Christians vs. Muslims — What's the Difference?

Celebrate Easter to commemorate Jesus's resurrection.

Observe Ramadan through fasting.

Followers of Christianity, believing in Jesus Christ's divinity.

Perform the Hajj at least once if able.

Read the Bible as their holy scripture.

Celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Participate in baptism and communion.

Followers of Islam, emphasizing submission to Allah.

Believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.

Read the Quran as their holy scripture.

Christians ( (listen)) are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words Christ and Christian derive from the Koine Greek title Christós (Χριστός), a translation of the Biblical Hebrew term mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) (usually rendered as messiah in English).While there are diverse interpretations of Christianity which sometimes conflict, they are united in believing that Jesus has a unique significance.The term "Christian" used as an adjective is descriptive of anything associated with Christianity or Christian churches, or in a proverbial sense "all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like." It does not have a meaning of 'of Christ' or 'related or pertaining to Christ'.

Muslims (Arabic: مسلم‎, romanized: Muslim) are people who follow or practice Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion. The derivation of "Muslim" is from an Arabic word meaning "submitter (to God)".

Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Also Mos·lem (mŏzləm, mŏs-) A believer in or adherent of Islam.

Relating to or derived from Jesus or Jesus's teachings.

A member of the Nation of Islam; a Black Muslim.

Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus, especially in showing concern for others.

Relating to or characteristic of Christianity or its adherents.

One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.

One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.

Plural of christian

Christians participate in sacraments like communion, while Muslims practice daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan as part of their faith.

Christian worship services often include hymns, sermons, and communion, whereas Muslim prayers involve specific physical postures and recitations in Arabic.

Christians follow the Bible, and Muslims follow the Quran.

Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and divine, while Muslims respect him as a prophet but not divine.

Both believe in an afterlife where individuals are rewarded or punished based on God's judgment, but Christians emphasize faith in Jesus for salvation, whereas Muslims emphasize deeds and submission to God's will.

The Holy Trinity in Christianity refers to the belief in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, each distinct yet fully God.

Christian religious leadership varies by denomination and includes roles like priests and pastors, while Islamic leadership involves imams and scholars who guide prayers and interpret Islamic law.

In Islam, Jesus is a highly respected prophet and messenger of God, while in Christianity, he is the central figure of the faith, believed to be the Son of God and savior.

Christians pray in diverse ways, including personal, communal, and liturgical prayers, without a prescribed posture, often seeking a personal relationship with God. Muslims perform Salah five times a day facing Mecca, using specific physical postures and recitations in Arabic, as a direct link to God.

Christians see salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, while Muslims believe in salvation through good deeds, faith, and adherence to the Five Pillars.

In Christianity, the Bible is used as a historical and spiritual text that guides faith and practice, incorporating narratives, teachings, and prophecies. In Islam, the Quran is considered the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad, guiding all aspects of life and worship with a direct commandment style.

The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice, comprising Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

In Islam, prophets are messengers sent by God to guide humanity to the right path. Muslims believe in many prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, with Muhammad being the last prophet.

Christianity and Islam are widely practiced around the world, with Christianity having significant populations in the Americas, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia, while Islam has major populations in the Middle East, North Africa, parts of Asia, and Indonesia, making it the dominant religion in those regions.

In Christianity, holidays like Easter and Christmas are central, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and his birth, respectively, highlighting key aspects of Christian faith. In Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are significant, marking the end of Ramadan and commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, community, and God's mercy.