Join us for a Bible study discussion dissecting the 30 fundamental differences between Christianity and Islam.
Although Islam and Christianity are monotheistic, they differ in beliefs and practices despite having familiar figures like Jesus, Moses, and Abraham. Here are 30 critical differences contrasted with biblical teachings.
1. Concept of God
- Islam: Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Tawhid), and Allah is strictly singular.
- Christianity: Christians believe in the Trinity, where God exists as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
- Biblical Perspective: The concept of the Trinity is essential to Christian theology. Islam strongly condemns the belief in multiple gods as the most severe sin or act of disobedience.
2. Jesus Christ
- Islam: Jesus (Isa) is considered a prophet but not divine. Muslims do not believe that Jesus was crucified or resurrected.
- Christianity: Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, crucified for the sins of humanity and resurrected on the third day (John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- Biblical Perspective: Jesus’ divinity and resurrection are foundational to the Christian faith, contrasting with the Islamic view.
3. Salvation
- Islam: Faith, good deeds, and surrender to Allah’s will are the paths to salvation (Qur’an 4:122).
- Christianity: Salvation is through grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Biblical Perspective: The Bible emphasizes that no one can earn salvation through works, a key difference from Islamic teachings.
4. Prayer
- Islam: Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing Mecca.
- Christianity: Prayer is more flexible and can be done anywhere, without a specific direction (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Biblical Perspective: While regular prayer is encouraged, the Bible does not mandate that one pray to face a particular direction.
5. Fasting
- Islam: Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam (Qur’an 2:183).
- Christianity: Although fasting is not obligatory, it is often observed as a form of introspective spiritual discipline, as stated in Matthew 6:16-18.
- From a biblical perspective, unlike in Islam, when fasting is required, it is considered an act of voluntary devotion.
6. Pilgrimage
- Islam: Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is required once in a lifetime for those who can (Qur’an 3:97).
- Christianity: Christians are not required to go on pilgrimages, as worship is not bound to a specific location, as stated in John 4:21-24.
- Biblical Perspective: Jesus emphasized that true worshipers worship in Spirit and truth, not in a particular place.
7. Holy Books
- Islam: Muslims believe the Qur’an is the final and most complete revelation of God, superseding previous scriptures.
- Christianity: Christians believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, complete and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Biblical Perspective: The Bible is viewed as the last revelation of God’s word, whereas Islam teaches the Qur’an to correct and complete earlier scriptures.
8. Prophethood
- Islam: Muhammad is the last prophet, the “Seal of the Prophets” (Qur’an 33:40).
- Christianity: Jesus is considered the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, and no further revelation is necessary after Him (Hebrews 1:1–2).
- Biblical Perspective: Christianity holds Jesus as the culmination of all prophetic revelation.
9. Treatment of Enemies
- Islam: The Qur’an has verses discussing peace and conflict with non-believers (Qur’an 2:190-193).
- Christianity: Jesus taught us to love and pray for enemies (Matthew 5:44).
- Bible perspective: God calls Christians to love their enemies and use goodness to overcome evil.
10. Marriage in Heaven
- Islam: Islamic tradition holds that those in paradise will have companions, including the concept of “houris” (Qur’an 56:22).
- Christianity: Jesus taught that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage (Matthew 22:30).
- Biblical Perspective: Christian teaching holds that earthly institutions like marriage do not continue in heaven.
11. Original Sin
- Islam: Islam rejects the doctrine of original sin, teaching that humans are born innocent and handle their actions (Qur’an 7:23).
- Christianity: The Bible teaches all humans to inherit original sin from Adam (Romans 5:12).
- Biblical Perspective: Christianity believes original sin affects all humanity and causes salvation through Jesus Christ.
12. Sacrifice
- Islam: Animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son (Qur’an 37:102-107).
- Christianity: The ultimate sacrifice is Jesus’ Death on the cross, which atones for the sins of the world (Hebrews 10:10).
- Biblical Perspective: Jesus’s sacrifice is the fulfillment of all sacrificial systems.
13. Judgment Day
- Islam: Islam teaches that individuals will be judged based on their actions, faith, and God’s mercy (Qur’an 101:6-9).
- Christianity: According to the Bible’s teachings (Romans 14:10–12; Revelation 20:11–15), salvation is by grace and depends on one’s faith in Christ.
- Biblical Perspective: Salvation is not by works but by grace through faith in Jesus.
14. Intercession
- Islam: Muhammad and others may intercede for believers on Judgment Day (Qur’an 2:255).
- Christianity: Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Biblical Perspective: The Bible emphasizes that Jesus alone intercedes for believers.
15. Equality of Genders
- Islam: The Qur’an teaches the spiritual equality of men and women but prescribes different roles (Qur’an 4:34).
- Christianity: The New Testament teaches equality in Christ, though cultural roles are acknowledged (Galatians 3:28).
- Biblical Perspective: The Bible teaches that there is neither male nor female in Christ.
16. Holy Days
- Islam: Muslims observe Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Ramadan.
- Christianity: Christians observe Easter, Christmas, and other feasts, commemorating Jesus’ life and resurrection.
- Biblical View: The life and redemptive work of Jesus are central to Christian celebrations.
17. Afterlife
- Islam: According to verse 3:195 of the Qur’an, believers will enter paradise, while unbelievers will go to hell.
- Christianity: The Bible teaches eternal life through Jesus and eternal separation from God for those who reject Him (John 3:16, Matthew 25:46).
- Biblical Perspective: Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.
18. Religious Law
- Islam: Sharia law is derived from the Qur’an and Hadith and covers all aspects of life.
- Christianity: Christians are under grace, not the Law, and follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles (Romans 6:14).
- Biblical Perspective: The New Testament teaches that adherence to the Law does not justify believers; faith does.
19. War and Peace
- Islam: The Qur’an permits fighting in self-defense and for justice (Qur’an 22:39).
- Christianity: Jesus taught turning the other cheek and loving enemies (Matthew 5:39, 44).
- Biblical Perspective: The New Testament emphasizes peace and reconciliation.
20. Forgiveness
- Islam: Forgiveness is highly valued, but there are conditions under which punishment is prescribed (Qur’an 5:45).
- Christianity: Matthew 6:14–15 teaches us to forgive others as God has forgiven us.
- Biblical Perspective: Jesus’ example serves as the central model for Christian teaching on forgiveness.
21. Icons and Imagery
- Islam: Using images or icons in worship is strictly prohibited (Qur’an 42:11).
- Christianity: While some denominations reject icons, others use them as aids to worship, not as objects of worship.
- Biblical Perspective: The Bible warns against idolatry but does not universally prohibit religious imagery.
22. Charity
- Islam: Zakat, or almsgiving, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory (Qur’an 9:60).
- Christianity: Giving is encouraged as a voluntary act of love and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- The Bible teaches that Christian charity is not obligatory under the Law but demonstrates faith and love.
23. Prophets
- Islam recognizes many prophets, including Jesus, but Muhammad is the final prophet.
- Christianity: Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy and the final revelation (Hebrews 1:1–2).
- Biblical Perspective: Jesus is central to the Christian faith as both a prophet and divine.
24. Martyrdom
- Islam: Martyrdom is honored, particularly in defense of faith (Qur’an 3:169-170).
- Christianity: Martyrdom is also honored, but the emphasis is on witness and faithfulness, not acts of war (Acts 7:59-60).
- Biblical Perspective: Christian martyrdom is a witness to faith in Jesus.
25. Sacred Language
- Islam: Arabic is the sacred language of the Qur’an.
- Religion: Numerous languages have translations of the Bible; no language is considered sacred.
- Biblical Perspective: The Bible’s message is universally understandable and transcends all languages.
26. Dietary Laws
- Islam: Pork and alcohol are two examples of foods that are prohibited (Qur’an 5:3).
- Christianity: Jesus declared all foods clean, emphasizing purity of heart (Mark 7:18–19).
- Biblical Perspective: Dietary laws are not binding on Christians.
27. Judgment and Mercy
- Islam: God is just and merciful, balancing judgment with forgiveness (Qur’an 39:53).
- Christianity: The Bible teaches that God’s mercy triumphs over judgment through Jesus (James 2:13).
- Biblical Viewpoint: “Christ fully embodies God’s justice and mercy.”
28. Community
- Islam: The Ummah, or community of believers, is central to Islamic life.
- Christianity: The Church is the body of Christ, a spiritual family of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
- Biblical Perspective: The Church is a global family united in Christ.
29. Cleansing Rituals
- Islam: Ritual washing (wudu) is required before prayers (Qur’an 5:6).
- Christianity: Baptism is the symbolic washing away of sin, done once (Acts 22:16).
- Biblical Perspective: Baptism is a one-time act of faith, not repeated cleansing.
30. Resurrection
- Islam: Belief in bodily resurrection on the Day of Judgment (Qur’an 75:3-4).
- Christianity: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, promising eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:14).
- Biblical Perspective: Resurrection is central to Christian hope, fulfilled in Jesus.
In Summary, Muslims need to understand that Muhamad died and never rose again but remains in his grave, in contrast to Jesus Christ, who died and rose as he had prophesied and later ascended to heaven where he lives and continues His work and ministry as Lord and Savior of humanity, while Muhammad died and never resurrected and remains dead.
Because Muhamed, their intermediary, died and did not rise again, this confirms that Islam is a dead and false religion with no hope for salvation and life in eternity with God The Father.
On the contrary, Hebrews 7:24-26 states that Jesus Christ-24 has an unchangeable priesthood because He continues forever. 25 Therefore, He can also save the uttermost those who come to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
Hebrews 13:8 also says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Islam does not claim that Muhammad remains the same throughout time, which means he died and did not go to heaven because he was not born again, according to the scriptures.
John 3:5-8: Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear it but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Revelation 1:18-19 Jesus states:
18 I am He who lives and was dead; I am alive forever. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write about the things you have seen, the things that are, and the things that will occur after this.
It is evident from the contrasting beliefs of Islam and Christianity that Islam is a false religion, underscoring the need for Muslims to repent and embrace Jesus as their savior. Acts 4:12 states, Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
God did not indicate anywhere that Muhamad would be the only savior of humanity but sent Jesus Christ as the Only Savior of all created human beings. All prophets are dead, including Muhamad, but Jesus Christ is alive and continues forever as Lord of Heaven and Earth.
There is no question that condemnation remains hanging on the souls of over two billion Muslims who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Only Way, Savior, and Lord whom God sent to earth to die and pay the penalty of the sin of the entire human race regardless of race, religion, nationality or anything else, for God wants all souls to go to heaven if possible based on one’s faith in Christ alone.
God invites all Muslims to come to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as their Lord, dedicating their hearts and souls to Him alone.
“Those who ignore this call will face condemnation, as described in John 3:18. It says, ‘Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.’”