Judaism and Islam Have Been Term Paper

The Jews do not consider Mohammad (May Peace Be upon Him) to be the Prophet of God. However, the Muslims consider Moses (May Peace Be upon Him) as a Prophet only and not as a Savior. This is because they consider Mohammad (May Peace Be upon Him) to be their Liberator and Savior from the wrath of God (Unknown: Taken at (http://www.*****/dbase/af1/nyv170.shtml).

The Jews consider themselves to be the "Chosen People of the Lord." They believe that they are not answerable to anyone but their Lord of the heavens. However, the Muslims do not consider the Jews to be the "Chosen People of the Lord" as they (the Muslims) consider them to be confused and lost. Furthermore, Judaism considers its followers to belong to a race and thus do not accepts converts from other religions. Whereas, Islam considers its followers to be united behind a religion based on and ideology and gladly accepts converts form other religions (Unknown: Taken from, (http://www.*****/dbase/af1/nyv170.shtml).

Judaists think that their religion is the ultimate truth, which will eventually unfold itself upon the entire human race. However, Islam preaches it followers to find the truth, both internally and externally. Furthermore, the Muslims believe that it is the human race, which will discover the truth, through soul searching and careful examination of the universe they live in (Unknown: Taken from, (http://www.*****/dbase/af1/nyv170.shtml).

In addition, Judaism does not believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ (May Peace Be upon Him), whereas Islam recognizes the Prophet-hood of Jesus Christ (May Peace Be upon Him) and believes him to be the successor of Moses (May Peace Be upon Him). Furthermore, Judaism believes that Jerusalem is the central Holy place for their religion. Initially Islam too considered Jerusalem to be the central holy place, however, later on Islam changed its Central Holy Place from Jerusalem to Mecca (Unknown: (http://www.centerce.org/ISLAM/ChristianComparisonAndEvaluation.htm).

Conclusion

It is clear from the facts and research presented above that Judaism and Islam have a lot more similarities than differences. These similarities have been sidelined because of the political tensions in the Middle East. However, time has come for the followers of both these faiths to shed the hatred lying in their hearts against each other and start crafting a fruitful relationship with each based on the shared values and principals, derived from the Holy Scriptures of both Judaism and Islam.

As both these religions refer to the intimate being of believers that, if one actually desires to communicate with one another and be broadminded and patient, one has to participate in conversation with others in relation to the similarities and the differences that exist in the religious values.

The followers of both these religions should carry out this activity not distrustfully but keenly and enthusiastically, for the reason that, when they both will observe the religious principles of each other's religions, they will see the most excellent light and thereafter they will be able to construct better civil societies in which they can grow and develop with conviction and tranquility.

Bibliography

Paul Mojzes and Leonard Swidler. Common Elements of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Journal of Ecumenical Studies. Volume: 39. Issue: 1-2. 2002. pp 80+.

Unknown. A Christian comparison with and evaluation of Islam. http://www.centerce.org/ISLAM/ChristianComparisonAndEvaluation.htm

Unknown. Comparison of Judaism and Islam. Taken at http://www.*****/dbase/af1/nyv170.shtml

Jacob Neusner and Tamara Sonn, Comparing Religions through Law: Judaism and Islam. Routledge. London. 1999.

Judaism and Islam similarities.....