Differences Between Islamic Teaching and Christianity
The Quran| The Bible
External sources (the Hadith and Sira) necessary for translating the Quran| Historical context contained within the text of the Bible
Must know Arabic in order to "fully understand" the Quran (according to Muslim apologists)| Universal. Can be translated into other languages without excessive commentary.
Chronological progression of the Quran is from peace to violence.| Chronological progression of the Bible is from violence to peace.
The words 'torture' and 'punishment' appear six times more often in the Quran than in the New Testament.| The word 'love' appears five times more often in the New Testament than than in the Quran,
Contains not a single original moral value.| The 'Sermon on the Mount' and others.
Suffering is an excuse for violent revenge and establishment of Islam by force"And slay them wherever ye find them, and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution [of Muslims] is worse than slaughter [of non-believers]...and fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah." (Quran 2:191)| Suffering builds character"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope"(Romans 5:4)
Emphasis on this World"And Allah has made you heirs to their land and their dwellings and their property"(Quran 33:27)| Emphasis on the Next"Mine is not a kingdom of this world"(John 18:36, see also Luke 14:33)
Kill, convert or subjugate Christians and Jews.(Quran 9:29)| Share one's faith with gentleness and respect.(1 Peter 3:15)
Martyrs as Killers"Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain" (Quran 9:111)| Martyrs as Martyrs"As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter"(Romans 8:36)
Killing Apostates"They but wish that ye should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): But take not friends from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (From what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them"(Quran 4:89, also Bukhari 52:260, 83:37...)| Letting God Judge Apostates"For we know Him that has said, 'Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense,' says the Lord. And again,'The Lord shall judge his people'" (Hebrews 10:25-30)
Punishment"Let not compassion move you from carrying out God's law..."(Quran 24:2)| Mercy"Love is patient. Love is kind... It keeps no record of wrongs"(1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
Charity and Non-BelieversMercy toward fellow Muslims - ruthlessness toward unbelievers. Muslims are warned not to befriend those outside the faith. They must even ensure that their charity tithe (zakat) stays within their own identity group.(Quran 48:29, 3:28, Sharia)| Charity and Non-BelieversChristians are specifically told that even those who hate them are entitled to kindness and charity. They should be lovedand cared for as surely as any fellow believer.(Mark 10:25-37)
The Qur'an explicitly instructs men to beat disobedient wives - as a last resort. (Quran 4:34, Sahih Muslim 2127)| "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them."(No permission to beat women)(Colossians 3:19)
Explicitly allows Muslim men to rape their female slaves, even those already married.(Quran 4:24, 70:29-30, 23:5-6...)| Tells masters and slaves to serve each other as if serving God.(Ephesians 6:7-9) Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are ruthless to the unbelievers"(Quran 48:29)| "Do good to them that hate you"(Luke 6:27)
Allah wills unbelievers to stray and be lost(Quran 16:93)| God wants all people saved(1 Timothy 2:4)
Warns Against Questioning Faith. (Quran 5:101-102)| Welcomes Intellectual Challenge. (1 Peter 3:15)
Violence as Virtue"Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, andthat ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not."(Quran 2:216)| Violence as Sin"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him... '"(Romans 12:19-20)
Hell for unbelief. Good deeds count for naught(Quran 18:102-107)| Hell for bad deeds and thefailure to do what is right(Romans 2:6-8, Matthew 16:27, Matthew 25:41-45)
Judging"Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be harsh with them..."(Quran 9:73)| Judge Not"For when you pass judgment on another person, you condemn yourself..."(Romans 2:1)
Taking wealth from others"Allah promiseth you much booty that ye will capture..."(Quran 48:20)| Working for and giving wealth to others"The thief must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might have something to give to the needy."(Ephesians 4:28)
Calls down Allah's curse on Christians and those of other religions. (Quran 9:30)| Calls down God's blessing on those who curse Christians.(Matthew 5:44)
Arrogance & Privilege"Ye are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind"(Quran 3:110)| Humility & Servitude"If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all."(Mark 9:35) "O you who believe! do not take My enemy and your enemy for friends: Would you offer them love while they deny what has come to you of the truth?(Quran 60:1)| "Love your enemies..."(Luke 6:27)[/table]
