Combating Islam

Jesus vs. Muhammad

A Comparison of Their Lives and Teachings

Introduction

Jesus Christ and Muhammad stand as the two most influential figures in world history, shaping Christianity and Islam, respectively. With over 1.8 billion Christians and 1.1 billion Muslims today, their teachings continue to impact billions of lives. This article compares their lives, teachings, and influence on their followers, highlighting fundamental differences.

Their Last Words

Jesus: While being crucified, Jesus prayed for His enemies, saying:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Muhammad: While on his deathbed, Muhammad is reported to have said:
“May Allah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of the prophets.” (Bukhari 1:427)

Comparison: Jesus’ last words reflect forgiveness and grace, even toward those who killed Him. Muhammad's parting words included a curse, which contrasts with Jesus’ approach.

Slavery

Jesus: Jesus never owned slaves, nor did He advocate for enslaving others. His teachings, such as the Golden Rule—“Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31)—suggest the dignity and equality of all people.

Muhammad: Muhammad not only owned slaves but also permitted slavery, including concubinage with female captives (Quran 33:50, 23:5, 70:30). Islamic sources document his involvement in the enslavement of women and children after battles (Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasulallah, p. 466).

Comparison: Jesus promoted equality and freedom, whereas Muhammad engaged in and endorsed slavery.

Sinlessness

Jesus: Jesus lived a sinless life. He asked, “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” (John 8:46). The Bible affirms, “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22)

Muhammad: The Quran states that Muhammad had to seek forgiveness for his sins:
“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin.” (Quran 47:19)

Comparison: Jesus lived a sinless life, whereas Muhammad needed forgiveness.

Treatment of Sinners

Jesus: When a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, He did not condemn her but said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

Muhammad: In contrast, Muhammad ordered a repentant woman to be stoned to death for adultery after she gave birth to her child (Abu Dawud 4428).

Comparison: Jesus emphasized mercy and repentance, while Muhammad endorsed capital punishment.

War and Violence

Jesus: Jesus never used violence and taught His followers to “turn the other cheek.” (Matthew 5:39)

Muhammad: Muhammad led numerous military campaigns and commanded executions. The Quran states:
“Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day.” (Quran 9:29)

Comparison: Jesus preached peace and nonviolence. Muhammad engaged in warfare and promoted violence against non-Muslims.

Women and Marriage

Jesus: Jesus treated women with dignity and respect, healing them and including them in His ministry (Luke 8:1-3). The New Testament teaches mutual love and respect in marriage (Ephesians 5:25).

Muhammad: Muhammad permitted men to have up to four wives (Quran 4:3) and took a child bride, Aisha, when she was six and consummated the marriage at nine (Bukhari 5:268).

Comparison: Jesus upheld the equality and dignity of women, while Muhammad’s teachings allowed polygamy and child marriage.

Identity of Jesus

Jesus: Jesus claimed to be the Son of God (John 5:18, Matthew 16:15-17) and was worshipped as divine (John 20:28, Philippians 2:10-11).

Muhammad: The Quran denies Jesus' divinity:
“Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger.” (Quran 5:75)

Comparison: Jesus claimed divinity, while Muhammad rejected it.

Prayer

Jesus: Jesus taught simple, heartfelt prayers (Matthew 6:5-13). He said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father.” (Matthew 6:6)

Muhammad: Muhammad established formalized, ritualistic prayers (Bukhari 1:488-759) with strict guidelines for their execution.

Comparison: Jesus emphasized personal, intimate prayer, while Muhammad prescribed ritualized prayers.

Conclusion

Jesus and Muhammad differed significantly in character, teachings, and their approach to faith. Jesus emphasized love, mercy, and grace, whereas Muhammad’s teachings included violence, legalism, and conquest. These differences have shaped the distinct paths of Christianity and Islam.

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Muhammad said: “I have been made victorious through terror.” (Bukhari 4:52:220)

Given these contrasts, one must consider: Who truly represents the way to God?