What is Islam, and what do Muslims believe?
Islam: A Biblical Evaluation
Islam is a monotheistic religious system that began in the seventh century with the teachings of Muhammad. Muslims follow the Qur’an, their holy book, and adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which provide a framework for obedience and religious practice. While Islam shares some superficial similarities with Christianity, it diverges significantly on core doctrines, particularly regarding God, salvation, and the nature of Jesus Christ. This lesson examines the history, doctrine, and practices of Islam in light of biblical truth.
The History of Islam
Islam traces its origins to Muhammad, who claimed to receive revelations from the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years, culminating in the Qur’an. According to Islamic tradition, these revelations were dictated by Gabriel and are considered the words of Allah (the Arabic word for “God” used by Muslims). Muhammad’s teachings gave rise to Islam, which means “submission,” a term derived from a root word meaning “peace.” A Muslim, therefore, is “one who submits to Allah.”
The birth of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula came during a time of significant religious and social upheaval. Muhammad’s message initially faced resistance, but it gained traction through military conquests and conversions. Today, Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with followers who strive to emulate Muhammad’s teachings and obey the Qur’an.
The Doctrine of Islam
Muslims summarize their beliefs in six articles of faith:
Belief in One Allah
Muslims believe Allah is one, eternal, creator, and sovereign. This concept of monotheism, however, rejects the triune nature of God revealed in Scripture:
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!" (Deuteronomy 6:4, NKJV).
While Christianity also teaches monotheism, it affirms the Trinity—God revealed in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).Belief in Angels
Muslims hold that angels are created beings who serve Allah. The angel Gabriel, called Jibreel in Islam, is believed to have delivered the Qur’an to Muhammad. The Bible also affirms the existence of angels but emphasizes their role as servants of the one true God, not intermediaries for new revelation:
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, NKJV).Belief in the Prophets
Muslims recognize biblical prophets but regard Muhammad as the final and greatest prophet. While Christians honor the prophets, the Bible makes it clear that Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet but the eternal Son of God:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:1, 14, NKJV).Belief in the Revelations of Allah
Muslims accept certain portions of the Bible, such as the Torah and the Gospels, but believe the Qur’an is Allah’s final and perfect word. This contradicts the Bible’s warning against adding to God’s Word:
"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deuteronomy 4:2, NKJV).
"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18, NKJV).Belief in the Last Day of Judgment and the Hereafter
Muslims believe in a final judgment where everyone will be resurrected and assigned to paradise or hell based on their deeds. However, the Bible teaches that salvation is not based on human works but on faith in Jesus Christ:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NKJV).Belief in Predestination
Muslims affirm Allah’s sovereignty over all things, including human destiny, often saying, inshallah (“if God wills”). While Christians affirm God’s sovereignty, the Bible also teaches human responsibility and the necessity of faith in Christ:
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV).
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars are the essential practices that guide a Muslim’s religious life:
The Testimony of Faith (Shahada)
The Islamic creed states: “There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” This declaration denies the deity of Jesus Christ and the truth of the gospel:
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NKJV).Prayer (Salat)
Muslims perform ritual prayers five times daily. While Christians also value prayer, the Bible emphasizes a personal relationship with God through Christ:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, NKJV).Giving (Zakat)
Muslims are required to give a portion of their income to charity. Biblical giving, however, is motivated by love and grace rather than obligation:
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV).Fasting (Sawm)
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Christian fasting is a voluntary act of devotion, focusing on drawing closer to God:
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:17–18, NKJV).Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Muslims are required to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime if able. In contrast, Christianity teaches that worship is not confined to a specific place but is centered on Christ:
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23, NKJV).
A Biblical Evaluation of Islam
Islam and Christianity differ significantly in their views of God, salvation, and Scripture:
The Nature of God
Islam denies the Trinity and the deity of Christ. The Bible reveals one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).The Nature of Jesus
Islam teaches that Jesus (Isa) was a prophet, not the Son of God. The Bible declares Jesus as God incarnate, who died for the sins of the world:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, NKJV).Salvation
Islam teaches that salvation depends on obedience to the Five Pillars. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV).
Conclusion
While Islam and Christianity share some superficial similarities, their core doctrines are fundamentally opposed. The Bible warns against false teachings and calls believers to discern truth:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1, NKJV).
Christians must remain faithful to the gospel, proclaiming Jesus as the only way to salvation:
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me'" (John 14:6, NKJV).
