Points of Difference Between Islam and Christianity (Part One)

Author: Dr. Fazl Ahmad Ahmadi

Points of Difference Between Islam and Christianity (Part One)

Abstract:

One of the most significant topics in the study of religions is the exploration of points of difference and convergence among the world’s major religions, particularly the Abrahamic faiths. As religions did not emerge simultaneously but rather developed over time in response to humanity’s need for guidance, Allah has sent prophets—sometimes founding independent religions and other times continuing previous ones—to guide humanity. This leads to a fundamental question: despite the fact that Christianity and Islam are both Abrahamic religions, with prophets among the resolute messengers (Ulul Azm) and a closely sequential timeline, what are their points of divergence? Using available library resources and employing a descriptive-analytical method, this study finds that while Christianity and Islam share commonalities, several points of divergence can also be observed from various perspectives. Furthermore, some of these differences may stem from the behavior and actions of the followers of each religion rather than from the essence and nature of the faiths themselves.

Keywords: Religion, Christianity, Islam, Points of Difference, Abrahamic, Scripture.

Introduction:

One of the most prominent topics in the study of religions is the examination of points of divergence and convergence among the world’s major religions, particularly the Abrahamic ones. Religions did not emerge simultaneously; instead, they developed gradually in response to humanity’s need for guidance, with Allah sending prophets at various times to lead people—sometimes with independent religions and sometimes continuing previous ones.

The importance of studying the points of divergence between Islam and Christianity lies in its profound impact on society. Throughout history, no belief or ideology has influenced human societies as significantly as religious beliefs, be they monotheistic or otherwise. Many major global transformations and wars have rooted themselves in religious beliefs, conflicts, or differences between them. Hence, the study of religions is essential for all societies, and every individual should be aware of different religions, their beliefs, and their distinctions.

Extensive research has been conducted on religions in general and on the points of divergence between Islam and Christianity specifically. Numerous books, articles, and other writings have been published in various languages and cultures, exploring multiple aspects of religious studies. Some of these sources are cited in the references of this article. However, this article focuses on the style and approach to explaining the fundamental differences between Islam and Christianity—an aspect that has been less addressed in previous works or perhaps overlooked.

Given the importance and background of the topic, the fundamental question is: although Christianity and Islam are both Abrahamic religions with prophets among the Ulul Azm and sequentially developed, what are their points of divergence?

Using available library resources and a descriptive-analytical method, this study finds that while Christianity and Islam share similarities, significant points of divergence exist across several dimensions. Some of these differences may stem from the behavior and practices of the followers of each religion rather than from the essence and nature of the religions themselves.

1. Belief in One God:

Abrahamic religions, particularly Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, share several common perspectives, among which the following can be briefly mentioned:

1. The primary commonality among these three religions is the belief in one God, who has endowed humanity with intellect and life. In Islam, belief in one God is an ancient truth established since the time of Adam (peace be upon him).

2. All three religions unite in their belief in one God, who is not akin to “Arche,” the primordial deity of ancient Greek mythology, or like Brahman in Hinduism, the ultimate cause of everything. Rather, He is the Creator of the universe and mankind, governing time itself. This God is the Allah of Abraham (peace be upon him), who communicates with humanity through prophets.

3. In each of these religions, although God is unseen, He encompasses everything and rules over all creation. Yet, He is approachable through prayer and contemplation, allowing believers to converse with Him during worship and reflection.

4. Ultimately, Jews, Christians, and Muslims share a belief in a merciful and compassionate God who is attentive to humanity—a God of mercy and forgiveness (Kung, 1992: 14). In Islamic tradition, it is believed that Christians worship the same God as Muslims. However, differing opinions exist regarding whether Muslims and Christians worship the same Allah.

2. Christianity:

As one of the two religions with the most followers globally, Christianity is regarded as one of the largest religions in the world, though it is seen as abrogated in Islam. Christianity is an Abrahamic and fundamentally monotheistic faith, with faith itself being a defining characteristic. The origin of this Abrahamic religion lies in the Middle East, and many believe that Jesus Christ initiated his mission in present-day Palestine.

Christianity emerged in the first century CE based on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its followers are known as Christians.

Muslims consider Christians to be “People of the Book (Ahl Kitab)” but also view them as disbelievers due to their belief in the Trinity, which is seen as an act of shirk (associating partners with God). As such, Muslims believe Christians should be treated as dhimmis under Islamic law. Conversely, Christians have varied perspectives on Islam; many view it as a false religion because its followers reject the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus.

The Holy Qur’an provides clear statements about the People of the Book, addressing them on numerous occasions. It highlights their errors and deviations while urging them not to deny God’s signs, mix truth with falsehood, obstruct the progress of God’s religion, or exaggerate in their faith. It calls upon them to submit to God’s commands as outlined in the Torah and the Gospel and to heed His final messages (Binesh, n.d.: 80).

From the Qur’anic perspective, Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) was a prophet who was born of a virgin mother by God’s command and was appointed as a prophet. The Gospel, as the scripture of Christianity, is affirmed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and Muslims regard it as a divine book.

The Qur’an refers to the Gospel as a divine book, whereas Christians consider the Qur’an a product of the Prophet Muhammad’s thoughts. According to Islamic teachings, Muslim leaders have historically shown respectful behavior toward the followers of Jesus and have emphasized dialogue and discussion. In contrast, Christians have at times resorted to accusations and slander (Binesh, n.d.: 79).

Islam recommends that Muslims not only treat Christians but also Jews with the utmost respect, as all three religions worship the same God. This principle is outlined in verse 125 of Surah An-Nahl, which establishes guidelines for Muslims’ interactions with the People of the Book (Ahl Kitab), acknowledging the possibility of rejecting or accepting the invitation to Islam (Fallaturi & Kahandani, 2005: 1140).

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