Differences Between the Qur’an and the Bible: An Introduction

The Holy Qur'an

From time to time at the Cripplegate we attempt to equip people to think biblically about other religions and cults. For example, we have addressed Mormonism, the Jehovah Witnesses, Buddhism, and Seventh Day Adventism, among others. Over the next few weeks, we will attempt to address Islam. In particular, the goal is to briefly look at differences between the Qur’an and the Bible.

A few disclaimers are needed.

First, there are about 1.6 billion Muslims in the world and many denominations within Islam. For example, there are the Sunnis, Shiites, Suffisms, Ahmadiyya, the Nation of Islam, the Ibadi, Mahdavia, the Quranists, and non-denominational Muslims. Some of these denominations also have sub-denominations. The Sunnis make up the vast majority, consisting of about 85% of the world’s Muslim population. So, these posts will generally attempt to represent a Sunni understanding of the Qur’an.

Second, this is not an attempt to address every difference between the Qur’an and the Bible. Instead, we will focus on some of the more important differences for Christians to know.

Third, professing Christians are called to speak the truth in love. The topic of Islam can, at times, be a charged issue. Even so, we must heed the apostle Paul’s exhortation for all who profess Christ: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:5-6).

With that, we will look briefly at an introduction to Islam and the first major difference between the Qur’an and the Bible. Read More