Bilal Khan As the world enters Jubilee 2025, declared by Pope Francis to be a year, especially of renewal and unity for Catholics, this shall constitute a key reminder that beneath what looks like quite different traditions may also be much common ground. Islam and Christianity are generally thought of as two of the biggest religions in the world and thus come off as separate, or even opposing, forces. However, there was sufficient similarity between the beliefs, practices, and values of the two that teachings in their closest look brought the two religions together. It follows from this that an understanding of these commonalities will engender a deeper sense of unity and respect among its followers.
Shared Belief in One God
Both Islam and Christianity believe in the monotheistic religion of having one all-powerful God. To Muslims, He is called Allah; to Christians, He is simply God. The names are different, but the same understanding comes forth: God is the Creator, Sustainer, and source of all good. And it is belief in this one God that makes up the foundation of their faiths.
In both religions, God is described as merciful, compassionate and just. In the view of both Muslims and Christians, He is close to the lives of people and the whole world as He leads humankind along the path of righteousness and can forgive the sins of those who sincerely repent.
Respect to the Prophets
Islam and Christianity pay great respect to prophets. While Christianity regards Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the central part of their faith, to Islam, Jesus-who is called Isa in Arabic-is considered one of the mighty prophets sent by Allah. Muslims recognize his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary, or Maryam in Arabic, because of his miracle-performing powers, and for his second coming before the Day of Judgment.
The Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus, while Muslims believe in Jesus’ prophethood; to them, Jesus plays a major role in God’s plan for humanity. Beyond Jesus, both religions recognize and obey other prophets, which include Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and Noah (Nuh). To them, they were messengers who carried God’s word to guide their people and thus held some kind of reverence in Islamic and Christian teachings.
Sacred Texts and Moral Direction
Both Islam and Christianity possess their books of revelation from God. The Bible for the Christians would pertain to the Old and New Testaments. In believers of Islam, it is from the Quran, which is believed to be the final and complete word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. These books give guidance to morals and spirituality in order to show their followers the lighted path of living righteously.
The morality of the two religions identified with giving to charity, compassion, and fairness. Christians and Muslims alike are called upon to help in times of need, be sympathetic, and be equitable in their dealings with other humans. Giving, through tithing in Christianity and zakat in Islam, forms the epicenter of both faiths to an end that they satisfy their commitment to a single goal of helping the needy.
The Afterlife
Another similarity between Islam and Christianity can be seen in the belief in the afterlife. Both religions say that life on earth is temporary, and humankind will face judgment by God based on one’s actions. In Christianity, this leads to the response of one going either to an eternal life in heaven or to an eternal separation from God. Similarly, Islam teaches that on the Day of Judgment, there will be judgment whereby some land in Paradise, Jannah, while some face punishment, Jahannam.
The belief in such an afterlife incites both religions to lead good moral lives, for which there is an eternal reward waiting for whoever does well and hearkens to God.
Conclusion
While differences abound, the similarities of the two great religions of Islam and Christianity cannot go unnoticed. Both enjoin belief in one God, while the importance of prophets, the role of sacred texts and hope in an afterlife are all accentuated. While the world tends to amplify religious differences, there is much to be learned from those values that give life to each tradition and have the possibility of uniting them. Looking to events such as Jubilee 2025, this will be a continuance of the legacy of papal documents on fostering understanding and respect between faiths as a method toward peace and a united world.
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