Muslim wants to honour Isa (Jesus) how can they do that?
I want to fast on Ash Wednesday as I read online that this is a significant holy day that commemorates Jesus. I am going to fast on that day and ask God (Allah) for guidance to the straight path and for forgiveness, like I do in Ramadan. My intention is to bind my beliefs (Islam) to Jesus. I’m doing the same with Judaism by fasting on Yom Kippur.
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Dear Faisa,
Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven because He has the power to forgive sins. We invite you to repent of your sins and sincerely accept Jesus as your God and Savior. You don’t need to fast on Ash Wednesday, Ramadan and Yom Kippur. You just need to do the following:
A. Admit that you are sinner;
B. Believe that Jesus Christ died and resurrected to save you from hell;
C. Confess with your mouth and believe that Jesus Christ is God so you can go to heaven.
For more information or any questions, please send email to
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV)
“But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,” (Mark 2:10 KJV)
“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:9-11 KJV)
The Quran instructs Muslims to read the Bible to find the truth (Qs 3:3) because Jesus was sent as the guidance and the light for the righteous (Qs 5:46). Muslims are commanded to obey Jesus because He is the Straight Way and the Sign at the Judgement Day (Qs 43:61-63, 3:55-56). Finally, anyone who rejects the Faith in Jesus will be severely punished (Qs 3:4, 2:87-90).
“He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur’an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution” (Qs 3:3-4).
“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous” (Qs 5:46).
“And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path. And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy. And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, “I have come to you with wisdom and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me” (Qs 43:61-63).