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?
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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. If they are interested in studying the Bible, they will want to know more about Jesus. If they are not ready, one can read Quran 3:45 showing 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.