Main Text:
John 14:6
Supporting Scriptures:
Genesis 16; Genesis 21; Deuteronomy 18:18; Isaiah 53; Matthew 16:13–17; John 1:1–18; John 8:58; John 10:30; John 20:28; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; Galatians 1:6–9; Hebrews 1:1–4
Suppose someone says,
"Christians and Muslims worship the same God, believe in the same prophets, believe Jesus was born of a virgin, believe in heaven and hell, and believe in prayer."
You might wonder,
"If we have so many similarities, aren't Christianity and Islam basically the same religion?"
This is one of the most common misunderstandings today.
While Christianity and Islam share certain historical figures and believe there is one God, they differ profoundly on the identity of Jesus, the meaning of salvation, the authority of Scripture, and the message of the gospel.
For Christians, understanding Islam is important not because we want to argue with Muslims, but because we want to love them enough to understand what they believe and faithfully share the gospel.
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
Understand the historical origin of Islam.
Know the life of Muhammad.
Learn the central teachings of Islam.
Understand the Five Pillars and Six Articles of Faith.
Learn how Islam views Jesus.
Compare Islam with biblical Christianity.
Learn how to respectfully witness to Muslims.
Islam is the second-largest religion in the world.
The word Islam comes from an Arabic root meaning "submission" or "surrender."
A follower of Islam is called a Muslim, meaning "one who submits."
Islam teaches that true peace comes through complete submission to Allah.
Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula during the seventh century AD.
Before Islam, Arabia was divided into tribes that often worshiped many gods and idols.
The city of Mecca contained hundreds of idols inside the Kaaba.
Tribal conflicts were common.
It was into this environment that Muhammad was born.
Muhammad was born in Mecca around AD 570.
His father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was still a child.
He was raised by relatives.
As a young man, Muhammad became known as an honest merchant.
He later married Khadijah, a wealthy widow who was older than he was.
When Muhammad was about forty years old, he began spending time in a cave called Hira for prayer and meditation.
According to Islamic tradition, he received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel.
These revelations continued for approximately twenty-three years and later became the Qur'an.
At first, many people in Mecca rejected his message because it challenged idol worship.
Persecution increased.
In AD 622, Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina.
This event is known as the Hijrah and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Eventually, Muhammad returned to Mecca with many followers.
The city surrendered peacefully, and the idols in the Kaaba were removed.
Muhammad died in AD 632.
After his death, Islam spread rapidly throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam.
Muslims believe it is the exact word of Allah revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
The Qur'an is divided into 114 chapters called Surahs.
Muslims traditionally believe the Qur'an is best understood in Arabic.
Besides the Qur'an, Muslims also value the Hadith.
The Hadith contains reports about Muhammad's words, actions, and example.
These writings greatly influence Islamic law and daily life.
The Five Pillars are the foundation of Muslim religious practice.
The declaration of faith.
"There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
This confession is the foundation of Islamic belief.
Muslims pray five times each day while facing Mecca.
Prayer is one of the most visible expressions of devotion in Islam.
Zakat is charitable giving.
Muslims are encouraged to care for the poor and support the community through regular giving.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
The fast is intended to encourage self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion to God.
Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime.
The pilgrimage includes a series of rituals that commemorate important events in Islamic tradition.
In addition to the Five Pillars, many Muslims summarize their beliefs in six articles of faith.
They believe in:
God (Allah)
Angels
The revealed books
The prophets
The Day of Judgment
God's decree or divine providence
The Arabic word Allah simply means "God."
Arabic-speaking Christians also use the word "Allah" when referring to God in their language.
However, Christianity and Islam differ significantly in how they understand God's nature.
Islam teaches that God is absolutely one and rejects the doctrine of the Trinity.
Historic Christianity teaches that there is one God who eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Christians are not saying there are three gods.
They believe there is one God in three distinct Persons.
This doctrine is one of the greatest theological differences between Christianity and Islam.
Muslims highly respect Jesus.
In Arabic, Jesus is called Isa.
Islam teaches that Jesus:
Was born of the virgin Mary.
Performed miracles.
Was the Messiah.
Was a prophet.
Lived a sinless life.
Will return before the Day of Judgment.
These are significant points of agreement.
However, Islam also teaches that Jesus:
Is not God.
Is not the Son of God in the Christian sense.
Was not crucified according to the traditional Islamic interpretation.
Did not die for humanity's sins.
Did not rise from the dead.
These differences are central because the death and resurrection of Christ are at the heart of the Christian gospel.
Islam teaches that people are accountable to God for their deeds.
Good works, obedience, repentance, and God's mercy all play important roles.
At the final judgment, each person will answer to God.
Christians believe salvation is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Good works are the result of salvation, not the basis for earning it.
After Muhammad's death, disagreement arose over who should lead the Muslim community.
This led to two major branches.
Sunni Muslims are the largest branch.
They believe the community should choose its leaders.
Shia Muslims believe leadership should remain within Muhammad's family through Ali, his cousin and son-in-law.
Although they share many beliefs, they differ in leadership, history, and some religious practices.
Some people assume all Muslims are extremists.
This is false.
The overwhelming majority of Muslims reject terrorism and seek to live peaceful lives according to their understanding of their faith.
It is important not to judge over a billion people by the actions of violent groups.
Christians should distinguish between the beliefs of ordinary Muslims and the actions of extremists.
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity because all people are made in the image of God.
Christianity and Islam agree on several important points.
Both teach that there is one God.
Both affirm that God created the world.
Both believe in angels.
Both believe in prophets.
Both believe in heaven, judgment, and moral accountability.
However, they differ on the central questions of the Christian faith.
The greatest difference is the identity of Jesus.
Christianity teaches that Jesus is the eternal Son of God who became fully human without ceasing to be fully divine.
Islam teaches that Jesus is a great prophet but not God.
Christianity teaches that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose bodily from the dead.
Traditional Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified and therefore did not die or rise again.
Christianity teaches salvation by God's grace through faith in Christ.
Islam emphasizes submission to God, obedience, righteous deeds, and God's mercy.
Because these differences concern the person and work of Jesus, they are foundational rather than secondary.
Begin with respect.
Many Muslims sincerely desire to honor God, pray regularly, and live morally.
These qualities can provide opportunities for meaningful conversations.
Find common ground.
Both Christians and Muslims believe in one Creator, many of the same biblical figures, and the importance of prayer and moral living.
From that common ground, gently explain who Jesus claimed to be.
Focus on Jesus.
Rather than debating every issue, spend time reading the Gospels together.
Invite Muslims to examine the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Only God can open hearts to the gospel.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus made claims that go beyond those of a prophet.
He forgave sins.
He accepted worship.
He declared, "Before Abraham was, I am."
Thomas called Him, "My Lord and my God."
The apostles proclaimed that salvation is found in no one else.
The Christian faith stands or falls on the identity of Jesus and His resurrection.
If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then His claims deserve our complete trust and obedience.
First, understand before you speak.
Take time to learn what Muslims actually believe. Avoid repeating stereotypes or inaccurate claims. A well-informed Christian is better prepared to have respectful and meaningful conversations.
Second, keep Jesus at the center.
When talking with Muslims, remember that the central issue is not simply religion or morality—it is the identity of Jesus Christ. Let your conversations consistently return to who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection.
Third, love Muslims as your neighbors.
Jesus commands us to love our neighbors and even our enemies. Pray for Muslims, build genuine friendships, show hospitality, and share the gospel with humility, patience, and compassion.
John 14:6
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
In Lesson 4, we will study Hinduism, the world's oldest major religion. We will examine its origins, the Vedas, karma, reincarnation, the caste system, the major Hindu deities, and compare its worldview with the teachings of the Bible.