Our Father’s Plan

Similarities in Islamic and Latter-day Saint Belief

Copyright © 2015 by Benjamin Peterson

All rights reserved.

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Like the rays of the sun, light can be found in many places on the earth—not only

physical light but spiritual light as well. To understand this imagery one need look no further

than the Book of Mormon. King Benjamin—who was himself a ruler over two nations united as

one—taught his people that:

The Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these

things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that

Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with

exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them. (Mosiah 3:13)

Benjamin makes it clear that God’s love is over all his creations. In the eyes of God one’s culture

or ethnic background do not make a difference. He is God over all, bond and free, male and

female, black and white, Mormon and Muslim. Many Latter-day Saints can get lost in the belief

that only a prophet who holds priesthood keys can be a prophet inspired by God. Mindful study

of the scriptures show God’s unmistakable relationship with his children of all faiths and

backgrounds. For example, in dialogue with Nephi the Lord himself is recorded to have said

these words:

Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your

God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea;

and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word

unto the children of men, yea even upon all nations of the earth?

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the

south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto

them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man

according to their works, according to that which is written.

For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto

the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the

house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto

all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Nephi 29:7, 11-12)

Considering the world in which we live, and the tangible reality of the fact that we fight

against rulers of darkness in high places, there is a great need for Latter-day Saints to join

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together with individuals of various religious backgrounds in an active defense of truth. God’s

eternal truths can be found in many faiths. To further accentuate the need to embrace all truth, no

matter its associated profession, the First Presidency issued the following statement in 1978:

Based upon ancient and modern revelation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are

brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors, but

also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.

The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the

Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a

portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole

nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.

The Hebrew prophet prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised

Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel.

Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples

sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in

the life to come.

We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day,

provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fulness of joy forever. For those

who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter

if not in this life.

Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all

men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are

truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.

Among the variety of faiths that teach a portion of light and truth is Islam. This

monotheistic faith—though often misunderstood—has much in common with the gospel of Jesus

Christ. In an effort to open the reader’s mind to this somewhat obscure faith, this article will

outline theological similarities found in both Islamic belief and the doctrine of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

Before we compare theologies, it may be necessary to dispel a common, yet erroneous

notion that “Islam equals terrorism.” Unfortunately, due to radicals within the Islamic faith, there

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is a false idea that all Muslims are affiliated with terrorists and violence. The Western image of

Islam is sometimes seen as a “harsh, uncompromising religion that demands strict and

unquestioning obedience from its followers, who, if pushed, will not hesitate to spread their faith

with violence and terror.” These radical groups do not represent a religious Islam, but rather a

political Islam “transformed into ideology.”1 Behind the mask of radical Islam lies a prayerful,

God-fearing people who believe in faith and redemption, and look forward to life in eternity.

BELIEF

To Muslims, belief is a choice that must be made after individual investigation. They

assert that belief must be nurtured in order to be maintained, and if it is not continually increased,

it fades. Within the Qur’an there are six “articles of faith” that all believers are to cultivate:

Divine Unity—a belief in the oneness of God; belief in angels; a belief in prophets; belief in

revealed scripture; belief in the resurrection and the hereafter; and belief in what they call divine

decree. These are often grouped together in categories known as the “fundamentals of belief.”

These are: Divine Unity; prophethood; and the resurrection and hereafter. We will look at each

of these core tenants as we explore Islamic belief through the lens of God’s plan of salvation.

ONE GOD

Muslims believe in one God, creator of all beings, whom they refer to as Allah.

According to the Qur’an “There is no god but He: the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No

slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. . . . His Throne

doth extend over the heavens and the earth. . . . He is the Most High, the Supreme” (2:255)2.

1 Colin Turner, Islam: The Basics (London: Routledge, 2011), 230.

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Their view is that all of God’s creations are inextricably linked together and that all are created

by God with a purpose. Muslims also take the commandment to worship only one God very

seriously. Shirk is their expression for the sin of idolatry, and they profess that most believers are

in some way guilty of shirk as they place the things of this world equal to or higher than God.

Similarly, Latter-day Saints believe that all men and women are children of God, created

in his likeness and image. He is the ultimate Creator, Ruler and Preserver. God has all power and

knowledge. Belief in one God who is creator of all things may seem like one of the greatest

similarities between Mormonism and Islam—and it is a significant similarity—but, it is also one

belief where Muslims and Latter-day Saints part ways. This is because unlike Islam, Mormonism

embraces the belief that God is our Father, “a being of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s”

(D&C 130:22).

AGENCY

The idea of free will, or agency, is a split notion among Muslims. The Qur’an teaches

that nothing on this earth happens out of order and structure predetermined by God’s knowledge

and plan (6:59). This seems to counter free will. Latter-day Saints however will note that they

too believe that God knows all things and that all things happen for a reason, yet LDS belief

shouts “agency” as a war-cry (see D&C 98:8; 2 Nephi 2:26-7; 10:23). There is an apparent

balance somewhere between the idea of God’s knowledge of all things and the principle of

agency. Experienced members of either faith might say that while God knows in advance what

actions we may choose to take, his knowledge does not compel us to act.

2 All Qur’anic references will be taken from The Holy Qur’an, 10th edition, translated by Abdullah Yusuf

Ali, (New Delhi: Kitab Bhavan, 2015).

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PRE-MORTAL EXISTENCE

Many consider the belief in a pre-mortal existence to be exclusively a Latter-day Saint

belief. A close look at the Qur’an however, will reveal a story with striking familiarity. This is

the account of the arrogant Ibli who, insisting that he is greater than man, is cast out of God’s

presence and in rebellion swears vengeance. With threats of assault he becomes a snare to

mankind (7:12-17; 15:33-41). It is impossible not to notice the direct parallels to the war in

heaven where Lucifer attempted to exalt himself and was cast out (Moses 4:1-4). Men and

women in all parts of the earth are now subject to his anger and declaration for revenge.

CREATION

It was stated previously that Islam claims the belief in God as creator of all things. Much

like Mormonism and Judaism, Islam also believes in the idea of six creative periods when

heaven and earth were formed. Though Muslims may not believe that man’s creation was in the

image of God, they do profess definite faith that God created man. “He who has made everything

which He has created most good: He began the creation of man with nothing more than clay. . . .

But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit” (32:7-9).

The Qur’an even teaches that marriage was an important part of the creation: “It is He who

created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell

with her in love” (7:189). The Family: A Proclamation to the World comparably states that

“marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.” This is one belief that can unite

both Latter-day Saints and Muslims in a world and at a time when marriage is facing legitimate

attack.

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THE FALL

“O Adam, dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein

as ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression” (2:35). The Qur’anic

story of the Garden of Eden makes clear the consequences of partaking of the forbidden fruit.

Many Latter-day Saints question why the Lord would give two conflicting commandments: to

multiply and replenish the earth, and at the same time avoid partaking of the forbidden fruit. The

only way for Adam and Eve to keep the commandment to have children would have been to first

become mortal. The only way to become a mortal was to partake of the fruit. So says the Book of

Moses, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of knowledge of good

and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, . . . for I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt

surely die” (Moses 3:16-17). A close and careful study of these verses will resolve the common

concern of conflicting commandments and the Lord’s warning becomes clearer. The previously

stated and comparable passage in the Qur’an also clarifies the Lord’s warning that if they partake

of the fruit they will die. The Qur’an continues to teach that Satan then approached Adam and

Eve and tempted them, telling them truth mingled with trickery, that resulted in the Fall of man.

Adam and Eve are then given a covering for their bodies and cast to a temporal earth to live and

learn outside the presence of God as they seek their own redemption (7:20-27).

REDEMPTION

The central part of God’s plan of salvation in Latter-day Saint doctrine is the mission and

Atonement of Jesus Christ. Adam’s fall brought about the need for redemption. It is this need for

redemption that lies behind the righteous actions of both Mormons and Muslims. Latter-day

Saints believe in the need for reconciliation with God. The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob urges

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mankind to “reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh;

and remember,” he continues, “after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the

grace of God that ye are saved” (2 Nephi 2:24). For such a Christian, redemption comes in two

principal ways: redemption can be offered because of Christ’s suffering on our behalf; and it

comes through his resurrection and triumph over death.

Islam states that Redemption is not achieved by or through ideas or doctrines but through

the lives and the sacrifices of human individuals.3 Islamic redemption comes through piety or

righteousness. “Expiation of sin must be done by the individual himself, and here, then,

redemption is what men and women do with their own sin through repentance and through

expiation through prayers, fasts, sharing their wealth with the poor, and so on.”4 Another type of

Islamic redemption is that of intercession. Although Muslims do not accept Jesus5 as anything

more than a great prophet, the Qur’an teaches that all are dependent upon the will of God and

that in his wisdom he can allow for one of his creations to intercede on behalf of others (2:255).

For Latter-day Saints, it is Jesus Christ who will provide the needed redemption for all

mankind—redemption from death and redemption from all effects of the Fall. Indeed, all that the

Fall caused to go wrong, Latter-day Saints believe that the Atonement of Jesus Christ will make

right (see 3 Nephi 11:1-21). Muslims believe however, that Muhammad will be the one to

intercede on behalf of not only themselves, but of the entire world.6

3 Mahmoud Mustafa Ayoub “The Idea of Redemption in Christianity and Islam” in Mormons and Muslims:

Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations Ed. Spencer J. Palmer (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center,

1983), 107.

4 Ibid., 109.

5 For the Qur’anic story of Jesus’ mission see Sura 3:38-56.

6 Ayoub, “Redemption,” 109.

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FAITH AND REPENTANCE

We will now take a brief look at common beliefs relative to the first two principles of the

gospel—the first being faith. Joseph Smith taught that faith is a principle of action7, Paul taught

that it was by faith that all the holy prophets received the righteous desires of their hearts (see

Hebrews 11). The Qur’an likewise teaches that “those who believe in God, and hold fast to Him,

soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a

straight way” (4:175). Thus it is faith that is the path that will lead Adam, Eve, and their posterity

back to God’s presence. This basic tenant of both Islam and Mormonism can bind individuals

from these two faiths together. Faith can be seen where one humbly bows their head as they

listen to a young man pronounce a prayer on the Sacramental Bread. Faith can also be seen as a

two young brothers lay prostrate, pressing their foreheads to the tightly-knit prayer rug that lies

before them. Faith can be seen as both Mormon and Muslim honor God through their good

works and obedience to his commandments.

Man is no stranger to sin. Men of every faith and way of life have need to return to God.

For one who believes in Islam, only those who repent, make corrections to their life, hold fast to

God, and purify themselves can be numbered with the believers and receive the reward (4:146).

The doctrine of repentance can bring hope to men and women of all faiths. The Qur’an states that

“those who do wrong but repent thereafter and truly believe, verily thy Lord is thereafter oft-

forgiving, most merciful” (7:153). Both Latter-day Saints and Muslims alike, believe in the need

for repentance. To both religious traditions, repentance is one of the key principles of this life

(see Alma 42:4).

7 Lectures on Faith, 1:9.

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PROPHETS

The Qur’an professes Islamic belief in prophets such as Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, and

Jacob (Sura 2:136). They also revere Jesus as a great prophet. Some of the great prophets, they

believe, left written teachings for God’s children to follow. Abraham apparently had a book that

is no longer extant. Moses and Jesus left the teachings of the Torah—or five books of Moses—

and Jesus left the Gospels. Muslims accept the writings of Moses and teachings of Jesus as

scripture, however they do believe that these scriptures have been somewhat corrupted. Islam

makes no difference between any of these scriptures and asserts that their message was one in the

same.

Latter-day Saints agree that God has called prophets to help guide his children. They also

believe in sacred scriptures. What is more interesting, is that Latter-day Saints also believe that

the writings of Moses and the teachings of Jesus exist in a less-than-perfect form. To counter

this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has canonized an inspired—often seen as a

corrected—version of the Old and New Testament, known today as the Joseph Smith

Translation. They also have additional writings of both Moses and Abraham that were also

produced by Joseph Smith.

For both Islam and Mormonism, revelation is an ongoing process. Islamic belief asserts

that revelation has a technical culmination in the prophet Muhammad, but yet continues in the

form of ilham or inspiration, which is open to the friends and worshipful servants of God. This

mode of revelation will not end.8 Latter-day Saints also believe in continued revelation.

Mormonism is often described as a living Church, and they profess an open canon.

8 Ayoub, “Redemption,” 106.

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Members of the LDS Church look to a living prophet to hear the word of God specifically

for their day. They believe in a restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph lived at a time of heated religious contention, and it is LDS belief that God called Joseph

to be a prophet, bring to light sacred scripture, and restore the fullness of his gospel to the earth.

Muslims believe the last major prophet was Muhammad. Muhammad lived at a time when Islam

had turned to idol worship. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel visited Muhammad and gave

him a large set of recitations or scriptures that he was instructed to teach the people. These

recitations have since been recorded and make up the Qur’an. It has been said that,

One of the greatest services extended by Muhammad was to purge his world of idolatry

and center worship in one God. Perhaps the greatest service extended by the Prophet

Joseph Smith was to reveal the nature of that true and living God. Together, the followers

of Muhammad and those who accept Joseph Smith as the prophet of another restoration

are expected to fulfill certain services for mankind.9

COMMANDMENTS

Commandments can be compared to rubber tires that line the sides of a racetrack. Some

might view them as restrictive and burdensome, but they are there to help protect the driver from

falling off course, and guide them to the finish line. God has given all of his children

commandments to both keep them safe from the snares of the adversary, and to guide them back

to his presence. The Qur’an is consistent in its teachings of God’s commandments (7:157). As

Islam accepts Moses as a prophet, the commandments given to him on Mount Sinai can also be

found in the Qur’an (see 2:126; 2:225; 4:149; 7:164; 17:23; 20:9; 4:37; 5:29; 5:33; 24:3; 4:25;

5:39; 24:5). Islam even asserts belief in a law of health similar to the Word of Wisdom (see

2:219; 5:91; 6:142).

9 Carlos E. Asay, “God’s Love for Mankind,” in Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern

Manifestations Ed. Spencer J. Palmer (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, 1983), 210.

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SPIRIT WORLD

The Book of Mormon teaches that after death “the Spirits of those who are righteous are

received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where

they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.” The wicked are to be

received into a state of “awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon

them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their

resurrection” (Alma 40:12, 14). Similarly, in the Qur’anic view of life after death, there exists a

place where the spirits of all men and women go prior to their resurrection—this place is called

barzakh. It acts as a partition that separates the spiritual realm from the physical realm. “Before

them is a partition till the day they are raised up” (23:100). “It is he who has let free the two

bodies of flowing water: one palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has he made a

barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed” (25:53).

JUDGMENT

In the final days before the Day of Judgment, Muslims believe that the earth will literally

be in commotion. The Qur’an teaches that men will be scattered like moths, and the mountains

will be like “carded wool” (101:4-6). “When the sky is cleft asunder; when the stars are

scattered; when the oceans are suffered to burst forth; and when the graves are turned upside

down” (82:2-4). The Doctrine and Covenants teaches,

For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken

man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be

bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves

down as a fig that falleth from off a fig tree.

For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes…and men shall fall upon

the ground and shall not be able to stand.

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And also cometh…the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving

themselves beyond their bounds. (D&C 88:87)

FINAL JUDGMENT AND RESURRECTION

Qur’anic teachings state that all who believe in God, regardless of their religious

affiliation have no need to fear (5:72). “Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of

his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men” (2 Nephi 26:27).

It is apparent that both Islam and Mormonism believe in a plan of salvation. One of the final

steps in this plan is the final judgment where both religions express the belief that one is judged

according to their actions during mortality.

Following the judgment, all men will be resurrected. This is a common belief among

Latter-day Saints and Muslims. All will be raised and will inherit a place in the eternities

according to their works in the flesh. The law of restoration will recompense to every man

according to his doings (6:160; Alma 41:10-15). Similar to Latter-day Saints, Muslims also

believe in a thousand year Millennium that will be a day of the Lord’s work (32:5).

ETERNITIES OF HEAVEN

Some may consider Latter-day Saint theology of a heaven made up of degrees as

something unique to Mormonism. Surprisingly, Islam also professes that in heaven, to all are

given “degrees according to their deeds: for thy Lord is not unmindful of anything that they do”

(6:132). A revelation given to Joseph Smith—which parallels the teachings of Paul—revealed

three major degrees of heaven. Within the highest, or celestial, are also three degrees. The

lowest, or Telestial degree holds within it innumerable degrees of glory “even as one star differs

from another” (D&C 76:89-98). It is fascinating to note that the Qur’an also teaches that there

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will be three groups in the hereafter: “And ye shall be sorted out into three classes. Then there

will be the companions of the right hand. . . . And the companions of the left hand. . . . And those

foremost in faith will be foremost in the Hereafter. These will be those nearest to God: in gardens

of bliss. . . . They will be on thrones encrusted with gold and precious stones. . . . A reward for

the deeds of their past life” (56:7-24).

The idea of a Celestial glory in the presence of God is not a belief isolated to

Mormonism. It is, in fact, a truth embraced by Islam. The culminating moment of God’s plan for

his children is when they return home to him, to dwell in his presence forever. “Those who

believe and do deeds of righteousness, we shall soon admit to Gardens, with rivers flowing

beneath, their eternal home: therein shall they have companions pure and holy: we shall admit

them to shades, cool and ever deepening” (4:58).

CONCLUSION

We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, and he knows each of his children

intimately well. He hears the prayers of the Buddhist Monk, he directs the paths of the Catholic

Nun, he comforts the heart of the Jewish Rabbi, and he finds joy in the dedication of a faithful

Muslim. All faiths bring a degree of truth and value to society. It has never been more necessary

to link arms with people of goodness all over the world as we unite our prayers and our faith to

lift those whose heads hang down and to bring hope to a world struggling to realize its true

identity. “For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to

teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that

the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true” (Alma 29:8).