Basic Differences In Islam

& Christianity

David A. Beck

     To show the basic differences in Islam and Christianity, all I would need to do is post a picture of the twin towers of the Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Muslims try to convince us that this was done by a small radical fringe element, and that Islamic people worship the same God we do. They claim they only want peace with Christians. However, the Qur’an teaches Muslims that Christians are the enemy. “Fight those who believe not in God nor the last day…nor acknowledge the religion of truth…until they pay the Jizya (tribute tax) with willing submission” (Qur’an 9:29). The very name “Islam” is an Arabic word for “submission.” Muslims are prohibited from taking Christians for friends and those who do so are counted as wrongdoers (Qur’an 5:52; 9:23). Here are some key differences in Islamic beliefs and Bible teachings.

 1) Muslims claim that Ishmael rather than Isaac was the son promised to Abraham and that God’s promises would flow through him. The Qur’an claims that Ishmael purified God’s house and raised its foundations (2:126, 128); that he was one of the patriarchs (2:137; 3:85); that he was exalted with Elisha, Jonah, and Lot (6:87); and that he was a messenger and prophet (19:55). However, the Bible says that Ishmael would be “a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward his brothers” (Gen. 16:12).

 2) Muslims claim to be believers in Jesus when they talk with Christians. They offer a booklet, “We Believe In Jesus.” But nothing could be further from the truth! The Qur’an declares, “Allah has not taken on a son nor is there any deity along with Him…” (23:91). The Qur’an denies that Jesus is God’s Son, the resurrection of Christ, and Muslims discount His message as lies.

 3) Muslims claim there is only one person in the Godhead. The Qur’an teaches, “So believe in ALLAH and HIS Messengers, and say not, ‘they are three.’ Desist, it will be better for you. Verily, ALLAH is the only One God. Holy is HE, far above having a son” (4:172). The Qur’an teaches that one who confesses Jesus as God is an “unbeliever,” is “forbidden heaven,” and deserves “fire” and “grievous punishment.” The Bible teaches there are three persons in the Godhead: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19; 1 Jn. 5:7). Further, the Bible teaches that Jesus was, is, and forever will be, God (Mk. 2:5- 10; Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:3).

  The Muslim disposition toward those who disagree with them is ISLAMIC JIHAD. They consider all non-Muslims the enemy and give only three choices for us: 1) Convert to Islam; 2) Pay the protection tax and agree not to oppose Islam; or 3) Die.

  The nation of Islam is not a far away place that is insignificant to us. It is a religious system with religious ideals that has become a great threat, not just to our way of life, but to our ability to function in peace as Christians. Over one fifth of the world is now Muslim and it is the fastest growing religion in the United States. Don’t be duped into thinking they desire peace. We need to fight back, not with violence and hatred, but with the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:10-17).