A Review of The Truth About Islam: The Noble Qur’an’s Teachings in Light of the Holy Bible

Increasingly, we seem to hear in the public sector that all religions lead to God. We are told that there is no real difference between Christianity and Islam. In this aptly titled book, the authors, Anees Zaka and Diane Coleman, acquaint the reader with the truth about Islam. Throughout the text, they take passages in the Koran and compare them with relevant Scripture verses. This approach allows the reader to examine the teachings of each rather than accepting someone else’s interpretation.

Zaka and Coleman’s chapters focus on essential topics such as “Jesus Christ,” “Muhammad,” the “Godhead,” and “Law and Grace” in daily life. They write with a knowledge of the Bible and the Koran but with a commitment to Biblical truth and the inspiration of the Biblical text.

In the opening chapter on “Truth” they examine truth in light of the two books. They clearly, but compassionately, point out that Allah is not a god who enters into a personal relationship with people. Instead the individual must submit to the teachings that Allah is “God” and that he has revealed himself to man through his prophet Muhammad. Islam does not provide truth that is redemptive. Repetitive behaviors reinforced by peer pressure form the basis of devotional life. The authors then turn to Scripture and establish the basic tenets that make Christianity distinctive. Christianity teaches the truth that God enters into a relationship with man and that relationship is brought into existence through Christ’s finished work. The Godhead already had an eternal relationship within the Trinity. From the first chapter the truth is clearly shown that there is a great chasm separating the teachings of Scripture from that of the Koran. Various other subjects are compared with the same result. There is a great difference between the two religions.

The numerous comparative tables the authors compiled from their research are an asset to this volume. For example, the first table brings together summary statements that describe Islam according to the internal testimony of the Koran. The reference for each statement is provided so that individuals may take the Koran and quickly find the statement. Subsequently, there is a table containing Biblical teaching. Scripture references for each subject are provided. Other helpful tables compare and contrast such subjects as Christ’s person and nature, the attributes of Allah, and the characteristics of God and Law.

These tables draw together, in concise fashion, each book’s teaching on important topics. Additionally, they provide a valuable resource for Christians to use in witnessing to those of the Muslim faith. Every reader can see what the Koran and the Bible teach.

The last chapter concentrates on how to communicate the gospel to Muslims. Stress is placed on the importance of the daily living out of one’s saving relationship with the triune God. One of the final tables provides guidelines on how to develop genuine relationships with Muslims. Those who have the opportunity to develop these relationships (and it’s becoming more and more common in our country) should find this table invaluable.

The writers constantly exhibit a compassion for Muslims. This compassion has motivated them to pen an accurate, well-written book that conveys the truth of Koranic teaching and of Biblical teaching. Readers will easily see that the truth of Islam is quite different from Biblical truth. The two are not just variations of the same route to God. This work can be given to those serious about studying the subject. God willing, this volume will have wide circulation and readership, and bear much spiritual fruit.