What is the Difference Between Bible and Quran?

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The Bible and the Quran are the sacred scriptures of Christianity and Islam, respectively. They share some similarities, such as the belief in the oneness of God and the presence of shared historical figures. However, there are several differences between the two texts:

  1. Structure: The Bible is a collection of books, including history, poetry, letters, and prophecy, while the Quran is divided into chapters called "surahs" and verses called "ayat".
  2. Content: The Quran emphasizes the oneness of God and the final judgment, while the Bible focuses heavily on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the concept of the Trinity in Christianity, and the historical narratives of the Jewish people.
  3. Authorship: Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, spoken through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), while Christians believe that God inspired the many writers of the Bible, who wrote down their human interpretation.
  4. Language: The Quran is considered to be the exact words of Allah in Arabic, and translations are not considered to be the Word of God. In contrast, the Bible can be translated into other languages.
  5. Function: In the life of a faithful Muslim, the Quran often serves as a guide, while the Bible provides more than guidance for Christians – it offers good news.
  6. Textual Transmission: The Quran's textual transmission is believed to be free from human artifice and intervention, while the Bible's transmission has been influenced by human factors.
  7. Role in Faith: The Quran is considered the basis of why Muslims believe in Islam, while the Bible serves as a foundational text for Christianity, supporting the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.

Comparative Table: Bible vs Quran

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Bible and the Quran:

Feature Bible Quran
Nature of the text Collection of writings from different authors Recitation from Muhammad
Language Written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic Written in Arabic
Inspiration Christians believe God inspired the writers, who wrote down their human interpretation Muslims believe the Quran is the literal word of God, spoken through the Prophet (PBUH)
Literary excellence The Bible is considered a collection of historical and spiritual texts The Quran is considered the finest piece of literature in the Arabic language
Oneness of God Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5, 46:9, Mark 12:28-29 Surah Ikhlas 112:1-4
Creation of the universe Genesis 1:1 Surah Al-Baqarah 2:255, Surah Hadid 57:1-6
Creation of man Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:15-22 (Adam and Eve created on Earth) Man was created in Paradise (not on Earth), Surah 2:36 (first couple later banished to Earth)
Divinity of Jesus Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Muslims do not believe in the divinity of Jesus
Attributes of God Matthew 10:30, Psalm 121:3-4, Psalm 139:7-12 Surah Qiyamah 75:3-4, Surat Baqarah 2:255, Surah Hadid 57:1-6
Teachings on peace and forgiveness Jesus teaches to turn the other cheek in the face of violence (Matthew 5:38-42) The Quran contains teachings on peace and forgiveness, but it also contains teachings on jihad and fighting in certain situations

Please note that the above differences are not exhaustive and are meant to provide a brief overview of the key distinctions between the Bible and the Quran.