Christianity vs. Islam — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, believing Him to be the Son of God, while Islam follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, viewing him as God's final messenger. Both are monotheistic faiths.
Difference Between Christianity and Islam
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Christianity originates from the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, whom followers believe to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Islam, in contrast, is centered around the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, considering him the last and final prophet sent by God.
The central religious text for Christians is the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments. For Muslims, the Qur'an is the foundational scripture, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
In Christianity, central tenets include belief in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and the resurrection of Jesus after His crucifixion. Islam emphasizes the oneness of God (Tawhid) and the Five Pillars, which include practices like daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan.
Christianity has multiple denominations, such as Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, each with its distinct practices and beliefs. Islam mainly comprises Sunni and Shia branches, differing in leadership beliefs post-Muhammad.
Salvation in Christianity is often seen as attainable through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. In Islam, salvation is sought through faith in God, good deeds, and adherence to God's commandments as outlined in the Qur'an.
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Comparison Chart
Founder/Key Figure
Jesus Christ
Prophet Muhammad
Central Text
Bible (Old and New Testaments)
Qur'an
Key Beliefs
Holy Trinity, Resurrection of Jesus
Tawhid, Five Pillars
Major Denominations/Branches
Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
Sunni, Shia
Concept of Salvation
Faith in Jesus and His sacrifice
Faith in God, good deeds, Qur'anic adherence
Compare with Definitions
Christianity
A belief system that recognizes Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
Many elements of Christianity can be found in art and literature.
Islam
One of the Abrahamic religions emphasizing the Qur'an's teachings.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting in Islam.
Christianity
The world's largest religion stemming from Jesus's teachings.
Christianity has influenced various aspects of Western culture.
Islam
A belief system recognizing Muhammad as God's final prophet.
Islam's influence can be seen in art, architecture, and science.
Christianity
The religious faith of those following Jesus Christ's teachings.
Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire.
Islam
A faith advocating for submission to the will of God (Allah).
Islam's teachings have inspired many to seek knowledge and wisdom.
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world's largest religion, with about 2.4 billion followers.
Islam
A monotheistic religion founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Islam emphasizes charity, prayer, and faith in one God.
Christianity
A religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Most forms of Christianity hold that Jesus is the son of God and is the second person of the Trinity, through whom humans may attain redemption from sin.
Islam
The religious faith of those who follow the Qur'an's teachings.
The Five Pillars are central practices in Islam.
Christianity
Christians as a group; Christendom.
Islam
Islam (; Arabic: اَلْإِسْلَامُ, romanized: al-’Islām, [ɪsˈlaːm] (listen) "submission [to God]") is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that Muhammad is a messenger of God. It is the world's second-largest religion with 1.9 billion followers, or 24.9% of the world's population, known as Muslims.
Christianity
The state or fact of being a Christian.
Islam
A monotheistic religion characterized by the doctrine of absolute submission to God and by reverence for Muhammad as the chief and last prophet of God.
Christianity
Pl. Chris·ti·an·i·ties A particular form or sect of the Christian religion
The Christianities of antiquity.
Islam
The people or nations that practice Islam; the Muslim world.
Christianity
The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Christ.
Islam
The civilization developed by the Muslim world.
Christianity
Practical conformity of one's inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion
Islam
The religion of the Mohammedans; Mohammedanism; Islamism. Their formula of faith is: There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.
Christianity
The body of Christian believers.
To Walys fled the christianiteeOf olde Britons.
Islam
The whole body of Mohammedans, or the countries which they occupy.
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior
Islam
The religion of Muslims collectively which governs their civilization and way of life; the predominant religion of northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and Indonesia
Christianity
The collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia);
For a thousand years the Roman Catholic Church was the principal church of Christendom
Islam
The monotheistic religion of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran;
The term Muhammadanism is offensive to Muslims who believe that Allah, not Muhammad, founded their religion
Christianity
A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christianity emphasizes love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Christianity
A faith system emphasizing the New Testament in the Bible.
Christmas, a significant festival in Christianity, celebrates Jesus's birth.
Common Curiosities
Who is the central figure in Christianity?
Jesus Christ is the central figure in Christianity.
What is the main holy book in Christianity?
The Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, is the main holy book in Christianity.
Who founded Islam?
Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad.
Do both Christianity and Islam believe in one God?
Yes, both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic, believing in one God.
What do Muslims believe about the Qur'an?
Muslims believe the Qur'an is the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
