عقیدہ معمودیہ (بپتسمہ) کی تردید: قرآنی آیت ”صبغۃ اللہ“ کی تفسیری روشنی میں ایک تحقیقی مطالعہ

Refutation of the Doctrine of Baptism (Maʿmūdiyyah): An Analytical Study in the Light of the Exegesis ofthe Qur’ānic Verse ‘Ṣibghat Allāh’

Abstract

This study examines the Christian doctrine of Baptism (Ma‘mūdiyyah) in the light of the Qur’ānic concept of “Ṣibghat Allāh” mentioned in the Qur’ān (al-Baqarah 2:138). In Christian theology, Baptism is regarded as a sacred rite of purification and initiation into the faith, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and cleansing from sin. Historically, this practice can be traced back to earlier Jewish purification rituals, which were later incorporated into Christian religious tradition. The Qur’ān, however, presents a distinct perspective by rejecting the notion that spiritual purification can be achieved through ceremonial washing or ritual acts alone. Instead, it emphasizes that true purification is attained through the divine “color” of God — that is, through sincere faith (īmān), submission to the will of God, and adherence to His guidance. Classical Muslim exegetes as well as contemporary scholars have consistently interpreted this verse as a clear critique of the baptismal concept. From an Islamic viewpoint, purification is not dependent on symbolic rites but is rooted in the belief in tawḥīd and the inner spiritual transformation of the individual through righteous belief and practice.