Holy books contain the prophets' teachings" (Douglass). Islam has the Qur'an and Christians have the Bible. Douglass points out that both texts teach about "Adam, and that Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others" (Douglass). Christians also believe in prayer, fasting, and alms - just not in the same way that Muslims do. Christians pray whenever they like and while the Bible teaches that believers should tithe 10% of their earnings, it is not a strict recommendation. Christians can also fast but it not required of them to do so at any particular time of year. Both religions warn against false prophets and worshipping the creation as opposed to the creator. Both religions believe in angelic beings and both religions believe in some type of day of judgment. Furthermore, both religions adopt a version of hell and heaven in the afterlife. Christianity and Islam share many difference as well. While Muslims believe in one true God, Christians believe in a trinity comprised of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. For Muslims, Jesus was just a prophet sent by God just like Abraham and Moses. Muslims believe that prophets lived sinless lives while Christians believe only Jesus is to be pure and holy. Islam does not teach that Jesus was crucified or killed by the Jews but taken up to God. As a result, Muslims do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Judgment occurs at different times, however. Muslims believe that it occurs simultaneously when God declares the end of the world while Christians generally believe that judgment occurs upon death. Muslims do not accept atonement on any level while Christians everywhere accept the fact that Jesus died for them. Diet is more important to Muslims as they do not eat swine and do not consume alcohol at all. Christians, on the other hand, do eat swine and they are allowed to consume alcohol as long as they do so in moderation. The holy word is also something upon which both religions do not share similar opinions. Muslims believe the Qur'an exists today as it existed when it was revealed to Muhammad. Christians believe...

It is interesting to see how religions drift apart from each other on certain issues. It would seem that religions that recognize Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and Adam would be able to share much more but they do not. In fact, both religions illustrate how the belief of one person can alter how a religion grows over time. Muslims recognize Muhammad and give him a unique title and great responsibility. Similarly, Christians recognize Jesus as something more than human and something much more wonderful. He is the Son of God and he sits at the right hand of God. Both men walked this earth and yet their lives took very different paths. Through understanding, we should come to tolerate our fellow man and realize that we do not have to believe the same things in order to coexist.
Works Cited

Philips, Abu Ameenah Bilal. "The True Religion." IslamWorld.net. Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://islamworld.net/docs/true.html

Besancon, Alain. "What Kind of Religion Is Islam?" Commentary. May 2004. EBSCO Resource Database. Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://search.epnet.com

Douglass, Susan. What is Islam? Faces. February 2008. EBSCO Resource Database. Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://search.epnet.com

Muslim Rituals and Practices Religion Facts Online." Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs/salvation.htm

Purpose of Life and Salvation in Islam." Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs/salvation.htm

Belief." IslamWeb.net. Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://english.islamweb.net/ver2/archive/article.php?lang=E&id=134503

About the Prophet Muhammad. University of Southern California. Site Accessed September 03, 2008. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/prophet/