Islam and Christianity both believe in one God, honor Abraham and teach that Jesus was born of a virgin. But they disagree on the most important questions. Islam teaches that Jesus was a great prophet but not God, that he was not crucified and that people must earn God’s favor through faith and good works. Christianity teaches that Jesus is God in the flesh, that he died and rose again and that salvation is a gift of grace.
What Muslims Believe
Islam began in the 600s in Arabia with Muhammad, whom Muslims believe was the final prophet of God (Allah in Arabic). Muslims believe the Quran is God’s word, revealed to Muhammad over about 23 years. Today nearly two billion people follow Islam, making it the second-largest religion in the world.
Muslim life is built on the Five Pillars: the confession of faith that there is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet, prayer five times a day, giving to the poor, fasting during the month of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca. For a deeper look, see our Understanding Islam series.
Two Very Different Views of Jesus
Many Christians are surprised to learn how much the Quran says about Jesus. It calls him the Messiah, affirms his virgin birth and describes his miracles. But Islam insists that Jesus was only a prophet. It teaches that God has no son and that Jesus wasn’t really crucified. The New Testament makes a very different claim.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This isn’t a minor disagreement. If Jesus didn’t die on the cross, there is no payment for sin and no resurrection. Paul called Jesus’ death and resurrection the message “of first importance” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The cross is the heart of the Christian faith.
Earning Favor or Receiving Grace
In Islam, people hope that on the Day of Judgment their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. God is merciful, but no Muslim can be sure they have done enough. Christianity starts from the opposite direction. None of us can do enough, so God did it for us.
Titus 3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Good works still matter for Christians, but they are a response to salvation, not the price of it. Because Jesus paid for our sin, believers can have real confidence about eternity.
Love Your Muslim Neighbors
Many Muslims are devout, family-centered and serious about honoring God. They often respect people who take faith seriously too. Christians should be quick to listen, show hospitality and speak honestly about Jesus. Paul’s advice fits well: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). For practical help, read What’s the Best Way to Share My Faith with a Muslim?
The Takeaway
Islam and Christianity both worship one God and honor Jesus, but they disagree on who he is. Christians believe Jesus is God in the flesh who died and rose again, offering salvation as a gift of grace, not a reward for good deeds.
