The Life of Jesus and Muhummad

The Life of Jesus and Mohammed

Larry Hayes

Axia College of University of Phoenix

The life of both, Jesus and Muhammad has impacted the world in a way that none other has. These two men have entire religions based upon their lives and their teachings. In this essay we will explore the lives and teachings of both of these extraordinary men.

The life of Muhammad was full of challenges which started from birth. Muhammad’s father died before his birth followed by the deaths of his mother and then his grandfather. Muhammad’s uncle soon came to have custody of him. On a trip to Syria Muhammad was identified as a prophet by a Christian monk. The marks on his body had indicated to the monk that Muhammad was a prophet. Muhammad as a young man met a beautiful wealthy woman whom he managed caravans for. The 40 year old woman’s name was Khadijah. Khadijah was 15 years older than Muhammad’s when they married. Khadijah supported Muhammad even through his early mission. With Khadijah’s understanding, Muhammad began spending time in solitary to have time to contemplate on spiritual things.

While on a spiritual retreat at the age of 40 Muhammad had his first encounter with an angel. The angel recited to him the first of what would become the Qur’an. Muhammad shared his experience with those close to him: his wife Khadijah; his young cousin, �Ali; his friend, the trader Abu Bakr; and the freed slave, Zayd. All of his close family and friends believed him and continued to support him. Within three years Muhammad was told by the angel to share what he was being told with the public. Qurayshites were the aristocrats who operated the Ka’bah as a center for pilgrimage. The Qurayshites also organized profitable trading caravans that traveled through Mecca. The Qurayshites openly ridiculed and stoned him. Muhammad was somewhat protected by his uncle’s influences, but his followers were not. Bilal one of Muhammad’s first followers was imprisoned and subjected to cruel treatment in hopes of forcing him deny God. He refused and became the first muezzin (one who calls the people to prayer from a high place). Some accounts suggest that Muhammad and his followers were forced to leave and live in the wilderness for three years.

When the Muslims returned to Mecca the persecution still continued. Muhammad at the age of 50 lost his wife and uncle, and was without his strongest support. This period in Muhammad’s life is referred to as the “Year of Sorrows.” Tradition states that in the mist of all of his trials, Muhammad had a great experience. The Night of Ascension is what it was called, he is said to have ascended to the seventh heaven and met prophets from times past and seen paradise and hell. He was also said to have received blessings from the Divine Presence.

Muhammad and his followers faced persecution from the people of Mecca, so they escaped to Yathrib. Muhammad had been recognized by the Yathrib while in Mecca as a prophet and was offered sanctuary in their city. The Muslim era is calculated from this escape, it said to mark the change from persecution to appreciation of the Prophet’s message. While in Yathrib, Muhammad constructed the standard of Muslim behavior. Mecca declared war on Yathrib because Mecca thought of them as being hostel and supporting Muhammad. There was open conflict between the two cities for some time. Muhammad and his followers were ultimately the winners.

Muhammad saw his mission as one of revelation of the true aspects of monotheism. He believed that Jews and Christians had distorted the truth of monotheism. This is one reason that the Qur’an teaches Muslims to face Mecca instead of Jerusalem.

The Islam religion does not worship Muhammad. Islam worships only one God, but they try to model their own life after that of Muhammad. Islam is practiced today all over the world. Devoted Muslims pray three times a day while facing Mecca. Muhammad’s life is seen as an example for all Muslims to follow.

The life of Jesus is a truly amazing one. From his birth to his death, resurrection and accention. The life of Jesus was full amazing events. This section of the essay will focus on Jesus and his life.

About 2000 years ago God sent an angel to Israel, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. The angel told Mary that by God's power, she would conceive and bear a son. When Joseph learned that she was pregnant, an angel instructed him to marry her. Joseph took her to Bethlehem to register for a census. While there, Mary gave birth to Jesus. She laid him in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Shepherds visited Jesus in Bethlehem.

Later, wise men brought gifts to Jesus. They told Herod the Great, that Jesus would rule Israel. So Herod sent soldiers to kill the children in Bethlehem. Warned by an angel, Joseph took his family to Egypt. After Herod died, they