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A comparrioson between the Koran to the Bible, both in terms of its ideas and in terms of its literary style. The Koran and the Bible share many differences as well as similarities. The differences are what divide these two religions, while the similarities show us how Christians and Muslims share somewhat of the same beliefs. First, I will compare the differences between Jehovah of the Bible, and Allah of the Koran. In the bible it clearly states that God loves everyone, even sinners. Say to them, As I am alive, is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. Turn back, turn back from your bad ways, for why is it that YOU should die, O house of Israel? ” (Ezekiel 33:11). Meanwhile the Koran states that Allah does not love everyone, only those that follow him. “And fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits. [2. 190]. In my opinion, I see the reasoning behind what Allah says. Why would a leader of people love everyone even the ones that do not follow him. A leader only loving his followers seems more reasonable. In the Bible, Jehovah calls everyone (even the lost) to himself because he wants everyone to come to him. “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with YOU because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. ” (2 Peter 3:9).
In the Koran, Allah couldn’t care less. He even leads people astray and from seeing the truth. “And if We had pleased We would certainly have given to every soul its guidance, but the word (which had gone forth) from Me was just: I will certainly fill hell with the jinn and men together. ” [32. 13]. For this I must agree more with the Catholic point of view. It makes sense that God would want to call all people to follow him, so that they could live their lives accordingly and reach heaven. What Allah says makes no sense at all to me.
Why would he not care and even lead people astray from seeing the truth. This would only decrease the number of followers he has. In the Bible, Jehovah wants to be intimate with his people, and for them to know him. “And in the wilderness, where you saw how Jehovah your God carried you just as a man carries his son, in all the way that You walked until YOUR coming to this place. ” (Deuteronomy 1:31). With the Koran, Allah is too high to be known. He is close only in the sense that he is knows everything – nothing is mentioned because of relationship or love. He it is who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, and He is firm in power; He knows that which goes deep down into the earth and that which comes forth out of it, and that which comes down from the heaven and that which goes up into it, and He is with you wherever you are; and Allah sees what you do. ” [57. 4]. Again, I must agree with the Catholic side of this issue. How can you not to have a relationship with your followers? If your followers can’t ever know you, how can they choose to follow your ways?
The idea that Jehovah wants to have a relationship with each individual seems a lot more comforting. The Bible tells us that Jehovah has a begotten son and is a father to his followers. “For there has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us, and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ” (Isaiah 9:6). The Koran however explains that Allah does not have a begotten son, and is not a father to anyone. “O followers of the Book! o not exceed the limits in your religion, and do not speak (lies) against Allah, but (speak) the truth; the Messiah, Isa son of Marium is only an apostle of Allah and His Word which He communicated to Marium and a spirit from Him; believe therefore in Allah and His apostles, and say not, Three. Desist, it is better for you; Allah is only one God; far be It from His glory that He should have a son, whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth is His, and Allah is sufficient for a Protector. Nothing stated on Allah being a father figure or his followers being sons. His followers are just servants and slaves. ” [4. 171].
Again this demonstrates how Allah does not have a relationship with his followers. He is not a father to anyone and he does not seem to even care about his followers. So because of this I would agree with the Catholic point of view. It is more comforting to know that Jehovah is a father to his followers. For the most part Islam and Christianity differ from each other in some cases however, they both are similar. Salvations in both religions are closely related. The Koran teacher’s salvation comes only through Allah. “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in he Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost. ” [Koran 3:85; cp. 5:10; 25:68]. The Bible tells us that Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. “Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. ” (Acts 4:12). Both of these religions share the idea that you must follow a supreme God, either Jehovah or Allah to achieve heaven. This is the basis of almost any religion. Following your God and living life under his rule will get you into heaven. On the opposite side of this, both religions share similar ideas on hell.
The Koran basically says that non believers will go to hell. “Would that you knew what the fire of Hell is like! It leaves nothing, it spares no one; it burns the skins of men. It is guarded by nineteen keepers. ” [Koran 74:19]. The Bible also says that anyone who rejects Jesus Christ will suffer eternal torments in hell. Both religions seem to share the same consequence of rejecting their religion. Even though hell may be described differently in both religions, the concept is still roughly the same. Both the Bible and the Koran claim they are correct and their word will never perish.
Islam claims the Koran is without contradiction. “Do they not ponder on the Qur’an? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy. ” [Sura 4:82]. The Bible also states that it is without error. Both the Koran and the Bible say that they are correct on everything they say. This is so that followers will no doubt for a second whether certain events are true. Also, the Koran just like the Bible states that it will never perish. “It 9the Koran) is an invincible book. Falsehood does not invade it neither from before it nor from behind it, a revelation from a Mighty, Praised. [Koran 41:41, 42] Both of these say this to prove that Jehovah and Allah’s word are forever. One of the biggest differences between Catholicism and the Islamic religion is the view on murder and violence. Islam allows and forbids murder and violence, depending on who is the recipient of the act. The Koran instructs not to make friendship with Jews and Christians [Koran 5:51] but to war against them: “When the Sacred Months are over, kill those who ascribe partners to God whosesoever ye find them; seize them, encompass them, and ambush them; then if they repent and observe prayer and pay the alms, let them go their way. [Koran 4:5]. “Fight against those who believe not in God nor in the Last Day, who… refuse allegiance to the True Faith from among those who have received the Book, until they humbly pay tribute out of hand. ” [Koran 9:29]. Catholics do not agree with this and confirm that murder and violence are forbidden. “envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these. As to these things I forewarning YOU, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. ” (Galatians 5:21). In my opinion the way Islamic view violence and murder irritates me.
If another person believes in a different religion it is not morally right to just go and kill that person. They believe anyone who is not Islamic must convert to their religion or be subjected to death. This way of thinking is very childish, selfish, and close minded. This is also the reason the U. S. has gathered copious amounts of hate from the Middle Eastern countries. The September 11th attacks and the wars we are presently engaged in are due to the Middle East and there closed minded view which they call their religion. In conclusion, both religions contain similarities and differences that lie within each other.
I cannot say that I actively practice Catholicism or Islam, but based on what I have researched, I would have to agree more with the Catholic point of view. Works-Cited The Norton Anthology Western Literature, Eighth Edition “The Hebrew Bible” / The Koran” New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1984 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. Brooklyn, New York Islam and Christianity, Similarities and Differences by James Abdul Rahim Gaudet, Rabia Mills and Syed Mumtaz Ali www. faithfacts. org/world-religions-and-theology/contrasting-christianity-and-islam – 93k