History of Islam
Islam began in the 7th century A.D. in the Arabian Peninsula, founded by Muhammad, who was born in Mecca around A.D. 570. Raised as an orphan in a polytheistic culture, Muhammad was exposed to various religious influences, including paganism, Judaism, and Christianity. Around A.D. 610, he claimed to receive revelations from the angel Jibril (Gabriel), which were later compiled into the Qur’an, Islam’s central holy text.
Muhammad’s early message was rejected by many in Mecca, prompting his migration to Medina in 622—a pivotal event known as the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. There, he gained followers, established a theocratic state, and returned to conquer Mecca. Islam quickly expanded through military conquest and missionary efforts, spreading across the Middle East, North Africa, and into parts of Europe and Asia.
Key events in Islam’s history include the Sunni-Shia split following Muhammad’s death, debates over succession, the establishment of Islamic empires (like the Umayyads and Abbasids), and the Crusades. These events contributed to shaping Islamic theology, law (Sharia), and society.
Principles and Foundational Assumptions
Islam is a strict monotheism centered on submission to Allah. It teaches that Allah is the one, indivisible deity—merciful and sovereign but fundamentally unknowable. Jesus (Isa) is acknowledged as a prophet, not the Son of God, and certainly not divine. Man is born in a state of purity but is prone to error. Salvation is earned through good works, adherence to the Five Pillars (confession, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage), and submission to Allah’s will.
Truth in Islam is revealed through the Qur’an, believed to be the final, unaltered word of God. Knowledge and ethics are grounded in divine command and Islamic jurisprudence. The ultimate destiny is either Paradise or Hell, with judgment based on deeds.
In stark contrast, the biblical worldview is God-centered, Trinitarian, and rooted in divine grace. Scripture is the ultimate authority. Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, fully God and fully man, whose death and resurrection secure salvation by grace through faith. Sin is a moral rebellion inherited from Adam. Ethics are grounded in the character of God and revealed in Scripture. The destiny of believers is eternal life, not earned but granted through union with Christ.
Modern Influencers and Institutions
Today, Islam is promoted through a wide network of mosques, Islamic centers, media outlets, and online platforms. Influential modern Muslim leaders include scholars like Yasir Qadhi (USA), Zakir Naik (India), and Mufti Menk (Zimbabwe), who offer apologetics and devotional material to millions.
Major organizations include Al-Azhar University in Egypt, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In terms of digital influence, YouTube channels such as “OnePath Network,” “Digital Mimbar,” and “MercifulServant” promote Islamic teachings, stories of converts, and refutations of other worldviews, including Christianity.
Psychological and Cultural Appeal
Islam’s appeal lies in its simplicity and structure. It provides clear roles, a daily routine centered around prayer, and a strong community identity (ummah). Its moral code resonates with conservative values—modesty, family honor, and public decency.
The religion promises certainty in a relativistic age, along with dignity for those feeling rootless in secular cultures. Converts often testify to the peace and direction they feel in following a regimented life.
But Christianity offers a deeper, more transformative message: grace. While Islam provides structure, Christianity offers spiritual rebirth. While Islam requires submission without assurance, Christianity offers a relationship with the living God, with full assurance of salvation through Christ’s finished work. The biblical gospel addresses the root of human sin, not just its symptoms.
Practical Outcomes and Cultural Fruits
Islamic societies tend to enforce public morality—modest dress, restrictions on alcohol, and respect for elders. These outward behaviors often produce seemingly ordered societies. However, under the surface, legalism, honor/shame dynamics, and gender inequities are common.
Freedom of conscience is often suppressed in Islamic states; apostasy from Islam is punishable by death in many nations. Blasphemy laws inhibit free inquiry, and Islamic theology tends to dominate law, politics, and education. Spiritually, adherents are left in uncertainty, never knowing if they’ve done enough.
Christianity, where it has taken root biblically, has birthed hospitals, universities, human rights movements, and cultures of forgiveness and individual dignity. Salvation by grace fosters humility and compassion, rather than legalism and fear.
Criticisms that Biblical Christianity Poses to Islam
Biblical Christianity critiques Islam on several fronts:
- Christology: Islam denies the deity of Christ and the Trinity—both core truths in Christianity (John 1:1, 14; Matt. 28:19).
- Works-Based Salvation: Islam teaches salvation through effort, while the Bible proclaims that salvation is a gift (Eph. 2:8–9).
- Historical Falsification: The Qur’an contains historical inaccuracies regarding Jesus’ crucifixion and biblical figures (Surah 4:157).
- Spiritual Deception: Paul warned of “another gospel” and “another Jesus” (2 Cor. 11:4), which applies to Islam’s revisionist message.
- Inconsistency: Islam affirms the Torah and Gospel as divine, yet accuses them of being corrupted—without historical evidence.
Christian apologists like Nabeel Qureshi, David Wood, and James White have effectively challenged Islam’s theological coherence and pointed Muslims to the gospel.
Criticisms that Islam Offers to Biblical Christianity
Islamic apologists critique Christianity in several ways:
- Trinitarian Doctrine: They argue the Trinity is illogical and tantamount to polytheism.
- Scripture Corruption: They claim the Bible has been altered and that the Qur’an corrects earlier revelations.
- Christ’s Divinity: They reject Jesus’ deity and crucifixion, considering such beliefs blasphemous.
- Moral Libertinism: They accuse the West—often conflated with “Christianity”—of moral decline and hypocrisy.
- Lack of Sharia: Islam sees Christianity as lacking a comprehensive legal system to govern life.
Prominent Muslim apologists include Ahmad Deedat, Shabir Ally, and Mohammed Hijab, all of whom actively debate Christians and publish critiques online.
Christian Counter-Responses
Christian thinkers have answered these criticisms decisively:
- Trinity: The doctrine reflects God’s self-revealed nature—three persons, one essence—logical within its own framework and affirmed by Scripture.
- Scripture Reliability: The Bible has thousands of ancient manuscripts confirming its transmission. The Qur’an’s claim of corruption is unsupported by manuscript evidence.
- Christ’s Divinity and Resurrection: The historical case for Jesus’ death and resurrection is strong, affirmed by both secular and biblical sources.
- Moral Issues: Cultural decay is not Christianity’s fruit, but its neglect. True Christianity calls for holiness and repentance.
- Law and Grace: Christianity distinguishes between ceremonial, civil, and moral law. Christ fulfilled the law, ushering in a covenant of grace and internal transformation, not external coercion.
Ultimately, Islam’s gospel is no gospel at all—it offers no assurance, no Savior, no grace. Christianity offers a crucified and risen Redeemer, not just a code but a new heart (Ezek. 36:26).
Chart of Fundamental Differences
| Topic | Biblical Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|
| God | Triune: Father, Son, Holy Spirit | Strictly Unitarian (Tawhid) |
| Jesus Christ | Son of God, Divine, Savior | Prophet only, not divine |
| Salvation | By grace through faith in Christ | By works and Allah’s mercy |
| Scripture | Bible: Inspired, preserved Word of God | Qur’an: Final, perfect revelation |
| Sin | Inherited from Adam, needs redemption | Acts of disobedience, not inherited |
| Authority | Bible alone (sola Scriptura) | Qur’an, Hadith, and Sharia |
| Afterlife | Heaven or Hell based on faith in Christ | Paradise or Hell based on deeds |
| View of Humanity | Made in God’s image, fallen, redeemable | Born pure, capable of obedience |
| Relationship to God | Personal, familial (Abba Father) | Distant, Master-servant |
| Assurance | Guaranteed through Christ | Uncertain; Allah’s will is unknowable |
Spiritual Nature of the Conflict
This is more than an intellectual disagreement—it is a spiritual battle. As Ephesians 6:12 states, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” Islam is not just another religion; it is a false system that blinds people to the truth of the gospel. Behind its theological structure lies spiritual deception that must be countered not only with apologetics but with prayer and love.
Christians are called to be bold yet compassionate. The war for souls requires that we contend for the truth while interceding for those trapped in error. We must engage not only with arguments but with heartfelt concern for eternal destinies.
Why Contemporary Christians Must Be Equipped
In an age of religious pluralism and cultural relativism, Christians must be equipped to understand and engage Islam. Millions of Muslims live in the West and increasingly interact with Christians. Without knowledge and discernment, many believers are ill-prepared to give a reason for the hope within them (1 Peter 3:15).
Theological literacy and apologetic readiness are essential. Believers must know their own faith and understand the differences. We must speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), grounded in Scripture, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, and moved by Christ’s compassion.
Recommended apologists:
- Nabeel Qureshi (“Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”)
- David Wood (Acts17Apologetics YouTube)
- James White (“The Potter’s Freedom”, debates with Muslim apologists)
- Samuel Green (Engaging with Islam ministries)
Robert Sparkman
rob@christiannewsjunkie.com
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