Truth About Islam

Jesus vs. Muhammad

A Comparison of Their Lives and Teachings

“You will know them by their fruits.”
— Jesus, Matthew 7:16

In interfaith discussions, few topics evoke as much tension—and confusion—as comparisons between Jesus and Muhammad. Both are revered as founders of global religions. Both are claimed by their followers as moral exemplars. Yet the historical records of their lives and teachings reveal profound differences—not just in context or culture, but in character, conduct, and message.

This post presents a clear-eyed, evidence-based comparison between the two figures—using primary sources—to ask a critical question:

Whom does history vindicate as the true prophet of peace, mercy, and truth?

I. Background and Mission

Jesus	Muhammad
Born in 1st-century Roman-occupied Judea	Born in 6th-century pagan Arabia
Preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God	Preached monotheism, submission, and law
Claimed to fulfill the Law and Prophets (Matthew 5:17)	Claimed to restore original monotheism through Islam

While both claimed divine sanction, the mode of their mission differed:

Jesus never held political or military power.
Muhammad became a state-builder, legislator, and war leader.

II. Character and Conduct

Category	Jesus	Muhammad
Use of Violence	No record of violence; taught “turn the other cheek” (Matt. 5:39)	Fought over two dozen battles; ordered executions and raids (e.g., Banu Qurayza)
Treatment of Enemies	Forgave enemies from the cross (Luke 23:34)	Ordered assassinations of critics (e.g., Asma bint Marwan, Ibn Khatal)
Moral Purity	Lived celibately; taught inner purity (Matt. 5:28)	Married multiple wives; consummated marriage with Aisha at age 9 (Sahih Bukhari 5133)
Miracles	Healed the sick, raised the dead (Gospels)	Claimed miracles like splitting the moon (Qur’an 54:1–2; Hadith), but no Qur’anic miracle attributed during his lifetime
Wealth and Power	Owned nothing; said “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)	Accumulated wealth via war booty (Qur’an 8:41); ruled Medina and beyond

The contrast is stark. Jesus’s life aligned with a radical ethic of self-sacrifice and peace. Muhammad’s later life reflected political consolidation, warfare, and legal enforcement.

III. Teachings and Core Messages

Subject	Jesus	Muhammad
God	Fatherly, loving, relational (John 17:3)	Sovereign, transcendent master (Qur’an 112:1–4)
Salvation	By grace through faith; not works (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8–9)	By submission to Allah and deeds (Qur’an 23:102–103)
Enemies	“Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44)	“Fight those who do not believe...” (Qur’an 9:29)
Women	Elevated dignity of women (John 4, Luke 8)	Allowed wife-beating (Qur’an 4:34), polygyny, concubinage
Justice	Forgiveness as fulfillment of law (Matt. 5–7)	Hudud punishments: stoning, amputation, flogging (Hadith, Qur’an 5:38; 24:2)

Jesus emphasized inner transformation. Muhammad built an external legal-religious system.

IV. Death and Legacy

Jesus	Muhammad
Crucified by Roman authorities; claimed to rise from the dead	Died of illness at age 63 in Medina
Followers persecuted but never waged war	Followers formed an army and began conquests within years of his death
Teachings spread by martyrdom and persuasion	Teachings spread by military conquest and law enforcement (e.g., ridda wars, caliphates)

The rise of Christianity involved suffering and subversion of empire. Islam’s expansion involved military campaigns and legal compulsion.

V. Defining Quote Comparison

Jesus	Muhammad
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9)	“I have been made victorious through terror.” (Bukhari 2977)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:39)	“Whoever changes his religion, kill him.” (Bukhari 3017)
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)	“I have been commanded to fight until they testify that there is no god but Allah.” (Muslim 22:29)

These are not cherry-picked quotes. They are canonical statements that define each man’s worldview—and mission.

VI. Theological Implications

Muslim apologists often claim Jesus and Muhammad preached the same message. But the data shows otherwise.

Jesus rejected legalism, violence, and political power.
Muhammad codified law, violence, and state authority as part of religion.

One pointed to a kingdom not of this world.
The other built a worldly kingdom by the sword.

VII. Conclusion: Two Prophets—Two Visions

Jesus	Muhammad
Radical mercy	Retaliatory justice
Peace unto death	War for submission
Inner transformation	External obedience
Kingdom of God	Dominion of Islam

The evidence from scripture, history, and tradition reveals two incompatible models. If one reflects true divine character, the other must be questioned. One taught peace and self-sacrifice. The other enforced law and submission.

So the question remains:

Which man—and which message—do you trust with your soul?

🗣 Reader Challenge:

If you believe this comparison is unfair or inaccurate, provide source-based rebuttals using Islamic texts or historical facts.
We welcome rigorous dialogue—because truth withstands scrutiny.