Similarities Between Christianity And Islam

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The Middle East, the birthplace of civilization; Mesopotamia, is also the birthplace of the world’s two most popular religions, Christianity and Islam. Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with approximately 2.1 billion worshipers and Islam is the second largest with about 1.5 billion followers. Islam is a more recent religion than Christianity and was formed sometime between 610 and 622 A.D. Christianity was formed sometime amid 28-33 A.D. The two religions have profound similarities as well as numerous differences. Although both are monotheistic, acknowledge the existence of Jesus Christ, contain similarities within their sacred texts, and have many of the same prophets, their views are radically different. The word monotheism, a belief in one god, comes from the Greek word “mono” defined as one or single and “theos” which means “god”. Although Christianity and Islam are both monotheistic religions stemming from Judaism each …show more content…
Mary the mother of Jesus is highly regarded in both religions. Abraham, or Ibrahim for Islam, was a prophet in both religions, however, they tell differing tales of his devotion. In Christianity Abraham was considered the first prophet and his misdeeds, such as laughing at God, are discussed in the Bible. In the Qur’an Ibrahim is not the first prophet and is described as a devoted follower of Allah. Moses, or Musa for the Muslims, was chosen by God or Allah to deliver the people from Egypt and Jonah, or Yunus, was swallowed by a whale for his lack of faith in both teachings. Both religious books mention many more of the same prophets, such as: John the Baptist, Noah, Ishmael, Joseph, David, and Solomon. However, the biggest difference is Christians pray to and seek help from saints whereas Muslims acknowledge the existence of saints as the messengers of Allah but they do not pray to them, only