Christianity has founded on the doctrine of Jesus Christ elevated to the stature and likeness of God. Jesus Christ is referred to as the heir to the throne of God. On the other hand, Judaism upholds that God exists in oneness and not in the trinity as Christians believe. Islam synthesis of the two religions is factual since it recognizes the oneness of God and Jesus as a prophet (Armesto 219).
Another form of Islam synthesis about Christianity and Judaism is in the emphasis of land. In this regard, Christianity perceives the materialistic nature of land as vanity. Therefore, Christianity upholds the belief of the heavenly kingdom as the only true valuable possession. Land and element of the earth is not given great emphasis but acknowledged as a transition to the kingdom of God. On the other hand, Judaism acknowledges the land and especially the land of Israel as a symbolic element of heavenly possession. In this regard, Judaism proclaims that Israel is a sacred land where the inheritance of God’s people will occur. Islam acknowledges both heaven and earth as important elements for mankind relationship with God. In this regard, Islam proclaims that man destiny is Allah’s kingdom in heaven while the earth is a symbolic state of man’s true faith in Allah.
Unlike in Judaism, Christianity disregards the importance of money as a pursuant of vanity. Ambition to attain money and another material possession is viewed by Christianity as greed. In this regard, Christians are supposed to offer 10% of their wealth as tithe and offerings. On the other hand, Judaism measures man’s handwork by the amount of money and wealth amassed. Islam perception towards money and wealth is in moderation. From this perspective, Islam directs its followers to offer tithes and work hard. Helping neighbors is highly advocated by Islam, especially those who lavish in poverty and hunger.
Islam is considered a synthesis of Christianity and Judaism from its principle ideas and traditions. A philosophical approach to Islam reveals its acceptance of Judaism traditions. In this context, Islam acknowledges the Jewish bible as a genuine source of religious material. Islam traditions of not eating pigs and practicing, circumcision are similar to Jewish traditions. Moreover, other similar practices between Islam and Judaism are daily prayers, fasting, and reciting daily prayers.
Christianity borrows Jewish tradition as evidenced in the inclusion of traditional accounts in the Old Testament, but emphasizes in the New Testament. Judaism is based purely on Jewish traditions and disregards Christianity as a true religion. On the other hand, Islam borrows concepts from both Judaism and Christianity, as evidenced in the Quran. For example, Judaism traditions such as daily prayers, fasting, and circumcision, as well as the prophecy of Jesus, are mentioned in the Quran.
In Judaism, a prophet is mandated with predicting the unforeseen. In most cases, the prophet predicts the future and interprets the dream to a common man (Vroom and Gort 72). Moreover, Judaism praises a prophet as guidance to religion, politics, and socio-economic problems. Moreover, a prophet is perceived as a link between God and his creation. This is evidenced by a prophet’s role in relaying God’s message to man and vice versa. The role of a prophet as envisioned by Christianity is similar to that of Judaism in every manner. In Islam, prophets are considered messengers, teachers, and interpret Allah’s message. Prophet Muhammad is considered the greatest Islam messenger of all time. Muhammad guided Muslims in various religious and socio-economic issues that affected the development and growth of Islam religion. A prophet’s lifetime as a Muslim should be preceded by self-sanctification and partaking the role of a ruler.
From the five pillars of faith, there are a lot of elements that show similarities between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity (Mathews 344). The first pillar of faith acknowledges Allah as the only true God. This fact is professed in both Judaism and Christianity, which are monotheistic religions. The second pillar of faith, similar to Christian and Judaism faith is prayers. While Islam advocates for the mandatory recitation of five prayers a day, Christianity and Judaism advocates for daily prayers. However, Judaism and Christianity do not limit the number of prayers, like in Islam. Another pillar of faith is charity known as Zagat in Islam. Christianity and Judaism also advocate for charitable activities for the poor in society.
The act of charity is considered as a test of faith by God, who is perceived as the ultimate provider. Fasting is considered as a great act of faith in Islam. Muslims fast for at least 30 days in what is referred to as the month of Ramadan. Refraining from eating specified foods, drinks, and activities is part of fasting in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Finally, pilgrimage is considered an important activity in the lifetime of a Muslim. This activity entails visiting the holy city of Mecca if an individual’s welfare allows. On the other hand, Christianity and Judaism encourage undergoing confessions and synagogue teachings, respectively.
Works Cited
Armesto, F., Felipe. The world: A brief history. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.
Mathews, Warren. World religions. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
Vroom, M., Hendrik and Gort, D., Jerald. Holy Scriptures, Christianity and Islam: Hermeneutics, values and society. Amsterdam: Rodopi, 1997. Print.