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Christianity and Islam are the two most renowned and most practiced religions all over the world. There are a number of similarities and differences between the two religions.
As far as similarities are concerned, Islam and Christianity are Abrahamic religions. Prophet Abraham is considered as the patriarch and ancestor of Christians and Muslims. The two religions also share a monotheistic nature which means that the believers have faith in the existence of One God. They consider Him as the Sole Master, Creator, and Sustainer of everything. Both religions reject the idea of multiple gods. The followers have a firm belief that the whole universe is created and maintained by 0only one God who has is All-Supreme and Authoritative. Christians and Muslims believe that God is Omnipotent. These religions also emphasize their followers to mould themselves and their lives in accordance with the teachings, principles, and rules of God. Their unanimity is reflected in the fact that both religions stress on the development of a strong connection between God and His followers.
Practices pertaining to worship and religious rituals are also common. The two Abrahamic religions highlight the importance of charities and donations, prayer, fasting, sermonizing and missionary work. The followers also believe in the authenticity of the Holy books. For Christians, the Holy Bible is of utmost importance. On the other hand, Muslims consider the Holy Quran as divine guidance. The followers take inspiration and instruction from their respective books. Followers of both Islam and Christianity are also encouraged to work for the well-being and betterment of the poor. Followers also make endeavors for inflating religious knowledge. Christians share religious scriptures to everyone who is interested in getting to know Christianity. On the other hand, Muslims also do so by sharing the word of ALLAH and Prophet Muhammad and spreading Quranic teachings. Both religion give equal emphasis on the significance and advantages of reading and comprehending the meanings of the Bible and Holy Quran. Moreover, followers of both religions believe in the Day of Judgment and the existence of heaven. Human vices including murder, theft, and dishonest conduct are discouraged in both religious faiths.
When differences are considered, various dissimilarities in the two religions are observable. The major difference is related to Jesus Christ whereby Christians believe him to be the Son of God. They also believe in his death on the cross for peoples’ sins. In contrast, Muslims believe Jesus Christ as Allah’s Prophet and the Messiah who was sent on Earth for preaching the truth. Muslims do not believe in the crucifying of Jesus. They hold a firm belief that Jesus will return before the Judgment Day. In addition, Christians consider Jesus and God as equals. On the other hand, Muslims believe him to be the second-last messenger of Allah who was sent to the world before the last prophet, Mohammed. Furthermore, Prophet Mohammad is seen as the founder of Islamic faith by Christians. They do not believe in his prophet hood. Conversely, Muslims’ faith is not complete without accepting Prophet Muhammad as the last prophet of Allah. Other dissimilarity is noticeable in Muslim and Christian worship experiences. Christians go to churches with their shoes on whereas Muslims are not allowed to wear shoes while entering mosques. Modesty requires males and females in Islam to not pray together whereas Christians have no such rules. Mosques have no musical instruments whereas churches have many for singing religious songs.
