Islam vs Christianity Beliefs: The Basic List of Differences
Here are the most basic differences between the teachings of Islam and the teachings of Christianity. In our opinion, Islam is a cult. To learn more about characteristics of a cult, click here. When looking at the overall differences in Islam vs Christianity, even beginners may note they are vastly different.
Islam vs Christianity
Holy Books & God’s Name
Islam book: Quran & Sunnah (what Mohammed said, did and believed)
Christianity: Holy Bible
Islam: Allah is the name of God.
Christian: YHWH (Yahweh) is the name of God.
Diety
Islam: Jesus was just a prophet.
Christian: Jesus was God made flesh.
Inspired Messenger
Islam: God’s messenger was Prophet Muhammad.
Christian: God’s message to man was revealed through the mouth of Jesus.
True Religion
Islam: Islam is the only true religion.
Christianity: Various sects of Christianity share the common essentials of the Christian faith, but “non-essential” doctrines & opinions may differ, thereby creating separate denominations. These nonessentials do not necessarily effects one’s salvation. Many of the world’s most prominent theologians believe that there is no one particular true Christian religious denomination.
Lying & Deception
Islam: In some cases, it is ok to be deceitful or lie to further advance Islam, or protect one’s self. (Doctrine of Taqiyya)
Christianity: It is never ok to be deceitful or lie, whether or not to further a cause.
Fighting/Killing
Islam: If someone fights you, you are to slay/kill them.
Christian: If someone fights you, turn the other cheek and do not fight them.
Quran 2:190-191 on killing
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.”
The Light
Islam: Islam is the light of the world.
Christianity: Jesus is the Light of the world.
Prayer
Islam: Pray 5x a day. Wash first. Pray in a clean place. Face a certain direction. Kneel face to ground.
Christianity: Pray anywhere, in any condition, in any position.
Charity
Islam: Charity is one’s obligation, at the rate of 2.5% of income, plus voluntary giving.
Christianity: Give to the poor. Giving is it’s own reward. No set amount.
Fasting
Islam: Fasting is mandatory. Some are excused.
Christianity: Most Christian religions believe that fasting isn’t mandatory for salvation.
Holy Land Visit
Islam: One must travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime.
Christianity: No travel is required to prove one’s faith.
Eating
Islam: Pork isn’t allowed. Meat must be cut and blessed a certain way.
Christianity: Allows meat. No abstaining from any particular foods is required.
Mediator
Islam: One has no intermediary. Each has a direct relationship with Allah.
Christianity: All things in Jesus name, including prayer. Jesus is the Mediator between man and God.
Dating & Marriage, Men & Women
Islam: One cannot date. Marriages are arranged. Polygamy is allowed.
Christianity: Dating is allowed. Marriages are never arranged. Polygamy is not allowed.
Islam: Women must cover up and wear the hijab.
Christianity: Women should dress modestly. No special clothes are necessary.
Islam: Man is responsible for providing for wife. Wife must raise children and clean the house.
Christianity: A husband and wife together may raise children and share in household responsibilities.
Islam: Women forbidden to wear makeup, perfume, wigs, bathing suits.
Christianity: None are forbidden.
Crucifixion
Islam: Jesus wasn’t crucified. The person who was crucified was an imposter. Jesus simply raised up.
Christianity: Jesus was crucified on a cross and suffered tremendously, paying the price (atonement) for humanity with His own bloodshed, in order to provide man with forgiveness of sin, leading to salvation of the righteous.
Original Sin
Islam: Men are born free of sin.
Christianity: Men are born with an automatic desire to sin (sinful nature).
Law
Muslims believe in Sharia law (laws of Islam).
Christians: Believe in obeying God as ultimate authority, and following the law of the land. Sharia law is rejected.
Jesus Return
Islam: When Jesus returns, He will kill a bunch of pigs, break the cross and force everyone to be members of Islam.
Christianity: When Jesus returns, He will gather the elect, our physical bodies will be resurrected, we will see a new heaven and earth, and God will dwell with His chosen ones.
Holy Spirit:
Islamists believe the Holy Spirit is the angel Gabriel. Christianity believes the Holy Spirit to be a person of God.
Islamists also claim that Christians believe that God is 3 gods. This is incorrect. Christians believe in One God, who is 3 persons. Not 3 Gods.
Leaving Religion
As typical in many cults, when one leaves Islam, they will face shunning and disassociation from friends and family. In Christianity, shunning is not practiced, unless the particular church has a cult-like groupthink pattern, placing themselves above outsiders. Jehovah’s Witnesses also practice shunning, however they are not considered by most doctors of divinity to be a Christian organization.
When comparing Islam vs Christianity, one can be sure that the leaving of any sect or denomination in no way results in death. In Islam, it is common for anyone who leaves to be viewed as an apostate, also similar to Jehovah’s Witnesses. The cults teach that if one leaves the group, they leave God. Muslims teach that death is the penalty for leaving the faith.
“They wish that you should reject faith as they reject faith, and then you would be equal; therefore take not to yourselves friends of them, until they emigrate in the way of God; then, if they turn their backs, take them, and slay them wherever you find them; take not to yourselves any one of them as friend or helper.” Quran 4:89
