Jesus and Muhammad
Judith Julian
Axia College

Jesus and Muhammad While many view Christianity and Islam as two totally different religions, their founders lived quite similar lives and each revolutionized their religions in a most profound way. The Prophets, Jesus, and Muhammad, led followers on a path of righteous living and even after death, they continue to influence people’s lives across the world. The following chronicles the birth, lives, ministries, deaths, and the impact each of these prophets have made on society, and religion in the world. Sometime near the first year of the Common Era, the angel Gabriel came to a woman named Mary and spoke to her, telling her she would conceive a son and his name would be Jesus. Jesus would come to known as the Messiah, the son of God. Jesus grew up in the small town of Nazareth with his mother and father, Joseph. His father was a carpenter and many times his family traveled to Jerusalem to sell crafts in the marketplace. It was on these trips that Jesus saw the struggles of the Jewish people; he saw the ways the poor people were treated, as well as, the extravagances of the Romans occupying Judea. After witnessing a prophet, John the Baptist telling stories of a new faith and the kingdom of God, he was baptized in the Jordan River. John had many followers and this angered the Roman leaders bringing about his death. This was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus taught his people that they needed to give up their material possession and believe that God would provide for their needs. He told the Jews the way to salvation was through surrender and faith in God the almighty. He soon led followers with his disciples, into Jerusalem where he destroyed the practices going on in the temple. This angered the high priests and they decided Jesus must die. At the last supper, Jesus shared unleavened bread and wine with his followers. He told them to eat and drink for it was the body of Christ and the blood of Jesus. One of his followers, Judas was at this supper and he betrayed Jesus. Judas led the Roman authorities to where Jesus was staying; he was captured, and brought before Pontiac Pilate who sentenced him to death. They whipped and beat Jesus, put a crown of thorns on his head, nailing him to a cross where he died. His death symbolized salvation and forgiveness for our sins. Ironically, after his death, the Romans destroyed the walls of Jerusalem and converted to Christianity. Today Christianity is the largest religion in the world. Christians view Jesus as the savior. He was sent to live on the earth by God to be tempted with sin, to hunger, to suffer, and to guide his followers on a path of righteousness and salvation. He brought about social reform and justice to society. Jesus was a peacemaker and loved all people, good and bad. Six hundred years after the death of Jesus, another prophet was born, the prophet Muhammad in Mecca. Muhammad was raised by his uncle, having lost his parents at an early age. Like Jesus, Muhammad was born into a world of much turbulence and violence. There were no laws, no government, just hunger and fighting amongst everyone. One day the angel, Gabriel spoke to him and delivered a message from God on how man should live. Of course, this vision frightened him and it was not until later that he truly believed he was a chosen messenger. He grew up as a merchant, a caravan owner; he sold goods as he traveled the countryside. During his travels, he witnessed many cultures and struggles of the people. He became concerned with social issues and recognized that charity was breaking down. He met a wealthy woman, much older than himself, who hired him to guide a caravan for her. One day while retreating to the hills for solitude, the angel Gabriel came again and commanded he proclaim what were soon to be the words of the Qur’an, the holy texts. His wife, Khadijah, convinced him that this was from God. Another spiritual journey came when he ascended to the heavens and met with other prophets before him. Muhammad led a group of followers out of Mecca to Medina and it is here that he formed his social administration. The move from Mecca to Medina came as a threat to the leaders of Mecca, who led an attack on Medina and lost to the Muslims. Later Muhammad led a raid on Mecca and because they were outnumbered, they conceded. In the center of Mecca, stood the Ka’bah it was a temple of worship. The people of Mecca worshipped many idols here and this angered Muhammad. He began to demand no other Gods be worshipped except for Allah. This new commandment became an act of surrender to one God. Muhammad faced much opposition with his ministry. After an attack on a Jewish settlement, Muhammad was poisoned by a Jewish woman, before his death, he gave a speech to his people. Three years later he died.
After his death, the impact he had on Islam was profound. Not only did he play important roles as a political leader but also, as a religious leader. One fact that may be largely responsible for his large number of followers, even to this day, is the writings in the Qur’an. Most of the text was written during his life and believed to be directly given to him by Allah. The prophet Muhammad is viewed as a messenger of God; he brought social justice and order to a primitive existence. He taught Muslims to stand up for themselves in the face of opposition, he brought peace, and through charity can one live a righteous life. Islam has spread to Asia, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and millions of Muslims live in North America today. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Although Jesus and Muhammad were a lot alike in many ways, for example, they were both messengers of God, they both became religious leaders, they grew up in times of social unrest, violence and much opposition from leaders, they both had visions and spiritual enlightenments, they taught their followers to love one another and give to those in need. There were some differences in these two men. Jesus was resurrected from the grave, Muhammad was not. The text in the Bible were written in Hebrew and had to be translated many years after Jesus’ death. The writings in the Qur’an were recited while Muhammad was still alive and came directly from him. Jesus performed miracles, Muhammad did not. Muhammad was a political leader and Jesus was not. One important aspect that each of these influential men left their followers with is that there is one God, no other Gods or idols should be worshipped and live a life of love in everything we do.

References
Hart, M. (n.d.). Prophet Muhammad - The Most Influential Man in History. Retrieved February 17, 2012, from Ismaili Web: http://amaana.org/ismailim.html
Living Religions, Sixth Edition, by Mary Pat Fisher. Published by Prentice-Hall. Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Content / Development 70 Points | Points EarnedXX/70 | | Additional Comments: | All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. Traces the birth, life, and ministry/career of both Jesus and Mohammed (30) Compares what impact the death of each person had on his respective religion. (10) Explains how each one is viewed within his own religion. (10) The paper is 1000-1400 in length. (5) | | The content is comprehensive, accurate, and /or persuasive, with effective use of both our text (Living Religions) and the AXIA library (5). Use of Wikipedia hurts persuasiveness of the paper and points will be deducted | | The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points. (5) | | The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points. (5) | | Readability and Style 10 Points | Points EarnedXX/10 | | Additional Comments: | Good, logical flow throughout the paper with proper paragraph transitions. | | Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. . | | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct | | Mechanics20 Points | Points EarnedXX/20 | | Additional Comments: | The paper, including the title page, reference page, tables, and appendices follow APA guidelines for format. (5) | | Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow APA guidelines. (10) Deduction for use of Wikipedia | | The paper is laid out with effective and consistent use of headings, font styles, and white space. (5) | | Total100 Points | Points EarnedXX/100 | Overall Comments: | |