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Comparative Theology · Common Ground

God looks at the heart

In short

The claim being examined

Samuel is told that God does not judge by outward appearance but by the heart.

The Islamic position

The Prophet Muhammad said that Allah does not look at your bodies or forms but at your hearts and deeds.

Analysis

Both traditions place moral weight on interior disposition over external form, which is a useful corrective when conversations drift towards dress, race or ethnicity.

From the Qur'an

Qur'an 49:13

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

From the Bible

1 Samuel 16:7

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

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Sources

The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection

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