The Lives of Jesus and Muhammad

Jesus and Muhammad have at time been confused amongst scholars as being one in the same. Both of these individuals were born at completely separate times; however, both men served very similar purposes while on Earth. Jesus promoted Christianity and Muhammad promoted Islam during periods of time when Judaism was strong. Both Jesus and Muhammad are known for their methods in establishing and strengthening each respective religion. This paper will compare and contrast the lives and history of Jesus and Muhammad, describe how both were worshipped, and the impact each death had on its respective religion. Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary and conceived by the Holy Spirit through Immaculate Conception.

The birth took place in Bethlehem in the 4th year before the Common Era or BCE (Fisher, 2005). Mary and Joseph were required to travel to Bethlehem during the pregnancy and upon arrival found that there was no place to sleep. The couple ended up staying in a stable and the same night, after the long journey, Mary gave birth to a baby boy. The baby's name was Jesus, which means "God Saves" (Fisher, 2005, p.288). Many shepherds came to pay their respects to the new parents and considered Jesus the Savior. When Jesus was 12 he traveled with his parents to Jerusalem for Passover. His parents found Jesus in a temple discussing the Torah with Rabbis. His knowledge was certainly above the average child his age. Upon leaving Jesus stated aloud "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Fisher, 2005, p.289). Jesus's claim explains his close connection to God to be revealed later in his life. There is no written history of Jesus's young adulthood; however, when he was 30 years old, Jesus asked John the Baptist, who was performing Baptism ceremonies in the Jordan River, to baptize him. John believed that to baptize the Savior was not his place, but Jesus was adamant. Some believed that this was the Messiah's way of dedicating himself to God. Many miracles were performed by Jesus as he journeyed throughout the land spreading his teachings of love.

Jesus healed the sick, resurrected the dead, walked on water, performed exorcisms, and very symbolically turned a few loaves of bread into enough food to feed many hungry people (Fisher, 2005). The son of God had many followers of all different classes and also encouraged female disciples, such as Mary Magdalene. The primary concern of Jesus was to teach to love God and to love each other; these are the two commandments of Judaism which are most important. The teachings were based on the idea that "God is forgiving to those who repent" (Fisher, 2005, p. 294). During his teachings, Jesus traveled to Galilee. The appointed ruler of Galilee, Herod Antipas, considered Jesus a threat; therefore, Jesus remained outside Galilee to continue his teachings. Considering himself a shepherd that would sacrifice himself for his followers, Jesus explained that his teachings were from God. During the Last Supper, instructions were given by Jesus. Unfortunately Judas, one of the disciples, traded information resulting in Jesus's arrest for 30 pieces of silver (Fisher, 2005). Once captured, Jesus was sent to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor, and questioned. When Pilate could not calm the people of Jerusalem, Jesus was given to military guards who beat and crucified him on a cross.

Before Jesus died on the cross he cried out "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me" (Fisher, 2005, p.301). Disciples of Jesus were terrified and went into hiding; although once Christ had risen from the dead, many disciples claimed they had been visited by Jesus and he explained his resurrection. Those who were witness to the resurrection helped create Christianity and gained strength in the Roman Empire. Many people came to believe that Jesus had been God in human form. The resurrection changed the minds of many, including one person in particular, Saul, who was a persecutor of Christians. Saul was visited by Christ and instructed to "open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and place among those who are sanctified by faith in me" (Fisher, 2005, p.303). Jesus's death changed Saul's life; he was baptized and renamed himself Paul (Fisher, 2005). Paul's new mission was to spread the Christian word across the Mediterranean and help develop the expansion of Christianity. Many believe that Christianity was created because Jews, who believed that they alone were the chosen ones were offended by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Jews refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah. The theological distance between Judaism and Christianity became great. The cross became the symbol for the Christian religion, and the impact of Jesus's death and subsequent resurrection, in turn, caused Christianity to flourish (Fisher, 2005).

Much like Jesus, Muhammad was known for restoring the true religion of God. Muhammad was born in approximately 570 Common Era and is considered the last of the prophets (Fisher, 2005). His father died before he was born, and Muhammad's Uncle became his primary caregiver, thus making him a shepherd. When Muhammad traveled with his Uncle to Syria he was noticed by a Christian who determined he was a prophet by certain markings on his body. Muhammad worked to transport goods for a well to do woman named Khadijah; when Muhammad was 25 he married Khadijah who understood Muhammad's spiritual predisposition (Fisher, 2005). The marriage was beneficial because his wife was not only one of Muhammad's dedicated supporters, but she was also wealthy. At the age of 40, Muhammad made a spiritual trip during what is was known later as Ramadan and in the course of this time was approached by Gabriel, the angel, who asked Muhammad to recite what is now known as the first words of the Qu'ran (Fisher, 2005). The experience left Muhammad uneasy; although his wife comforted him and encouraged him to continue his work. Later Muhammad shared this experience with a few close friends. Three years later Muhammad was asked to preach to the public. Soon the Qurayshites, a group of elite businessmen, began to humiliate and stone Muhammad. One of Muhammad's followers was persecuted and tortured because he refused to deny Muhammad as a prophet. This follower, Bilal, was a slave and became a muezzin which means "one who called the people to prayer from a high place" (Fisher, 2005, p.366). Finally Muhammad and his followers went to a remote place and lived for three years off of foliage. Once Muhammad returned to Mecca he was still treated poorly. When he was 50, with the death of his wife and Uncle, the persecution worsened (Fisher, 2005). One evening Muhammad experienced a Night of Ascension. According to the story, Muhammad ascended through the seven heavens into the cosmos where he met with many prophets such as Jesus and Adam, there Muhammad saw paradise and hell, and received blessings of the Divine Presence (Fisher, 2005).

At one point in time, people from Yathrib asked Muhammad to come to their city to help disentangle political and social issues. Muhammad left Mecca quietly and lived in a cave with Abu Bakr, a close friend. During this time, Muhammad taught the "secret practice of the silent remembrance of God" (Fisher, 2005, p. 367). While in Yathrib, Mohammad helped to create the Constitution for the city. Mecca and Yathrib, also known as Medina, were constantly at odds because the leaders of Mecca were suspicious of the Muslim migration that took place in 622 CE (Fisher, 2005). Mecca declared war and Muhammad was involved by directing the first attack. Mohammad was injured during a retaliation and decided to grant a settlement. A portion of the agreement was for people to face Mecca during prayer and not Jerusalem. In 632 CE Muhammad died, leaving no successor (Fisher, 2005). Muhammad's son in law, Ali, became the new "heir". Muhammad had created moral order through God's commandments. The impact Muhammad's death had on Islam was powerful. Much like Christianity, the religion continued to spread and prosper. Because of Muhammad's work and the messages he received from God, the Qur'an was created and has remained much the same throughout history.

Both Jesus and Muhammad were similar in their methods of work; however there are a few differences. Jesus was worshipped as the savior when he was born, and after his death he would be known as the Son of God and worshipped by many. When Christians pray to God this means to God the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In Muhammad's case he is not necessarily prayed to, but he is the messenger who sends prayer to God for many Muslims. Both men had important messages that are still being carried out in the world today. Jesus taught about love; Muhammad's taught complete acceptance of God. Both Muhammad and Jesus were instrumental in creating the foundations of Islam and Christianity as they are known today.