Introduction
Comparative religion aims at comparing both the doctrine and practices of religions across the world. It explains basic differences between different religions and how they complement each other.
Differences between Islam and Christianity
Literally, Islam was originated from the word “salam” (peace). Technically, it means “voluntary submission to God” while Christianity is derived from a Greek word “Christos” (anointed) which refers to Jesus Christ.
In terms of the concept of God, Christians believe in the doctrine of Trinity; One God existing in three persons while Islam believes in One God only without a partner in his dominion, one without similitude in his essence and attributes and one without a rival in his worship.
(Matthew 28:19) “Stated that one God, who exists in three distinct persons (The Trinity): Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Zakiyyah (2003, pp. 35) “mentioned that in Christianity, God is viewed as Creator and created at the same time. So the notion of half-man, half-God is a possibility for Christians, in that a person who is created can also be the Creator.”
(Quran 112: 1-4) “Stated that (O Muhammad) He is God the One God, the Everlasting Refuge, who has not begotten, nor has been begotten, and equal to Him is not anyone.”
Additionally, Muslims believe that Jesus is a Messenger and servant of God which makes him human and not divine in nature while Christian’s believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he is the savior to the entire humanity, giving him the attributes of the creator (shirk- Asma-was-sifat) so in that sense they believe he is both human and divine in nature. Muslims believe that Prophet Mohammad (S) was the last prophet sent to the entire mankind with a scripture (Quran) to guide mankind while Christians believe Prophet Mohammad (S) was a false prophet led by Satan to deviate the world from the correct way of worship.
(Mark 13:22) “Stated that false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
(Quran 4:171) “Stated that People of the Book, go not beyond the bounds in your religion, and say not as to God but the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only the Messenger of God, and His Word that He committed to Mary, and a Spirit from Him.”
Zakiyyah (2003, pp. 36) “mentioned that Prophet Muhammad (s), prayers and peace be upon him, was simply a man, a prophet and messenger, with no power to save anyone.”
Moreover, Christians believe Jesus Christ was crucified;
(Nicene Creed) stated “that for our sake he was crucified, he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again, he ascended into heaven.”
(Quran: 4:157) stated “that Muslims do not believe in the crucification of Jesus rather (Quran 4:158) stated that he was raised to Heaven by Allah.”
Zakiyyah (2003, pp. 36) mentioned “that we believe that he was not crucified and that God raised him up, body and all, and he will return as a sign of the Day of Judgment.”
Christians believe that Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. In order words, his mission was to reconcile Man with God, while Muslims believe he came to clearly indicate Injil which has been corrupted over time.
Conclusion
Concept of unity of Allah is termed as Tawheed. It is the believe in oneness of Allah. He alone deserves to be worshipped and Prophet Mohammad (S) is his messenger. The sole purpose of creation is to worship Allah. In order to follow the correct aqeedah we have to believe that Allah is alone without a partner in his dominion, one without similitude in his essence and attributes and one without a rival in his worship.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Deedat, A. (1980), “Is the Bible God’s word?” pp.50-60.
2. Deedat, A. (1991), “Was Jesus Crucified?” pp. 55-75.
3. Muhiyaddin, M. A. (1984), “A Comparative Study of the Religions of Today”, pp. 57-60.
4. Naik, Z. (2011), “Similarities between Islam and Christianity”, pp. 39-50.
5. Naik, Z. (2008), “Concept of God in Major Religions”, pp. 14-28.
6. Naik, Z. (2008), “Quran and Bible: In the Light of Science, pp. 40-50.
7. Renard, J. (2011), “Islam and Christianity: Theological Themes in Comparative Perspective, pp. 27-40.
8. Juergenmeyer, M. (2003), “Global Religions: An Introduction, pp.39-44.
9. Zakiyyah, U. (2003), “If I should speak, A Novel”, pp. 35-36.