Grace vs. Law: Exploring the Deep Divide Between Evangelical Christianity and Islamic Sharia

By Dr. Tim Orr

Imagine a world where two vastly different paths claim to hold the ultimate truth about God, humanity, and salvation. On one side, the Christian faith, with its profound emphasis on the grace of Jesus Christ and the transformative power of His resurrection, invites believers into a personal relationship with the divine. On the other, Islamic Sharia law, with its rigorous adherence to the oneness of Allah and a comprehensive legal system, offers a structured and communal approach to living a life by divine commandments. These two perspectives, each rich with tradition and conviction, present strikingly different visions of faith, ethics, and community life. Join me as I delve into the core differences between these worldviews, exploring their unique doctrines, practices, and implications for believers and society.

The Supremacy of Christ vs. Islamic Monotheism

Evangelicals hold an unwavering belief in the supremacy of Jesus Christ, viewing Him as the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity. This belief positions Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God’s will and the exclusive path to salvation. Scriptures such as John 14:6, where Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," and Acts 4:12, which states, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved," underscore this conviction. For evangelicals, Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the embodiment of God's plan for humanity's redemption. His death and resurrection are central tenets of the Christian faith, signifying victory over sin and death and offering believers eternal life (Matthew 5:17; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4) (Hiebert, 2008).

Consider the Christian celebration of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, emphasizing the belief in Jesus’ divine nature and his role in humanity's salvation. Churches worldwide hold special services, and believers reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, embodying the evangelical focus on Jesus’ supremacy and the transformative power of his resurrection (Murray, 2000).

In contrast, Islamic theology centers on the concept of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God (Allah), fundamentally denying the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus. In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is revered as a prophet but not as the Son of God. Instead, the Quran is considered the final and most complete revelation of God’s will, superseding previous scriptures (Quran 4:171; 112:1-4). The prophet Muhammad is regarded as the last and greatest of the prophets, whose teachings and life, as recorded in the Hadith, are essential to the understanding and implementing Sharia law (Esposito, 2005).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, reflecting on their faith and striving for greater adherence to God's will as outlined in the Quran and Muhammad's teachings. This month-long period underscores the Islamic focus on obedience to God’s commands and the importance of the Quran as the final, authoritative revelation. The communal and individual acts of worship during Ramadan highlight the centrality of Tawhid in Muslim life (Nasr, 2004).

Authority of Scripture

The Bible is God's inspired and authoritative word for Christians, encompassing the Old and New Testaments (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is the ultimate authority for faith and practice, guiding believers in all aspects of life. Evangelicals interpret the Bible through the teachings of Jesus and the New Covenant, which they believe fulfilled and transcended the Old Testament laws, offering a new path to righteousness through faith in Christ (Geisler & Nix, 1986).

This deep reverence for scripture is evident in evangelical Bible study groups, where participants gather to read and discuss the scriptures, seeking to understand and apply Jesus's teachings to their daily lives. These gatherings reflect the centrality of the Bible in guiding personal and communal faith, highlighting its role as the ultimate authority in an evangelical’s life (Yancey, 2000).

Sharia law, on the other hand, derives its authority from the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God, and the Hadith, the documented sayings and actions of Muhammad. These texts form the foundation of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), which guides Muslims in legal and ethical matters. Islamic scholars interpret these texts to derive legal rulings and ethical guidelines, with various schools of thought (madhabs) providing different interpretations within Sunni and Shia Islam (Hallaq, 2009).

An example of this is the role of Islamic scholars in issuing fatwas, or legal opinions, on contemporary issues. These fatwas are based on interpretations of the Quran and Hadith and guide Muslims in living by Sharia in modern contexts. This process underscores the dynamic and interpretative nature of Sharia law, reflecting its foundational role in Muslim life (Kamali, 2008).

The Transformative Power of Grace vs. Legalism

Evangelicals emphasize salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This belief in the transformative power of grace underscores a personal relationship with God, leading to a changed life characterized by spiritual growth and moral integrity. Christians believe they are no longer under the Old Testament law but under grace, which liberates them from legalistic constraints and empowers them to live in freedom (Romans 6:14) (Erickson, 2013).

This emphasis on grace is vividly illustrated in evangelical testimonies, where individuals share their faith journeys, often highlighting how encountering God’s grace transformed their lives. These stories emphasize that grace, rather than adherence to a set of rules, leads to true spiritual renewal and freedom, illustrating the core of evangelical faith (Packer, 1993).

In contrast, Sharia law strongly emphasizes works and obedience to a comprehensive legal system that governs all aspects of life, including worship, family, business, and criminal law. Good deeds, rituals, and strict adherence to the law can earn God’s favor and achieve spiritual merit (Quran 2:177). This legalistic approach focuses on compliance with specific rules and regulations, often with prescribed punishments for violations, reflecting a structured and communal approach to religious practice (Weiss, 2006).

The daily prayers (Salah) that Muslims must perform exemplify this commitment to obedience and ritual. These prayers, conducted five times daily, demonstrate the discipline and dedication to following Sharia. Each prayer involves specific rituals and recitations, underscoring the importance of obedience and ritual in Islamic practice, reflecting Sharia’s comprehensive legalistic framework (Esposito, 2005).

Human Dignity and Freedom

Evangelicals believe that every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), which forms the basis for human dignity and rights. This belief supports advocacy for human rights, equality, and personal freedom. Evangelicals also emphasize individual freedom, including religious freedom and the separation of church and state, to protect personal rights and ensure that faith is a voluntary and personal commitment (Galatians 5:1) (Plantinga, 1999).

This perspective is evident in evangelical involvement in social justice causes, such as fighting human trafficking or advocating for religious freedom worldwide. These efforts are grounded in the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual as created in the image of God, driving a commitment to justice and equality (Stott, 2006).

Sharia law, however, emphasizes communal responsibility and the collective duty of the Muslim community (ummah) to uphold God’s laws. Individual rights are balanced with communal obligations, reflecting a holistic approach to social harmony and moral order (Quran 5:48). Sharia includes specific roles and rights for men and women, which can result in different legal treatments, such as in inheritance laws and court testimonies. Religious minorities have distinct statuses and rights under Sharia, often with varying degrees of autonomy and protection (Hassan, 2008).

Zakat, a form of almsgiving, is a pillar of Islam that mandates Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. This practice underscores the communal responsibility to support and care for the less fortunate, reflecting the collective focus of Sharia and the balance between individual rights and communal duties (Esposito, 2005).

Role of the State and Religion

Evangelicals generally advocate for the separation of church and state, allowing for religious freedom and preventing the imposition of religious beliefs through government (Mark 12:17). They view the kingdom of God as a spiritual realm advanced through evangelism and personal transformation rather than through political power (John 18:36). This perspective promotes a distinction between religious and secular authorities, ensuring that faith remains a matter of personal conviction and community life (Grudem, 2010).

This can be seen in the United States, where many evangelicals support the First Amendment, which guarantees the free exercise of religion while prohibiting the establishment of a state religion. This separation is intended to protect religious liberty and democratic governance, reflecting evangelical principles of individual freedom and spiritual focus (Noll, 2005).

In contrast, Sharia law often involves the integration of religious and political authority, with Islamic principles guiding government policies and laws (Quran 5:44-50). In many Muslim-majority contexts, Islamic law influences or directly controls legal and political systems, affecting laws related to personal status, criminal justice, and public behavior. This integration reflects a theocratic approach where religious and state functions are closely intertwined, aiming to create a society that lives following divine commandments (Hallaq, 2009).

Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran provide clear examples of this integration, where Sharia law is a significant source of legislation. These countries implement laws based on Islamic principles, affecting various aspects of daily life, from dress codes to business practices. This highlights the deep entwinement of religion and state in guiding societal norms and legal frameworks (Esposito, 2005).

Conclusion

The differences between a gospel-centered evangelical perspective and Islamic Sharia law are profound, rooted in divergent understandings of scripture, salvation, human dignity, and the role of religion in public life. Evangelicals emphasize the grace of God through Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and individual freedom. In contrast, Sharia law focuses on adherence to a comprehensive legal system derived from the Quran and Hadith, balancing individual rights with communal responsibilities. These fundamental differences highlight these two worldviews' distinct paths for understanding God, humanity, and society. Through their unique practices and beliefs, both perspectives provide rich, contrasting approaches to faith, ethics, and community life.

References

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Esposito, J. L. (2005). Islam: The Straight Path (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Grudem, W. (2010). Politics According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture. Zondervan.

Hallaq, W. B. (2009). An Introduction to Islamic Law. Cambridge University Press.

Hassan, R. (2008). Inside Muslim Minds. Melbourne University Publishing.

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Kamali, M. H. (2008). Shari’ah Law: An Introduction. Oneworld Publications.

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Yancey, P. (2000). The Bible Jesus Read. Zondervan.