Comparison and contrast of Islam and Christianity

Islam and Christianity have a lot in common because they originate from a single source. Abraham is believed to be the source from which Islam, Christianity and Judaism took roots and this is one of the reasons why these religions are also known as Abrahamic religions. Due to their common origins, the scriptures of birth Islam and Christianity have a lot in common and at the same time, they also differ in a few aspects.

Christianity and Islam have been divided into many smaller sects and sub-sects that believe and follow differing thoughts and ideas. For example, Christianity is divided into Roman Catholics, Protestants, Lutherans, Seventh Day Adventists, Orthodox and other groups and each of these groups have a different way of practicing the religion and the underlying beliefs. Similarly, Islam is also divided into Shi'ite, Sunni and to a smaller extent Sufi that have their differences as well. Moreover, both these religions are spread across the world and so the culture and beliefs differ from country to country as well. Therefore, the differences are numerous within and between these two religions despite sharing the same ancestry. These two religions are compared and contrasted under different headings below:

Belief in God

Islam assumes that there is only one God and that God cannot be divided or shared. The fundamental tenet of Islam is known as "Shahada" and this clearly states that there is only one God. Christians also believe that there is only one God and that He manifested himself in three forms -- The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This trinity is the core of Christian beliefs. However, in both the religions there is a total emphasis on loving God and serving Him in every way possible.

Origins of Bible and Qur'an

Bible and Qur'an have a lot of similarities in their teaching as well as in their narration of the events and people. Both are considered to be the word of God. However, the Bible was written by human beings who had divine visions and were inspired by the holy spirit. So, Bible contains words chosen and written by human beings that would make it easy for other people to read and understand. In other words, it was mediated by God through human beings to ensure that others can relate to it and accept it easily.

Islam, on the other hand, believes that the Qur'an does not have any human hand to it. The prophet Mohammed was believed to be illiterate and he simply repeated the words that God told him. In fact, the word Qur'an means recitation and it is believed that Mohammed simply recited what God told him. Qur'an also means descended from heaven and so they believe that God used Mohammed as a means to spread the word of God rather than write it in his own words.

Though the two religions believe that God's message is contained in the holy scripture, the way it was passed down to people vary.

Jesus Christ

The Christians see Jesus as the son of God and thereby a part of the Trinity while Muslims see Jesus as the second last prophet to arrive to the world to teach people the right way of life. Jesus is worshiped by Christians of all sub-sects while Muslims do not worship Jesus because for them, the Prophet Mohammed comes first. He is the first and the most important messenger or prophet who came to teach them about God.

As regards the death of Jesus, Christians believe that he was killed by Pontius Pilate and the Romans while Muslims believed that he simply ascended to heaven after his work was done. The do not believe that he was killed by force or otherwise and they also do not think that he ever suffered.

There are some commonalities pertaining to Jesus in both the religions. Both Islam and Christianity believe that he was born out of a virgin conception and He ascended to heaven after completing his duties on earth. They also believe in the second coming of Christ to save people.

Heaven and Hell

Both the religions believe that every person goes to heaven or hell based on their actions. The exact actions that would lead a person to hell or heaven differs among the sub-sects of both the religions. However, a commonly held view is that good deeds like loving and helping one's neighbors and friends, trusting God, avoiding evil acts and living a virtuous life can guarantee a place in heaven. They also believe in confession as a form of obliterating their sins.