Jesus and Muhammad: Two Exceptional Men, Two Different Centuries

Jesus and Muhammad

Jesus and Muhammad: Two Exceptional Men, Two Different Centuries

Jesus and Muhammad were born centuries apart, and several thousand miles separated them. However, their time on earth serves of notable importance and similar in many ways. Both were exceptional leaders who have paved the way for Christians and Muslims today. The first four books of the New Testament tell what is known about the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in the 4th year before the common era, or BCE in the town of Bethlehem. (Fisher, 2005) Mary and Joseph were parents of a baby boy. The baby boy was named Jesus, which means “God saves” (Fisher, 2005 p. 288). From birth, however; there is very little in the bible that tells of Jesus’ childhood until the age of approximately 12. At the age of 12 Jesus traveled with his parents to Jerusalem for Passover. Mary and Joseph found Jesus discussing the Torah with the Rabbis. Realization occurs that Jesus’ close connection to God, that would be revealed later in life. When Jesus was about 30 years old he appeared before John the Baptist. Up until this point the holy book does not tell of much of Jesus’ life in his young adulthood. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. John the Baptist did so unwillingly, feeling that he it was not his place to perform such a considerable ordeal. There are many beliefs linked to Jesus’ baptism. Many felt it was the Messiah’s way of dedicating himself to God. After this, Jesus began to gather disciples. These disciples included the fisherman Simon (called Peter), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James and John (brother of James). These disciples recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus told them that they would have to leave all their possessions behind as well as human attachments to follow him. “This call to discipleship continues to be experienced by Christians todayвЂ¦Ð²Ð‚Ñœ (Fisher, 2005 p. 290) Jesus is said to have performed many miracles by Jesus as he journeyed throughout the land to spread his teachings of love. Jesus healed the sick, turned water into wine, walked on water, and even rose the dead. Jesus’ teachings were based on the idea “God is forgiving to those who repent”. (Fisher, 2005 p. 294) Jesus traveled to Galilee for one of his teachings. The rule of Galilee considered Jesus a threat which forced Jesus to remain outside of Galilee to continue his teachings. Jesus considered himself a shepherd that would sacrifice himself for is followers. He explained these teachings were those of God. Jesus warned his disciples the end was near for him. He told of how one of his followers would betray him. The last supper, a meal during Passover season, included instructions given by Jesus. This included a ceremony consisting of bread and wine to be performed to maintain ongoing communion with him. Christians today still have communion marked with a piece of bread dipped in wine or grape juice as a symbol of their closeness to God. Judas, was the disciple that leaked information which resulted in Jesus’ arrest for 30 pieces of silver. (Fisher, 2005) Jesus was taken to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. Here he was questioned. The town of Jerusalem could not be calmed so Jesus was given to military guards who beat him, and crucified him on the cross. “The guards put a crown made of thorns on Jesus’ head and paraded him and his cross to the hill called Golgotha.” (Fisher, 2005) The crucification of Christ is thought to have occurred between 27 and 33 CE. Jesus was mocked during his time on the cross, “…and even the robbers mocked him for saying that he could save others when he could not even save himself.” Many of Jesus’ disciples became scared and went into hiding.

Jesus’ body was given to Joseph of Arimathea (a wealthy disciple) after he died upon the cross. Arimathea placed Jesus’ body in a tomb, blocking the entrance with a huge rock. This also included security personnel to watch over the tomb. However, the tomb was found empty days later and it is believed that Jesus was taken to heaven by angels. Many disciples claimed they had been visited by Jesus Christ and explained to them his resurrection. Those disciples that had been visited by Jesus during his resurrection helped to create Christianity. This especially influenced one person in particular, Saul, a persecutor of Christians. He put many of Jesus’ followers into prison, sentencing them to death. Saul was visited by Jesus and as instructed to “open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Fisher 2005, p. 303) This changed Sauls life, and he was baptized, renaming himself Paul (Fisher, 2005). He went on a new mission to spread the faith of Christianity across the Mediterranean. The story of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection are symbolic, and important to the Christian religion today. Jesus gave up his life for his followers sins, and paved the way for Christians today. Many Christians wear and display the cross as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. Christianity has many different denominations, but the common denominator in al is leading a life directed by the spiritual road paved by Jesus Christ. Prophet Muhammad had great importance in not only the formation of Islam, but in every day Muslim life ever since. He is known as “…the perfect Muslim, the prime exemplar of how to live an Islamic lifeвЂ¦Ð²Ð‚Ñœ (Coogan, 2003) Records show that Muhammad was born in, or around, the year 570 CE (Fisher, 2005). He was orphaned as a young child, and guardianship was given to his uncle Abu Talib (Coogan, 2003) Muhammad acquired as a young youth the nickname al-Amin, which means “The Trustworthy”. (Coogan, 2003) He was deemed the messenger of God, and is said to receive revelations directly from Allah himself.

Muhammad’s reputation caught the attention of a merchant named Khadija. Muhammad then married this woman in his early twenties who became his first wife and mother of four of his daughters. She encouraged the Prophet and understood his spiritual intentions, and so she was able to understand desire “to go into solitude on extended spiritual retreats.”