INTRODUCTION
Understanding two great figures that have influenced religions around the world is a task that requires thorough seeking of knowledge and data. In today’s world where there are so many sprouting religions, it is quite advisable to get a deeper look and a further analysis on the lives of two influential personalities of religion; Jesus Christ and Mohammed. These two are the most recognizable and most noticeable figures of religion, along with Buddha. By seeking knowledge with regards to the lives of Jesus and Mohammed, there is a greater chance to pinpoint similarities and differences that generally characterize religions that are based from them. Though the world that exists today showcases diversity, there are still many aspects of life that connect people from different parts of the globe, and one of those aspects is religion.
The widespread impact of different religions has provided a unity of belief and faith. For the Muslims, Mohammed has been the main figure or personality. While Jesus Christ has been in the center of Christianity. The Bible professes the life of Jesus Christ as the savior. While the Quran has been the main source of information regarding Mohammed and Islam. These two are evidently very influential in terms of their impact on the world. Understanding their lives, their messages, their death and their status with regards to the world’s perspective can be a form or a way of intensively analyzing both of their characteristics that can help shed knowledge to people who lack understanding on one of them or even on both of them.
THE LIFE OF JESUS
Jesus Christ lived a simple life, since his birth up to his death, simplicity reigned in all aspects of his existence. Though, humility and simplicity are evident in his life, Jesus had a life that displayed so many different stories and left out so many messages to people. The proclamation of his birth was the beginning of the whole religion itself. From the annunciation of angel Gabrielle to Mary, the holiness of Jesus Christ’s existence had unfolded already. From the prophecies that a Messiah will come and be the king of all kings, Jesus’ life has become controversial even though he was not yet born. When King Herod knew that a new born baby shall reign as the new king of kings, he immediately ordered to kill all new born infants. With this in effect, Mary and Joseph decided to leave and find another place for Jesus to be given birth at. In accordance with early Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the closing years of the reign of Herod the Great (Matt. 2:1; Luke 2:1-7).
In the Old Testament, Nazareth was not mentioned but its location near the hills of Galilee provided it with the characteristic that fits the boyhood of Jesus Christ. There, Jesus grew with wisdom and in years, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). From there, the early life of Jesus was tendered with gaining familiarity with the environment; nature, trees and flowers, birds and all other forms of living things. Through this, Jesus Christ gained deeper knowledge that enriched his parables and sayings. (Taylor, 1955).
After a few years, Jesus grew into a man who performed miraculous healing and also told different parables. He gained a following of faithful people who believed in his messages. Jesus Christ was then Baptized by the prophet John the Baptist. This strengthened Jesus’ status as the Messiah and the lamb of God. He performed many miracles and gained many followers through the years. He had twelve disciples who were with him along his way. As Jesus became more popular, many people were also intrigued of his existence and his purpose. These people led the way towards having Jesus arrested which led to his crucifixion and death. A more detailed account of Jesus’ life can be read in the 4 Gospels authored by Mark, Luke, John and Matthew. (Taylor, 1955).
Jesus Christ lived a very holy life. There were so many events in his life that showcased his holiness and his incredible power. For many, he has become a healer, a storyteller and a man of faith. His life was very extraordinary. Many prophets talked about his coming and that he would serve a great deal for humanity. Many personalities that can be read in the Bible paved the way for his arrival. Indeed, there were so many events that have brought color to the life of Jesus Christ and each of these events have shaped the foundation of the religion of Christianity and Catholicism.
THE LIFE OF MOHAMMED
Mohammed has been considered as the legislator of Arabia, the founder of the Mohamedan or Moslem religion. He was dignified as an apostle of God and entitled as a prophet as well. Mohammed was born in Mecca, an Arabian city, during A.D. 569. His father’s name was Abdallah and his mother’s name was Amina. Both of their families are both distinguished in the same tribe. By two years old, he lost his father. When he reached four, he then lost his mother. By being orphaned at a very young age, Mohammed had to live under the care and look of his uncle. He worked later on as a merchant and then married during the time he turned 25 years old. (Bush, n.d.).
Mohammed was discontented in living in Mecca. He then decided to retreat to a cave in the perimeter mountains of the area where he sought for reflection and meditation. Based on Islamic beliefs, it was by this time, when he was 40 years old, during the Ramadan month, that he then received God’s initial revelation to him. After three years, Mohammed then began to preach about the revelations that he had from God. He publicly and openly proclaimed the revelations. He proclaimed that he is a prophet and that by surrendering to God is the only way to be accepted by God himself. (Bush, n.d.).
Mohammed had gained a number of followers, but many people also challenged him and his proclamations. In order to escape persecution, Mohammed migrated to Medina along with his faithfuls during the year 622. While in Medina, Mohammed had successfully united the two tribes of Mecca and Medina. Through the years, his followers increased in number, reaching up o thousands. During 632, he got ill and died. (Bush, n.d.).
THE IMPACT OF DEATH
The death of Jesus Christ has strengthened the whole religion of Christianity. His death lead to his resurrection which has been the foundation of the whole religion itself. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been one of the most influential events that shaped the Catholic religion. The death of Jesus Christ was his way of saving humanity from sins. By accepting death, Jesus also accepted his role as the savior of all mankind. With his resurrection, he formed the foundation of the Catholic religion. Jesus Christ presented that by rising through the dead, his mission has been accomplished and he is the true Messiah. The impact of the death of Jesus Christ strengthened religions that conform with the teachings of Jesus Christ himself.
The death of Mohammed on the other hand resulted to making the tribes of Arabia united. He had succeeded in formulating a single Muslim religious polity within the tribes of Arabia. At the time of his death, he had already converted many of the population from the Arabian Peninsula into having Islam as their main religion. The impact of the death of Mohammed was huge for all of his followers, especially to Muslims of the past and the present times.
WAYS OF WORSHIP
Jesus Christ has been worshiped in so many ways. But mostly, in the Catholic religion, he is worshiped through prayers in churches. Jesus Christ has been worshiped with almost equal status to God. He has been considered as the Son of God which leads to being given very high importance and praise. Also, in the Catholic calendar, there are special days related to the events in Jesus Christ’s life that people celebrate.
In accordance to Islamic belief, Mohammed the prophet was the final Messnger of God. Like all other prophets, he was also a human being. Many people have mistaken that Muslims worship Mohammed as with Jesus being worshiped by Christians. Many have mistaken Muslims for Mohammedans for a good number of years. Mohammed never claimed that he had divine status. He only called people to give worship and praise to God and he also gave emphasis on his humanity. Though he is a very prominent personality in the Muslim religion, he is not worshiped by Muslims. All Muslims worship God alone and Muslims directly give praise to God and no other person for that matter.
MESSAGES CARRIED OUT IN THE WORLD TODAY
The messages of Jesus Christ have been carried out in the world today through the Holy Bible’s Old and New Testament and thru the words of priests and pastors that preach his word. It can be safe to say that the impact of Jesus Christ can be virtually seen almost anywhere in the world. Christianity and the messages of Jesus Christ have been very recognizable aspects of the world. Though not all are not evidently heard about the messages of Jesus Christ, many people act the messages that he left and utilize it in order to gain access to the gates of heaven, where he is considered as the only way, the truth and the light. There are so many countries in the world today that carry out Jesus Christ’s message.
Mohammed’s messages have been clearly emphasized by Muslims. His impact in the Muslim world has been phenomenal and he has been considered as the main model to follow with regards to giving praise to God and living the right way of life. His messages are being carried out through the messages in the Quran. His works have been appreciated and there have been many people who were converted to Islam through the centuries.
REFERENCES
Bush, G. (n. d.). The Life of Mohammed. New York: Harper & Brothers. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from http://www.muhammadanism.org/Bush/bush_mohammed.pdf
Taylor, V. (1955). The Life and Ministry of Jesus. New York: Abingdon Press.
