The Main Differences Between the Quran and the New Testament

The Quran and the New Testament are two of the most widely recognized religious texts in the world, each with its own unique content and teachings. Both are central to the major religions of Islam and Christianity, respectively. However, despite their shared purpose of guiding human behavior and belief, the differences between them are profound. This article explores the main differences between the two texts.

Introduction to the Quran and the New Testament

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. It contains the teachings, laws, and guidance necessary for a Muslim's spiritual and moral life. On the other hand, the New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible and is composed of the Gospels, Acts, letters from the apostles, and the book of Revelation. It focuses on the life, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as interpreted and documented by early Christian writers.

Main Differences: Context and Origin

The first major difference between the Quran and the New Testament lies in their context and origin. The Quran emerges from the historical and cultural setting of the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century AD, while the New Testament is rooted in the first century AD in the context of the Roman Empire.

The Quran was compiled and recognized as the complete and final divine revelation by the Muslim community after the death of Muhammad. It emphasizes the monotheistic concept and the belief in the last prophet, Muhammad, following in the tradition of Jesus, Moses, and Abraham. In contrast, the New Testament was written after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, compiled over a period of time, and reflects the teachings of the apostles and early Christian community. It outlines the life and teachings of Jesus, setting the foundation for the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.

Main Differences: Doctrine and Ethics

The versions of Quran and New Testament differ significantly in their doctrinal teachings and ethical guidelines.

Quran: The Quran is the primary source of Islamic law and moral guidance. It contains comprehensive laws and regulations, covering every aspect of life from personal conduct to public governance. The Quran has a strong emphasis on justice, accountability, and the submission to God's will. Verses like 2:190 and 2:191 command Muslims to engage in jihad (struggle in the path of God) and fight against those who transgress the limits of faith. It also highlights the principle of punishment for disbelief (fitnah) and the necessity of suppression of polytheism.

Quran: [2:191] And kill them wherever you find them and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Haram the sanctuary at Makkah unless they first fight you there. But if they attack you then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.

New Testament: The teachings of the New Testament center on the message of Jesus, which includes loving one’s enemies, doing good to those who wrong you, and praying for those who mistreat you (Matthew 5:43-48). Jesus’ ethical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount emphasize compassion, forgiveness, and ethical living, establishing a foundation for Christian ethics.

New Testament: Matthew 5:43-48 KJV - Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you: do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Quran and the New Testament, while both guiding sources for their respective religions, present distinct differences in their teachings, origins, and ethical principles. The Quran emphasizes the submission to God's will, the establishment of justice, and the continuation of struggle in the name of Islam. The New Testament, on the other hand, focuses on the transformative message of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and the Holly Spirit’s influence on ethical behavior. These differences reflect the diverse historical and cultural contexts in which these books were written and serve as a foundation for the beliefs and practices of their followers.