The idea that Christians and Muslims worship the same God is often repeated, but is it actually true?

This question is one of the most offensive to those who have converted from Islam to Christianity. While both faiths claim to follow "one God," the reality is that the God of the Bible and the god of Islam are fundamentally different in nature, character, and doctrine. Christianity teaches that God is triune—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—while Islam not only denies this but also misrepresents what Christians actually believe.

Even beyond theology, there's another critical question: If Islam and Christianity worshiped the same God, why does Islam prescribe the death penalty for leaving it? These distinctions make it clear that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God.

A key Qur’anic verse used to argue against Christian doctrine is Surah 4:171:

"O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ('Be!' - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: 'Three (Trinity)!' Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son." (Surah 4:171, Mohsin Khan)

This verse directly denies Jesus as the Son of God and commands Christians not to say "Three" in reference to the Trinity. But here’s the issue—the Qur’an does not accurately describe Christian theology.

A serious flaw in the Qur’an’s argument is found in Surah 5:116, where it falsely claims that Christians believe in a Trinity of God, Mary, and Jesus:

"And (remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): 'O 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah?' He will say: Glory be to You! Never could I say what I had no right (to say)." (Surah 5:116)

This is a major misrepresentation of Christian doctrine. Nowhere in Christianity has Mary ever been considered part of the Trinity. The Bible teaches that the Trinity is:

• God the Father
• God the Son (Jesus Christ)
• God the Holy Spirit

Not only does the Qur’an reject the Trinity, but it also misunderstands what it is rejecting. If the Qur’an were truly inspired by the same God as the Bible, wouldn’t it correctly describe Christian beliefs rather than argue against a distorted version?

The Bible teaches that God is one in being but three in personhood:

• The Father is God (John 6:27, 1 Corinthians 8:6)
• The Son is God (John 1:1, John 10:30, Colossians 2:9)
• The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4, Matthew 28:19)

Christianity does not teach three gods, but rather one God in three co-equal, co-eternal Persons.

Since the Qur’an misrepresents the Trinity, its rejection of it holds no real weight. Islam’s god is fundamentally different from the God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Another undeniable proof that Islam and Christianity do not worship the same God is how each faith treats those who leave.

Islam’s Harsh Punishment for Apostasy

Islamic teachings command severe punishment for leaving Islam, including execution. Consider these well-known Hadith:

• Sahih Bukhari 9:84:57 – "Whoever changes his religion, kill him."
• Sahih Muslim 1676a – "It is not permissible to take the life of a Muslim except in one of three cases: [one of them being] the one who forsakes his religion and separates from the community."

This isn’t just theory—it’s enforced in many Islamic countries today. In places like Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, leaving Islam for Christianity can result in imprisonment, execution, or severe persecution.

Christianity: Free Will, Not Forced Religion

In contrast, Christianity never commands the death penalty for those who reject Jesus. Faith in Christ is a personal decision, not a forced obligation:

• "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)
• "Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Jesus invites, but He never forces. Christianity gives people the freedom to believe or not. If both faiths worshiped the same God, why does Islam enforce belief through threat of death while Christianity does not?

The difference is clear: The God of the Bible offers grace, love, and free will, while Islam’s god demands submission through fear and legal punishment.

Even within Islamic scripture, Jesus is described in ways that set Him apart from all other prophets. Surah 4:171 itself calls Jesus:

• "His Word" – The Bible also calls Jesus the Word of God (John 1:1). If Jesus is God’s eternal Word, He is uncreated.
• "A spirit from Him" – This implies that Jesus has a unique, divine nature, contradicting Islam’s claim that He was merely a prophet.

Even the Qur’an cannot fully diminish Jesus’ divine identity.

Jesus in Christianity vs. Jesus in Islam

Christianity and Islam present two completely different versions of Jesus:

Since the very identity of Jesus is different, Christianity and Islam cannot lead to the same God.

The claim that Christians and Muslims worship the same God falls apart under scrutiny.

• The Qur’an misrepresents the Trinity, falsely claiming it includes Mary.
• Islam commands death for apostates, while Christianity offers freedom of choice.
• The Qur’an contradicts itself on Jesus, affirming His uniqueness while denying His divinity.
• The Jesus of the Bible is not the Jesus of Islam, meaning the two faiths do not point to the same God.

Jesus Himself made it clear:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

The only way to the true God is through Jesus Christ—not through Islam. Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God.

Written by Mohamad Faridi, President of Iranian Christians International,  learn more about his story here.