From the first to the sixteenth centuries, merchants and trade played a prominent and influential role in society. Christianity and Islam in their origins had divergent attitudes toward increasingly important trade, but their viewpoints developed over time until 1500. Christianity first had a negative opinion of merchants, while Muslims saw them in a more positive light. Although they were different in this way, they shared some resemblance in that they both agreed that merchants should be virtuous and equitable in their transactions. In order to better comprehend how the outlook of Christians and Muslims transformed over time, one must first examine how they perceived merchants at their origins. While Christians became more lenient in their view of merchants over time, they at first did not have a high opinion of them because they thought they were too focused on acquiring material possessions and wealth. The New Testament of the Bible illustrates how Christians did not think that rich merchants would be going to heaven due to their emphasis on money and trade in their lives (D1). In a section of the Muslim Qur’an from about 620-650, the difference of attitudes toward merchants of each religion at their origins is shown (D2). This excerpt shows that Muslims first regarded merchants and trade in a positive light as long as they were honest and truthful, although it may have been biased since Muhammad himself was a merchant. This became a similarity between the two religions as Christians changed their opinions over time. Christians accepted honest and truthful merchants with time, similar to Muslims at their origins, rather than condemning them as they did in the past (D3, D4, D6). Christians began to see a great profit from tr... ... middle of paper ... ...s not been addressed. Another useful standpoint to have would be that of someone neither Muslim or Christian. Both religions may have a warped view of the state of affairs due to their conservative and biased views. Someone non-religious could objectively evaluate the points of views that Muslims and Christians each have regarding merchants and commerce. Although Christians initially did not support the ways of commercial life on account of how merchants were too fixated on wealth and property, they adjusted to it over time. Muslims, on the other hand, went from approving of merchants to viewing them adversely as trade grew and became more corrupt in their eyes. Still, they both agreed that traders should be honorable and principled in their exchange. The attitudes of Christianity and Islam toward merchants and trade greatly reformed from their origins until 1500.
The Book of Contemplation written by Usama Ibn Munqidh is an interesting look at the relationship between the Latin Christian and Muslim cultures. Ibn Munqidh wrote this book to record the events taking place in the twelfth century; most of his anecdotes in sections throughout the book refer to the Latin Christians – or Franks – and the interactions between them and Muslims. Ibn Munqidh told of his curiosity into the matter of Franks on their first encounters with Muslim customs. He acknowledged the preconceived notions people had of the Franks during this time and wrote down these interactions Muslims had with them; this included conversations over medicine and intelligence. When Franks have lived in the Muslim community for a while, however, there is far more respect given to them by the Muslims.
A Vanished World: Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Medieval Spain is survey medieval Spain, where Christians, Jews, and Muslims once lived side by side and the Muslims were in charge. The book tries to lead the reader to the conclusion that there is indeed a historical precedent for the three major religions establishing a beneficially symbiotic relationship which may be an enduring lesson for coexistence. The author, Chris Lowney, is an ex-Jesuit and holds degrees in medieval history and philosophy.
In 1500 the attitudes towards trade and more specifically merchants, varied greatly. One’s religion was a major contributor to how individuals viewed merchants. Christians and Islamic people shared many similarities in their views (Documents 1, 4, and 5). For example, they believed that trade leads to unvirtuous lives, also believed that merchants were often corrupt. On the other hand, Muslims and Christians had opposing views in terms of merchants and their objectives (Documents 6 and 7). Some Christians believed that merchants are an important part of economic well being and they benefited the society and many artisans. Opposingly, the Islams believed that merchants only benefited themselves and rid other people of products. Throughout the
The document explains how the Muslims thought that the marketing there might be a sin and would be punished by their god. The document talks about religious aspects and philosophical system in trade. How if both parties were honorable and told the truth about their possessions than they would be blessed. Yet if they lied or didn’t say the complete truth, than their blessing would be gone. Document two is from “A Muslim View of the Characteristics of Traders” and is written by Ibn Khaldun in the 14th century. “This is why [religious]Law allows the use of such methods.” This explains how in Ibn Khaldun’s travels there were also a philosophical system for religion. “This necessitates flattery, and evasiveness, litigation and disputation, all of which are characteristics of this profession. And these qualities lead to a decrease and weakening in virtue.“ This states that trade is the reason for the decreasing in what is good in the world. How due to trade, the good in people are weakening and causing more evil than good. The document also talks about how Ibn Khaldun, and his community solved the issue by the use of law enforcements. This shows how they saw
Christianity’s and Islam’s outlook on trade significantly varied from the 1st century until the 15th century. Trade in the two religions differed greatly at first, since one believed that it was sinful, while the other embraced it. However, by the end of the Post Classical era, the religions' view on trade and merchants were almost as if they were switched. Christian teachings warn about the consequences from the effects of trade, whereas the Muslims practice trade as an accepted way of life (Docs 1,2,3,6). Even with these differences ideas on the topic, they still preached the importance of fair trade (Docs 2,4,5,7). By the 15th and 16th centuries, Muslims and Christians both changed when Muslims started to demand fairer trade and Christians
In conclusion, early Muslims had multitudinous connections with several religions as beneficial partners for trade, travel, and conquest. By analyzing each primary source, the benefits of having a relationship with different religions comes to light. Whether Muslims were interacting with Vikings, Jews, or Christians, establishing a friendly relationship allowed early Muslims to continue building stronger military forces, acquiring material goods, and avoid being raided by enemies. Each source provides different insight to how early Muslims thought and treated the religious groups they encountered.
The points of contention the defenders of Christianity and Islam dwell on are the validity of their religions and prophets. This is the center of the debate between Al-Kindi, a Christian apologist that argues that Islam is satanic, and ‘Abd al-Jabbar, a Muslim who argues that Christianity is hypocritical. The discussion between the two apologists takes place in their works entitled The Apology of al-Kindi and The Critique of Christian Origins respectively. In both texts they discuss the validity of Christianity and Islam based on the prophecies, violent tendencies, and means of recruitment.
George Carlin, an American Comedian once said "Religion is like a pair of shoes.....Find one that fits for you, but don't make me wear your shoes." While obviously Carlin’s statement has a comedic edge it is a useful metaphor. For example when one chooses a pair of shoes one does so for many different reasons. Sometimes it is for comfort or practicality, on occasion for acceptance into a peer group or to be seen a certain way, and yet other times it is for no other reason than you found a pair of shoes that fits you like none other. This is often the case when choosing a religion as well. During the time period of 500CE through 1500CE two of the major religions were those of Christianity and Islam. When looking at which religion was the most attractive during this time comparing things such as benefits, opportunities, tolerance, and government interaction one can see that Islam was often the winner.
This included differentiating between right and wrong, pursuing justice, defending peaceful people, and overtaking those who are troublemakers. Also, the 11th-century chronicle said that both Christianity and Judaism could remain in their own religions and did not have to convert to Islam. Islamic people felt that nobody should fear losing their own religion. If people wanted to convert to Islam not just for self-advancement but instead for the reason of following their heart and the grace of God, they were allowed to. In an effort to tie this into to my claim, the Fatimids were these tolerant, forgiving people described before, and under their rule, the trade networks were created between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Every religion felt protected and comfortable interacting with other religions when Al-Zahir said, “They should remove these imaginary fears from their hearts and be assured they would enjoy protection and care and retain their position as protected communities” (Antioch). This is how Islam’s impact came into play. Through the series of trade networks mentioned earlier, Islam allowed multiple religions to trade ideas and goods, become more wealthy civilizations, and become tolerant towards each
In the first through sixteenth centuries, was a major turning point for the world. Major religions such as christianity, and Islam were gaining more power and respect throughout the post-classical states. Trade was a major shift in the world as well, but little more difficult in some regions more than others. For example in Europe, the ideology of christianity made trade sound like a greedy and horrendous act while in the state of Islam they accepted greed, and did not punish it or look down on it as much as christianity did in their early stages. With this difference they are more similar than different, in the way that they both had their views evolve around the idea of trade changed as the world progressed, as well as both regions had a code of conduct to
Throughout history it is evident that many religions have been tried, tested, and, for some, radically changed. Many religions have gone through periods of time in which the way they were run or enforced underwent changes in practice and leadership. In many cases disagreements and differing outlooks among members of certain religions were to blame for these changes. Christianity and Islam are two examples of religions that have experienced changes over the course of their existence. While these religions seem to have little in common at first glance, both have strikingly similar pasts that consist of radical splits due to disagreements among members of the Christian and Islamic churches, resulting in new branches within each religion.
For the layman, familiarity with the major religions stems from the stories that are associated with them. Using the narratives that are derived from the sacred texts is the most prominent way in which our society identifies the Western religions. The Jewish tradition is best correlated to stories like the Exodus and the parting of the Red Seas, for example, as are the many tales of the miracles of Jesus connected to Christianity. This essay will present narratives as an easy method of providing the basic groundwork for the Western religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam because of their simplicity and easily transmittable nature. Furthermore, narratives impart many of the rules, laws, and moral fundamentals for these faiths, and are used by religious writers as a novel method of initiating discussion or providing a parallel for other narratives.
Islam and Christianity seem to have very little in common; however, the two actually show strong likeness, principally in the central areas. Both Muslims and Christians are monotheists, believing in one God. While both believe in the same God, He is called by two completely different names. He is referred to as "Allah" by Muslims and "God" by Christians. Although Islam and Christianity are two different religions, their similarities in beliefs and prayers make them comparable in many aspects.
At the first glance, Islam and Christianity appear to have nothing in common, however; as you go beyond the surface, they appear to have many similarities such as their beliefs of God, their beliefs of life after death, their holy scriptures, and their prayers. These religions, although two entirely different beliefs, share a similar origin. Like many other religions, they both claim to be the one and only true way to God. In order to truly see and understand their similarities, one must date back to the rise and birth of Christianity and Islam. Throughout the course of this essay, I will compare the many facets that show the alikeness between these two growing religions.
Islam and Christianity have a vast amount of similarities as well as differences. Islam searches for guidance from the Qur’an and Christianity depends on faith in Jesus. Islamic faith believes in the God, Allah. Above anything else, all religious Muslims obey Allah and his commandments to obtain peace. On other hand, Christianity puts faith in Jesus who is the son of God. A major concept that separates both of the religions is the fact that the God of each faith has different qualities. This means Islam and Christianity don’t worship the same God. Islam and Christianity are two separate belief systems in which two separate Gods exist.