Differences

Topic

Islam

Christianity

Nature of God

Absolute oneness (Tawhid). God is one Person.

Trinitarian monotheism. One God in three Persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Identity of Jesus

Prophet, Messiah, born of a virgin, not divine, not crucified.

Divine Son of God, Messiah, crucified, resurrected, central to salvation.

Scripture

Qur’an (final revelation), plus Hadith.

Bible (Old & New Testaments).

Salvation

Achieved through faith, righteous deeds, repentance, and God’s mercy.

Achieved through faith in Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, not by works.

Crucifixion

Denied. Jesus was not killed but taken up by God.

Central doctrine. Jesus died on the cross and rose again.

Resurrection of Jesus

Denied. Jesus was not resurrected.

Affirmed as historical and essential to faith.

Original Sin

Denied. Humans are born pure; sin is personal.

Affirmed. Humanity inherits a fallen nature from Adam.

Atonement

No substitutionary atonement. Each person answers for their own sins.

Jesus’ death is the atonement for humanity’s sins.

Authority of Muhammad

Final prophet, seal of the prophets.

No prophets after Christ; Jesus is the final and ultimate revelation.

Role of the Holy Spirit

Angel Gabriel or divine influence, not a Person.

Third Person of the Trinity, indwelling believers.

View of Scripture Preservation

Qur’an perfectly preserved.

Bible inspired but transmitted through human authors and manuscripts.

Afterlife

Paradise and Hell; judgment based on deeds and faith.

Heaven and Hell; judgment based on relationship with Christ.