Topic

Interfaith

Living alongside Christians, Jews and people of other faiths. Short, honest answers for new Muslims.

Is there baptism in Islam?

No, there is no baptism in Islam. Every child is born pure, and you enter Islam by saying the shahada, with a ghusl recommended afterwards.

The Gospel of Barnabas is a late medieval book about Jesus that names Muhammad. Why most scholars doubt it and why Muslims don't rely on it.

The Quran names Zoroastrians as al-Majus (Quran 22:17). Early Islam protected them; most scholars don't count them People of the Book for marriage.

Yes, Muslims believe in Isaac and Jacob (Ishaq and Ya'qub), prophets of Abraham's family. Jacob is Israel, father of the twelve tribes.

Yes, Muslims believe in Lot, called Lut in the Quran: a messenger sent to Sodom and saved with his believing family. How Islam tells his story.

Not exactly: Friday is the Muslim holy day of congregation, but unlike the Sabbath it isn't a day of rest. Muslims pray Jumu'ah, then may work.

Jerusalem is holy to Muslims as home of al-Aqsa, the third holiest mosque, the first qibla and the place of the Prophet's Night Journey.

No, there is no communion or Eucharist in Islam. Learn why, the Quran's story of the Table sent to Jesus, and what Muslims do instead.

No, Ramadan is not the same as Lent. Both involve fasting and reflection, but Ramadan is a full dawn-to-sunset fast for a lunar month.

Muhammad isn't named in the Bible, but Muslims see prophecies pointing to him, like Deuteronomy 18:18 and John 14. How each side reads them.

Yes, Muslims can go to the YMCA. It has Christian roots but works as a community gym today; just skip religious services and keep modesty.

No, Muslims don't believe in the rapture. Islam teaches the signs of the Hour, the return of Jesus and one resurrection of all people.