Introduction
Historically, Christianity and Islam are the main religious beliefs existent in various settings all over the globe. This does not; however mean that there exist no other religious affiliations. In fact, there are other religious affiliations in the world inclusive but not limited to Hindu religion. Christianity and Islam both share some features in that they are both based on following of set laws, which are stated in the holy books: the Bible and Quran respectively. In addition, both religions are based on prophetic teachings of Jesus and Mohammad whom they believe in. On the other hand, both the religions vary based on the fact that in order to learn Islam religion you need to have an Arabic background, while learning of Christian beliefs is collective and can be easily adapted by different language affiliations (Peters, 2010). For this reason, this paper seeks to explore on the lives and contribution of Jesus and Mohammad to the lives of Christians and Muslims respectively. Precisely, the historical lives of Muhammad and Jesus will be explored alongside their impacts on the lives of their respective worshippers.
Historical life of Jesus
The history of Jesus dates back to the year 6 BC where he was born in the city of Bethlehem situated in Israel. Thereafter, he spent his childhood years in Egypt, but in his adolescents, they moved to Israel where he emulated the art of carpentry from his father, Joseph, (Headley, 2003). Jesus continued to learn the art in his life and times while in Nazareth. In his early adulthood, early thirties, Jesus began educating his traditions and teachings to various populations. Precisely, he emphasised on his followers to embrace the spirit of love and kindness among themselves. Jesus purposed for Jewish traditions but did not preach on matters that could cause conflicts among the non-Jewish populations.
Undoubtedly, the life and teachings of Jesus are reminisced by many based on the miracles he executed. An example of a miracle that Jesus did is the one where he turned water into wine, and further used five fishes and two loaves of bread to feed approximately five thousand people (Dhavamony, 2004). Arguably, the demise and restoration of Jesus is the core miracle that lures many populations to believe in his teachings. Prior to his death, Jesus had many followers, but upon his demise, he further attracted a higher number of followers. Overall, Christianity has thrived mainly because of the mystery surrounding the demise of Jesus.
Historical life off Muhammad
The inception of Muhammad life stems back to the year 570 AD, where he was sired by a widowed mother. Unfortunately, his mother succumbed to death later on when he was six years old. As such, Muhammad grew up as a vulnerable orphan in a society under the administration and control of business merchants and tribal aligned chiefs (Gibbs, 2008). Muhammad spent his youthful years herding his uncle’s camels. Despite the fact that his uncle enjoyed a social status in their society, Muhammad did not make any meaningful progress in his social status. In the preceding years, Mohamed surprisingly married a rich widow, fifteen years older than him.
With the utilisation of his companion’s merchandise, Muhammad developed persuasion talent and became a proficient merchant. In addition, he gained a wealth of knowledge not feasible in their local context as he made various travels to other areas. Later on, Muhammad incorporated this knowledge to ideas he postulated to be preambles from Allah, which were aligned to Christian and Judaism religions (Peters, 2010). From then, Mohammad resorted to frequent episodes of meditation. At first it was thought that he was undergoing the midlife crisis period, but later on, when he reached forty years of age, he made a confession to his spouse that he had received a visitation in his dream from Gabriel, an angel. This marked a sequence of revelations, which lasted to the time of his demise, when he was sixty three years old. The Quran gives a collection of Mohammad’s disclosures on Allah, as revealed to him by the angel.
Impact of the death of Muhammad to Islam religion
The demise of Prophet Muhammad did not have a profound effect on Islam religion as compared to the impact of the death of Jesus to Christianity. Precisely, after Muhammad’s death Muslims followed his teachings but resorted in conflicts over who was to become Muhammad’s successor (Headley, 2003). The fact that Muhammad did not leave behind a son to succeed him made matters more complex. As such, the death of Muhammad resulted in political as well as religious conflicts among the Muslim affiliates.
The religious conflicts that resulted after the death of Muhammad led to division of Muslims into two varying groups. Precisely, the Shia Muslims believed in Muhammad as the sole prophet and purposed for a successor from Muhammad’s relatives. Their views conflicted with those of the Sunni Muslims who had their belief on being led by someone from a leading community within the Islamic community. Overall, the death of Muhammad had a lesser impact on Islam religion in the sense that they continued to believe on Muhammad’s revelations (Peters, 2010), but adapted different religious laws and beliefs. In addition, conflicts occurred among the Islam affiliates as to who was to take over from Muhammad. Up to date there still exist conflicts among the Shia and the Sunni, which date back to the time of demise of Prophet Muhammad.
The impact of the death of Jesus on Christian religion
As previously mentioned herein, the mysterious death and resurrection of Jesus resulted in profound and an increasing belief on Christian religion. It is reported that after his death, he developed to be a figurehead for more than two billion followers (Dhavamony, 2004). Precisely, prior to his death, Jesus succumbed to torture, prosecution and the eventual, death, which he had prophesised about. For this reason, various populations developed a relentless belief in Christianity.
Deductively, the demise of Jesus marked a new era for renewed Christianity as many followers were drawn to his previous teaching and messages. Thereafter, Christianity spread throughout history. Undoubtedly, the fact that Jesus overcame the power of death lured many individuals to the purpose for his teachings (Headley, 2003).
Ways in which Christians worship Jesus
Historically, Christians utilise prayers, as well as songs aligned to scripture readings as a way of worshiping Jesus (Peters, 2010). In the present, there are various Christian denominations, carrying out different ceremonial worship for Jesus. Christians usually hold meetings on Sabbath day whereby they engage in bible reading as a way of worshiping Jesus. In addition, teaching by use of sermons are also utilised in worshiping Jesus. Christians also engage in fasting as a way of worshiping. As an example, the Christian Catholics engage in Holy Communion masses whereby they consume the sacrament (symbol of Christ) as a form of worshiping God. Christians further collect the offering as a form of thanks giving to Jesus for saving the through his death on the cross.
Ways in which Muslims worship Muhammad
Historically, Muslims worship by carrying out prayers five times on a daily basis. Precisely, Muslims pray while facing Mecca. Prayers form an essential form of worship for the Islam religion (Dhavamony, 2004). Muslim believers carry out prayers in the morning, at noon, in the mid afternoon, at sunset and in the evening. The payers are carried out in Arabic language even if you originate from other languages. The prayers are also carried out in the form of rituals (Dhavamony, 2004). Overall, the holy month of Ramadan marks as the holy month of worship by Muslims, whereby they fast, give charity and pray by reciting quotes from the Holy Quran.
Conclusion
Deductively, Christianity and Islam share particular features aligned to their religion. Precisely, their belief is established on the basis of historical prophets, Jesus and Muhammad, who can be attributed to the initiation of Christianity and Islam respectively. Up to date believes of the mentioned prophets are upheld in the contemporary society. The holy books, the bible and the Quran offer a viable basis for worship and spread of the messages postulated by Jesus and Muhammad (Headley, 2003).
References
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Headley, L. (2003). The great prophets of the world: Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.
Alabama: Kessinger Publishing
Peters, F. (2010). Jesus and Muhammad: Parallel tracks, parallel lives. Stamford:
Oxford University Press.
