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Islam::Do not believe in the Trinity
Christianity :Christians believe in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
Islam::God has informed us of only 99 of His beautiful names (Attributes). Many of them depict His beautiful aspects (jamal), and some of them depict His power, authority and grandeur (jalal).
Christianity :Christians currently emphasize the beautiful aspects of God (i.e. God is Love)
Islam::Jesus is a Prophet and a servant of God. Muhammad is also a Prophet and a servant of God. He was the last Prophet sent by God to guide and teach mankind.
Christianity :As a member of the Trinity, Jesus is viewed as God Himself.
Islam::The Quranic teachings in this regard may be summed up as follows: (1) Christ was neither crucified nor killed by the Jews, notwithstanding certain apparent circumstances which produced that illusion in the minds of some of the enemies; and (2) Jesus was taken up to God (i.e.. God raised him up (raf'a) to Himself.) [Qur'an 4:157, 158 & 3:55 & 4:157]
Christianity :Christians believe that Jesus was crucified on a cross.
Islam::See above.
Christianity :Christians believe Jesus was resurrected (raised from the dead) three days after being crucified on a cross (Good Friday to Easter Sunday are the days when Christians remember and celebrate this.) Jesus' crucifixion they believe, redeems Christians of their sins
Islam::Eschatology - Judgement will occur on Judgement Day (the end of the world when God will judge all human beings beginning from Adam and Eve). Persons who have been previously deceased, and are in their graves, are given an indication (via 'windows' in the grave) of what his or her future Judgement may be. The punishment of the grave will begin immediately. Rewards begin immediately too. (This intermediate stage of the grave may be regarded as similar to the Catholic Purgatory, and is called barzakh in Islam). The final abode of either Paradise or Hell will be pronounced on the Day of Judgement.
Christianity :Eschatology - most Christians believe that judgement takes place, immediately upon death (i.e. they will either go to Heaven or Hell).
Islam::Hell is a place of purification, and is permanent. Paradise as a reward, and Hell as a punishment are but graphic terms to make us understand a state of things which is beyond all our notions of life in that world. Paradise will be eternal. Once meriting it, there can be no question of being ejected from it. As to whether Hell is also eternal for the unbelievers, there are two schools of thought: (1) A great majority of Muslims affirm that God may pardon every sin and every crime except disbelief in God. [Qur'an 4:48,116]
(2) Others believe that even the punishment of disbelief may one day terminate by the grace of God. [Qur'an 11:107, etc.]
The Qur'an 4:124 declares: "If any do deeds of righteousness - be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them." In other words no religion has a monopoly on salvation!
Christianity :Hell is eternal. Only Christians can go to heaven.
Islam::All mankind is born pure and he/she is responsible for his or her own sins and not someone else's.
Christianity :Christians believe in Original Sin, (all of mankind is held responsible for the sins of Adam and Eve).
Islam::Muslims do not believe in vicarious atonement. They believe that each person is responsible for his or her own actions and that no-one else can atone for them. However, you can pray to God for His Mercy and Forgiveness on behalf of another person. The Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h. -- and some others (like innocent babies who have passed away) are given the special privilege to intercede on behalf of their parents on the Day of Judgement. This is in accord with the Throne Verse in the Qur'an. So with God's graceful permission, they may have a specially bestowed privilege of pleading on behalf of others and begging for God's forgiveness for them on the Day of Judgement. This is known as intercession (shafa't).
Christianity :Christians believe in vicarious atonement -- that another person can extinguish the guilt incurred by another person's sins. Jesus is believed to have died so as to atone vicariously for man's sins. He was considered to be the Lamb of God, which means that Jesus was considered to be the perfect sacrifice by which the hold of Original Sin was broken. Christians believe in one intercessor and that is Jesus.
Islam::The holy Qur'an was revealed ('revelation' [wahi] is the highest form of inspiration with no possibility of error in the message or the conveyance of the message) to the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h. through the angel Gabriel who was carrying out God's precise instructions. This occurred over a period of 23 years. The holy Qur'an is God's Word -- not the word of the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h.
Christianity :Christians believe that divine inspiration (the Latin word is 'afflatus' which means 'divine wind') inspired the writers of the scripture. Hence they believe that the Gospel of Mark (obviously written by Mark) or the letters of Paul the Apostle are the "Word of God
Islam::There are many differences between the Quranic and the Biblical versions in the details of certain Biblical stories.
Christianity :There are many differences between the Quranic and the Biblical versions in the details of certain Biblical stories.
Islam::The first source of Muslim Law, is the Qur'an. The second source of law is the Hadith (Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h.). The Hadith literature expounds and explains and interprets the Quranic injunctions and teachings. The Hadith do not contradict the Qur'an in any way.
Christianity :The source of Christian (or Canon) Law is the Scriptures.
Islam::For Muslims, Prophets are spiritually advanced and are very pure and sinless. They have been sent by God to guide and teach mankind. There have been 127,000 of them from Adam, a.s. to Muhammad p.b.u.h. who was the last Prophet sent, meaning that no more Prophets will come after him. Hence Muhammad p.b.u.h. was called the "Seal of the Prophets." The Prophets were sent as Messengers of God to people in different countries at different times.
Christianity :Prophets do not have the same stature in Christianity that they have in Islam.
Moral codes
Islam::Muslims, like Jews do not consume the flesh of swine.
Christianity :Christians consume the flesh of swine.
Islam::Alcohol and/or intoxication is completely forbidden.
Christianity :Alcohol intoxication is forbidden for Christians, but alcohol consumption is not.
Practices
Islam::Muslims do not believe in the separation of 'church from state' (i.e. secularism). However, it is permissible to separate the functions of government (politics) from religion and be undertaken by different individuals -- politics would still be subject to religion.
Christianity :Almost all Christian countries have secular governments.
Islam::The Muslim daily rituals and practices are clear and detailed (e.g. proper way to use the washroom, specifics of purification for prayer, inheritance, details of Zakat, prescribed punishments, etc.).
Christianity :Lack the details that Islam holds.
Islam::Prayer is very specific and exactly the same no matter which country the Muslim happens to live in. There are five prescribed prayers per day at set times according to the rotation of the earth around the sun. All of these prayers are obligatory on every Muslim. The prescribed prayers are recited in Arabic and are recited exactly the same in all countries of the world. The culture of a person does not influence the performance of prayer (salat). It is the exact prayer that Muhammad, p.b.u.h. taught us to do.
Christianity :With a few memorized exceptions, like the 'Our Father' and the 'Apostle's Creed,' prayer is an improvised conversation with God; there is no prescribed time for nor daily number of Christian prayers.
Islam::Actions may be haram (forbidden), halal (allowed), fard (obligatory), sunnah (following the ways of the Prophet Muhammad, p.b.u.h.) and so on.
Christianity :Don't have any specific categories of actions as seen in Muslim law.
Islam::Funeral prayers, the birth of a baby (adhan), donations to charity (i.e. Zakat) etc. are ritualized and clearly set out no matter which culture a Muslim belongs to.
Christianity :Certain rites called sacraments are performed: i.e. Baptism, Confession, the Communion, etc.
Islam::Hymns and devotional services of worship and supplications are an integral part of all Muslim forms of worship. Zikr ceremonies (chanting a name of God), and sama (religious music) are practised more often among the more devout groups of Muslims such as the Sufis.
Christianity :Hymns and devotional music play a big role in Christianity.
Islam::Muslims are forbidden to put pressure, either directly or indirectly, on another person to convert to Islam. Efforts in this regard have to be through persuasion (i.e. without involving any kind of pressure). The Qur'an clearly lays down the law that the duty and function of all the Prophets and all Muslims is only to convey the message of God. Period.
Christianity :Christians have an obligation to proselytize. Missionary work is considered very important.
Islam::Polygamy is allowed to Muslims. There are strict limitations and prohibitions concerning it so it does not become a method to dominate women.
Christianity :Polygamy used to be allowed by the Church, but now it is forbidden to all sects but the Mormons.
Islam::All games of chance and gambling are forbidden in Islam.
Christianity :Some sects are very strict about gambling, but others are not strict at all.
Islam::Only females are allowed to wear gold
Christianity :Males and females are allowed to wear gold.
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Comparing Mohammed with Jesus
Mohammed was the prophet of war;
Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Mohammed's disciples killed for the faith;
Christ's disciples were killed for their faith (Acts 12:2; 2 Timothy 4:7).
Mohammed promoted persecution against the "infidels";
Christ forgave and converted the chief persecutor (1 Timothy 1:13-15).
Mohammed was the taker of life;
Christ was the giver of life (John 10:27-28).
Mohammed and his fellow warriors murdered thousands;
Christ murdered none but saved many (compare John 12:48).
Mohammed's method was COMPULSION;
Christ's aim was voluntary CONVERSION (Acts 3:19).
Mohammed practiced FORCE;
Christ preached FAITH (John 6:29,35).
Mohammed was a WARRIOR;
Christ is a DELIVERER (Col. 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Mohammed conquered his enemies with the sword;
Christ conquered his enemies with another kind of sword, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12; Acts 2:37).
Mohammed said to the masses, "Convert or die!";
Christ said, "Believe and live!" (John 6:47; 11:25-26).
Mohammed was swift to shed blood (Romans 3:15-17);
Christ shed His own blood for the salvation of many (Ephesians 1:7).
Mohammed preached "Death to the infidels!";
Christ prayed "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
Mohammed declared a holy war (Jihad) against infidels;
Christ achieved a holy victory on Calvary's cross (Colossians 2:14-15) and His followers share in that victory (John 16:33).
Mohammed constrained people by conquest;
Christ constrained people by love (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Muhammed hated music;
Jesus and His disciples sang hymns, and the Apostle commanded the Lord's Church to sing. (Matthew 26:30, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)
Mohammed called upon his servants to fight;
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight . . .but now is My kingdom not from here" (John 18:36)
Mohammed ordered death to the Jews (see A.Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press [1975], p. 369);
Christ ordered that the gospel be preached "to the Jew first" (Romans 1:16).
Mohammed's Mission was to conquer the world for Allah;
Christ's mission was to conquer sin's penalty and power by substitutionary atonement (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18).
Mohammed considered Christ a good prophet;
Christ pronounced Mohammed to be a false prophet (John 10:10; Matthew 24:11).
Mohammed claimed that there was but one God, Allah;
Christ claimed that He was God (John 10:30-31; John 8:58-59; John 5:18; John 14:9).
Mohammed's Tomb: OCCUPIED!
Christ's tomb: EMPTY!
How does Islam view Jesus?
Muhammad's revelations, recorded in the Koran/Qur'an, teach the following about Jesus:
Jesus was sent by Allah, who supported him with the Holy Spirit, - not with Gabriel - to tell the world Allah's will (2:87; 5:110-117*).
Allah gave to the world Jesus, exalted him above all others, and supported him with the Holy Spirit's power as proof of his sovereignty (2:253*).
Allah caused the miracle birth of John the Baptist to the aged Zechariah and his barren wife so John could be the messenger to announce Jesus as the Messiah (3:33-41*).
Allah appointed Mary to be the virgin mother of Jesus, the Messiah (3:42-45; 19:12-22; 21:90*).
Jesus would be righteous [sinless] all his life (3:46; 6:86; 19: 19*).
Jesus would be raised from the dead (19:33,34*).
Jesus, Messiah and son of Mary, crucified, appeared dead and was taken up my Allah himself (4: 157,158*).
Jesus was a messenger of Allah, who is to be believed (4: 171*).
Allah taught Jesus his religion and commanded Jesus to establish it (42:12; 43:63-65*).
Allah caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow [the prophets], gave him the Gospel, and placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him (57:27*).
Allah strengthened the group of Jews who believed Jesus and his message, so they overcame those who disbelieved (61:14*).
The true message of Jesus and the prophets was perverted by religious leaders who were condemned by Allah (60: 34*).
Long before the Prophet Muhammad, Allah revealed the Torah and the Gospel for mankind's guidance (3:3, 4*).
Allah taught Jesus the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. Allah would do miracles through Jesus and make him a messenger to Israel (3:48, 49*).
Allah gathered Jesus and caused him to be resurrected and ascended to Allah himself (3:55*).
Allah bestowed the Gospel on Jesus to be a light (5:46*).
Observing the Torah and the Gospel brings nourishment from above (5:66*).
Those who went astray from Allah's commands were cursed by both David and Jesus (5:78*).
Allah inspired Jesus' Disciples to believe in Jesus and his message (5:110*).
Jesus and his Disciples were Allah's helpers (61:14*).
Believe in all that was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received (2:136*).
The Surrender, al-Islam, is Islam and Muslims are to be surrendered to God's will and guidance (3:19*), [as first had been revealed by Jesus 600 years before the Koran/Qur'an.]
QUESTIONS
Some Christians claim that “Allah” is not God.
Some Christians unthinkingly say 'Allah is not God.' There are three main problems with that kind of thinking.
The first one is that this is the ultimate blasphemy to Muslims, and furthermore, it is difficult to understand. Allah is the primary Arabic word for God and has been so long before the existence of Islam. It means 'The God.' There are some minor exceptions. For example, the Bible in some Muslim lands uses a word for God other than Allah (Farsi and Urdu are examples). Nevertheless the names "Allah and "God" are generally interchangeable within the Muslim religion and in Middle Eastern cultures. Some English translations of the Qu'ran (Koran) use the name "God," others use "Allah." This sometimes comes as a surprise to Christians who were raised in Western cultures. Among former Muslims, many converts to Christianity commonly refer to God as "Allah." But for more than five hundred years before Muhammad, the vast majority of Jews and Christians in Arabia called God by the name Allah. How, then, can we say that Allah is an invalid name for God? If it is, to whom have these Jews and Christians been praying?
A second reason is scriptural. It's interesting to observe that, in rejecting the Athenian's erroneous concept of God, Paul did not reject the word they used for God, Theos, which was the common Greek word for God. So why are we doing it here with the word "Allah"?
A third reason, deals with our very own word..."God". The word "God" does not actually appear in the original Hebrew or Greek manuscripts of the Bible, accepted as Holy by both Christians and Muslims. "God" is an old English word which developed from an Indo-European word, meaning "that which is invoked," which is also the ancestor of the German word Gott (meaning: God).
The fourth a final problem with that is the 10 to 12 million Arab Christians today,who have been calling God 'Allah' in their Bibles, hymns, poems, writings, and worship for over nineteen centuries. What an insult to them when we tell them not to use this word 'Allah'! Instead of bridging the distance between Muslims and Christians, we widen the gulf of separation between them and us when we promote such a doctrine. Those who still insist that it is blasphemy to refer to God as Allah should also consider that Muhammad's father was named Abd Allah, 'God's servant,' many years before his son was born or Islam was founded!"
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The following is a written transcript debate between Josh McDowell and Ahmed Deedat. That took place on August 1981, in Durban, South Africa. The topic (or question) was “Was Christ Crucified?”
http://www.answering-islam.org.uk/Debates/Deedat_McDowell.html
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Very Important Message
First, of all. We (Christians) should not be judging Islam, by the actions of extremists.
Just like we don't want to be judged by "extremists" Christians. That is the job of the "unbiased" media. To them we are all Jim Jones’s , or Davidians. These extremists in no way shape or form are what Christianity is about. And neither are the extreme Islamic terrorist activities around the world. The Islamic religion is basically a peaceful and loving religion in its current state. Anything in the media or the web, be it coming from Non-Christians or Christians that say the opposite is a very wrong view of Islam.
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Two major traditions – Sunni and Shi’ite.
Sunni. The Sunnis are by far the largest group, compromising about 80 percent of all Muslims. The division between the two major traditions arose over the dispute as to who should be the first caliph, or successor to the prophet, Since Mohammad didn’t appoint one before he died.. The Sunnis believe that his successor should be elected.
Shi’ite. The shi’ites, believe that he should come from the bloodline of Mohammad. This would mean that Ali, Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was the only legitimate successor and reject all others.
Sufi. The Sufis are the mystical wing of Islam and are found among both Sunnis and Shi’ites. Sufism is the branch of Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek a direct personal experience of God and His divine love. The roots of this movement are traced to very early times when many Muslims became dissatisfied with the increasing worldliness of believers and began to protest against the secularization of Islam. To highlight their concern, they took to clothing themselves in the manner of Syrian Christian monks, in cloth made of coarse wool called “suf”. On that account, they came to be called “Sufis” in the course of time.
Comparision On What They Believe
Sunni: Comprise 80 percent of Muslims
Shite: Comprise fewer than 20 percent of Muslim
Sunni: Believe Muhammad’s successors should be elected
Shite: Believe Muhammad’s successors should be blood relatives
Sunni: Stress authority of written traditions (Hadith)
Shite: Stress authority of pope-like leaders (Imam)
Sunni: Separate offices of religious and civil authorities
Shite: Join offices of religious and civil authorities
Other Minor Sects and Spin-ff Religions
The Wahhabis, who live primarily in Saudi Arabia, form a radical and very legalistic wing of the Sunnis. The Druze sect is located primarily in Lebanon, Syria and northern Palestine. The Alawite sect is mostly in Syria. The Ahamdiyas a heretical Muslim group from Pakistan whose founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, claimed to be the promised Mahdi and Messiah. They believe Jesus went to Kashmir after escaping crucifixion and died in Srinagar. They also deny the virgin birth and sinless nature of Christ, eliminating any superiority of Christ over Mohammad. They are the most active Muslim missionary group in the West.
Beyond these major and minor branches, Islam has spawned other religions. Sikhism in India is a blend of Islam and Hinduism. Another spin-off is the eclectic religion called Baha’i, which boats the prophet Baha’u’llah and whose followers claim he supersedes Muhammad. Louis Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam has also been considered heretical by orthodox Muslims, since, along with other heterodox teachings, that claims that Elijah Muhammad (d. 1975) was a prophet after Mohammad’s time.
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