A Former Muslim Explains the Difference Between Islam and Christianity
What is the biggest difference between Christianity and Islam? Just ask Karim. As one of the newest Christians to find Christ through Call of Hope’s radio ministry in North Africa, Karim has a fresh perspective on the two belief systems.
Since he was very young, Karim was taught that the Christian faith was wrong. They told him that Jesus was never crucified and that Christians worship three different Gods. He grew up his whole life thinking this way, until he heard God’s Word with his own ears.
During his work as an agricultural engineer for the local government, Karim enjoys listening to the radio. One day as he was scanning the radio he heard the Call of Hope radio broadcast. For the first time, Karim was introduced to the true Gospel message, not what his Islamic teachers had told him.
He was so curious about everything he was hearing. Could God really love him unconditionally? Could he really be sure about his place in eternity? He took his questions and objections to Call of Hope’s Frontline Worker Thamir.
Karim and Thamir began discussing the Bible regularly and read Christian booklets produced by Call of Hope. These booklets are designed to answer common questions Muslims have, like “Is their one Gospel or four?” and “What is the difference between the Gospel and the Koran?”
After months of reading the Bible and COH booklets, Karim asked Thamir what he had to do to become a Christian. “How many witnesses do I need?” He inquired. “How can I speak a valid Christian testimony of faith?” Thamir once again took the opportunity to explain the difference between Christianity and Islam. He told Karim that there are no special words and no witnesses are needed. All that he had to do was speak to God with an honest heart. That day, Thamir led him in a prayer of salvation! Karim said, “I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and my Saviour, who died on the cross for my sins. Lord Jesus, I thank you with all my heart that I belong to Your people today and will be with you in heaven.”
Like many Mnew Christians in the Muslim world, life didn’t get any easier after conversion. Just a month later, Karim’s co-workers at the Department of Agriculture began to notice that he wasn’t attending the mosque, and he continually talked about “The God of Love.”
One day, a mistake happened at Karim’s work that led to many cows getting sick and dying from the medicine they were producing. Immediately Karim’s co-workers began to blame him. They knew this was the perfect opportunity to get rid of Karim. As a result of this mistake, Karim was immediately suspended and his employer launched an investigation.
Karim earnestly prayed that God would help him during this difficult time. He asked God to help him prove his innocence. Just a few days later, Karim received a phone call that he could hardly believe. The employee who had actually made the mistake had come clean and admitted that it was his mistake, not Karim’s.
When Karim returned to work, his co-workers congratulated him and apologized sincerely for the accusations. His employer even gave him extended paid vacation time to apologize for the misunderstanding about the incident.
Karim called Frontline Worker Thamir and told him the incredible news. He said. “I’m reading the word of God every day and I know that our heavenly father is taking care of his children and doesn’t leave them all alone. This is what I have experienced today!”
Before Christ, Karim lived in fear of the wrath of Allah but now he can rests in the arms if his heavenly father who loves him and cares for him!
So what is the difference between Islam and Christianity? Just ask Karim.
