Clearly every religion has core values...
For Muslims they are called Pillars...
For Christians, Ill call them Altars(since this is where most sinners prayer takes place)
The Five Pillars of Faith in Islam:
- Shahadah(Acceptance of Allah, and Mohammed as His prophet)
- Salah(Prayer/worship)
- Zakat(Missions/charity)
- Sawm(Fasting)
- Hajj(Pilgrimage)
The Five Altars of Belief for Christianity(from the Purpose Driven Life):
- Worship
- Fellowship
- Discipleship
- Ministry
- Mission
Clearly by ready the list there are more similarities than differences.
Similarity #1: As a Christian you are to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God is the only God and Jesus is His son and that He died and rose again. To take Shahadah, you confess with your mouth that Allah(God) is the only God and that Mohammed is his prophet. Clearly faith starts in the heart of man and drips from hips lips like pure honey to God. Regardless of which religion you choose youre admitting that your life is in Gods hands and He is the ultimate, just as His commandments said.
Similarity #2: The Bible tells us to feed and clothe our brother if in need(Prov. 28:27 If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied! But a curse upon those who close their eyes to poverty.) That compleetely is connected to the meaning of Zakat. The Quran says,- 30:39 That which you lay out for increase in property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah; but that which you lay out for charity, seeking the support of Allah, it is those who get a reward multiplied. These two verses are completely the same just worded different.
Similarity #3: Worship and Prayer are a staple in both religions. Here are a few verses from both the Bible and the Quran...the similarities are striking..
"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
[23:2] Successful indeed are the believers; who are reverent during their Salat "
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).
[2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and
salat. Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.
All of the verses show that God hears and that the righteous and devout pray throughout the day. Even in weakness they pray because they know He hears.
Similarity #4: Fasting is so important in bothe religions simply because it strengthens our ties to God. In Islam, fasting for a month is an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, from fajr (dawn), until the maghrib (dusk). Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking (including water), and engaging in sexual activity. They are also encouraged to temper negative emotions such as anger and addiction. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship. By fasting, whether during Ramadan or other times, a Muslim draws closer to Allah by abandoning body pleasures, such as food and drink. This makes the sincerity of their faith and their devotion to God (Arabic: Allah) all the more evident. The Quran states that fasting was prescribed for those before them (i.e., the Jews and Christians) and that by fasting a Muslim gains taqwa, which can be described in one word as 'Godconsciousness' or 'Godwariness'. Fasting is believed to help promote chastity and humility and prevent sin, the outburst of uncontrolled lusts and desires and far-fetched hopes. To Muslims, fasting acts as a shield with which the Muslim protects him/herself from jahannam (hell). Muslims believe that fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. Fasting also includes abstaining from any falsehood in speech and action, abstaining from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing, fighting, and having lustful thoughts. Therefore, fasting strengthens control of impulses and helps develop good behavior. During the sacred month of Ramadan, believers strive to purify body and soul and increase their taqwa (good deeds and God-consciousness). This purification of body and soul harmonizes the inner and outer spheres of an individual. Muslims aim to improve their body by reducing food intake and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Overindulgence in food is discouraged and eating only enough to silence the pain of hunger is encouraged. Muslims believe they should be active, tending to all their commitments and never falling short of any duty. On a moral level, believers strive to attain the most virtuous characteristics and apply them to their daily situations. They try to show compassion, generosity and mercy to others, exercise patience, and control their anger. In essence, Muslims are trying to improve what they believe to be good moral character and habits.
Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33). Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God that they are serious about a relationship with Him. Fasting helps gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God. Although fasting in Scripture is almost always a fasting from food, there are other ways to fast. Anything given up temporarily in order to focus all our attention on God can be considered a fast (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Fasting should be limited to a set time, especially when fasting from food. Extended periods of time without eating can be harmful to the body. Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. The purpose of a biblical fast is to gain deeper fellowship with God. Anyone can fast, but some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for example). Everyone can temporarily give up something in order to draw closer to God. By taking the eyes off the things of this world, Christians can more successfully turn the attention to Christ. Fasting is not a way to get God to do what they want. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude. Matthew 6:16-18 declares, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Similarity #5: DISCIPLESHIP IS KEY. Both Christians and Muslims are steady trying to win souls to God. Both realize the importance of religion and know that without it life is missing something.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.(2 Tim. 2:2)
And of course, Muslims are quick to minister regardless of place. If you have questions they have literature. If you need answers they have them and can devoutly teach the Word of God as prescribed to them. By my experience, unlike Most Christians, theyve been more willing to accept andtry to teach without judging. As my good friend Omar says, "Allah will place it(the truth) in your heart and mind. The brothers and sisters are here to strengthen it. Allah will be pleased."
PEACE AND BLESSINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
