why othodox cristinay closer to islam than other cristians

Question

Tauhid Lab Assistant · Accepted Answer

> **TL;DR:** “Closeness” to Islam is measured first by pure monotheism (Tawhid—affirming the oneness of Allah and worshiping Him alone) and acceptance of the final Messenger; by that standard, all Christian denominations—including Orthodox—remain theologically distant due to the Trinity and veneration of holy figures [TAF1][FAT4][FAT5]. Some practical resemblances (fasting discipline, modesty, reverence for tradition) may feel “closer,” but they do not overcome core creed differences that Islam deems decisive [FAT1][FAT3].

## Core measure of “closeness”: Tawhid and finality of prophethood
The decisive Islamic benchmark of religious proximity is Tawhid (affirming Allah’s oneness and directing worship exclusively to Him) and the refusal to ascribe real, independent power or intercessory ultimacy to any intermediary, cause, or saint [RIS1]. The Qur’anic commentary stresses that pure monotheism—worshiping only Allah without associating partners—is preserved perfectly in the Qur’an, while other communities came to accord an elevated status to saints in practice [TAF1]. Islam therefore rejects any construct that dilutes oneness—most centrally the Trinity—because it posits multiple “persons” in the godhead, which Muslim theology deems incompatible with divine unity [FAT4].

Additionally, from the advent of Prophet Muhammad (the Rasul—messenger commissioned by Allah) onward, Islam is the only divinely accepted path; whoever meets Allah after his coming upon anything besides his Shari‘ah (revealed way) will not have it accepted [FAT5]. Hence, even if earlier followers of Jesus (peace be upon him) originally held strict monotheism, subsequent distortions in belief and law mean present-day Christianity—Orthodox or otherwise—does not meet the Islamic criterion of accepted religion [FAT1][FAT5]. The Qur’an rebukes later disputes about Abraham, asserting that pure monotheism preceded later scriptures and creedal elaborations; the implication is that authentic Abrahamic faith is unalloyed Tawhid [TAF2].

In short: because Orthodoxy affirms the Trinity and venerates saints and icons, it does not align with the strict Tawhid standard that Islam requires for theological closeness [TAF1][FAT4]. Islam’s essence is to deny causal or intercessory ultimacy to any besides Allah; that is the crux of proximity in creed [RIS1].

## Practical overlap vs. theological difference
From an Islamic vantage, Christianity’s beliefs and laws were “distorted and mutilated,” so assessing which denomination is “closer” theologically is secondary to acknowledging that the core creed has deviated from pure monotheism [FAT1]. However, professionals may notice certain practical resemblances with some Orthodox communities—such as disciplined fasting, reverence for tradition, modesty norms, and ceremonial solemnity. These can feel culturally familiar, yet they do not address the foundational issue: affirming Allah’s absolute oneness and rejecting Trinitarian multiplicity [FAT4][TAF1].

Islam recognizes that earlier Abrahamic messages originally called to monotheism—something reflected even in altered scriptures—but affirms that only the Qur’an preserved it in its pure form [TAF1]. Muslims may therefore appreciate fragments of ethical common ground while maintaining clarity about decisive theological boundaries. This is why respectful conduct towards peaceful non-Muslims is commanded, even as creed remains distinct: “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who do not fight you” (birr—excellence in goodness; qist—fair dealing) [FAT5]. Contemporary cooperation for shared social good is encouraged in spirit, while theological integrity remains non-negotiable; as a supplementary point, many Muslim presenters emphasize working with Christians on common challenges without erasing doctrinal differences [YT4].

### Why this principle is wise
- It preserves clarity: A firm standard—Tawhid without intermediaries—protects faith from slow dilution through saint-veneration or metaphysical plurality [TAF1][RIS1][FAT4].  
- It honors final guidance: Recognizing the finality of Muhammad’s mission keeps the criterion for acceptance unambiguous, preventing endless debates about which later community retained more authenticity [FAT5].  
- It enables civic virtue: Commanding fairness and kindness to peaceful others sustains social harmony without compromising creed [FAT5].

### Modern applications for professionals
- Interfaith teamwork: Partner on civic welfare and ethical initiatives with Christians who are amicable, but remain clear about creedal differences in formal dialogue and policy statements [FAT5][YT4].  
- Workplace policy: Advocate for equitable accommodation (e.g., fasting schedules, prayer spaces) by appealing to shared values around discipline and modesty—without implying theological equivalence [FAT5].  
- Communication: When asked “Which Christians are closer to Islam?”, anchor the answer in monotheism and the finality of prophethood; acknowledge ethical overlaps, but note that Trinitarian doctrine is the decisive separator [FAT4][FAT5][TAF1].

### Psychological, social, and ethical benefits
- Psychological: Clear criteria reduce confusion and social pressure to blur theological lines, strengthening integrity and inner calm [FAT5][RIS1].  
- Social: Just and kind conduct fosters trust and cooperation, minimizing conflict and misrepresentation across communities [FAT5].  
- Ethical: Upholding Tawhid while practicing fairness reflects principled leadership—firm in creed, generous in manner [TAF1][FAT5].

## Divergent Perspectives
- Some assume that certain denominations (e.g., those with stricter morality or tradition) are “closer.” Islamic scholarship cautions that rejecting any element of true faith amounts to rejecting faith altogether—so practical resemblances do not repair theological deviation [FAT1].  
- Others argue that “People of the Book” (Ahl al-Kitab—Jews and Christians) are inherently closer to Islam. Classical and contemporary rulings clarify that salvation follows the accepted way (Islam) after the Prophet; non-Islamic paths—even with truths—do not meet that criterion [FAT3][FAT5].  
- Supplementary media often stress that the earliest Christian message was monotheistic; Muslims today still affirm cooperation and mutual respect alongside clear doctrinal boundaries [YT1][YT4]. Primary Islamic criteria, however, remain Tawhid and acceptance of the final Messenger [TAF1][FAT5].

If you need a denomination-by-denomination theological map, consult a qualified scholar for a careful, sourced breakdown; available authoritative materials here establish the core criteria but do not rank modern Christian denominations in granularity [FAT5].

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