Christianity Vs. Islam

I converted to Islam in November 2011 and immediately began to measure the differences in how each group shows their faith. I searched my own heart for what it is I truly believe in and why am I here. Reaching to the bottom of my soul, I returned a single answer: I love God and want to live for Him.

I asked several Pastors, Chaplains, Imam's and the like for the difference (in their opinion) between Islam and Christianity. The most eloquent answer was "Christians go to heaven for their faith, where Muslims go to heaven for their deeds." The person who said this meant that Christians believe that their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for their sins, accepting him as their personal Lord and Savior permits them to everlasting life. Muslims however believe that nothing besides God's mercy on the day of judgement will permit someone to Jannah or heaven and by our deeds we will be judged.

Christian belief references: Romans 10:9; John 3:16; Romans 6:23
Muslim belief references: Surah An-Nisaa 4:57; Al-Hajj 22:14


So, I ask myself, what does this mean to the everyday person? What does this mean for the guy working at the grocery store or the single mom working the double shift? In modern times, here and now, what does this mean for us?

Example 1, Helping others:
Helping others and giving out of charity is important in both Religions and each has a lot of information about your responsibilities on the topic. Real world examples are endless but more often than not, this is something that is forgotten as if it were irrelevant. For instance, if you see a homeless person on the street, it is your "Christian walk" that may lead you to help him in some way. But a Muslim would feel a need to help out of charity or Zakat, one of the "5 Pillars of Islam."

Christian Reference: Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 25:35-40; Luke 6:38
Muslim Reference: Al-Maidah 5:2; Al-Baqarah 2:215

Example 2, Sin and Repentance:
In Islam a sin is something you know is wrong, but you still do it anyway. Therefore a person can not sin until they can consiously make this decision (which starts usually around puberty). For most Christians this is also held true, but the difference is daily life. A muslim feels no guarantee to enter heaven, where most Christians repent in Jesus' name and immediately understand that they are forgiven. So a daily life example, would be binge drinking every saturday night for a young person or secretly longing for a married coworker for an older person (both sins). But it's ok, because I go to church on Sunday and sing the loudest and put five bucks in the offering dish. "Again, when a wicked person turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he shall save his life." Ezekiel 18:27 The catch to this verse is the turning away part. If you have a friday night tradition of going to the clubs or strip clubs to take part in debauchery, then your repentance for those sins was not in earnest. You never turned away from that sin like a child that says sorry and then reaches to make the same mistake. Christians will say "we all fall short of perfection" or "let he who is without sin cast the first stone." But what about personal accountability. Reflection on your sins in order to prevent making the same mistakes. Would YOU forgive you?

Christian Reference: Acts 2:38; Romans 3:23; Mark 16:16
Muslim Reference: Al-Zumer 39:53; An-Nisa 4:146; Al Furqan 25:70

A love poem for my wife...

"I Could"

I could say it in a million words,

that you turned around my little world. 

Struggled with the pain and strife, 

and even gave us brand new life. 

I could show my love in things I do, 

or in just the way I look at you. 

I said it on a bended knee, 

when I asked you to marry me. 

I could yell it out across the land, 

or show it just by holding hands. 

Run your bath or rub your feet, 

just to show what you mean to me. 

I could look like a fool for you, 

in front of friends if you want me to. 

Stand on tables in front of them, 

and talk about my Karicim. 

I could hold you when you need to cry, 

and grow old together by your side. 

A million words or just a few... 

I say it all with "I love you." 

by Marc LeMere, For Funda LeMere

My Karicim (kah-rih-jim, turkish for wifey)