It is believed that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Does this make it true? Is Islam the one and only true religion? Consider some contrasts between it and Christianity (the Quran and the Bible) which clearly demonstrates the superiority of Christianity over Islam.
Involuntary Conversion vs. Freedom of Choice
Converts to Islam often came as a result of Muhammad’s success as a conquering war leader. For instance, in the early days of his new religion, Muhammad and his few followers were forced to flee Mecca due to his monotheistic stance in a polytheistic culture. He returned to Mecca years later with “ten thousand men… As they approached the city one of the leading men of the town was captured and brought to Mohammad. He proclaimed the faith and asked Mohammad not to destroy the city. Mohammad told him he would spare the people if they would accept the faith. Accordingly, Mecca was taken with very little bloodshed” (Mattox 171). In contrast, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7), commanded His disciples to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); even when Peter drew his sword to fight for Jesus at His arrest and betrayal, Jesus rebuked Peter saying, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:53). Jesus never forced anyone to follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30), and He allowed those who were following Him for the wrong reasons to turn back and no longer walk with Him (John 6:66).
War vs. Peace
The Quran promotes killing and violence toward those who do not believe in Islam (9:123; 47:3-4; 61:4, 9), and non-believers should pay a tax in Islamic states (9:29). Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to:
“Repay none evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).
God’s Love is Conditional vs. Unconditional
The Quran teaches that Allah (God) does not love unbelievers or those who reject the Islamic faith (30:45; 3:32). The Scriptures teach that God loves the whole world (John 3:16), even the ungodly (Romans 5:6-8).
Women
In Islam, husbands are superior to their wives (21:228) and the testimony of a woman is only half of a man’s (2:282). The Bible teaches in contrast, “For you all are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:26-29).
Marriage
According to the Quran, Muslim men may marry a girl who has not yet begun her menstruation (65:1, 4), have up to 4 wives at a time (4:3), divorce their wives for reasons other than adultery (4:129; 2:228; 2:230; 65:1), sleep with other women (concubines) who are not their wives (4:24) and beat their wives (4:34). According to the New Testament, marriage is for life and the only two reasons for remarriage are death (Romans 7:1-3) and adultery (Matthew 19:9). Husbands are to honor their wives (1 Peter 3:7) and love them as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:23-25).
Self-Sacrifice
The Quran teaches that if you kill yourself in killing the infidel (60:10-12), you will have the guaranteed reward of heaven. Yet, Jesus died not to harm anyone, but to give His life a ransom and bring salvation to all men (including His enemies) (Matthew 20:28; Romans 5:6-8; John 1:29).
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits… Every tree that does not bear fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:15-16, 19).
Works Cited
Mattox, F.W. The Eternal Kingdom. Delight: Gospel Light, 1969.
