The differences between biblical and qur’anic stories commence with the story of Adam and continue throughout both books. It is difficult to find common ground between the Bible and the Qur’an when the entire meaning of the same event is very different in both books.

After making comparisons between these two books (plus the non-canonical writings) I have concluded that there are two possible explanations for such vast differences:

1. The Qur’an was written by Mohammed himself without any help or interference from “supernatural beings”. Mohammed used rehashed biblical stories, widely circulated in Arabia and the eastern part of the Roman Empire, and these stories had already been corrupted and inaccurate. In addition, Mohammed used the “non-canonical gospels” which were disseminated at the same time as Gnosticism (based on the idea that understanding “the truth of salvation” can only be obtained through sacred knowledge by a few chosen individuals). Because of this, the Qur’an is only a “shadow” of the Bible and can influence only those who do not know the Bible in the first place.

2. Mohammed received the revelation of the Qur’an from the archangel calling himself Djibril (also known by the biblical name of Gabriel), who claimed to be the Messenger of Allah. One can therefore conclude that “Allah” of the Qur’an and “God” of the Bible are two different beings.

“Allah” was known and worshipped by pagan Arab tribes before the birth of Mohammed. Abd-Allah (which means servant of Allah) was the father of Mohammed. Allah was worshipped alongside three hundred other idols. Mohammed insisted that Allah should be the only one to be worshipped. This explains the many warnings in the Qur’an not to “…set up rivals to Allah while you know.”  (Sura 2:22)

The question is this: did the word “Allah”, in the pre-Islamic era in Arabia, represent the same God known in the Bible?

Since the time of Mohammed, the Islamic world worships “Allah” as God, who is a stranger and is hostile to the faith of both the Jews and the Christians. 

 As for the non-canonical gospels, we notice a huge emphasis on Mary’s role (including Joseph’s part) in the salvation of mankind. Many of these stories do not appear to be realistic or possible in comparison with what we know and read in the Bible. In spite of the influence of the non-canonical gospels on the traditions and beliefs of certain Christian denominations, I believe that they cannot be a reliable source of information about Jesus and are not considered “inspired by God” by the best Bible scholars. Therefore they cannot be included amongst the trustworthy and verifiable sources that are known today as “the gospel”.

The Bible is the complete book, inspired by God and directed by the Holy Spirit. It contains all the knowledge we need to know about God, His relationship with all creation, and how we are to respond towards God.

Second Timothy, Chapter 3

15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Second Peter, Chapter 1

19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

The last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, speaks about events that will take place in the Last Days, including the second coming of Jesus, and the conclusion of heaven and earth as we know it today. A stern warning is given to anyone who tries to change the Bible, or add to it or its prophecies in any way. It affirms that no subsequent information could possibly come from God, since the Bible is a “closed” book.

Revelation, Chapter 22

18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

20. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Galatians Chapter 1

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.