What are the main differences between Islam and Christianity?

At their origin the two hardly differ, because both came from the same God. The great differences arose later, above all through the teachings of Paul, which depart from what Jesus (as) himself taught.

If one compares the religions at their sources, the difference is small. According to the Holy Qur’an, all religions agreed at their core when they were first revealed. Over time people changed the original teachings and added things of their own. This is true not only of Christianity.

In the case of Christianity, one point matters most. On decisive questions, many Christians today follow Paul rather than Jesus (as). Jesus (as) was entrusted by God to teach religion. Paul was called to this neither by God nor by Jesus (as). He was a self-appointed reformer, and many of his teachings contradict each other.

James, the brother of Jesus (as), was entrusted by him to lead the community after him. He held fast to the Torah and to the teaching of Jesus (as), in letter and in spirit. Paul changed this very teaching at its root. Many honest scholars confirm this today.

So whoever comes to Islam is not turning away from Jesus (as). Islam honours him as a Messenger of God and calls to what he called to as well, to worship one God and to associate nothing with Him.

Why one should accept Islam is best answered by an honest comparison of one’s own. Place the teachings of inherited Christianity next to the teachings of Islam and examine them point by point. Whoever does this thoroughly and openly will, we are convinced, be led to Islam.