Similarities Between Islam and Christianity: With Dr Zakir Naik
Respected elders, brothers, and sisters, let us explore the similarities between Islam and Christianity. Drawing from Islamic and Christian scriptures, this discussion highlights the shared beliefs and the universal message of peace and submission to Almighty God.
A Shared Greeting of Peace
The greeting of peace is a profound similarity between Islam and Christianity. As mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (24:36), Jesus (PBUH) greeted his disciples with “Shalom Aleichem” in Hebrew, meaning “Peace be upon you.” Similarly, Muslims say “Assalamu Alaikum,” meaning “Peace be upon you.” This universal message of peace reflects the core of both faiths.
The Meaning and Universality of Islam
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity: Islam derives from the root word “Salam,” meaning peace, and signifies submission to Almighty God. It emphasizes peace acquired through surrendering one’s will to God. Contrary to common misconceptions, Islam is not a new religion but has existed since the dawn of humanity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not the founder of Islam but its final messenger.
The Quran states in Surah Fatir (35:24):
“And there is no nation but that there has been a warner among them.”
Similarly, in Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:7):
“And to every people was sent a guide.”
The Continuity of Messengers in Islam
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity: Islam recognizes all prophets sent by God to guide humanity. By name, 25 prophets are mentioned in the Quran, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). These prophets conveyed the same fundamental message: submission to the one true God.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that there were 124,000 messengers sent to humanity, though only some are mentioned in the Quran. According to Surah An-Nisa (4:164) and Surah Gafir (40:78):
“Of some messengers, We have already told you their story; of others, We have not…”
Belief in Jesus Christ in Islam
Islam is unique as a non-Christian faith that makes it an article of faith to believe in Jesus Christ (PBUH). No Muslim can be a true believer without accepting Jesus (PBUH) as one of God’s mightiest messengers.
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity Muslims Believes:
- Jesus (PBUH) was born miraculously without male intervention.
- He performed miracles, such as healing the blind and raising the dead, with God’s permission.
- He is the Messiah (Al-Masih) sent to the Children of Israel (Bani Israel).
This belief is supported in Surah Al-Imran (3:49) and Surah As-Saff (61:6).
The Mission of Jesus Christ
Both the Quran and the Bible affirm that Jesus (PBUH) was sent exclusively to the Children of Israel.
Biblical Evidence:
- Gospel of Matthew (10:5-6):
“Go not into the way of the Gentiles… but rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” - Gospel of Matthew (15:24):
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
Quranic Evidence from the Quran:
- Surah Al-Imran (3:49):
“And [appoint him] a messenger to the Children of Israel…” - Surah As-Saff (61:6):
“And remember when Jesus said: O Children of Israel, I am the messenger of Allah to you…”
Prophet Muhammad: The Seal of Prophets
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity: Unlike previous prophets, who were sent to specific nations, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a universal messenger for all of humanity. This is emphasized in the Quran:
- Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40):
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men but is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets…” - Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107):
“We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” - Surah Saba (34:28):
“And We have not sent you except comprehensively to mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner…”
Islam’s Universal Message
While earlier prophets brought guidance tailored to their communities and time, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) message transcends all boundaries of race, culture, and era. His mission was to unite humanity under the worship of one God and to deliver a timeless, universal message of peace, compassion, and submission to the Creator.
Conclusion: Common Ground Between Islam and Christianity
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity: Islam and Christianity share a remarkable number of similarities, including belief in one God, respect for Jesus Christ (PBUH), and a lineage of prophets. While their theological differences are significant, the shared values and teachings serve as a foundation for dialogue and mutual respect.
As stated in the Quran, Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107):
“We have sent you [O Muhammad] not but as a mercy to the worlds.”
Similarities Between Islam and Christianity: The universality of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) message reminds us of the common purpose behind all divine revelations—to guide humanity toward peace and submission to Almighty God.
