How Is the Qur’an Different From the Bible?

The Qur’an is the jewel of Islam. But this religious text holds a different place in the hearts and minds of Muslims than the Bible does in the hearts and minds of Christians. Muslims view the Qur’an as the Eternal Word of Allah. Christians believe the Bible was inspired by God within history, yet the Bible is not eternal in the same way that Jesus is eternal.

Since Muslims believe the Qur’an is an eternal expression of Allah, they do not believe that mankind in any way contributed to its writing. Rather, they view the Qur’an as “God’s literal words” — the very speech of Allah inscribed on a heavenly tablet, from which it was read by Gabriel and dictated to Muhammad. 

While Christians call God’s Word inspired, Muslims believe the Qur’an to be revealed: Allah revealed it piecemeal to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Muhammad had nothing to do with shaping the text as it was delivered.

The literary genres within the Bible and Qur’an also reveal some stark differences. We know that the Bible is diverse in its literary genres, in part, because God inspired specific men to write using their own experiences and perspectives under different circumstances. Not so the Qur’an. It contains essentially one genre: Allah speaking to Muhammad. Although there are significant exceptions, there is little variation in the text of the Qur’an. 

Given the nature of Arabic during Muhammad’s life, the Qur’an was not written but memorized and recited orally. Muhammad would recite the same verse multiple ways, and so would his followers. He would also modify or repeal previous texts through a process of interpretation known as abrogation, according to A Guide to the Contents of the Qur’an. The Bible, however, never underwent this sort of abrogation.

The Qur’an is the why of Islam. Perhaps the most critical difference between the Qur’an and the Bible is that the Qur’an is the basis of why Muslims believe in Islam. They revere the religious text for its literary quality, numerous prophecies, scientific knowledge, mathematical marvels, and preservation. Whereas Christians also revere the Bible, its primary use is to serve as the basis of what Christians believe, not why they believe. Christians believe what we believe because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection; that’s our why.

Arabic Media Ministries connects with Muslims who have questions about their holy book as they learn more about Jesus and the Bible. Through our television programs, digital media platforms, and personal follow-up team, we provide answers, Bible study resources, and prayer ministry to those who are seeking to know the truth.

With your support, AMM’s ministries are touching the lives of thousands every month. Click Here to learn how you can help us share the gospel with people seeking truth in the Arab world.

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Source: Faruq Sherif, A Guide to the Contents of the Qur’an. London: Ithaca, 1985.