Although today Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are often opposed to each, they have many similar elements. Such common features and narratives probably exist because religions developed in the same territory, although they arose at different times, and therefore are closely intertwined. Three sacred tales about Elisha, Jesus, and Muhammad is another confirmation of the similarity of the three religions, although they also demonstrate their differences.
The central idea of all three stories is that the prophets of the Lord will perform a miracle by dividing a small amount of food among tens or hundreds of people and help them all satisfy their hunger. In addition, all prophets carry the same message, since a miracle is intended to show people the power of the Lord and help them find faith in him. However, while Jesus and Elisha reach out to all people and offer the path of faith, Muhammad warns his relatives and tries to convince them to join him and spread the words of God. At the same time, forty men see the miracle but do not believe Muhammad and laugh at his words. This distinction is significant for the story, since it makes it more personal and demonstrates that Islam’s spread was a complex process that met with resistance. Although Christianity and Judaism faced similar obstacles, these religions’ stories carry a mood of universal good and the salvation that faith in God brings, rather than the punishment caused by the denial of the Lord.
In conclusion, I find these sacred tales understandable and different in mood, albeit similar in context. Although some details, such as the amount of food and people, are different, they describe a similar story. The similarities are probably because of the partly common history of religions and the ideals they preach. However, the difference in the story about Muhammad emphasizes Islam’s peculiarities and its history of development and spread in the world.