Jesus and Mohammed: comparative religious figures

Jesus and Mohammad

JESUS AND MOHAMMED

The objective of this work is to compare and contrast the lives of Jesus and Mohammed historically and to compare what impact the death of each person had upon his respective followers. Further this work will describe the ways each is worshipped by their respective followers and explain how their messages are being carried out in the world today.

There are both likenesses and differences in the lives, messages and worship associated with Jesus and Mohammed. The work entitled: "A Comparison Between Jesus and Muhammad" states the following differences: (1) Jesus rose from the dead - Muhammad stayed dead; (2) Jesus never fought - Muhammad fought many times; (3) When Jesus heard from God in the desert he went to be tempted and began his ministry with boldness. (Mark 1: 14-15) When Muhammad heard from God (through an angel) he cowered, was uncertain and wanted to commit suicide (Quran 75:1-5); (4) Jesus claimed to be God (John 8:24; 8:38) as well as a man. Jesus claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) Muhammad claimed to be a man; (5) Jesus spoke well of women but Muhammad said women were 1/2 as mart as men (Had. 3:826; 2:54') that the majority in hell will be women (Had. 1:28,301; 2:161, 7:124) and that women could be mortgaged. (2006)

I. HISTORICAL COMPARISON a. Mohammed

Mohammed was born in Arabia, specifically in Mecca around 570 A.D. And was very young when he became an orphan. He was raised first by his grandfather and then by his uncle in a family described as 'aristocratic and influential'. Mohammed's childhood was a time of "religious and political confusion and uncertainty" (Islam or Christianity, 2000). When he was 25 years old he married a "40-year-old widow named Khadijah" (Ibid) and it was at this age that the first began to speak prophecy due to dreams that he had and this his wife believed were messages that came from God. He was rejected as a prophet in Mecca but he traveled to Medina and "became a religious and political leader." (Ibid) Mohammed is stated to have through "a series of violent battles" (Ibid) obtained his income and the conversion of others to Islam and eventually captured Mecca "by force" (Ibid).

b. Jesus

Jesus was both in Bethlehem, Judea around 3 B.C. To a virgin named Mary who was espoused to Joseph, a carpenter by trade. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Jesus amazed the Rabbis at the Jewish temple from a young age with his wisdom. Jesus was made know to man to be the son of God when he was baptized by John the Baptist and a voice spoke from heaven saying "this is my son in whom I am well pleased." Jesus' ministry was one of love, peace, and forgiveness and because of his love for mankind laid down his life so that mankind could obtain salvation. According to the bible Jesus never sinned and never married. (The Holy Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke & John)

II. IMPACT OF THE DEATH OF JESUS AND MOHAMMED a. Mohammed

Mohammed died around the age of 65 and a power struggle set in relating to who his successor would be which resulted in the development of several sects of Islam with the two primary sects being the Sunni Muslims and the Shi-ite Muslims.

b. Jesus

When Jesus was crucified and died on the cross his body was prepared for burial and placed in a burial cave. On the third day Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found it empty and then she saw Jesus alive. Jesus appeared to his disciples before ascending to heaven. Because Jesus died as a substitute sacrifice for the sins of mankind all that believe in him and confess him as their savior are forgiven of their sins and are able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

III. DESCRIPTION OF WORSHIP OF JESUS AND MOHAMMED a. Islam

The major practices of the Islam faith are those of prayer, fasting, charity giving and pilgrimage. (Islam in Brief: Worship Practice, nd) There are five major observations of Islam which are those of: (1) Creed (Shahada); (2) Prayers (Salate); (3) Purifying Tax (Zakat); (4) Fasting (Sawm); (5) Pilgrimage (Hajj). (The Islamic World to 1600, 1998) b. Christianity

The major practices of the Christian faith are prayer, fasting, charity giving, evangelical ministry, outreach, and for many pilgrimage is part of their worship as well.

IV. HOW THE MESSAGES OF JESUS AND MOHAMMED ARE CARRIED OUT IN THE WORLD TODAY