Islam and Christianity

Islam and Christianity are two of the world’s largest religions, each with billions of followers. While they share some common beliefs, they also have significant theological differences. This blog explores their similarities, differences according to the Quran and Hadith, the authenticity of Islam, why Islam is superior to Christianity, and references from the Bible indicating Islam as the true religion. Additionally, it highlights the prohibitions (contraindications) in both religions regarding actions and practices.

1. Similarities Between Islam and Christianity

Islam and Christianity have several commonalities, as both are Abrahamic religions.

1.1 Belief in One God

Both religions believe in one supreme God who is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

1.2 Belief in Prophets

Both faiths recognize prophets sent to guide humanity. Islam acknowledges all prophets from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH), while Christianity follows the Old Testament prophets and Jesus (AS).

1.3 Belief in the Afterlife

Both religions teach about the Day of Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.

1.4 Mary (Maryam) and Jesus (Isa AS)

Islam highly honors Mary (Maryam), recognizing her as one of the most virtuous women in history, similar to the Gospel’s description of Mary.

2. Major Differences Between Islam and Christianity

2.1 The Nature of God

Islam: Strictly monotheistic (Tawheed), believing in one indivisible God (Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4).

Christianity: Introduces the concept of the Trinity, where God exists as three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.

2.2 The Status of Jesus (Isa AS)

Islam: Jesus (AS) is a prophet and messenger, not divine. (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:75).

Christianity: Jesus is the Son of God and part of the divine Trinity.

2.3 Original Sin and Salvation

Islam: Humans are born sinless, responsible only for their own actions (Surah Al-An’am 6:164).

Christianity: Believes in original sin, meaning all humans inherit Adam’s sin, and salvation is possible only through Jesus’ crucifixion (Romans 5:12-19).

2.4 The Crucifixion

Islam: Jesus was not crucified; instead, Allah saved him and someone else was made to resemble him (Surah An-Nisa 4:157).

Christianity: Jesus was crucified for humanity’s sins, and his sacrifice grants salvation to believers.

2.5 The Scripture: Quran vs. Bible

Islam: The Quran is unchanged since its revelation (Surah Al-Hijr 15:9).

Christianity: The Bible has multiple versions with contradictions due to human alterations.

3. Contraindications (Prohibitions) in Actions and Practices

3.1 Prohibitions in Islam

Islam provides clear guidelines on what is forbidden (haram) in daily life:

Alcohol and Intoxicants: Forbidden as they impair judgment and cause harm (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:90).

Gambling: Considered a sin that creates enmity and distracts from faith (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:91).

Pork Consumption: Prohibited due to impurity (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:173).

Usury (Riba): Charging or paying interest is a major sin (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275).

Fornication and Adultery: Strictly forbidden and punishable (Surah Al-Isra 17:32).

Lying, Backbiting, and False Testimony: Strongly condemned in Islam.

Witchcraft and Sorcery: Prohibited due to reliance on supernatural forces instead of Allah.

Harming Others: Including murder, oppression, and unjust behavior (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32).

3.2 Prohibitions in Christianity

Christianity also outlines certain prohibitions based on Biblical teachings:

Drunkenness: Excessive drinking is condemned as it leads to reckless behavior (Ephesians 5:18).

Gambling: Discouraged as it promotes greed and dishonesty (1 Timothy 6:10).

Fornication and Adultery: Clearly prohibited in multiple verses (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Lying and Bearing False Witness: Condemned as sinful (Proverbs 12:22).

Greed and Exploitation: Including dishonest business practices and taking advantage of others (Luke 12:15).

Harming Others: Violence, oppression, and mistreatment of others are forbidden (Matthew 5:44).

While Islam maintains strict adherence to these prohibitions, Christianity has seen greater flexibility in their enforcement over time, especially in modern society.

4. Authenticity of Islam Over Christianity

4.1 The Quran’s Preservation

The Quran has remained unchanged, whereas the Bible has multiple versions with contradictions.

4.2 Jesus’ True Message

Jesus (AS) never claimed divinity but always referred to God as superior to himself.

4.3 Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Bible

The Bible contains prophecies about the coming of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), such as in Deuteronomy 18:18 and John 16:12-14.

5. Why Islam is the True Religion

5.1 Pure Monotheism

Islam maintains the pure concept of God without the complexity of the Trinity.

5.2 The Final and Unaltered Revelation

The Quran remains authentic and unchanged, unlike the Bible.

5.3 The Final Messenger

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last and final prophet, as confirmed in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40).

6. Biblical References Supporting Islam

1. Jesus prayed like Muslims (Matthew 26:39 – “He fell on his face and prayed”).

2. Jesus never claimed divinity (John 17:3 – “You, the only true God”).

3. Jesus predicted the coming of another prophet (Paraclete), which fits Muhammad (PBUH) more than the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

Islam and Christianity share some beliefs, but Islam provides the pure, unaltered monotheistic message that all prophets taught. Christianity has deviated by altering Jesus’ (AS) message and introducing the Trinity. The Quran remains authentic and unchanged, confirming Islam as the final and true religion of God.

For those seeking the truth, reading the Quran with an open heart can provide clarity and guidance.

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2)