Christianity and Islam

Islam and Christianity both come from a common foundation as religions of peace, both of these religious traditions share the foundational element of peace of their beliefs. In both the sacred texts of Islam and Christianity peace is a virtue and is seen more as a sense of wellbeing than just the absence of conflict and violence. Overall peace is found in unity with God, for Christians and Muslims are taught to live a life a life of peace with others, not only in their own communities but the entire of human society. The Qur’an in Islam and the New Testament in Christianity are respectively the principal sacred texts for these religious traditions. The Qur’an and the New Testament both express the importance of peace and peacemaking as evident in Jesus’ Beatitudes “Blessed are the peacemakers”. The search for inner peace is the core message of the Qur’an and the New Testament and the adherents of both traditions are taught that inner peace will come through faithfully devoting yourself to God.

The word peace is mentioned over ninety time is the New Testament and in other passages the quest for peace is address without actually using the term. In the New Testament Jesus’ life is the perfect model for living in peace. To have a close relationship with Jesus and his teachings will enable the adherent to experience this peace. For Christians achieving inner peace is following the example and teachings of Jesus. Groups within Christianity will have methods to follow Jesus’ example. Most normally include the use of prayer, the reading of scripture, participation in the wider community, service to others and Sunday worship. Maintaining a steady balance between service and prayer is pivotal for Christians in finding inner peace. Service ...

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...nd dedication required by the adherent. These requirements include putting aside one’s selfishness in order to submit to Allah’s will. The more the adherent submits to Allah the more intense the sense of inner peace will be.

Christianity and Islam both have clear guidelines when it comes to the adherents finding inner peace in their lives. Christians must follow and copy to example set by Jesus of prayer and service to the community. The teachings and life of Jesus is found in the New Testament, which provides Christians which guidance to inner peace. Muslims must look for submission to Allah by following the Five Pillars of Faith and the example of the Prophet Muhammad. The necessities of the Five Pillars of Faith are clearly shown in the Qur’an and example of the Prophet Muhammad can be found in the Hadith, it is these texts that guide Muslims to inner peace.