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Do Islam, Christianity, and Judaism have different Origins?

Date: August 15, 2014 Author: busari Categories: News

No.

Muslims believe that the original, unchanged message given to Muhammad, Jesus, Moses and all other prophets came from the One same God. This common origin explains their similarities in many beliefs and values.

“Say: We Believe in God and what has been revealed to us, and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord; we do not make any distinction between any of them, and to Him (God) do we wholly give ourselves.” (Qur’an 3:84)

Jews, Christians and Muslims all consider Abraham their Patriarch. Abraham is mentioned in the Qur’an as one of the great prophets. He was blessed by God to be the father of many nations. From his second son, Isaac, descended the tribes of Israel, and through them, Moses and Jesus; and from his first son, Ishmael, came Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon all of His messengers).

Abraham was commanded by God to rebuild the place of worship that Adam first built – the Ka’bah, in Makkah (Mecca). The Ka’bah is a simple stone structure, erected as a sanctuary for the worship of the One God. Muslims do not worship the Ka’bah; the cubical building is simply the unified direction toward which all Muslims face in Prayer to God, Almighty.
 
Is Islam respectful of other beliefs?
Yes. The Qur’an states unequivocally:

“There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood…” (Qur’an 2:256)

Freedom of conscience is an essential tenant of Islam. Truth can only be seen if it is not clouded by coercion. Protection of the rights of non-Muslims is an intrinsic part of Islamic law. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

“He who hurts a non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim State – I am his adversary and I shall be his adversary on the Day of Judgment.”

“Beware on the Day of Judgment, I shall, myself, be the accuser against him who wrongs a non-Muslim citizen (of a Muslim State) or Lays on him a responsibility greater than he can bear, or deprives him of anything that belongs to him.”

History provides many examples of Muslims’ respect towards other faiths. For instance, prior to the Spanish Inquisition, Jews and Christians lived and prospered in Spain for centuries under Muslim rule. Another well known example is when Omar, the second successor to Prophet Muhammad, entered Jerusalem. He refused to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. He was concerned that some overzealous Muslim in the future might destroy the Church and build a Mosque in his honor.