False Religions: Islam

Islam is the world’s second-largest religion with over 2 billion adherents, primarily in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East/North Africa regions. While Islam shares superficial similarities with Christianity and Judaism—such as monotheism and reverence for figures like Abraham—it fundamentally contradicts the gospel. This article explores Islam’s origins, core beliefs, contrasts with Christianity, and strategies for lovingly sharing the true gospel with Muslims, grounded in Scripture’s authority.

Historical Context and Foundation

Islam arose in the 7th century on the Arabian Peninsula, a region steeped in tribalism, polytheism, and emerging monotheistic influences. Mecca, a commercial and religious hub, housed the Kaaba, a shrine with idols worshipped by polytheistic tribes. The Quraysh tribe, custodians of the Kaaba, held significant influence. Jewish tribes in Medina and non-orthodox “Christian” groups (e.g., Nestorians) introduced distorted monotheistic ideas, shaping the religious landscape.

Muhammad’s Life and Revelations

Muhammad ibn Abdullah (c. 570–632 CE), Islam’s founder, was born in Mecca, orphaned, and raised by his uncle, Abu Talib. Known as “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy), he married Khadija, a wealthy widow with Ebionite Christian ties, at age 25. Scholars suggest Muhammad’s exposure to skewed biblical accounts came through his uncle’s trade travels and Khadija’s influence. Around 610 CE, at age 40, Muhammad claimed revelations from the angel Gabriel in a cave on Mount Hira, declaring him Allah’s messenger. These revelations, received over 23 years, form the Qur’an, which Muslims believe is Allah’s eternal, error-free word.

Muhammad initially preached privately, gaining followers like Khadija, his cousin Ali, and friend Abu Bakr. His public call to monotheism and rejection of idolatry angered the Quraysh, who feared economic loss from Kaaba pilgrimages. Persecution led to the Hijrah in 622 CE, when Muhammad fled to Medina, marking the Islamic calendar’s start. In Medina, he built a theocratic community, engaged in military campaigns, and married multiple wives, including Aisha at age 6 (consummated at 9). By 630 CE, he conquered Mecca, rededicating the Kaaba to Allah. After his death in 632 CE, Abu Bakr became the first caliph, and Islam spread rapidly through conquests across the Middle East, North Africa, and Persia.

Key Texts and Authority

The Qur’an, with 114 surahs, is Islam’s central scripture, considered divine in Arabic. The Hadith (Muhammad’s sayings) and Sunnah (his practices) guide theology and Sharia law. Sunni (85–90%) and Shia (10–15%) Muslims differ over leadership succession, with Sunnis accepting the first four caliphs and Shiites revering Ali and his descendants. Other groups, like Sufis (mystics) and Ahmadis, face varying acceptance.

Major Islamic Beliefs and Christian Contrasts

Islam’s theology rests on the Six Articles of Faith (theological convictions) and Five Pillars (practical duties), which differ starkly from biblical Christianity.

Six Articles of Faith

Oneness of God (Tawhid): Allah is one, transcendent, and indivisible, rejecting the Trinity as shirk (Qur’an 4:48; 5:73).
Angels: Angels like Gabriel serve Allah, recording human deeds for judgment.
Divine Books: Allah sent the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Qur’an, but earlier scriptures are deemed corrupted, with the Qur’an as final (Qur’an 3:3-4).
Prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad are prophets, with Muhammad as the final “Seal” (Qur’an 33:40).
Day of Judgment: Deeds determine paradise or hell, with Allah’s mercy pivotal but salvation uncertain.
Divine Decree (Qadar): Allah’s will governs all, though humans have free will.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada (Declaration of Faith): Declaring, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” This is the entry point into Islam.
Salat (Prayer): Five daily prayers facing the Kaaba. Prayers involve specific postures and recitations in Arabic.
Zakat (Giving): Giving 2.5% of wealth annually to support the community. This supports needs of community, relief of poverty, upkeep of meeting places, and spread of faith.
Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during Ramadan from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activities, to cultivate spiritual discipline and empathy.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Those physically and financially able must perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, reenacting rituals tied to Abraham and Muhammad, at least once in their lifetime.

Contrasts with Christianity

Nature of God: Islam emphasizes Allah’s absolute oneness and transcendence, rejecting the Trinity.

Christian Difference: Teaches one God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), emphasizing God’s relational nature.

Person and Work of Jesus Christ: Islam views Jesus (Isa) as a revered prophet, denying his divinity and crucifixion.

Christian Difference: Affirms Jesus as fully God and fully man, whose death and resurrection atone for sin and secure salvation.

Salvation: Islam teaches salvation hinges on faith in Allah, good deeds, and Allah’s mercy, with no assurance.

Christian Difference: Teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, providing assurance of eternal life.

Scripture: Islam considers the Qur’an the final, infallible revelation, superseding a supposedly corrupted Bible.

Christian Difference : Affirms the Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God, consistent in revealing God’s redemptive plan.

Prophethood and Revelation: Islam asserts Muhammad as the final prophet.

Christian Difference: Sees Jesus as the final and ultimate revelation.

View of Sin: Islam views sin as disobedience, with humans born pure and no concept of original sin.

Christian Difference: States all are born sinful due to Adam’s fall, necessitating a Savior.

Jihad: Jihad means “struggle” or “striving.” Debate in meaning internal or external fighting.

Christian Difference: Spiritual struggle resisting sin and the devil (Eph. 6:12). Rejects violence for spreading faith.

Engaging and Evangelizing Muslims

Sharing the gospel with Muslims requires love, respect, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, who convicts and converts (John 16:8). Here are biblical strategies:

Build Relationships: Muslims value hospitality. Share meals, respect practices (e.g., avoiding pork), and ask about their faith to build trust (Colossians 4:5–6). Women should engage women due to cultural norms.
Find Common Ground: Acknowledge shared figures like Abraham or Jesus, then clarify differences. Use John 1:1–14 or Colossians 1:15–17 to affirm Jesus’ deity. Show Jesus’ divine claims (John 8:58; 10:30) to challenge his mere prophethood.
Present the Gospel: Explain sin’s separation (Romans 3:23; Isaiah 64:6), Christ’s atoning death (Romans 5:8), and salvation’s assurance (John 5:24). Contrast Islam’s uncertain mercy with God’s immanence and love (Isaiah 55:8; 1 John 3:1).
Address Objections: For the Trinity, use Genesis 1:26 and Matthew 28:19. For the Bible’s reliability, highlight its manuscript evidence versus the Qur’an’s later standardization. Avoid attacking Muhammad directly to maintain dialogue.
Encourage Bible Reading: Suggest John or Romans to reveal Christ’s truth. Offer a Bible in their language.
Invite to Community: Welcome Muslims to church or Bible studies to experience Christian fellowship (Acts 16:14).
Pray: Seek the Spirit’s guidance, trusting God for conversions (Romans 9:16).

Conclusion

Islam’s teachings on God, Jesus, salvation, and scripture diverge from biblical Christianity, making it a counterfeit faith. We must always engage Muslims with love, sharing the gospel of grace through faith in Christ, the eternal Son of God. Trust the Holy Spirit to work, boldly proclaiming the only truth that saves.