What are the main similarities and differences between Christianity and Islam?
Introduction
Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions in the world, and both trace their spiritual history back to Abraham (Ibrahim). They share much of the same sacred vocabulary and list of early historical figures. While this common ground is helpful for dialogue, it can mask a fundamental theological divergence on the most important issues.
Understanding these points of agreement and disagreement is vital for the Christian seeking clarity on other major worldviews.
Main: Points of Similarity
These shared elements reflect their common history as monotheistic faiths originating in the Middle East:
Monotheism: Both faiths believe in one God. Christians call God "Father" or Yahweh; Muslims call God Allah (the Arabic word for "The God"). Both faiths vehemently reject polytheism (the belief in many gods).
Prophetic History: Both Christianity and Islam recognize a long line of prophets and messengers from God, including figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Muslims generally view the Old Testament figures as prophets of Allah.
Jesus Christ: Both traditions highly honor Jesus. Both believe he was the Messiah (though they define that term differently) and was born of the Virgin Mary. Both believe Jesus performed miracles and will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment.
Afterlife and Judgment: Both religions believe in a final Day of Judgment, a Heaven (Paradise/Jannah), and a literal Hell (Jahannam), where people will be held accountable for their deeds on Earth.
Main: Irreconcilable Differences
While the similarities are numerous, the differences touch upon the very nature of God and the path to eternal life, making the two faiths fundamentally distinct.
1. The Nature of God
The most crucial difference is in the understanding of the one God:
Christianity: God is one in essence but exists eternally in three co-equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (The Trinity). The core attribute of God is Love (1 John 4:8). Christians believe God desires an intimate, loving relationship with humanity, symbolized by being called "Father."
Islam: God (Allah) is absolutely One (Tawhid), admitting no partners or division. The concept of the Trinity is rejected as Shirk (idolatry). The core attribute of God is his Will and Sovereignty. Muslims emphasize submission (Islam means submission) to God's will and reject the idea of God having a "son."
2. The Identity and Work of Jesus Christ
For Christians, Jesus is the center of the faith; for Muslims, he is secondary to Muhammad.
Christianity: Jesus is the Divine Son of God (fully God and fully man). His Crucifixion was a historical fact, and His subsequent Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. His death was the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Islam: Jesus (Isa) is only a human prophet (the penultimate one before Muhammad). Muslims believe he was not crucified—that someone else was miraculously substituted in his place—and he did not die or rise again. Therefore, he did not atone for human sin.
3. Salvation and Authority
The difference in God's nature and Jesus' identity leads to different paths to salvation.
Christianity: Salvation is a gift of God's grace (sola gratia) received through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the final, authoritative Word of God.
Islam: Salvation is achieved through submission to Allah's will and a life of good works, summarized by adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam (prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, confession). There is no assurance of salvation, which is left to Allah's mercy. The Qur'an, delivered through Muhammad, is the final, authoritative Word of God.
Conclusion
The fundamental break between the two faiths lies in the answer to the question, "Who is Jesus Christ?"
For the Christian, Jesus is the divine Savior who accomplished salvation through grace. For the Muslim, Jesus is a human messenger whose message was superseded by Muhammad. Because of this difference, Christianity is a grace-based religion of redemption while Islam is a works-based religion of submission.
