Quran vs Bible: Key Differences, Similarities, and Why People Compare Them
When people talk about the Quran, the holy book of Islam, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 23 years and written in Arabic. Also known as the Islamic scripture, it serves as the central guide for over a billion Muslims worldwide. and the Bible, the sacred text of Christianity, made up of the Old and New Testaments, written over centuries in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Also known as the Christian scripture, it’s the most widely distributed book in human history., they’re not just comparing two books—they’re looking at two of the most influential belief systems on Earth. Both claim divine origin, shape cultures, guide daily life, and spark deep personal faith. But they’re not the same. The Quran is a single, unified text believed to be the literal word of God, revealed word-for-word. The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by dozens of authors across 1,500 years, with different genres: history, poetry, prophecy, letters. That alone changes how people read and use them.
One big difference? The role of Jesus. In the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior who died and rose again to save humanity from sin. In the Quran, Jesus (called Isa) is a revered prophet—miraculously born, powerful, and divine in his message—but not divine himself. Muslims believe he didn’t die on the cross; God saved him and raised him to heaven. That’s not a small detail—it’s a core divide. Then there’s the concept of salvation. The Bible teaches grace through faith in Jesus. The Quran emphasizes right actions, submission to God’s will, and accountability on Judgment Day. Neither book dismisses the other’s prophets. The Quran honors Moses and Jesus as messengers. The Bible doesn’t mention Muhammad. That’s where the tension lives—not in hatred, but in incompatible claims about truth.
People compare them because they’re both foundational. They’re in every home, every school, every debate. You’ll find them in libraries, on airport shelves, in prison cells. They’ve inspired art, laws, wars, and peace movements. And yes, they’re both among the most stolen and most purchased books on Earth—not because they’re rare, but because they’re everywhere. If you’ve ever wondered why a hotel room has a Bible but not a Quran, or why some families read one daily and others memorize verses, it’s because these books don’t just teach religion—they shape identity. This page pulls together real insights from readers, scholars, and everyday believers who’ve studied both. You’ll find honest takes on translation differences, historical context, moral teachings, and how each book is used in practice. No fluff. No preaching. Just clear comparisons, grounded in what people actually believe and live by.
Which is older, the Quran or the Bible? A clear timeline of sacred texts
The Bible's oldest texts are over 2,700 years old, while the Quran was revealed in the 7th century CE. Learn the real timeline behind these sacred books and why the difference matters.
View More