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Most Christians know what the five pillars of Islam are but have little knowledge or understanding of them. This ignorance creates an opportunity for people to misunderstand what Muslims believe and practice. These pillars are actively exercised by every Muslim from birth until death, and they give the impression that Islam is a monolith. Comparing what Muslims believe the five pillars of Islam to be and what the Bible says Christians should believe offers us numerous benefits.
What You Will Learn
The Five Pillars as the foundation of Islamic life versus the biblical gospel of grace
Ritual prayer facing Mecca versus unending, heartfelt prayer through Christ
Fasting during Ramadan to earn merit versus fasting prompted by God
The names and nature of Allah versus the holy, triune God of the Bible
Strict law versus the law of liberty in Jesus Christ
Islamic views of Jesus as a created prophet versus the biblical view of Christ as Lord and Savior
1. The Foundation of Faith: Works vs. Grace
What Muslims Actually Believe
The Five Pillars of Islam are obligations laid down by Muhammad as the foundation of the religion. Every Muslim is expected to perform these five pillars throughout their life. These pillars influence the daily life of the average Muslim since they are an essential part of the religion’s practice. Islam presents a worldview in which nearly everything is regulated, leaving little room for interpretation.
What Is Biblical?
The Bible describes God as a deity of grace, mercy, and love. It declares that humans cannot attain salvation by themselves since salvation is a free gift from God that He grants to anyone who acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God and accepts Him as their savior.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
2. Prayer, Prescribed vs. Unceasing and Unfettered
What Muslims Actually Believe
Prayer is prescribed as an obligation for Muslims five times per day. Muslims pray towards Mekkah in perfect, pre-determined positions. When in prayer, a Muslim perfectly places their foreheads, knees, and toes on the floor in the exact positions designated by Muhammad. They believe these specific rituals must be followed correctly, and if not, it will affect their standing before Allah.
What Is Biblical?
Prayer is a personal and confidential conversation between the believer and his heavenly Father. Ever since Jesus died on the cross, we have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts. We can talk to Him at any time and anywhere.
“Pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:16
3. Fasting: Earning Merit vs. Seeking God
What Muslims Actually Believe
Muslims believe observing Ramadan helps them obtain protection from going to hell. They also believe it aids them in gaining eternal life. Ramadan is a holy month, and fasting during this period is mandatory, with exceptions made for the sick, elderly, and pregnant women. In Islam, fasting is an act of worship, a means of expressing devotion to Allah.
What Is Biblical?
Fasting is a personal and internal act of worship. It is not a method of earning merits or an obligation. Scripture reveals that Jesus Himself was not a fan of the vain and hypocritical displays of piety.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees you in secret will reward you,” Matthew 6:16-18
4. The Nature of God: The 99 Names vs. the Triune God
What Muslims Actually Believe
Allah’s names are viewed as a means to help Muslims learn and understand who He is. Muslims believe that Allah is the All-Merciful, the All-Forgiving, the Creator, and the Sustainer of all things. The Most Beautiful Name is “Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum“, but Allah also has 99 other names. Islam believes in the absolute unity of Allah and forbids any descriptions or metaphors that may suggest that He is something other than Himself.
What Is Biblical?
Like Muslims, the Bible says that God is the Creator and Sustainer of everything. Nevertheless, the Bible says that God is a personal being with three distinct personalities: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the Scripture reveals that God is not simply an absentee landowner but a caring and compassionate Father.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
5. Daily Rituals, Dietary Restrictions, and Morality: External Standards vs. Internal Character
What Muslims Actually Believe
Everything a Muslim does is subject to Allah’s regulations and restrictions. These rules relate to both the personal and the communal life of a Muslim. They dictate what Muslims can do and what they cannot. The rules also indicate what actions are commendable and worthy of praise and the deeds that should be shunned. There are three categories: obligatory, recommended, and detestable. The Quran is explicit that the consumption of certain foods is impure and that it is a sign of disrespect towards Allah to partake in them.
What Is Biblical?
The Bible speaks of a morality that transcends laws and regulation and dwells in the heart of men. Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for the people, not the people for the Sabbath. Scripture teaches that the ceremonial laws do not determine a person’s righteousness before God but that true holiness comes from within.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans 14:17
“There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him,” Mark 7:15
6. Jesus as Seen Through the Quran vs. Jesus as Seen Through the Bible
What Muslims Actually Believe
Islam teaches that Jesus is a prophet of Allah and that he was born of a virgin named Mary. However, Muhammad rejected any suggestion that Jesus is God’s son and claimed that Jesus died only as a man. Muslims believe Muhammad to be the most important and the final prophet, and they hold him in higher esteem than Jesus.
What Is Biblical?
The Bible teaches that the ultimate revelation of God is Jesus. God is not an absent father who observes life from the skies. God is Jesus Christ, His Son, who died and rose again on the third day. God is love, and he laid down His life for us.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” John 1:1, 14
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” John 14:6
WHAT YOU LEARNED
Works vs. Grace: The Bible states that no one can attain salvation through good works, while Islam teaches that good deeds are necessary to obtain salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Prescribed vs. Unceasing Prayer: Muslims are obliged to perform five daily prayers facing Mecca, while Christians have access to God at any time. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Fasting to Earn Merit vs. Fasting to Draw near to God: Islam views fasting as a means of gaining Allah’s favor while the Bible views it as a method of self-discipline. (Matthew 6:16-18)
Unitary Godhead vs. Triune Godhead: The Quran teaches that Allah is one, but the Bible teaches that God is triune. (Matthew 28:19)
Law and Regulation vs. Freedom and Spirit: The Quran dictates every detail of a Muslim’s life, while Jesus said his law is one that liberates people. (John 8:36)
Jesus as a Great Prophet vs. Jesus as the Son of God: Islam teaches that Jesus was a prophet and a great servant of Allah, but the Bible teaches that he is the Son of God. (John 1:1)
Summary of Key Differences + My Thoughts / Deeper Study questions
