“Muslims and Christians worship different gods.”
Short answer
Both traditions worship the God of Abraham — the same figure central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The real disagreement is theological: how that God's nature is described, not which God is being referred to.
This myth usually stems from the unfamiliar sound of the word “Allah” to non-Arabic speakers, combined with real theological differences between Islam and Christianity. But “Allah” simply means “God” in Arabic, used by Arab Christians and Jews as well as Muslims — see our full explanation on Who Is Allah?
Both Islam and Christianity trace their monotheism to the God of Abraham, and the Qur’an explicitly instructs Muslims to say to Jews and Christians, “Our God and your God is one” (29:46). Where Islam and Christianity genuinely diverge is theological — how God’s nature is described (the Trinity, for instance) — not over which deity is being worshipped in the first place.
Related Questions
Still have a question?
No question is too difficult, and no name is required. Ask privately and get a thoughtful, sourced answer.