Jesus and Muhammad

Jesus and Muhammad are both the greatest influential people known to humankind. They lived over two millenniums ago. However, their teachings are still taught to this day by thousands of people all over the world. The lives of these two exceptional men vary tremendously. However, both men have built a foundation in which all humankind can strive to become. They are both well respected in their relevant religion. Jesus is the founder of the Christian religion. God referred to as Allah is the basis of Islam. However, Muhammad plays a significant role in the Islam religion. There are four vital aspects of Jesus and Muhammad's life. First is the story of their lives; secondly is the impact of their death on their respective religion; thirdly are the methods in which each prophet was and is worshipped; and lastly is how their messages are being carried out today.

The story of Jesus and Muhammad's life

Jesus' life is recorded in the New Testaments. According to Gospels, before Jesus' birth his mother Mary was visited by an angel announcing that Mary will give birth to the Son of God. She was instructed to name her son Jesus meaning "God Saves". Jesus was born in approximately 4 CE at Galilee. His mother Mary is believed to have been "...A virgin when she conceived him by the Holy Spirit; her husband was Joseph, a carpenter from Bethlehem" (Mary Fisher, 2005, p. 288). Shortly after his birth Jesus was visited by Magi with gifts. The gospels do not acknowledge Jesus' childhood. However, in the book of Luke it records that Jesus, at the age of 12, was found in the Temple at Jerusalem by his parents in a profound discussion with rabbis about the Torah. People were astonished by Jesus' knowledge and sayings of the Torah. The gospels also do not record Jesus' life during his early adulthood. In 26 CE Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. By 28 CE Jesus gathered 12 disciples (Biblenet.com, 1996-2001). During Jesus' ministry Jesus is documented to have worked miracles. Jesus is "...Said to have performed many miracles, such as turning water into wine, healing the sick, restoring the dead to life, walking on water, casting devils out of the possessed, and turning a few loaves and fish into enough food for thousands, with copious leftovers" (Mary Fisher, 2005, p. 291). Jesus lived by and taught far-reaching ethics. His most stressed teaching was love. In approximately 27 to 33 CE Jesus was crucified by the Roman Empire and was resurrected three days later.

Muhammad's life is recorded in the Hadith. The Hadith is a text documenting the life and teachings of Muhammad. Muhammad, meaning "the praised one", was born in 570 CE. Muhammad was the only child of Abd Allah bin Al-Muttalib and Amina bint Wahb. His father, Abd Allah, died before Muhammad's birth. In 575 CE Muhammad's mother became ill and died. Muhammad was left in the care of his grandfather. After the death of his grandfather in 578 CE Muhammad was left in the care of his uncle, Abu Talib. Muhammad worked as a shepherd in his uncle's care. In 595 CE Muhammad married a wealthy Meccan merchant named, Medina. In 610, Muhammad began to receive revelations from God. In 613, Muhammad finally grew the courage to announce his revelations to the public (PBS Program, 2002). However, the Qurayshites, the aristocrats of his tribe, were displeased with his teachings. The Qurayshites demeaned, threatened, and banned Muhammad and his followers from Mecca for three years. When he returned his wife and uncle died, and Muhammad's prosecution increased. In 622 CE, Muhammad led a migration of a few hundred followers to Yathrib. Yathrid was soon renamed, al-Medina, "The City of the Prophet". From 625-628 CE war ravaged between Medina and Mecca. Muhammad and his followers were victorious, "According to the Qur'anic revelations, God had sent thousands of angels to help Muhammad furthermore" (Mary Fisher, 2005, p.368). Soon after the triumph numerous Meccans converted to Islam. Muhammad is said to have had "...Showed his unusual gentleness by forgiving those who had been his opponents" (Mary Fisher, 2005, p.368). In 632 CE Muhammad died in Medina.

The Impact of Jesus and Muhammad's death on their respective religion

Jesus was said to have known his death was near. During his final proceedings, "At the last supper, a meal during the Passover season, he is said to have given them [his disciples] instructions for a ceremony with bread and wine to be preformed thenceforth to maintain an ongoing communion with him" (Mary Fisher, 2005, p. 299). Jesus' death was torturous. He was crucified on the cross with a crown of thorns. He hung for hours before he died. Jesus' death is believed to have been for the salvation of all humankind. He died for the sins of all people. He showed courage and was not afraid to die. After Jesus' death he was resurrected. Jesus gave his followers renewed faith that almost died with him. His followers became increasingly more faithful and determined to spread the word of God. His followers firmly believed he was the Son of God.

Muhammad died from an illness in Medina. Muhammad led an extraordinary life. All who met him did not forget him. Those who met Muhammad, "...Remarked on his touching physical beauty, his nobility of character, the fragrance of his presence, his humility, and his kindness" (Mary Fisher, 2005, p.369). The life Muhammad lived was not forgotten. According to Mary Fisher, "Many stories are told of his affectionate compassion toward animals, children, women, widows, and orphans, contrary to prevailing customs" (2005, p.369). The revelations Muhammad received were collected and called the Qur'an. The Qur'an is the vital foundation of Islam.

The methods in which each prophet was and is worshipped

Jesus was worshipped in various methods throughout history and in modern day. Christianity is one of the largest religious movements in the world. Movements throughout the world have happen for the good of humankind as well as for the worst. Movements of Christianity have lead people into caring for the unfortunate by developing organizations to help the poor. Movements of Christianity have also lead terror throughout the world with corrupt governments ruling their people unjustly. Although, history has marked some positive and some negative events for Christianity-Christianity is still prospering today in numerous societies throughout the entire world. People are still commemorating Jesus' birthday on Christmas; Jesus' death and resurrection on Easter; Jesus' enlightenment on Pentecost; Jesus' "Supernatural radiance" on Transfiguration; and Jesus' mother on Assumption. Christians also still ritually participate in baptisms, sacraments and days of worship. Christians also still strive to love God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit whole heartedly.

Islam is also one of the largest religious movements in the world. Islam has also experienced negative movements as well as some positive movements. Islam has been used by corrupt governments to make their people obedient. Islam has caused numerous suicide bombings killing numerous innocent people in the name of Jihad. However, Islam is also changing the ways of some governments by giving women equal rights in a male dominate society; making people except the ways of other religious practices; and Islam is fighting for all earth's inhabitants to live in a harmonious world. In modern day followers of Islam are continuing to pray. Followers are still giving a set percentage of their annual income to the poor. Islamic believers are continuing to fast ritually on Ramadan. Followers are also currently maintaining the migration to Mecca. Followers still strongly believe in worshiping only one God, Allah. Believers also still desire to love Allah purely and endeavor to be by his side once more.

Jesus and Muhammad's teachings today

Today throughout the entire world there are numerous sects of Christianity which are founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Each sect of Christianity is diverse in the teachings and understanding of Jesus' words. There are numerous places of worship that differ in the teachings and comprehension of Jesus' words. Furthermore Islam has several sects of religions. However, Islam does not have nearly as many sects of religions as Christianity. Islam also has numerous places of worship throughout the entire world that varies in the teaching and understanding of Muhammad's words. Although, the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad are diverse and both religions have numerous sects their words give various people around the world faith and a reason to wake up each day. Amid the confusion and controversy lays hope-hope that there is more to life beyond all our knowledge.

References

Bible.net. (1996-2001). The Life of Christ- A Timeline. Retrieved July 21, 2007 from

http://www.biblenet.net/library/study/timeline.html

Fisher, M. (2005). Living Religions, Sixth Edition. Prentice-Hall: Pearson Education, Inc.

PBS Program. (2002). Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet. Retrieved July 21, 2007 from

http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/timeline_html.shtml