What does Islam say about Jehovah's Witnesses?
Islam agrees with Jehovah's Witnesses that God is one and that Jesus is not God, but disagrees on who Jesus is and how he left this world. Muslims see Witnesses as Christians who are closer than most on God's oneness, and treat them with respect and kindness.
Who are Jehovah's Witnesses?
Jehovah's Witnesses grew out of a Bible Student movement started by Charles Taze Russell in the USA in the 1870s. They call God by the name Jehovah, reject the Trinity, don't celebrate Christmas or birthdays, refuse blood transfusions, and are famous for door-to-door preaching and the Watchtower magazine.
Where Islam agrees
- One God: Witnesses believe only the Father is Almighty God, and reject the Trinity. Islam also teaches pure oneness (tawhid). See Do Muslims believe in the Trinity?
- Jesus is not God: both say Jesus is distinct from God and subordinate to Him.
- Avoiding pagan customs: both are cautious about holidays with pagan roots.
Where Islam disagrees
Witnesses teach that Jesus was God's first creation, the archangel Michael before his birth, and God's "son" in a unique sense. Islam teaches that Jesus is a human prophet, created by God's command, without a father, like Adam was created without a father or mother:
- Jesus' death: Witnesses believe Jesus died on a stake as a ransom for humanity. The Quran says he was not killed or crucified, but raised up by Allah (Quran 4:157-158).
- Salvation: Islam has no ransom sacrifice; each person is judged by faith and deeds, and Allah forgives whoever turns to Him.
- Prophethood: Witnesses don't accept Muhammad ﷺ as a prophet, which Muslims see as the key missing link. See Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
- Blood transfusions: most Muslim scholars allow transfusions when doctors say they are needed to save life or health.
When Witnesses knock on your door
Many converts in Europe and the USA have friendly chats with Witnesses on the doorstep. They usually know the Bible well and are happy to discuss God's oneness, which makes for good conversations. Be polite, share what you believe, and don't feel pressured to take literature. As Christians who follow the Bible, many scholars count them among the People of the Book. See Who are the People of the Book?
- Witnesses reject the Trinity, which Islam agrees with.
- Islam sees Jesus as a human prophet, not an archangel or God's son.
- The Quran says Jesus was not crucified but raised up.
- Respectful, friendly dialogue is the Muslim way.
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