Christianity and Islam are two major world’s religions that share some similarities. Both Muslims and Christians believe in one true God, respect the early prophets, including Moses, Joseph, Noah, Jesus, John, and Abraham, and trust that their faith will bring them harmony and peace. Additionally, Christians and Muslims believe in the hereafter and are familiar with the concept of heaven and hell. Both religions believe Satan is evil and is trying to turn believers away from God. The similarity between both religions continues, making one think about the differences that set them apart.
4 Major Differences between Muslims and Christians
Besides some shared beliefs, there are many differences between Muslims and Christians. Continue reading to understand what separates the two religions from each other.
1. A Different View of Holy Books
Christians consider the Old and New Testaments God’s words, whereas Muslims believe in the Holy Book called Quran. ‘Quran’ means ‘recitation.’ Muslims claim that Quran exists in its original form, i.e., Arabic, so that all believers can recite God’s words without variation. Muslims also recognize other Holy Books like The Bible, Psalms of David, and Torah of Moses as books from God. However, they say these books have been altered due to many translations over the years, claiming the Quran is the only book without any variation!
Christians believe Bible is in its original language, i.e., Aramaic, Greek, and Hebrew. They trust that the Old and New Testament is without errors and that the English Bibles are still sacred and worthy.
Muslims are convinced The Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Gabriel over 23 years, beginning in 609 AD. On the contrary, Christians maintain that the Bible was revealed over 1600 years, containing 66 books, and was written by 40 authors.
2. A Different View of God
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV).
Christians believe in the Trinity. They accept that God consists of 3 beings, i.e., the Father, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit. Muslims believe in one God, not a Trinity. The following verses of the Quran explain the concept of God for Muslims:
“In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Proclaim, “He is the One and only God. The Absolute God. Never did He beget. Nor was He begotten. None equals Him.” – Surah 112:0-4.
“He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and who has not taken a son and has not had a partner in dominion and has created each thing and determined it with (precise) determination.” – Surah 25:2
3. A Different View of Jesus
“I and the Father are one.”-John 10:30.
Christians are confident that Jesus is God, whereas Muslims consider him a prophet.
“And make him a messenger to the Children of Israel to proclaim, ‘I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I will make for you a bird from clay, breathe into it, and it will become a real bird—by Allah’s will. I will heal the blind and the leper and raise the dead to life—by Allah’s Will. And I will prophesize what you eat and store in your houses. Surely in this is a sign for you if you truly believe.”- Surah 3:49.
Muslims also believe that Jesus was miraculously taken to Heaven, and someone else died on the Cross. Although Muslims hold high regard for Jesus, they don’t consider him a divine being.
4. A Different View of Sin
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,”- Ephesians 2:1 (NIV).
Christians suppose that all mankind is born a sinner, whereas Muslims believe man is born free from sins. Islam claims that man sins due to forgetfulness and weakness.
“And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for humankind was created weak.”– Surah 4:28.
Comparison Chart- Muslims vs Christians
Refer to the comparison chart below to comprehend the religious beliefs and practices of Islam and Christianity:
| Beliefs & Practices | Muslims | Christians |
| Crucifixion | Jesus wasn’t crucified. | A fact that’s necessary for believers’ salvation. |
| Acts of Worship | Muslims pray five times daily, read the Quran, fast, do the pilgrimage, charity, etc., as an act of worshipping God. | Christians pray, worship in Church, read the Bible, serve the community, and give charity as an act of worshipping the Lord. |
| Jesus’ Resurrections | Since Muslims don’t believe in the crucifixion, they don’t believe in resurrection. | Christians believe Jesus’ resurrection signifies God’s win over death and sins. |
| Salvation | Salvation is granted by God and is achieved by accepting His will. | Christians believe salvation is a gift provided through God’s grace. It’s the atonement of Christ on the Cross. |
| Religious Holidays | Muslims celebrate Eid twice a year. | Christians celebrate Christmas, Easter, Lent, Palm Sunday, Advent, etc. |
| Religious Art | Muslims use calligraphy. | Christians use images, paintings, and sculptures to show their religious values. |
| Places of Worship | Muslims pray in mosques and visit Mecca to worship God. | Christians worship in personal dwellings, cathedrals, chapels, and the Church. |
| Goal of Religion | Muslims’ main goal is to live a life of complete submission to Allah, following His word and living righteously, so they can enter Heaven after death. | Christianity’s goal is to love God and obey His commandments. They wish to create a relationship with Jesus and spread the Gospel message so that all believers can be saved. |
Our Final Thoughts
The differences between Muslims and Christians depend on their faith, practices, beliefs, and values. However, both Christianity and Islam want believers to repent for their sins to live a life of harmony and peace. They teach mankind to do good deeds so they can live eternally in the hereafter!
