Short answer
Not as a law for ordinary life. In the Sermon on the Mount, as Matthew records it, Jesus says to turn the other cheek and to give to everyone who asks. He says that marrying a divorced woman is adultery, and he tells his followers to sell what they have. Muslims honour Jesus as a true prophet, and measure these words, as written, by the Qur'an. In practice, every Christian country has courts, police and banks. The largest churches teach that self-defence is lawful and that Christians may own property. Islam gives a law that people can keep. It asks for a fixed share of wealth, praises honest trade and allows fair justice while praising forgiveness. It also allows divorce and remarriage. The Qur'an says God (﷾) burdens no soul beyond what it can bear.
Full explanation
The commands about harm and the law
Muslims do not blame Jesus for these commands. He was sent to Israel for his own time, and Muslims measure the Gospels' record of him by the Qur'an. The question here is whether a society could live by these words as written. As Matthew records it, Jesus quotes the law's "eye for an eye" and then commands: resist not evil, and turn the other cheek. If a man sues you for your coat, give him your cloak too. If someone forces you to go a mile, go two. A society run by these words would have no courts to punish violence. It would have no way to defend a victim's rights, because the wronged party is told to give more. No Christian state has ever tried.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
“And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.”
“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
“"And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): "'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe;”
“To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah hath revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that hath come to thee. To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute;”
The commands about money
Jesus says to give to anyone who asks, and not to turn away someone who wants to borrow. In Luke he also says not to ask for your goods back from someone who takes them. He forbids storing up treasure on earth. He told a rich man to sell everything and give it to the poor. Then he told his disciples that a camel would go through the eye of a needle more easily than a rich man would enter God's (﷾) kingdom. In Luke the command is given to the disciples in general: sell what you have, and give to the poor. A person who kept all of these could not keep a house or any savings, or feed a family next year.
“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
“Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.”
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”
“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
“Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.”
The command about divorce
In the Sermon, Jesus says that whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The Catholic Church still holds to this. It teaches that a divorced person who marries again lives in public and permanent adultery. Most other churches now marry divorced people, and every Western country allows it.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Calls divorce a grave offence against the natural law, and says that a divorced person who contracts a new union, even one recognised by civil law, is in a situation of public and permanent adultery.
What the churches did with these commands
Even in Acts, the first believers in Jerusalem sold their goods and held all things in common. Yet Peter told Ananias that his land had been his own to keep. Paul's letters say that anyone who will not work should not eat. They also say that a man who does not provide for his own household has denied the faith. The churches that followed wrote this into their teaching. The Church of England's Articles of Religion, its statement of belief, declare that Christians' goods are not held in common. They say this against the Anabaptists, a group of sixteenth-century Protestants. The Articles also allow Christians to bear weapons and serve in wars at the magistrate's command. The Catholic Catechism, the Church's official teaching book, says self-defence is lawful. It adds that defending others can be a grave duty for those responsible for them. Apart from those first believers in Jerusalem, a few have tried to live this way. They include monks under vows and small communities that hold goods in common. They did it by stepping outside ordinary society.
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”
“Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Declares that the riches and goods of Christians are not held in common, as to right, title and possession, against the claim of certain Anabaptists, while every man ought to give alms to the poor liberally, according to his ability.
On the civil magistrates: the laws of the realm may punish Christians with death for heinous crimes, and it is lawful for Christians, at the command of the magistrate, to bear weapons and serve in wars.
Teaches that legitimate defence of persons and societies is lawful, that it is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life, and that for someone responsible for the lives of others it can be a grave duty, including for those who hold lawful authority.
Distinguishes the precepts of the New Law, which bind every Christian, from the evangelical counsels, which remove whatever might hinder charity; the counsels, such as poverty, are proposed to every disciple but are professed as a way of life by those in consecrated life.
How Christians read the Sermon
Christians answer all this in several ways. The Sermon ends its teaching on enemies with a call to be perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect. The Catholic Church treats giving up all possessions as a counsel: advice offered to every disciple, which monks and nuns take as a vow. It is not a precept, which would bind everyone. Martin Luther, the sixteenth-century German reformer, taught that a Christian should suffer wrong done to himself. He may still bear the sword as a ruler, judge or soldier to protect others.
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Distinguishes the precepts of the New Law, which bind every Christian, from the evangelical counsels, which remove whatever might hinder charity; the counsels, such as poverty, are proposed to every disciple but are professed as a way of life by those in consecrated life.
Luther teaches that a Christian should suffer wrong done to himself without resisting, yet may and should bear the sword as a ruler, judge or soldier to protect others. On this reading the Sermon's commands govern private life, not the courts or the state.
Charity with a measure
The Qur'an forbids both extremes. It says not to tie your hand to your neck or stretch it out to its utmost, or you will end up blamed and destitute. The believers are those who spend without waste and without meanness, keeping a just balance. When asked how much to give, the answer was what is beyond your needs. The Prophet (ﷺ) would not let Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, a Companion, leave all his property to charity, or even half. He allowed a third at most, since it is better to leave your heirs rich than begging. The obligatory charity, zakat, is a fixed share: on silver, one-fortieth, with nothing due below a set amount. The Qur'an names who receives it.
“Make not thy hand tied (like a niggard's) to thy neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that thou become blameworthy and destitute.”
“Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);”
“They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: "What is beyond your needs." Thus doth Allah Make clear to you His Signs: In order that ye may consider-”
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, ill in Mecca, asked the Prophet (ﷺ) whether he might leave all his property to charity. The Prophet said no, and no to half, and allowed a third, adding that even a third is a lot: it is better to leave your heirs rich than poor and begging from people, and even the food a man puts in his wife's mouth is charity.
Anas reports the written rules of zakah that Abu Bakr sent with him to Bahrain, as the Prophet (ﷺ) had laid them down. They set the amounts due on camels and sheep, and for silver one-fortieth (2.5%), with nothing due if a man has only a hundred and ninety dirhams.
“Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.”
Earning and property are good
The Qur'an tells believers, once Friday prayer is over, to go out through the land and seek the bounty of Allah (﷾). It permits trade and forbids usury, and forbids taking one another's property unjustly. The Prophet (ﷺ) said no one eats better food than what he earns by his own work. He also said that the prophet David lived from his own labour. He said too that a person killed defending his property is a martyr. Islam does not ask a believer to let his goods go to whoever takes them.
“And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.”
“Those who devour usury will not stand except as stand one whom the Evil one by his touch Hath driven to madness. That is because they say: "Trade is like usury," but Allah hath permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (The offence) are companions of the Fire: They will abide therein (for ever).”
“O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: But let there be amongst you Traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful!”
Al-Miqdam reports that the Prophet (ﷺ) said no one has ever eaten better food than what he earned by the work of his own hands, and that the prophet David used to eat from what he earned by his own labour.
Abdullah ibn Amr reports that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say that whoever is killed while defending his property is a martyr.
Justice, with forgiveness as the better way
The Qur'an confirms the Torah's law of equal retaliation. It gives the wronged person a right to a fair and equal answer, and no more. Then it praises the one who gives up that right. Whoever forgives and makes peace has his reward with Allah (﷾), and patience is the best course. Forgiveness is a virtue freely chosen, not a law that leaves victims with no remedy.
“We ordained therein for them: "Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal." But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (No better than) wrong-doers.”
“O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, this is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.”
“The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong.”
“And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.”
Divorce and remarriage allowed
The Qur'an allows divorce and sets out how it is done with kindness. It also forbids anyone to stop a divorced woman from marrying her former husband again, when both agree on fair terms. No one who remarries under these rules is called an adulterer.
“A divorce is only permissible twice: after that, the parties should either hold Together on equitable terms, or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (Men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If ye (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them if any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, such persons wrong (Themselves as well as others).”
“When ye divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their ('Iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course Making for) most virtue and purity amongst you and Allah knows, and ye know not.”
A law people can keep
The Qur'an says God (﷾) places on no soul a burden greater than it can bear. It also says He has laid no hardship on believers in religion. This is why a whole community can keep Islamic law, rich and poor, in private life and in its courts.
“On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."”
“And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help!”
Verse by verse
Matthew 5:38-39 — Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 38-39
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Cited for
Turning the other cheek is about a personal insult, a slap, and about giving up private revenge. It does not forbid courts, police or self-defence.
The response
Then the words are not being kept as they stand. Matthew does not limit the command to insults. It places it straight after "an eye for an eye", which in the Torah is a rule for judges, and then says "resist not evil". The Qur'an keeps both halves in their place: a fair legal remedy for the wronged, and forgiveness as a free choice that God (﷾) rewards.
Where it lands — Christians keep this command only by narrowing it. Islam states the balance in the text itself.
Mark 10:21 — Gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verse 21
“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”
Cited for
The command to sell everything was for one rich man whose wealth held him back. It is not a rule for all Christians.
The response
Jesus turns straight to his disciples and speaks of the rich in general: a camel will pass through the eye of a needle more easily. In Luke the command is given to the disciples as a group: sell that ye have, and give alms. It is not only one man's test.
Where it lands — The Gospels widen the command beyond one man, and the churches still do not keep it.
Matthew 6:19-20 — Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 19-20
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
Cited for
Jesus forbids making wealth your treasure, not saving money. The point is where the heart is.
The response
Jesus does go on to speak of the heart: 'where your treasure is, there will your heart be also'. But the command itself is 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth'. It forbids the storing, not only the love of it. The Qur'an says the balance openly: spend without waste and without meanness, and give what is beyond your needs.
Where it lands — Islam says plainly what Christians must explain these words to mean.
Perspectives
Mainstream Christian
The Sermon on the Mount shows the perfect love of God's kingdom. Christians read some of its commands as counsels, which monks and nuns take as a vow. They read others as rules for private life, not for courts or states.
Jesus calls his hearers to be perfect, as their Father in heaven is perfect. Christians read this as setting out the ideal of the kingdom.
Rebuttal
An ideal can inspire. But as Matthew records them, these are commands, not pictures: do not resist evil, give to anyone who asks. A law no society can keep is not what God (﷾) asks, since He burdens no soul beyond what it can bear.
The Catholic Church treats giving up all possessions as a counsel: advice for those who give their whole lives to God, such as monks and nuns. It is not a rule for every Christian.
Rebuttal
That is how the Catholic Church reads it. But in Mark, Jesus turns to his disciples and speaks of the rich in general, not only the one man. In Luke the command is given to the disciples as a group.
Luther taught that not resisting is about how a Christian bears wrongs done to himself. Rulers, judges and soldiers may use force to protect others.
Rebuttal
This is a sensible rule, but it is Luther's rule, not Matthew's words. Matthew places the command straight after the law's eye for an eye, the rule for fair redress. The Qur'an keeps both a fair remedy and forgiveness as a free choice.
The Islamic perspective
Jesus was a true prophet who confirmed the Law of Moses. Muslims hold that the New Testament Gospels, as we have them, were shaped by human hands, and they measure them by the Qur'an. Whatever Jesus taught Israel in his time, a command that no society can keep is not God's (﷾) law for everyone. The final law, brought by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is balanced. Every person and every society can live by it.
Jesus commands turning the other cheek, giving more than a lawsuit takes and going the second mile.
Jesus commands giving to all who ask. He also commands not asking for goods back from one who takes them, not storing treasure on earth and selling possessions to give alms.
Jesus tells his disciples a saying about a camel. It will go through the eye of a needle more easily than a rich man will enter the kingdom of God (﷾).
The New Testament letters require work and provision for one's household. Even in Acts, where the first believers held all things in common, Peter says Ananias's land was his own to keep.
The main churches teach that Christians may own property, bear arms at the magistrate's command and defend themselves.
The Qur'an forbids both meanness and giving away so much that you have nothing left. And the Prophet (ﷺ) limited what a person may leave to charity in a will to a third.
Islam gives a fair and equal legal remedy for wrongs and praises forgiveness as the better choice.
Islam honours lawful earning and allows a person to defend his property.
The Qur'an teaches that God (﷾) places no burden on a soul greater than it can bear.