Core Principles of Islam and Christianity: A Comparative Analysis

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Both Islam and Christianity are major religions with followers from all walks of life and corners of the Earth. Despite their distinct teachings and beliefs, there are similarities in many fundamental teachings. Both religions acknowledge and have faith in a majority of the same prophets and messengers. However, a notable distinction arises regarding Jesus Christ - Christians believe in his death and resurrection, whereas Muslims believe he did not die. Nevertheless, this paper aims to emphasize the core principles of both religions, specifically the 5 Pillars of Islam and the 10 Commandments of Christianity.

The 5 Pillars of Islam are the 5 obligations that Muslims must fully and diligently fulfill. In a religious context, Islam signifies surrendering to God's will and obeying His law, making it more than just a part of life but rather an entire way of life.

In the book 'The Pillars of Islam', Umar (May Peace be Upon Him) tells a detailed story about the origins of the 5 Pillars. This takes place in front of Prophet Muhammad (S.

A.W). While they are gathered, a man who is unknown to everyone suddenly appears. He is dressed in white and has black hair, and there are no signs that he has traveled. The identity of this person remains a mystery to all those present. He approaches Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and sits facing him, with their knees touching and hands resting on their thighs. Then, he asks Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) for an explanation about the concept of Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) declared that Islam involves bearing witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. He also outlined the duties of offering Salat, giving Zakat, fasting during Ramadan, and performing Hajj if one has the means. We were amazed when someone affirmed the truthfulness of the Prophet's words while seeking validation at the same time. Afterwards, this stranger asked more questions to which Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) responded before they went their separate ways.

According to the Prophet (S.A.W), Jibrael guided 'Umar in his religion, resulting in the establishment of five crucial religious obligations by Prophet Muhammad. These obligations consist of declaring the confession of faith (shahada or kalima), performing the five daily prayers (salat), fasting during Ramadan (saum), giving the alms tax (zakat), and completing the major pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime.

The Shahadah, also known as the profession of faith, is a crucial aspect of Islam. It involves the recitation of the Arabic statement "La ilah illa Allah wa Muhammad rasul Allah," which translates to "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet."

According to Britannica Encyclopedia, this declaration is considered the first pillar of Islam and serves as a requirement for community membership. It must be spoken aloud, correctly, and purposefully, with a genuine understanding of its meaning and heartfelt agreement.

From this fundamental belief come convictions in angels, revealed Books such as the Qur'an and sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity, numerous prophets including prominent figures from the Judeo-Christian tradition, and the eventual Last Day or Day of Judgment.

The profession of faith holds great significance as it forms the basis for all other Islamic beliefs and practices.

The second pillar of Islam, also known as Salat, is prayer. The Quran reminds believers to establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at nightfall. It emphasizes that prayer removes evil and serves as a reminder for those who are mindful. Additionally, it advises Muslims to remain patient because Allah (SWT) will not let the righteous lose their reward. Praying five times a day is obligatory for every Muslim, even if one cannot go to the mosque. These prayers can be performed individually. The five prayers include Fajr before sunrise, Dhuhr after noon, Asr in the late afternoon, Maghrib immediately after sunset, and Isha before going to bed.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed Muslims in Mecca and Medina how to perform prayer. This includes reciting Al-Fatihah, the first Surah of the Qur'an, which is also called "the seven often repeated verses." Additionally, a verse or verses from the Qur'an are recited along with praises to God. Muslims assume different bodily positions for each part of the prayer, beginning with standing and placing hands across the heart, then bowing and kneeling. The number of times these positions are repeated differs depending on the particular prayer being done.

The five daily prayers, Fajr (the Morning Prayer), Dhur (the noon prayer), Asr (the afternoon prayer), Maghrib (the evening prayer), and Ishaa (the night prayer), are obligatory for every Muslim. However, Islamic law allows for exceptions.

Besides the five daily prayers, Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan. This entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk. Moreover, Muslims should refrain from negative emotions like anger and envy, as well as behaviors such as greed, lust, gossiping, violence, inappropriate language or thoughts. The purpose of fasting is to draw Muslims closer to Allah while fostering patience and empathy towards those less fortunate.

According to www.encarta.msn.com, the purpose of the fast during Ramadan is diverse. It serves as a way to discipline oneself physically and spiritually, while also reminding those who are more privileged of the challenges faced by the less fortunate. Moreover, it promotes unity and compassion among Muslims, regardless of their social status. Consequently, many Muslims participate in additional acts of devotion during Ramadan such as voluntary night prayer, reading sections from the Qur'an, and making voluntary contributions to the impoverished. Some individuals may even choose to wake up before dawn for a meal that will sustain them until sunset.

Following a period of fasting, the holiday called 'id al-fitr commences and lasts for three days. IV.Zakat or Alms: It is obligatory for every Muslim to donate a portion of their wealth in order to assist the poor and those in need. The term "Zakat" denotes both "purification" and "growth," implying that our own wealth and possessions are purified through giving to those who require it. The amount varies depending on the specific items being donated. For grains and fruits, it is 10% if the land receives natural watering, and 5% if artificial means are used for irrigation. For cash and precious metals, it is set at 2.5%. Muslims also have the option to offer Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in order to earn additional blessings from Allah.

The V.Hajj, also referred to as Pilgrimage, is a sacred voyage to the Holy City of Makkah. It occurs every year during the Islamic month of Dhu'l-Hijjah. It is obligatory for all physically and financially capable Muslims to complete Hajj at least once in their lifetime. Hajj carries more importance than Umra, which is the required pilgrimage to Mecca for all Muslims.

The website www.religionfacts.com provides an informative description of the Hajj pilgrimage. Once pilgrims reach the outskirts of Mecca, located about six miles from the Ka'ba, they enter a state known as ihram. This state represents purity and is maintained throughout the entire hajj journey. Men are required to wear two white, seamless sheets called ihram garments, along with sandals. By adhering to this dress code, distinctions based on social status, wealth, and culture are visually eliminated, fostering unity and equality among individuals. Women have less stringent requirements but typically dress in white while covering their faces and hands only. During ihram, pilgrims must refrain from cutting their nails or hair, participating in sexual activities, arguing, fighting or hunting.

Upon arrival in Mecca, the pilgrim commences their journey with the tawaf, a ritual of circling the Ka'ba seven times while reciting the talbiya. After completing this act, respect is shown to the Black Stone within the Ka'ba by either kissing or touching it, followed by offering prayers twice towards both the Station of Abraham and the Ka'ba. The final task involves running seven times between Safa and Marwa, two small mountains.

The second stage of the hajj starts from the 8th to the 12th days of Dhu al-Hijja. It commences with a sermon (khutba) at the mosque on the 7th day, followed by an overnight stay in either Mina or Arafat on the eighth day. On the ninth day, there is a ritual known as wuquf ("standing") at Jabal al-Rahma, a small hill located in Arafat. Subsequently, pilgrims return to Muzdalifa, a town within Meccan boundaries, for an overnight stay.

Eid al-Adha, known as The Feast of Sacrifice, is a significant celebration observed by Muslims worldwide. During the hajj, participants gather in Mina to perform a ritual sacrifice honoring Abraham and throw seven small stones at three pillars over three days to symbolize sins and devils. Afterward, the pilgrims return to Mecca for tawaf, circling the Ka'ba.

The state of ihram is completed by shaving the head or trimming the hair. Christianity, like Islam's 5 Pillars, also has its own obligations and principles that Christians must follow. These obligations are called the 10 Commandments, a collection of religious and ethical guidelines given to Moses by God at Mount Sinai. The 10 Commandments can be found in Exodus 20 of the Bible and start with the declaration, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."

"You must not have any other gods before me."

"Do not create any idols resembling things in the sky or water. Worshiping them is forbidden, as I am a jealous God who punishes children for their fathers' sins up to the fourth generation of those who hate me. On the other hand, I extend love to a thousand generations of those who love and obey my commandments."

"Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name."

"Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Work for six days and finish all your tasks, but on the seventh day, set it apart as a Sabbath for the Lord your God. On this day, do not work - neither you, nor your children, nor your servants, nor even your animals or visitors. For in six days, the Lord created everything - the heavens, earth, sea, and all that is in them - yet on the seventh day He rested. Therefore, the Lord blessed and made holy the Sabbath day."

The text emphasizes the importance of observing and honoring the Sabbath day according to religious teachings. It instructs individuals to dedicate this specific day as a time of rest for themselves and others around them. The reason behind this practice is attributed to God's creation of everything within six days followed by His own rest on the seventh day. As a result of this divine example, believers are reminded that they should consider this particular day as sacred and receive blessings from their observance of it.

"To have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you, it is important to show respect and honor towards your parents.

"Engaging in murder and committing adultery are both prohibited."

"You shall not steal."

"You must not bear false witness against your neighbor.

The commandments prohibit coveting your neighbor's possessions, including their house, wife, servants (both male and female), livestock, or anything else that belongs to them. Upon receiving the commandments and returning to Mount Sinai, Moses observed the Israelites' defilement and Aaron's creation of a Golden Calf altar for their worship. Filled with rage, Moses broke the tablets into fragments. Later on, God granted Moses another chance to carve new tablets as a replacement for the broken ones. This signifies that God is the true author of these commandments. Moses descended from Mount Sinai with this second set of commandments and placed them within the Ark of the Covenant.

Both Islam and Christianity have core principles that align with the Ten Commandments, despite differences in teachings such as alcohol and pork consumption. The Quran and Bible mention prophets from both religions, albeit with Arabic-influenced names. To emphasize these similarities, the Holy Quran incorporates teachings that are in line with the Ten Commandments.

According to Exodus 24:12, God commanded Moses to ascend the mountain and stay there, assuring him of stone tablets containing laws and instructions. Deuteronomy 4:13 confirms that God established His covenant, the Ten Commandments, which He instructed the people to follow and engraved on two stone tablets. In both Islam and Christianity, Moses is acknowledged as a prophet, with extensive mentions in the Quran. Specific chapters in the Quran can be interpreted as affirming belief in the commandments bestowed by God upon Moses.

Both Chapters 2:53 and 7:145 convey the same concept in their unique manner, affirming that God granted Moses the Scripture and the Criterion as a means to distinguish right from wrong. Additionally, Moses received tablets containing laws covering diverse topics such as commandments and explanations. He was instructed to safeguard these tablets and inspire his people to adhere to the highest principles. Both religions possess substantial evidence supporting their belief in Moses' divine entrusted commandments.

The text below presents the First Commandment, as referenced in Exodus 20:3.

Both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions. Christians believe in the Lord God, while Muslims believe in Allah. In chapter 17:23 of the Quran, it is stated that "Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him." The Shahadah, which is the first pillar of Islam, affirms this commandment by proclaiming "Ash-hadu alaa-ilaaha illa-llaahu wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa Rasulu," meaning "I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (S.A.W) is His Devotee and His Messenger." This emphasizes the shared belief among Muslims and Christians in the oneness of God.

The Second Commandment, found in Exodus 20:4, and Chapter 31:13 of the Quran both forbid idol worship. In Exodus, it is prohibited to create idols or representations of celestial beings, earthly creatures, or aquatic life. Luqmaan advises against setting up idols alongside God in the Quran due to its injustice. Furthermore, Chapter 22:12 of the Quran stresses that calling upon deities other than Allah leads one astray from righteousness. Both religions firmly reject the veneration of any gods besides God as they are monotheistic.

The Third Commandment in Exodus 20:7 cautions against disrespectfully using the name of the Lord your God, as it will result in punishment. Likewise, according to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), Allah has ninety-nine names and those who are aware of them will be granted entry into Paradise. The Quran mentions various names for Allah, totaling 99 recorded names. These names are known as the 99 names of Allah. Nevertheless, Islam forbids the inappropriate use of these names, similar to how Christianity disapproves of misusing the name of the Lord.

From chapter 7:180 in the Quran, it is stated, "And Allah's are the best names, therefore call on Him thereby, and leave alone those who violate the sanctity of His names; they shall be requited for what they did." This passage elucidates that the infringement or misemployment of God's names, in both Christianity and Islam, warrant punishment in the afterlife.

The Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:8-11, instructs believers to remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. It emphasizes that for six days, one should engage in work and labor, but on the seventh day, known as the sabbath of the Lord, no work should be done by oneself, their family members, servants, animals, or visitors. This commandment relates to the belief that God created the heavens, earth, sea, and everything within them in six days and rested on the seventh day, ultimately blessing and sanctifying the sabbath. However, Islam rejects the concept of God resting and states that God created everything in six periods without experiencing any weariness. If one disregards the idea of rest and views the sabbath solely as a day dedicated to worshiping God, there is a similarity between this perspective and the teachings of Islam.

According to the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the day of Friday holds great significance and carries several rights. Therefore, it is important not to neglect one's duties or be lazy in worship on this day. Strive to draw closer to Allah by performing good actions and abstaining from prohibited things, as Allah increases the reward for good deeds and forgives sins on this day. Allah also elevates the status of believers in this world and the Hereafter.

Setting aside any debate about whether God rested after creating the Earth, the outcome is a designated day for worshipping God. Christians observe this day on Sunday, while Muslims observe it on Friday.

In Chapter 16:124 of the Quran, it is stated that the Sabbath was established for those who disputed its observance. However, Allah will resolve their differences on Judgment Day. It is my interpretation that those who do not give importance to the Sabbath are intended recipients of its significance.

The Fifth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12, states: "Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gave you."

The Quran similarly emphasizes the importance for Muslims to respect and honor their parents.

Both religions emphasize the worship of only the Lord and being kind to parents. Whether one or both parents reach old age, it is instructed to refrain from speaking disrespectfully or repelling them, but instead to treat them with honor. Consequently, both religions share the belief in honoring and respecting parents throughout their lives.

According to the Sixth Commandment in Exodus 20:13, it is prohibited to commit murder. However, there is a misconception that Islam supports acts of murder and is seen as a terrorist religion in today's world. In reality, the Qur'an instructs Muslims to defend themselves in a defensive battle. This means that if an enemy army attacks, Muslims are allowed to fight against them until the aggression stops. The Qur'an states that taking a life is forbidden except in cases of justice. If someone is killed unjustly, their heir is given the authority to seek justice, but they must remain within the limits when seeking revenge. It is important to note that both Islam and Christianity condemn murder. Islam teaches Muslims to stand up for their beliefs and fight if necessary, but justice can be pursued against murderers who commit unjust killings.

The Seventh Commandment says "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14) while in the Quran, chapter 17:32 states, "Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils)." Adultery is frowned upon in both Christianity and Islam. In certain Islamic cities, adultery is considered a grave offense and is punishable by death, typically through stoning.

According to Chapter 24:2 in the Quran, if a woman and a man are found guilty of fornication, they must be flogged with a hundred stripes, and a group of believers should witness their punishment. This demonstrates that in Islam, both genders are liable for punishment when committing adultery.

The Eight Commandment, found in Exodus 20:15, prohibits stealing. In the Quran, chapter 2:188 also condemns the unjust consumption of others' property and reporting cases dishonestly to authorities for personal gain. The Quran states that stealing is a serious offense in Islam. If a thief is proven guilty, their hand should be amputated as both compensation and a deterrent, to make them realize that the consequences of stealing outweigh the benefits gained.

"As a deterrent punishment from Allah, amputate the hands of the male and female thieves in recompense for their actions. Allah is Mighty and Wise." The Ninth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:16, forbids bearing false witness against one's neighbor. 'False witness' is a synonym for lying or not telling the truth. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of not concealing or covering the truth when it is known. Lying or not telling the truth is condemned in both Christianity and Islam, as in most religions.

Both Islam and Christianity condemn the act of coveting. The Tenth Commandment in Exodus 20:17 states, "You shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." In Chapter 4:32 of the Quran, it says, "Do not covet the bounties that God has bestowed more abundantly on some of you than on others." While the Bible limits coveting to a neighbor's property, the Quran extends the prohibition to encompass all society.

Below is the bibliography:

'The Pillars of Islam and Iman: and What Every Muslim Must Know About His Religion' by Muhammad Bin Jamil Zeno, published by Darussalam (pages 18-19).

3. Islam. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved December 03, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/295507/Islam 4. Holy Qur'an, 11:1145. http://www.islamonline.net/iol-english/info/discover2.asp 6. http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761579171_2/Islam.html 7. http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/practices/hajj-pilgrimage.htm 8. Holy Bible, Exodus 20.

9. Ten Commandments
10. The Holy Bible, Exodus 24:12
11. The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 4:13
12. The Holy Qur'an, 2:53
13. The Holy Qur'an, 7:145
14. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:3
15. The Holy Qur'an, 17:23
16. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:4
17. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 31:13
18. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:7
19. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7:180
20. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:8-11
21. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 50:38
22. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16:124
23. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:12
24. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17:23
25. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:13
26. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17:33
27. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:14
28. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17:32
29. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 24:23
30. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:15
31. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2:188
32. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5:38
33. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:16
34. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2:42
35. The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:17
36. The Holy Quran, Chapter 4:32