...Muslims and Christians view peace it is imperative to understand the source of the teachings for each religion. The principles teachings of peace for Both Christianity and Islam are primarily found in the sacred texts of both religious traditions. Christianity looks to the bible and specifically the New Testament for teachings about peace, whereas Islam focuses’ on the Qur’an and Hadith to guide their beliefs of peace. These sacred texts guide the individual adherents of each religion to achieving inner peace which consequently develops their understanding to take responsibility to achieve peace with those around them, leading to ‘world peace’. An understanding of the Christian belief of peace is gained through a knowledge of the importance of the life of Jesus Christ in the beliefs of adherents. Peace is believed to be at the heart of Jesus' life and ministry and accordingly it is a foundational element of the Christian communities that seek to follow him. In order for Christians to experience the peace of God they must devote themselves to listening to the good news of God revealed through the Bible and commit themselves to following the example of Jesus in his life and ministry. This brings with it a requirement of prayer and contemplation, of communal life and celebration and of commitment to the welfare of others and to the wider community. An example of this belief is seen in Jesus’ teachings found in the New Testament when Jesus told his followers “blessed are the peacemakers...
Words: 905 - Pages: 4
...whilst some of them are universal in regard to spatial settings, others are only found in some specific geographical regions. For example, Christianity is one of the major religions found on earth and is based on the teachings of Christ Jesus who according to the beliefs of Christians was the son of God. In essence, God is seen as the supernatural being behind each and every aspect of the universe. Islamic is also another major religion that though differing with Christianity on some major beliefs also holds that there is a supernatural being known as Allah. As opposed to Christ, Muslims as the followers of this religion are known believe that Allah sent his prophet Mohammed to come and teach the good words of Islam on the planet (Om Sakthi, 2010). Despite these differences, the two religions do belief in life after death meaning that there will be resurrection of the dead at some time with the faithful finding eternal peace and the sinners or non believers facing eternal condemnation. Other religions on the planet include Hinduism whose major belief is in unity of everything or rather totality known as Brahman. This religion also belief in God and life after death. Judaism which is close to Christianity and Islam also believe in God but follows the old teachings...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...2. Evaluate the impact on Islam of ONE significant person or school of thought. Sayyid Qutb had a seemingly minimal impact throughout his life, but his teachings and ideology have become of significant importance to the Islamic faith. However his views and thoughts of that are somewhat extreme have lead some followers to form organizations which are involved with radical, extreme and “terrorist” activities. Qutb’s teachings and commentary of Islamic teachings are seen to hold considerable authority and significance to adherents of Islam. His main and most revered teachings included: the belief in Tawhid (the oneness of God), the concept of Jahiliyya (pagan ignorance), jihad (struggle) and the need to revive Islam. Through his first book ‘Social Justice of Islam’ Qutb highlighted and upheld the importance of the Islamic idea of Tawhid. He strongly taught that everything was made with and through the Will of Allah, “So all Creation issuing as it does from one absolute, universal and active Will…” Qutb was able to reinforce this fundamental belief of Tawhid to adherents. Through this he wanted to create a society where religion and the sate were one. In this action Islamic religious laws would form the basis of the laws governing the particular society. In the contemporary world we see this in practice through Iran, in which religious laws govern the country. Therefore it appears that Qutb’s underlining focus to create a religious state did in fact become reality. Qutb’s development...
Words: 645 - Pages: 3
...full understanding of the Muslim identity. William provided many claims and historical information about Islam. However, he did not reveal his source for the provided information. Furthermore, he is not supporting his claims with any evidences. Again, it is important to question whether William omitted the information intentionally or not. The historical Islamic events, that William provided, prove that he possessed lots of information about Islamic history. Yet, he started his document by claiming that prophet Mohamed is a descendent of Satan, who spread the teachings of his religion using violence (William of Tyre 1). William mixed up the conflicts of the Islamic state with the...
Words: 639 - Pages: 3
...about three monotheistic religions that are skewed across the media. Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are three major monotheistic religions in the world. It is important that each of these religions are accurately portrayed across the media because there is a growing dissonance over truly understanding a religion and the followers it has. Today I will be discussing in this report four key points about these three religions. I will be explaining each religion...
Words: 1198 - Pages: 5
...“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace within ourselves.” The sole focus of an individual is dynamic fulfillment that derives from ones inner sphere signifying outer peace. Peace within one’s self is gained through sacred meaning, and the diminishing of inner turmoil that restricts inner peace in which individuals require in order to achieve external peace within the world .Internal strife and peace will lead the restoration of peace in the outer world. In both Christianity and Islam, sacred texts are vital sources of information on all aspects of peace. They demonstrate principal teachings about peace, and teachings on inner peace as well as supporting the ultimate aim of world peace. Although man is unable to avoid conflict, they can teach themselves to respond in ways that avoid negative outcomes. The scriptural text, the New Testament is used as a sacred text among Christians as it is the key principal and foundational element of teaching. Peace is an underlying value that has been conveyed through the form of a message conveyed to Christian believers. Peace is at the heart of Jesus’ life and ministry. The New Testament expresses peace as virtue as it a key element of the reign of God. Jesus himself is known as the “prince of peace”. Peace being a common notion throughout Christian scriptural literature emphasize’ the importance of peace, combating conflict in which derives away from peace. The New Testament encounters inner peace as it an imperative...
Words: 2033 - Pages: 9
...misunderstood by us than that complex religion, culture and geography known as Islam”(Smith 221). Islam has been an established religion for over 1400 years, originating around the beginning of 600 AD (Robinson). Robinson also states that Islam’s religious definition means “voluntary submission to God” and is also commonly known to be defined as peace or submission. The Five Pillars of Islam, which are considered to be the foundations of Muslim life, are the confession of faith, prayer, alms, fasting, and pilgrimage (Robinson). By learning what the Five Pillars of Islam are one will be able to gain an understanding of the fundamental beliefs of Islam. Shahada is the first of the Pillars of Islam and it is the Muslim profession of faith that is expressed by two beliefs (Bowker 531). Bowker also defines shahada as an oath that focuses on the two beliefs that Allah is the one and only God and that Muhammad is the messenger of God. Farah explains how shahada is “the basic creed of Islam that must be recited under oath” and is essential to have memorized as a Muslim (135). This means that non-Muslims who are wishing to convert to Islam must be able to properly recite it as one of their requirements for conversion (Farah 135). Farah eventually gets to the point that without knowing this profession of faith one can not be a Muslim and is not a part of the Islam faith (135). The second of the Pillars of Islam is salat, which is the Islamic prayer that is normally performed fives times...
Words: 1067 - Pages: 5
...A Look Into Islam | In recent years I feel that with the reports from media sources along with many tragic events such as 9/11, has led to a negative portrayal of people of the Islam faith. Since acts of terrorism have been associated and linked with members of the Islam it is the topic of much speculation and accusation. America has a whole especially in the Southern regions in which we live known has the Bible belt has a high volume of Christians. In smaller towns like the one I grew up in typically there wasn’t a lot of diversity in the religious sector. Personally the diversity I experienced amongst religious groups growing up was mainly only amongst differing denominations of the Christian faith. I never had friends growing up that said they were going to the Mosque on Sunday the majority of my peers attended Church services similar to one's that I was accustomed to. I was taught as child any other religion that goes against our beliefs of Christianity were wrong and not to be associated with. For the most part since I never had the opportunity to learn aspects of other religious practices from peers the idea has always simply been foreign to me. Other religious groups’ views in their entirety were completely based on assumptions. With no true basic knowledge or insight from any followers of other religions it can cause the viewpoint to be skewed. This is for the most part the main reason for a lot of Americans having a negative disposition on Muslims. It has been studied...
Words: 2490 - Pages: 10
...produced great confusion in regards to its importance in Islam. The importance of Shari`ah can be seen through the meaning of the concept. The word shari`ah literally means a waterway that leads to a main stream, a drinking place, and a road or the right path. From this meaning, the word shari`ah was used to refer to a path or a passage that leads to an intended place, or to a certain goal. The importance of Shari`ah is evident in the denotations of the literal meaning. Water is life for everything, Shari`ah is life for the Muslims’ souls and a way of life for them. On the other hand, Shari`ah, conceptually, refers to a set of rules, regulations, teachings, and values governing the lives of Muslims. However, these rules and regulations, contrary to how they are often described by many non-Muslims, cover every aspect of life. Shari`ah embraces worship, morals and conduct, as well as it embraces the political, social and economic, as well as other spheres. Muslims believe that the purpose of their creation in nothing but servitude [being servants to the creator of mankind]. They also believe that without the guidance of Allah (God) no one will meet this purpose. Therefore Allah sent messengers and prophets with teachings, values, rules and regulations to guide mankind to His way, the right way. The first step in the fulfillment of the servitude mission is the complete submission to Allah, which is Islam. The second step is following the guidance of Allah, which...
Words: 834 - Pages: 4
...How can we answer questions about creation and origins? Learning from religion and science: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Humanism – Year 9 About the unit This unit suggests activities that can be used in teaching and learning about creation and origins. It can be adapted to local circumstances and for different age groups. It illustrates the provision of the non-statutory national framework for religious education (RE) and can be used or adapted to deliver an agreed syllabus or other guidelines. This unit focuses on creation and origins of the universe and human life and the relationship between religion and science. It aims to deepen pupils’ awareness of ultimate questions through argument, discussion, debate and reflection and enable them to learn from a variety of ideas of religious traditions and other world views. It explores Christianity, Hinduism and Islam and also considers the perspective of those who do not believe there is a god (atheists). It considers beliefs and concepts related to authority, religion and science as well as expressions of spirituality. Pupils have opportunities to discuss, question and evaluate important issues in religion and science. They also have opportunities to reflect on and evaluate their own beliefs and values, and the beliefs and values of others, in relation to questions of truth and purpose. This unit can be adapted for other religions – using responses from other religious traditions to the key questions, including accounts...
Words: 6605 - Pages: 27
...EARLY ISLAMIC ERA Name Institution Introduction The start and spread of Islam is a broad body of knowledge that has been explained extensively by religious scholars and philosophers alike. Despite the presence of Christianity from the ancient times, Islam has had a tremendous growth particularly in the Middle East where up to now it is still the leading religion in the region. The early Islamic era is a fascinating study for historians who seek to understand the dynamics that gave birth to one of the biggest religion in the world; and with such a strong faith base. Islam is characterized by a unifying component that places all the Muslims across the nations in one category of identity. According to Khan (2011), it is very easy to recognize that an environment belongs to Islam than it is to identify the other religions. The early Islamic era, if it is anything to believe, was stronger than the crystallized Islam we have today. There is a concept that Islam spread rapidly because of the use of the sword in one hand and the Quran on the other hand. This is believed to have been done by the Jihadist among other substantial members of the Muslim faith. This notion forms the controversy that further catapults this study and makes it more interesting. This paper thus, focuses and explores the reasons that underpinned the rapid spread of Islam beyond Arabia. It also seeks to establish the understanding of the motive behind the early Islamic conquests. More importantly it sought to...
Words: 1723 - Pages: 7
...however, adhere to the central tenets of Christianity. Christians have a distinct understanding of the nature of God, the identity of Jesus Christ, and the role of salvation. While most of the Christian holy sites are in Rome and Jerusalem, two of the earliest centers of the religion, Christian sites can be found in all countries where the religion is present. The early Christian missions, located primarily in Florida and California, are an example of important sites for the religion in the United States. This paper provides an overview of the religion, information regarding St. Augustine Mission in Florida, an interview with a Christian, and a comparison between Christianity and Islam in order to provide a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Christianity is currently one of the world’s largest religions. Approximately 33% of the world’s population or around 2.1 billion people profess the Christian faith (Major Religions…, 2007). Who are these people? What do they believe in? Where do they come from? Where are they going? These are some of the basic questions many people, unfamiliar with Christianity, could have about the religion. Many Christian symbols, such as the cross, are well known, but the meaning behind the main symbols is less frequently known. A glance at the history of Christianity, one of its important sites, the experience of a Christian, and a comparison with Islam, another common religion, can give great insight into the nature and identity of the...
Words: 3059 - Pages: 13
...works of Jesus. Many peoples perspective differ on who Jesus was or is. These beliefs are based on the religion that one follows. I will start with main stream Christian believers; Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God. It is believed in this religion that, God sent angels down to Mary, a virgin and told her she would have a son and his name will be Jesus. The angels also told Mary that, God sent Jesus to preach and deliver his words, so that people may have faith in him all over the world. Jesus did just that, and more. Jesus healed the sick, taught God’s word and died for the sins of the people, so that they may be saved, have eternal life, and enter the gates of heaven, according to the Holy Bible. However, Jesus teachings were primarily about The Kingdom of God (heaven). Never the less, he speaks of morality and prayer. Jesus had many believers has he had non- believers. As Jesus exhibits the works of God, many of the non-believers were displeased on these actions of prayer, healing and talks of eternal life. After The Last Supper, Jesus was arrested in the night to avoid rioting, for he was most popular amongst the people. The next day Jesus was stripped, mocked, and crowned with thorns, he was crucified and executed for aspiring to be the King of Jews. I believe that Jesus is the most influential person who has ever lived. Jesus created the largest religion in the world today Christianity. Christianity has evolved the world and has influenced...
Words: 1395 - Pages: 6
...Islamic Culture & Spirituality ……………………….…………….. 7 Bibliography ……………………………………………………… 10 The two Religions On the surface, Islam and Christianity appear to have very little in common, however, as you get deeper into areas such as rituals, beliefs, ethics, founders, and sacred objects, the two show strong mutual similarities, particularly in the fundamental areas. In this essay we will compare and contrast the doctrines that make up the world’s largest and most recognized religions, Christianity and Islam. Islam, a major world religion, founded in Arabia and based on the teachings of Muhammad, who is called the Prophet. One who practices Islam is a Muslim. Muslims follow the Koran, the written revelation brought by Muhammad. The Muslim world population is estimated at more than 1 billion. Islam is the quickest growing religion. On the other hand, the Christian world population is at 2 billion people and it is considered as the bigger religious group. The central element of Christianity is the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus of Nazareth, attracted a following of people who believed him to be a new prophet. Christianity is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament. Central to the Christian faith is the gospel, the teaching that humans have hope for salvation through the message and works of Jesus, and particularly his atoning death on the cross. Most Christians...
Words: 2469 - Pages: 10
...Islam in the World Today Patrick Mallin DeVry University Islam has a major influence within society and not just within the Middle East but all over the world. Depending on what part of the world is looked at, the teachings of Islam are altered slightly just like anything else maybe in different countries. The issue that arises is the thought that Islam has one belief that has been shining in the wrong light, and it is practiced the same way all around the world and by all people. The teaching of Islam will be further explained showing differences in ways it is practiced to prove misconceptions wrong. Another thing that will be focused on is how these teachings compare to Christianity and Judaism which are also found throughout the world. With this information, it allows for interactions of different religious groups to be looked at, and the ability to assess the dynamics of them. With further understanding of each, a more stable society could start to develop. The teachings of Islam are meant for the good of all people, it is designed to eliminate any prejudice and hatred among all people. The basis is that people are all the same, no matter what skin color, job, gender, or social class. Islamic teachings come from the holy Quran which focus’s everything around three principle factors, those being, justice, tolerance, and equality. Justice focusing on the fact that if one would discriminate...
Words: 2117 - Pages: 9
