ISLAM/MUSLIM DOCTRINE OVERVIEW
Islam/Quran firmly deny the deity of Jesus and believe Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were Muslims. They consider it blasphemy for Allah to even have a Son[1]. However, they do believe Jesus raised the dead, healed the sick, cured the blind and created life out of clay but ONLY AS A PROPHET[2]. They call Him “a holy son, righteous, and the Christ/Messiah (Anointed)”[3]. The Quran says Jesus was born of a virgin and ascended up to heaven but not crucified[4], leaving no means for salvation (Christians confess Jesus died on the cross for their sins and rose from the dead)!
WHAT IS THE QURAN (also Koran Qur'an)?
The Islamic sacred book is believed to be the word of God as dictated to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel and written down in Arabic[5]. His writings were collected after his death and compiled after into a book of 114 chapters. The format is easy to follow due to its chapter by chapter content (a sample chapter/verse is given in the reference section[6]).
Each chapter title may appear poetic or even mystical such as The Elevations, The Rock and Thunder. Titles may or may not have anything to do with the chapter content, giving liberty of some to say all the Quran is poetic in nature. Its actual properties are much more proverbial and doctrinal.
Compared to the Bible, there are few historical or prophetic specifics. The Bible has thousands of literary, archaeological, historical, and scientific evidence to substantiate itself plus fulfilled prophecy. It can stand on its own merit more than any other religious book. MANY RELIGIONS USE THE REPUTATION AND THE ESTABLISHED FOUNDATION OF THE BIBLE AS THEIR NARRATIVE BUT ALTER ITS TEXT.
Major themes from the Bible such as Adam’s creation, Noah's flood, Abraham, Moses[7] and even Jesus’ virgin birth and ascension[4] into heaven are used in the Quran but changed and varied in meaning that is in line with Muslim doctrine.
The Quran clearly states it gave the Jews the law (Torah), David the Psalms, and Christians the gospel[8], with no proof whatsoever! The impossibility of how thousands of historical documents could be forged is elaborated here: ”Which scripture is correct, the Bible or Quran?”
It further claims that Jesus and his disciples and the Old Testament prophets were Muslim. See the link above.
MAJOR DIFFERENCE: WHO IS JESUS?
By faith forgiveness is complete in the Bible when Jesus paid the price for sin with his shed blood on the cross. The Quran firmly rejects that Jesus died on the cross and even that it is blasphemous to believe God had a Son[1], making it impossible to get to heaven! To compensate; self -works of righteousness is mentioned over 200 times without the mention of Gods' righteousness. Even then, PERHAPS/MAYBE OR IF you are sincere AND believe AND do good works you will go to heaven (but only after you spend some time in hell)[9]!
MANY MIRACLES AND OTHER GODLY ASPECTS OF JESUS
The Quran attributes many of the same miracles of Jesus in the Bible plus one not mentioned[2]. He was considered faultless/sinless and even Holy in one version[3]. He created life only as Allah could.
VIOLENCE IN THE QURAN
This section on violence [10] covers frightening verses against Christians and others who do not follow Allah. Any doctrine that opens the door to violence is not sharing your faith. Aspects of charity, humility and even a few positive verses to Christians[11] just add to the division and confusion common to the many sects of Islam. In addition. they also follow many divisive Hadiths. (see below)
WHAT ARE HADITHS?
Second only to the Qur’an in importance and authority, Hadiths are collections of Islamic laws and traditions. This includes traditional sayings of Muhammad and later Islamic sages. By the ninth century over 600,000 Hadith had been recorded that were later edited down to about 25,000[12]. Now there are so many laws they conflict. They can be rated (by many conflicting opinions) week and strong, more or less esteemed, depending in part on how close in time or personal relationship they were to the original prophet Mohammad. For example, is a man allowed to dance with his wife at his wedding party? (click to see rule #278). Sad and uncertain conditions for entering paradise (see here).
CLOSING COMMENT
Salvation is always my first concern as a witness so I strive to show Jesus as God and Savior. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15
God Bless you in sharing the Bible!
Your friend,
Bob
References:
[1] S.5.72 Yusuf Ali They do blaspheme who say: "Allah is Christ the son of Mary."
[2] S.3.49 Pickthal I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave.
S.5.110 Clear Quran And recall that you (Jesus) molded from clay the shape of a bird, by My leave, and then you breathed into it, and it became a bird, by My leave.
S.5:75 Clear Quran The Messiah son of Mary was only a messenger(Prophet), before whom other Messengers had passed away
[3] S.19.19 Yusuf Ali He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son
S.3:45 Saheeh ...the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary
[4] S.3.47 Clear Quran She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child, when no man has touched me?” He said, “It will be so. God creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”
S.4.158 Clear Quran Rather, God raised him up to Himself.
S.4.157 Clear Quran In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him
[5] https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/koran
[6] Sample S19.19 Clear Quran. S used in front of the chapter (meaning Sura or chapter). Chapter 19 verse 19 with the English version Clear Quran
[7] S2.35 Clear Quran We said, “O Adam, inhabit the Garden, you and your spouse, and eat from it freely as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you become wrongdoers
S11.37 Clear Quran “And build the Ark, under Our eyes, and with Our inspiration, and do not address Me regarding those who did wrong; they are to be drowned
S.26.69 Clear Quran And relate to them the story of Abraham.
S.28.3 Clear Quran We narrate to you from the history of Moses and Pharaoh
[8] S.3.3 Yusuf Ali He (Allah) sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus)... as a guide to mankind...
S.4.163 Saheeh ...and to David We gave the book [of Psalms]
[9] How we receive forgiveness is quite different comparing the bible with the quran
[11] S.5.82 Clear Quran ...And you will find that the nearest in affection towards the believers are those who say, “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks, and they are not arrogant.
[12] https://www.sites.google.com/site/bharatasahitya/islam See: 2nd topic down below Quran under "Hadith" paragraph 1