Similarities and differences Christianity and Islam
It is a fact that not everything is different between Islam and Christianity. Since Islam started later, it cannot be a coincidence that it has adopted some concepts from Christianity. Many Muslims agree with Christians and share some important doctrines of faith. Below also differences between both religions.
Common points in Islam and Christianity
1. Believe in Abraham as the father of faith
Muslims are believers in Abraham and his belief in one God and practices (Qur'an 3:84). This is also shared in Christianity (Hebrews 11:8-12).2. Believe in the Creator of heaven and earth
In Islam, God is the Creator of heaven and earth (Qur'an 2:117, 40:68). This is in accordance with the Bible (Genesis 1:1,3).3. Believe that man commits sin
Muslims believe that committing a sin is dangerous and will be punished (Qur'an 7:22). The same is written in the Bible (Genesis 3:6-11).4. Believe in the Day of Judgment
It is a commandment in Islam to believe in the Day of Judgment and the resurrection of the body when soul and body will be reunited. Jesus is the knowledge of the last day (Qur'an 43:61), as the Bible confirm (Luke 17:30; 21:25-28).5. Believe that God is merciful
Muslims believe that God is merciful and compassionate (Qur'an 5:110). The Gospel records the same to Jesus, the Word of God and God (John 1:14).6. Believe that God reveals himself through his prophets
Muslims believe in the prophets of the Bible (Qur'an 6:89-90). Prophet John the Baptist is also confirmed in Islam (Qur'an 19:7).7. Believe in the Bible as God's Word
Muslims believe in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament (Qur'an 2:53, 2:87, 6:155, 7:145). There is also support for the New Testament in the Qur'an (Qur'an 5:46, 6:34). The persecution of the prophets is a confirmation of the Gospel (Matthew 5:17). The Qur'an denies that the Bible can be corrupted (Qur'an 6:34).8. Believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus
Muslims believe that the birth of Jesus came in a supernatural way (Qur'an 3:47-48), as the Bible records (Matthew 1:20-21).9. Believe in Jesus as the Messiah, Word of God and Spirit of God
Islam mentions Jesus as the Word of God (Qur'an 3:45, 4:171) and Spirit of God (Qur'an 5:110). The Bible explains that the Word of God is God (John 1:1-3) and that Jesus has God's Spirit, the Holy Spirit.10. Believe in Jesus as the greatest miracle worker
Jesus did supernatural creation (Qur'an 3:49, 5:110) as also mentioned in the Gospel (John 5:21).11. Believe that Jesus did not commit any sin
Both Islam (Qur'an 19:19) and Christianity (John 8:46) believe that Jesus was the exception that man sinned.Differences between Islam and Christianity
1. Status of the Bible
Although the Qur'an mentions the Bible as God's Word, many Muslims say that the Bible has been corrupted. This contradicts the fact that God's Word cannot be changed.2. Holy Spirit
According to Islamic belief, the Holy Spirit is the Archangel Gabriel. This is different from the Bible, where the Holy Spirit is God. Doctrine of Trinity describes the Holy Spirit as God. (John 14:15-17, 1 Corinthians 12:3-6, Ephesians 2:20-22, 1 John 5:7)3. Revelation
When Muhammad received a revelation, he was not sure that it came from God (Qur'an 53:19-23). Muhammad's activities after the revelation were given for teaching to others. Later these messages were called the Qur’an. Traditional Islam believes that Muhammad's messages were the literal word of God. Christians believe that God revealed His Word through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Revelations from God are not limited to the Bible, but Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God and God's ultimate message to humanity.4. Prophecies
The prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures made predictions that were later realized. For example, the return of the People of Israel from Babylonia to Israel (e.g. Isaiah 11:11–13; Jeremiah 25:11; Hosea 3:4–5, 6:1–2). Jesus predicted his execution and resurrection on the third day (Luke 9:22), his betrayal (Matthew 26:21), and Peter's denial (Matthew 26:34). Jesus also made a fulfilled prophecy about the destruction of the temple (Matthew 24:1-2) and the spreading of the Gospel message worldwide (Matthew 24:14). Muhammad was no more than a messenger (Qur’an 46:9). He has no testimony that he was foretold in a previous prophecy. Mohammed did not predict anything.5. Divinity of Jesus Christ
In the Qur'an, Jesus is no more than a prophet and not divine (Qur'an 5:17). In Christianity, Jesus is God in the flesh, so he is divine (John 1:1-2).6. Trinity
The Qur'an describes the Christian doctrine of the Trinity as a set of 3 gods, Father, Jesus and Mary (Qur'an 5:116). This is in contrast to the publication of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity many centuries before Muhammad, where God is one and named Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit.7. Removal from the Effects of Sin
The Christian faith supports removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinner and allowing the person to be united with God. Removing sin before the Day of Judgment is not found in the Qur'an and is not a concept in Islam. Therefore, a Muslim says that he does not know whether he is forgiven before his death. In the Qur'an there are many verses about unforgiveness (Qur'an 3:135, 4:17-18, 4:31, 4:93, 5:95, 6:145, 9:113, 9:83, 18:57- 58, 22:31, 42:37, 53:32). This is in contrast to Christianity, where after the decision to repent you can know that you are forgiven here and now.8. Crucifixion
According to Qur'an 4:157, Jesus did not die on the cross. Although the Islamic alternative to crucifixion has never been clarified, but most Muslims believe that Jesus immediately went to heaven and escaped crucifixion. But in Christianity, Jesus died for our sins.9. Redemption
Muslims assume that God will determine their eternal future and that they cannot know that in life on earth [1]. Islam has no mediator. The Qur'an says that Allah loves good people and hates the bad (Qur'an 101:6-11). The Gospel teaches that Jesus creates assurance and guidance: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). There is assurance of eternal life in Paradise: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32).Conclusion
There are many points on which serious Muslims and Christians will agree. Therefore, the path is not too narrow for a Muslim to follow the Bible and praise Christianity. The difference, however, is about the main point, salvation through Jesus Christ.
Notes
- Kenneth Cragg, Jesus and the Muslim: An Exploration, Oxford, 1999, 260.
