Islam vs Christianity: Core differences you need to know
- May 26
- 5 min read
Have you ever wondered or been asked about the differences between Christianity and Islam? Whether you are seeking an answer for yourself or trying to explain it to someone else, you can understand the differences.
With Islam and Christianity being the two leading world religions, understanding their differences is now more important than ever. As Christians, distinguishing truth from lies is a biblical command. In fact, scripture instructs Christ-followers to:
Avoid deception and help other Christians avoid it Colossians 2:8
Carry out the Great Commission to “all nations” Matthew 28:19-20
Be ready to clearly explain our hope to all unbelievers 1 Peter 3:15
What are the basics of Islam and Christianity?
Before exploring the main differences, we should start with the basics of Islam and Christianity.
Islam was founded around 610 AD. It teaches that each human is infected with sin by Satan after they are born. People must overcome their sins through good works and hope Allah will forgive them. You can read more here.
Christianity was founded in the first century. It teaches that humans are born in sin and they usually choose sin over God. They are redeemed if they accept the sacrificial work of the Word of God, Jesus Christ, confess their sins, and believe that Jesus is Lord. They are promised eternal life in the presence of God.
Main differences between Islam and Christianity
Now that we’ve looked at the basics, here are four main differences between Islam and Christianity: different holy books, deities, versions of Jesus, and ways to salvation.
Different Holy Books- What is the Ultimate Authority?
The Quran and Hadith (Islam)
The Quran is Islam’s greatest authority. Muslims believe that this 114-chapter (or Sura) book is Allah’s words to humanity through His prophet Mohammad.
In the Quran, Allah says Christians “corrupted” some books of the Bible with their tongues. Read here for more on this. On the other hand, the Quran claims it is Allah’s most recent and final message, so it is the greatest authority. For more on Islam’s view of the Bible read here.
Another important fact about the Quran is that there are peaceful and violent verses. Because the violent verses cancel out the peaceful verses, the Quran teaches harm towards non-Muslims. To learn more read here.
The second authority in Islam is the Hadith. The Hadith are the sayings and stories of Islam's prophet, Mohammed. Even though the Hadith has errors, the Quran tells Muslims to model their behavior after Mohammed (Surah 33:21).
The Holy Bible (Christianity)
The Bible is the Word of God and is the guidebook for Christian living (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Christians should not only listen to its words, but live by them (James 1:22).
The Bible contains sixty-six books. The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament reveal God’s character, record Israel’s history, and also include prophecy.
The other twenty-seven books are the New Testament and include the Gospels (Jesus’ and the disciples' words) and letters to the early churches. The Bible is the most reliable ancient book ever written (source).
Different Deities - Who is God?
Allah (Islam)
If you ask a Muslim who they worship, they will say that there is one god (monotheism) called Allah. The Allah of the Quran is one essence (called tawhid) (Surah 112:1). Muslims recognise Allah as the creator and the judge. The Quran gives him names such as the Greatest of all Deceivers and the Bringer of Death (Surah 3:54 and Surah 3:156). Allah can do evil (Surah 3:54), he is a slavemaster (Surah 39:53), but he is never called Father (Surah 5:18).
Muslims cannot have a personal relationship with Allah. In fact, Muslims cannot know for sure if he will send them to paradise or hell. They can only strive to please him and hope for the best.
The LORD, Yahweh (Christianity)
Christians worship only one God (monotheism) and He is the Creator and the Judge. Unlike Allah, the God of the Bible, Yahweh, is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (trinitarian). Yahweh is love (1 John 4:7), light (1 John 1:5) and life (John 11:25). He is called: The Good Shepherd (John 10:11), The Bread of Life (John 6:35), and The True Vine (John 15:1). Yahweh cannot do evil, because He is perfect (James 1:13). He is The Heavenly Father (Romans 8:15) to those who believe in Him and He desires a personal relationship with each person on earth. Christians know that they will be with God for eternity (Hebrews 10:22).
Even though Islam claims that Muslims and Christians believe in and worship the same god (Surah 29:46), this is entirely false. To better understand the differences between Allah and Yahweh, read here.
Different versions of Jesus - Who is Jesus?
Perhaps the greatest disagreement between Muslims and Christians is about Jesus.
Jesus as Allah’s prophet (Islam)
The Jesus of Islam (Prophet Issa) was a sinless human. Surah 19:19 Islam teaches that Issa is “the son of Mary” and the “slave of Allah.” Surah 4:171 As a prophet, Issa received scripture from Allah (Surah 19:30). Even though Issa was threatened with crucifixion, Allah rescued him. Read here for more on Islam and the cross.
Jesus as the Son of God (Christianity)
The Jesus of the Bible is the Son of God (Matthew 3:17). He is God in human flesh (John 1:14) and is part of the Trinity. Christians worship Jesus as Redeemer because He died on the cross to pay the price for human sin and rose again, conquering death. Those who believe in Him are forgiven of sin and will spend eternity with God.
Muslims may respect Issa, but they do not believe in the same Jesus that Christians do.
Different Ways to Salvation- How are Sinners Justified?
Salvation earned through works (Islam)
Muslims don’t have a redeemer, so they must earn Allah’s favor for salvation. Hoping for forgiveness, Muslims strive daily to do more good deeds than bad (Surah 11:114). The good deeds Muslims must perform include The Five Pillars of Islam. They may also win points with Allah by doing extra good (such as praying during the Islamic Night of Power). But in the end, Allah does what he wants, either sending Muslims to hell or admitting them to paradise (Surah 48:14).
Salvation given by grace (Christianity)
The Bible says that sin can only be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. This is why salvation is a gift from God, not something that people can earn. God sees human works as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Romans 10:9-10 explains how people can be saved and receive salvation:
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Jesus gives salvation by grace to those who put their faith in Him
How to discuss the differences between Islam and Christianity
Are Islam and Christianity both Abrahamic Faiths?
Even after these four major differences, you may still be thinking, “Aren’t Islam and Christianity both Abrahamic faiths?” They are not. You can learn why here.
Now that you know these differences, how can you use them in everyday evangelism?
Deep and respectful conversation is one of the best ways to build a friendship with a Muslim. Use the differences outlined in this blog to ask questions, listen well, and share your faith.
Evangelism Questions to Ask Your Muslim Neighbor:
What are your holy books?
Who is your God? What is your relationship to him? Does he love you? Do you fear him? Do you believe he is good?
Who is Jesus? What was His purpose?
How does a person receive salvation/forgiveness? Do they have to do things, or is it a gift?
A Closing Prayer for Evangelism
Dear Lord, please give me the words to boldly explain the Gospel to everyone I encounter. May you continue to open the hearts and minds of Muslims so they can see the truth and reject the lies of Islam and Allah. Amen.
