Differences Between Christians & Muslims
The Christian and Muslim (also referred to as Islam) religions have some similarities; however, they are also very different. Both religions believe in one God, similar places where spirits go in the afterlife and prayer as a way of communicating with God. The beliefs regarding each of these principals are different.
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God
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Both Christians and Muslims believe in the same God; however, the major theology regarding God's nature and characteristics differ. In Christianity, God is one divine being who exists in heaven as three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (also referred to as the Christian Trinity). It is also believed that God created humans in his image. Muslims, on the other hand, believe that God, referred to as Allah within the religion, exists everywhere as one being with no known shape or appearance.
Afterlife
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While Christian beliefs about the afterlife vary between denominations, most believe that, following death, the spiritual form of humans will go to heaven. Some Christians also believe that sinners and non-Christian believers enter hell after death, although there is some debate about hell being a physical or spiritual place of punishment. Catholics also believe in purgatory, a place of punishment for those who have sins they have not confessed to. Muslims believe that souls remain in their graves, awaiting the Last Day, which is believed to be the day Allah will destroy the world. On this day, souls will either enter paradise or hell.
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Prayer
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Prayer in both Christianity and Islam is a way of communicating with God. Prayer in Christianity varies between denominations. Some Christian denominations pray in groups with an intercessor, a type of religious mediator. Other denominations can pray individually. In Islam, prayer, referred to as salat, is done five times daily, at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and evening.
Religious Symbols
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Christians have a large variety of symbols depicting different meanings and aspects of the religion. Of the most common symbols are crosses, doves, stars and Jesus fish. The most common and significant Muslim symbol is the star and crescent symbol, which is displayed on many Islamic country flags.
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References
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