What does Islam say about Christianity?

In a Nutshell: Islam recognizes Christianity as a fellow Abrahamic religion and honours Jesus (pbuh) as a prophet of God. However, there are key differences in beliefs, particularly regarding Jesus' (pbuh) divinity and the concept of the Trinity. Table of Contents In a Nutshell Introduction Evidences Analysis: Islam's View of Christianity Misconceptions about Islam and Christianity FAQs on Islam and Christianity Introduction Many Muslims and Christians share common ground. Both faiths worship the one God, believe in prophets and hold moral values like charity and justice in high esteem. This answer explores Islam's perspective on Christianity, drawing on evidence from the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (pbuh). Evidences from Quran and Hadith Quranic Verses "Say, 'O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word common between us and you: that we worship none but Allah (God) and that we associate nothing with Him (in worship) and that none of us takes others as lords (gods) besides Allah.'" (Quran 3:64) "And indeed Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was a Messenger of Allah and His word which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His Messengers and say not 'Three'; desist (from such) a saying. It is better for you (to say this). For Allah is (the) One God. Exalted is He above having a son." (Quran 4:171) "And mention Jesus, son of Maryam (Mary), in the Book (i.e. the Quran). Verily, he was a Messenger of Allah and His Word which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit from Him." (Quran 19:34) Prophetic Sayings (Ahadith): "Indeed, the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) will be called to a single matter. So say, 'We believe in Allah and that which has been revealed to us and that which was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Descendants and that which was brought down to Moses and Jesus and that which was brought down to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to Him we submit (in Islam).'"(Sahih Muslim 2564) "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and does righteous good deeds - it will be written for him the reward of the people of the ???????? ??????? (the first to embrace Islam)." The Prophet (pbuh) was asked, "Are they from us or from them (the People of the Book)?" The Prophet (pbuh) replied, "They are from both (Jews and Christians)." (Sahih al-Bukhari 443) These citations establish that Islam acknowledges Christianity as a revealed religion and Jesus (pbuh) as a prophet of God. However, they also highlight core differences in beliefs. Islam's View of Christianity At its core, Islam views Christianity as a divinely revealed religion that deviated from its original form over time. Muslims recognize the Torah (revealed to Moses/Musa (as)) and Gospel (revealed to Jesus/Isa (as)) as authentic scriptures from God (swt). However, Islam maintains that these scriptures underwent alterations from their original form. The foundational difference between Islam and Christianity centers on the nature of Jesus (pbuh). Muslims consider him a revered prophet and messenger of God (swt) but not divine nor God incarnate. Similarly, Islam rejects the doctrine of the Trinity(Father, Son and Holy Spirit), emphasizing God's absolute oneness (tawhid). Islam recognizes the common heritage and shared values between the two faiths. This includes prophets (like Noah/Nuh (as), Abraham/Ibrahim, (as) and others) and moral virtues such as compassion, patience and forgiveness. Muslims are often instructed to respect the 'People of the Book,' a reference to Christians and Jews. Despite these commonalities, Muslims see crucial divergences in Christian beliefs regarding Jesus's (pbuh) divinity, the concept of original sin and the means of salvation. Islam views salvation as attained through faith in the oneness of God (swt) and good deeds and does not acknowledge the concept of original sin (i.e., the idea that all humans are born inherently sinful). Misconceptions about Islam and Christianity Islam is intolerant towards Christians. Islam acknowledges Christianity's origins in divine revelation and instructs Muslims to treat Christians with respect and tolerance. Historically, Muslim empires often protected Christian minorities and granted them a certain amount of autonomy. Islam promotes violence against Christians. Islam forbids aggression and violence against those who do not wage war against Muslims. The Quran states: Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity (Quran 60:8). Islam rejects Jesus (pbuh). Islam holds Jesus (pbuh) in high esteem as a prophet of God (swt), born miraculously to the Virgin Mary. While Islam strongly rejects his divinity, it recognizes him as a righteous messenger. Christianity is superior to Islam. Islam considers itself the final and perfected revelation, but it does not negate the divine origins of previous revelations. Islam respects the right of Christians to practice their religion. Islam and Christianity cannot coexist. Historically, Muslims and Christians have coexisted peacefully. There are numerous examples of cooperation and mutual respect between the two faiths throughout history. Objections to Islamic Beliefs about Christianity Rejection of the Trinity: Christians argue that the concept of the Trinity is essential to their faith, reflecting the nature of God. They may find Islam's insistence on absolute monotheism to be a simplification of the Divine. Rejection of Jesus' (pbuh) Divinity: Christians often view the divinity of Jesus (pbuh) as the bedrock of their faith and his crucifixion and resurrection as the means of salvation. Concept of Original Sin: Many Christians believe that the concept of original sin and the need for atonement through the sacrifice of Jesus (pbuh) are fundamental tenets of their religion. Nature of Revelation: Christians may object to the Islamic claim that the Quran is the final and complete revelation, superseding previous scriptures that they view as divinely inspired. Understanding of Salvation: The Christian concept of salvation through faith in Jesus (pbuh) as the Son of God differs from the Islamic emphasis on faith and righteous deeds as the path to salvation. FAQs Can Muslims and Christians be friends? Yes. Islam instructs Muslims to treat others with kindness and justice, regardless of their religious beliefs. While there are theological differences, both religions value compassion, charity and respecting others. Do Muslims believe that only Muslims will go to Paradise? Islam teaches that salvation is ultimately up to Allah (swt) and His infinite mercy. The Quran acknowledges righteous deeds and belief in God from people of other religions. Whether any individual, regardless of their faith, will enter Paradise rests with God's judgment. Do Muslims believe Christians are polytheists? Muslims believe the doctrine of the Trinity compromises the absolute unity of God and can be interpreted as a form of polytheism. However, they recognize that most Christians intend to worship the one Creator. Why is Islam critical of certain Christian beliefs? Islam's criticisms of specific Christian doctrines stem from the fundamental emphasis on God's absolute unity. Anything that appears to compromise this unity is considered a deviation from Islam's understanding of God. Do Muslims see any positive aspects of Christianity? Yes, Islam acknowledges that Christianity shares many values, prophets and scriptures. Muslims also appreciate Christians' devotion to faith, their commitment to charity and their upholding of moral principles.