In the realm of comparative religious studies, the existence of parallels between the figure of the Antichrist and certain characteristics attributed to Allah has sparked considerable interest among scholars and critics.

Mirrored Signs: Examining Antichrist Parallels in Divine Revelation

In the realm of comparative religious studies, the existence of parallels between the figure of the Antichrist and certain characteristics attributed to Allah has sparked considerable interest among scholars and critics. Central to this discussion is the idea that a figure claiming to substitute the true Christ must mirror his outward traits: performing miracles, possessing a distinct doctrine, and attempting to encompass all the world’s cultural traditions. According to some researchers, this concept creates a kind of "mirror image," where the universality and openness of the true prophet are reformulated into a phenomenon aimed at manipulating the consciousness of believers.

Another important aspect of this discussion involves the nature of the revelations themselves. Historical texts mention occasions when phenomena exhibiting signs of supernatural influence caused alarm among the prophets, only to be quickly reassured by assurances of divine control over external influences. This raises questions about the authenticity of miracles and signs, which at first glance echoes the notion of false miracles associated with the Antichrist that are designed to mislead the faithful.

One cannot ignore the complexity of historical assessments of prophetic figures. In one aspect of these reflections, it is noted that the prophet, recognized as the seal of the prophets, could not have fully exhausted divine revelation, leaving room for future signs that might align with prophetic expectations concerning the emergence of the Antichrist. Moreover, the perspective of some Christian authors—especially within the Byzantine tradition of the 8th century—casts Islam in a negative light, emphasizing its allegedly Antichrist-like elements.

These arguments, based on a comparative analysis of religious texts and historical evidence, demonstrate the intricate interpretations that weave together mythology, prophecy, and the expectations of the faithful. Regardless of subjective evaluations, such studies stimulate profound reflection on the nature of religious authority, urging the search for connections between seemingly opposing ideas and the unveiling of hidden meanings surrounding ancient prophecies.

What arguments exist in favor of the idea that Allah might correspond to the description of the Antichrist in certain religious views?

Some researchers analyzing comparative religious texts point to specific analogies between the description of the Antichrist and the characteristics attributed to Allah within certain interpretations of Islam. Here are several arguments presented in support of this view:

1. Some scholars observe that the Antichrist must "replace" the true Christ and outwardly resemble Him—performing miracles, having his own doctrine, and spreading his own "gospel." One source states:
"He replaces Christ. And for such a substitution to occur, he must be very similar to Christ. Here we see a kind of mirror image: we note that Christ had three and a half years of earthly preaching, of earthly ministry. Similarly, the Apocalypse says that three and a half years will mark the earthly dominion of the Antichrist. Christ performed miracles—undoubtedly, the Antichrist will work 'miracles.' Christ had his own disciples and his own Church—naturally, the Antichrist will have something similar. Christ was universally open—undoubtedly, the Antichrist, too, will be universally open and ready to absorb and bring under his authority, his 'gospel,' all cultural, national, and religious traditions, each reinterpreted in its own way, of course." (source: link txt)

Some critics argue that this "mirror image" might be interpreted as an attempt to establish the authority of a new divine power which, in the case of Islam, is accompanied by phenomena characteristic of the Antichrist figure.

2. Another argument focuses on the nature of the revelations and the reaction to them. One text describes an incident where Muhammad experienced fear over interference by forces indicative of malevolent influence, but was then reassured:
"Muhammad was frightened, but Gabriel reassured him by stating that Satan is always trying to interfere with divine revelations. Indeed, this prophecy in the Quran (22:52) speaks of Satan's interference and that Allah erases what Satan casts, after which Allah affirms His signs. Yet anyone familiar with divine revelation would testify that never for any true prophet of God, when pronouncing revelations, were there such incidents." (source: link txt)

Here, some researchers see an analogy with the description of the Antichrist, whose miracles and signs, according to predictions, will be false and intended to mislead believers.

3. A further argument pertains to the historical perceptions of the prophetic figure. One source remarks:
"Interestingly, Muhammad would also not have supported the view of his followers, as he also claimed that he, Muhammad, was the seal of the prophets. After all, he never claimed to be God, and if that is so, then there is no guarantee that Allah would not send someone else in his place." (source: link txt)

Some interpreters note that if the assertion of the completion of the prophetic cycle is conditional, then any subsequent revelation that might come from Allah potentially fits within the prophetic expectations associated with the Antichrist figure.

4. Additionally, historical sources indicate that certain Christian circles, especially within the Byzantine tradition of the 8th century, regarded Islam as a manifestation of Antichrist-like doctrine. One passage states:
"Evidently, the logic of reasoning among the Byzantines of the 8th century was entirely different from ours, reflecting their specific Greco-Roman mindset. In their view, Islam is, on one hand, a 'prejudice of the Ismailis,' but on the other, a terrible scourge upon Christians. They refer to Muhammad as the 'Antichrist.'" (source: link txt)

Although this passage directly refers to Muhammad, such assessments often extend into discussions about the divine principle behind the prophetic message, leading some critics to suggest that the deity itself (Allah) might be viewed through the lens of Antichrist-like characteristics.

Thus, in certain religious perspectives, the following arguments are presented: similarities in methods and outward manifestations (miracles, universality, replacement of the true doctrine); peculiarities regarding the nature of divine revelation (the interference of "external forces" in establishing divine signs); and historical assessments by Christian authors who perceive elements of an Antichrist proclamation in Islam. These arguments are often offered as evidence supporting the idea that Allah, through His authorization and associated phenomena, may align with the description of the Antichrist in certain interpretations.