We at Islam: My Ultimate Decisions have been sharing views and response to many a misunderstandings about Islam. mostly by people who have either not read what Islam really is and what is contained in Al Qur'an, the fourth and final Divine Scripture of One True God, Muslims call Allah. Many such readers of our posts leave footprints full of hatred based on their shallow understanding of Al Qur'an and Islam. Such claims are also made in many other websites downplaying Islam and feeding misinformation among their ranks to create hatred about Islam so that they distance from Muslims.
[Read: The Rebuttal - our previous posts in response to misinformation about Islam]
Communism and Islam, both religions of Satan, are major obstacles to the preaching of the Gospel
Today we take yet another accusation on Islam, which stems from misinformation or lack of knowledge about Islam. The statement “Communism and Islam, both religions of Satan, are major obstacles to the preaching of the Gospel” deserves a firm, reasoned response—not an equally offensive counterattack.
As can be seen that the accusation is flawed on two fundamental grounds.
- First, communism is principally a political and socioeconomic ideology, whereas Islam is a monotheistic religion.
- Second, the Qur’an expressly identifies Satan as humanity's enemy (35:6), honours Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) as a messenger of Allah (4:171), and acknowledges the original Gospel revealed to him as containing guidance and light (5:46).
This article takes the accusation seriously, answers it through Islamic teachings and distinguishes legitimate theological differences from religious hostility.
Why disagreement over the Gospel must not become hatred towards another faith
Religion should encourage humanity to seek truth, develop moral character, uphold justice and recognise the dignity of fellow human beings. Yet religious discussions sometimes descend into sweeping accusations that create hostility rather than understanding. And this hatred often results one-sidedly by burning copies of Qur'an or publishing caricatures to defame Islam. On the contrary there has never been a negative response by Muslims reciprocating same hatful; actions.
Consider the assertion: “Communism and Islam, both religions of Satan, are major obstacles to the preaching of the Gospel.”
Such a statement raises serious questions:
- On what religious or historical evidence is Islam declared a religion of Satan?
- Does disagreement with Christian theology automatically make a religion satanic?
- And does Islam actually teach hostility towards Jesus Christ, the Gospel or Christians?
This article will try put across a responsible response must be based on the authentic teachings of Islam rather than the emotions of those offended by the accusation. Islam certainly differs from Christianity on fundamental theological matters, but theological disagreement is not proof of allegiance to Satan. The Qur’an itself provides ample evidence to challenge this charge.
1. Islam and Communism Are Not the Same Thing
The first weakness in the accusation is the attempt to place Islam and communism in the same religious category.
- Communism is primarily a political and socioeconomic ideology concerned with ownership, class relations and the organisation of society. Marxist communism has historically been associated with materialism and criticism of religion.
- Islam, by contrast, is founded upon belief in the existence and absolute Oneness of Allah, divine revelation, prophethood, accountability in the Hereafter and moral responsibility.
Islam commands prayer, charity, fasting, honesty, justice and compassion. Its worldview is fundamentally spiritual as well as social. While one may critically examine communist political systems and one may disagree with Islamic theology. However, placing the two under the same label without distinguishing their foundations is neither careful reasoning nor sound religious scholarship.
2. The Qur’an Declares Satan an Enemy, Not an Object of Worship
Perhaps the clearest response comes directly from Allah's words in the Qur’an (Surah Fāṭir 35:6).
إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا “Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy.”
This is not an isolated teaching. Throughout the Qur’an, Satan is presented as the deceiver of humanity, the enemy of moral goodness and the one who seeks to lead people away from Allah. In fact, the Qur’an repeatedly warns believers against following Satan's footsteps and yielding to his temptations. How, then, can a religion whose revealed scripture openly commands opposition to Satan be described as a religion devoted to him?
A Christian may reject the Qur’an as divine revelation, just as a Muslim rejects certain Christian theological doctrines. But that disagreement should be acknowledged rather than replaced with a description that fundamentally misrepresents what Muslims believe.
3. Islam Honours Jesus Christ and Acknowledges the Gospel
There is an even more striking contradiction in the accusation. Islam does not preach hatred towards Jesus Christ. On the contrary, belief in Jesus (ʿĪsā, peace be upon him) as a messenger of Allah is an essential element of Islamic faith.
The Qur’an declares in Surah An-Nisā’ 4:171:
إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ “The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was a messenger of Allah.”
Muslims believe in the miraculous birth of Jesus, honour his mother Maryam, acknowledge his miracles by Allah's permission, and revere him as one of Allah's great messengers.
The Qur’an goes further (Surah Al-Mā’idah 5:46):
وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْإِنجِيلَ فِيهِ هُدًى وَنُورٌ “And We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.”
This remarkable verse acknowledges the divine origin of the Injīl (The Gospel), the revelation given to Jesus according to Islamic belief.
There is, of course, an important theological distinction: Christians generally understand the Gospel through the person, death and resurrection of Jesus as presented in the New Testament. Muslims understand the original Injīl as revelation given by Allah to Jesus and regard the Qur’an as the final divine criterion.
The two traditions therefore differ fundamentally on the Trinity, the divine sonship of Christ, salvation and the status of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These differences must not be concealed. But neither should they obscure the fact that Islam reveres Jesus and affirms his prophetic mission.
A faith that honours Jesus as a messenger of God cannot fairly be described as teaching contempt for Jesus merely because it disagrees with Christian doctrines about his nature.
4. The Qur’an Commands Respectful Dialogue with Christians
If Islam were inherently hostile towards Christians, what would we expect its scripture to teach? Instead, we find this remarkable instruction in Surah Al-‘Ankabūt 29:46:
وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ
“Do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best.”
The verse includes an exception concerning those who act unjustly, but its general instruction establishes the importance of respectful religious discussion.
Similarly, Allah addresses the People of the Book in Surah Āl ‘Imrān 3:64, inviting them towards a common foundation of worshipping Allah alone. This invitation is theological, not a declaration that Islam and Christianity have identical beliefs.
Nevertheless, its manner is significant. It begins by presenting a principle for discussion rather than branding an entire religious community evil. The Qur’anic approach is to explain beliefs, provide reasons and invite reflection. Religious disagreement should be answered with arguments, evidence and good conduct—not by demonizing those who hold different convictions.
5. Does Islam Forbid Christians from Practicing Their Faith?
An especially meaningful verse is found in Surah Al-Ḥajj 22:40. The Qur’an refers to monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, explaining that without Allah's checking of aggression through some people against others, such places of worship would have been destroyed.
The verse occurs in the context of persecution and the defence of people unjustly expelled from their homes because of their faith. Its significance should not be overlooked: the Qur’an names Christian and Jewish places of worship alongside mosques when describing the importance of protecting places where Allah is remembered.
This does not mean that every Muslim government in history has treated religious minorities justly, nor does this verse alone resolve every modern question concerning religious freedom and evangelism. Indeed, Muslim societies, like other societies, must be judged both by their professed teachings and by their actual treatment of people.
Nevertheless, the Qur’anic principle challenges the claim that Islam is inherently devoted to destroying Christian religious life.
6. Faith Cannot Be Imposed Through Coercion
One of the Qur’an's most widely recognised teachings is given in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256:
لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ “There is no compulsion in religion.”
Classical scholars have differed over aspects of the verse's legal scope and application. Its fundamental teaching nevertheless recognises that genuine religious conviction cannot simply be manufactured through force.
Another important declaration appears in Surah Al-Kāfirūn 109:6:
لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِيَ دِينِ “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.”
Here, Islam does not compromise its theological identity, but it distinctly rejects the idea that differing beliefs must be blended into one religion. A Christian may proclaim Christian beliefs; a Muslim may explain Islamic beliefs. Each should be prepared to have those beliefs examined and questioned.
The ethical principle is reciprocal: Muslims should not demand respect for their own religious convictions while denying Christians the dignity they expect for themselves. Equally, freedom to explain one's faith should not be confused with a license to insult, threaten or coerce others.
7. Even Hostility Must Not Make a Muslim Unjust
Perhaps the most powerful response to the original accusation is found in Surah Al-Mā’idah 5:8.
وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
“Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”
This is an extraordinary moral demand. Allah does not merely command Muslims to be just towards those who appreciate and respect them. He warns believers not to let hostility towards another group become an excuse for injustice. There are more verses on the same theme given herein under:
- Surah Al-Mumtaḥanah 60:8 similarly permits and encourages kindness and fairness towards those who have not fought Muslims over their religion or expelled them from their homes.
- And Surah Al-An‘ām 6:108 even forbids Muslims from insulting the objects of worship of others, lest such insults provoke retaliatory abuse against Allah.
If Muslims are prohibited from insulting what others worship, how much more carefully should religious leaders consider accusations that condemn millions of human beings as followers of Satan?
The Qur’an does not ask Muslims to abandon their convictions. It asks them to preserve justice while defending those convictions.
8. What Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Teach About Religious Conduct?
The authentic Sunnah reinforces these Qur’anic principles. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or remain silent. — Sahih al-Bukhari 6018
He also taught: “Gentleness is not found in anything but that it adds to its beauty.” — Sahih Muslim 2594a
In another particularly serious warning, the Prophet ﷺ condemned the killing of a non-Muslim who had a covenant of protection with Muslims. (Sahih al-Bukhari 3166)
These narrations establish that religious devotion does not excuse verbal recklessness, cruelty or injustice. The Prophet's teachings link religious commitment with responsibility towards other human beings. A Muslim's response to an offensive religious accusation should therefore demonstrate the ethical standards that the accusation seeks to deny.
9. Are Islam and Christianity Rivals in Preaching?
Islam and Christianity both make substantial truth claims and seek to share their respective understandings of divine guidance.
- Christian evangelism generally calls people towards faith in Jesus Christ as understood in Christian theology.
- Islamic Da'wah calls people towards the worship of Allah alone and acceptance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as His final messenger.
The two religions disagree on important questions. There is no benefit in pretending otherwise. However, the existence of competing religious claims does not establish that either community must be inherently wicked.
For Muslims, Da'wah is governed by a specific divine command as given in Surah An-Naḥl 16:125:
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction.”
The verse continues by commanding discussion in the best manner. Therefore, a Muslim should be able to explain Islamic beliefs about Allah, Jesus, revelation and salvation without mocking Christianity. And a Christian should be able to explain Christian beliefs without portraying every Muslim as a servant of Satan.
The existence of Islam may present a theological challenge to Christian evangelism, just as Christian theology challenges Islamic teachings. But a theological challenge is not evidence of moral evil.
10. A Question Worth Asking Those Who Make Such Accusations
Before declaring Islam a religion of Satan, would it not be more reasonable to examine what Islam actually teaches?
- Does Satan command humanity to worship Allah alone?
- Does he command justice even towards one's opponents?
- Does he encourage charity to the poor, kindness towards parents, honesty in business, compassion towards neighbours and protection of human dignity?
The Qur’an commands all these things.
To be clear, these moral teachings do not, by themselves, prove every theological claim of Islam. The truth of religious doctrines must be examined on their own evidence. But they do demonstrate why the sweeping description of Islam as a religion devoted to Satan is intellectually inadequate and deeply misleading. It replaces examination of beliefs with a hostile label.
There is a difference between saying, “I believe Islam's theological claims are mistaken,” and saying, “Islam is a religion of Satan.”
The first is a theological position that can be discussed. The second is a condemnation that requires extraordinary justification and does little to advance understanding.
Conclusion: Let Truth Be Defended with Truth, Not Hatred
Islam does not ask Christians to abandon their beliefs without reflection, nor does it require Muslims to surrender their own convictions in pursuit of superficial religious agreement. It invites human beings to consider revelation, reflect upon creation, examine evidence and make responsible moral choices.
The Qur’an recognises Jesus Christ as a messenger of Allah, acknowledges the original Gospel as divine guidance, commands justice towards those of other faiths, and warns Muslims against religious insults.
None of this eliminates the genuine theological differences between Islam and Christianity. But it demands that such differences be discussed honestly. An argument against Islam should be founded upon what Islam actually teaches—not what its opponents imagine it teaches.
A Muslim should never answer religious hostility by promoting hostility towards Christianity. Instead, the believer should demonstrate through knowledge, dignity, patience and good character the moral principles of the faith being criticized.
The Qur’an offers a fitting final instruction as given in Surah Fuṣṣilat 41:34
ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ “Repel evil with what is better.”
The strongest response to religious prejudice is not to return condemnation with condemnation, but to expose falsehood through evidence, uphold justice despite provocation, and allow the beauty of one's faith to become visible through one's character.
An effort has been made to provide a strong Qur'anic rebuttal to baseless claims equating Islam to communism and a religion of Satan - which Al Qur'an rejects throughout the Qur'an. Those still condemning Islam should carryout their own personal study of Qur'an to find the answer to these baseless allegations - and not acting on what is fed to them.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
References and Further Reading
1. Qur’anic references
- Fāṭir 35:6 — Satan as an enemy of humanity
- An-Nisā’ 4:171 — Jesus Christ as a messenger of Allah
- Al-Mā’idah 5:46 — The Injīl as guidance and light
- Al-‘Ankabūt 29:46 — Respectful dialogue with the People of the Book
- Āl ‘Imrān 3:64 — Invitation towards a common theological foundation
- Al-Ḥajj 22:40 — Reference to churches, monasteries, synagogues and mosques
- Al-Baqarah 2:256 — No compulsion in religion
- Al-Mā’idah 5:8 — Justice despite hostility
- Al-Mumtaḥanah 60:8 — Kindness and justice towards peaceful non-Muslims
- Al-An‘ām 6:108 — Prohibition of insulting others' objects of worship
- An-Naḥl 16:125 — Inviting others with wisdom
- Fuṣṣilat 41:34 — Repelling evil with what is better
2. Authentic Hadith
- Sahih al-Bukhari 6018 — Speaking good or remaining silent
- Sahih Muslim 2594a — The virtue of gentleness
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3166 — The sanctity of a protected non-Muslim's life
3. Additional background
- Archie Brown, Communism, in The Oxford Handbook of Political Ideologies (Oxford University Press, 2013), for the political and ideological classification of communism.
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