Jesus vs Mohammed: A Comparison

Throughout history, Christians and Muslims have argued over the validity of their religion. Both Muslims and Christians claim to come from Abraham's sons; but they don't agree on much from there. Most Christian's believe that Isaac was blessed by God, and Christ is God's son and our redeemer or savior. Yet, Muslims say Ishmael was blessed and Christ was a prophet not God's son or a redeemer. There have been numerous crusade and wars, which were started over whose religion is right or wrong. Many people have been slaughtered or executed, because of differences in their beliefs or the religion.

Who is Jesus?

Born into Poverty

Most scholars will agree that Jesus wasn't born on December 25^th, but they won't agree on exactly when he was born. However, most followers believe that he was born in Bethlehem of Jerusalem. His parent's traveled to the "city of David", in order to pay their taxes and his "virgin mother, Mary" (All about Jesus. org, 2006) went into labor. Once, they were denied shelter throughout the city, his parents were forced to rest in an animal stable. Then, Jesus was born that night and placed in a manger to sleep, instead of a crib. The family was visited by three wise men and some shepherds, who worshipped him as royalty.

His Teachings

Jesus and "his family fled to Egypt, after being warned by an angel" (All about Jesus.org, 2006) that King Herod wanted to kill the newborn. Once they returned to Jerusalem, he was found "teaching in the temple" (All about Jesus.org, 2006) at twelve years old. Before long, he had gathered "twelve disciples" Fisher, 2005) and many thousands of followers. He taught that his father was God and he performed miracles in front his followers and the believers. Also, Jesus taught everyone to love their neighbor, have faith and believe, for his father's kingdom is at hand. However, not many people believed in his teachings, which cause major conflicts among the many religious sects.

Death

At thirty-three years old, Jesus was beaten and mocked at a so called, "trial". He was crucified on a cross (All about Jesus.org, 2006), with two other guilty persons. After he died, his lifeless body was removed and placed in tomb that belonged to a rich man named, Joseph of Armithea. Three days later or on Passover, his tomb was found empty and his disciples believe that he rose again. According to Fisher (2005), Many Christians believe that Jesus is our savior and God's true son. But, some believe he is only "a prophet" (Fisher, 2005), not a redeemer that is due to return soon.

Who is Mohammed?

Birth in Makkah

Mohammed was also born poor and his family belonged to the tribe of Quraysh. Many historians say that he was born in the Arabian Dessert on "April 20, 571CE" (Rao, 2007). His name is said to mean, "Highly Praised" and he is considered by his followers to be a "great mind" (Rao 2007. His father died before he was born, so his mother and grandparents raised him. After they died, he was orphaned, which caused him to go live with his uncle. He was taught how to be a shepherd and worked for his uncle (Fisher, 2005). He travelled a lot with his uncle and met the wealthy widow named Khadijah, who he later married (Fisher, 2005).

Teachings

Mohammed is thought to be a descendant of the long line of prophets that God has sent to instruct humanity. At age 40, he believed that "an angel revealed a tablet written in heaven" (Zahoor & Haq, 1990), which is to tell the world about. He began writing the "Qur'an or Recital" (Zahoor & Haq, 1990) and converting people to his way of thinking. Mohammed believed the Ishmael was blessed by God and the Western religions changed the truth. According to Fisher (2005) He taught that Mecca is the holy place, not Jerusalem as the Christians and Jews believe. Not everyone believed him and it caused major conflict in his country and tribe.

Death

After his own tribe turned against him, his followers sought refuge in other countries that allowed freedom of religion. He married several women and continued teaching Islam, to anyone that would listen. Once his uncle died, he visited "Taij" (Zahoor & Haq, 1990) and he was rejected and mocked. Soon, his own tribe planned to kill him, but an angel warned him to flee and he fled to another country. Finally, after many revelations and wars, he died on June 8, 632CE (Rao, 2007) and he finally met his followers at the fountain.

What are their Beliefs?

Basic Beliefs

There are major differences in beliefs of the two religions, but they both teach us to love our neighbor. Also, they both teach us that we are to submit and follow, the one true God only. Both religions believe that faith is an important, in order to reach Paradise or Heaven, in either religion. However, Muslims say they have a duty to live and follow the righteous path. Most Christians believe that we can't get to Heaven, without believing that God sent Jesus as his son. But, according to the Muslims, Jesus was a prophet sent inform the world of the righteous path they should follow.

Daily Worship

Muslims are required to worship or pray in a certain way and read the Koran daily, if they are men. Most women are excluded from the rituals they perform; instead they tend to the home and the children. All Christian men and women are required to worship and believe in Jesus, in order to have an eternal life in heaven. Even children are encouraged to get saved and believe in Jesus' Resurrection on Passover. Over time, Dramatic differences, has caused major conflicts among the two religious groups.

The Sacred Texts

Most Christians believe that the "Old Testament" and "The New Testament" (Fisher, 2005) are divinely inspired religious texts. The two Testaments are merged in on book, which is known as the "Holy Bible" (Fisher, 2005). The Bible is uniquely observed as an "historical text" (Fisher, 2005) since it was written many thousands of years. However, Muslims believed that the Bible isn't historically correct or inspired by the one true God. According to Fisher (2005), Mohammed wrote a book called the Qur'an. All of his followers say that it is a "recital" of a "secret tablet in heaven" (Zahoor & Haq, 1990) that was revealed showed to him by God.

Conclusion

Both men are instrumental in their follower's lives, but each religion has its own way to believe. Throughout history this has caused major conflicts, between the two very different religions. Christians and Muslims have fought for centuries over, whose way is the correct way to follow. Many have died in the name of religion, yet battle lines have stayed clearly drawn, for both groups of believers. No one can honestly, say whether one side is true or not, that is where faith truly becomes important. They only way to stop the bloodshed, is to learn tolerance and respect for another person's religious beliefs.

References

All about Jesus.org (2006) Jesus Biography

Retrieved on the World Wide Web on May 5, 2007

http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/jesus-christ-biography-faq.htm

Fisher, M (2005) Living Religions, Sixth Edition

Published by Prentice-Hall; Copyrighted by Pearson Education Inc.

ISBN: 0-536-98811-0

Rao, R. (2007) Mohammed, the Prophet

Retrieved on the World Wide Web on May 5, 2006

http://muhammad.net/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=31

Zahoor & Haq (1990) Biography of Muhammad

Retrieved on the World Wide Web on May 5, 2007

http://www.cyberistan.org/islamic/muhammad.html