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Common Ground between Islam and Christianity

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Common Ground between Islam and Christianity
Common Ground between Islam and Christianity
September 22nd, 2013
Hassibullah Roshan

Keywords
Islam; Christianity; Muhammad; Jesus; Qur’an; Bible; religion; history; religious practice; religious education; commonalities; prophets; acceptance; social relations

Abstract
The research paper underlines a number of key similarities between Christianity and Islam. It focuses on the concepts of shared principles, ethics, pro-social values, practices, beliefs and other essential factors that constitute the essence of these two religions. It also discusses the role of Jesus and Prophet Muhammad as the founders of Christianity and Islam, and religious notion of being appointed by God.

Introduction
The religious conflicts and disputes between Islam and Christianity have perpetually received a significant amount of attention while less emphasis has been put to accentuate their similarities that could possibly result in the reduction of misconception . This research is conducted with an objective to highlight their common ground in an effort to bridge gaps between Muslims and Christians. The research analysis will provide an answer to the following question: What are some major similarities between Christianity and Islam?

Methodology
An internet-based archival analysis research method was used to thoroughly access and analyze the sources for finding answers to the research question. To increase the authenticity of measures, research data were collected and synthesized from academic journals using Google Scholar, J-store, E-brary, and Ebscohost services. They were prepared based on the procedure outlined in class by the professor.

Literature Review/Findings
A strong connection was found between the founders of these two religions, Jesus and Prophet Muhammad. They both trace their roots to Abraham. In addition, Islam and Christianity equally support the idea of one ultimate supreme God , believe in the day of resurrection or judgment , promote the



Cited: Benthall, J. (1997). The Qur 'an calls for alms. Times Higher Education Supplement, Issue 1261, 9-16. Bertaina, D. (2012). Islam and Christianity: Theological Themes in Comparative Perspective. Journal of Islamic Studies, Vol.23 Issue 3, 385-388. D 'Costa, G. (2013). Do Christians and Muslims Believe in the Same God? Reflections on Miroslav Volf 's Allah: A Christian Response. Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations, Vol.24 Issue 2, 151-160. Deedy, J. (1995). Are you ready for the Second Coming? U.S. Catholic, Vol. 60 Issue 8, 26-62. Downs, D. J. (2011). Redemptive Alms-giving and Economic Stratification in 2 Clement. Journal of Early Christian Studies, Vol.19 Issue 4, 493-517. Ferguson, D. S. (2011). Common word, common ground: the love commandments and the understanding of god. Theology Today, Vol.68 Issue 1, 26-35. Kleven, T. J. (2013). Family Virtues in Islam and Christianity: Building Communities in Harmony. Theological Review , 50-67. Knitter, P. F. (2009). Islam and Christianity Sibling Rivalries and Sibling Possibilities. Cross Currents, Vol. 59 Issue 4, 554-570. Merrill, J. (2010). New Perspectives on Resurrection. Biblical Archaeology Review, Vol.36 Issue 2, 70-73. Nasr, S. H. (2000). Islamic-Christian Dialogue: problems and obstacles to be pondered and overcome. Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Vol 11, No.2. Paret, R. (1964). Islam and Christianity. Islamic Studies, Vol.3, No.1, 83-95. Pelikan, P. (2009). Islam, Christianity and the Struggle for Rationalism. New Presence: The Prague Journal of Central European Affairs, Vol. 11 Issue 1, 30-56. Reisz, M. (2010). Destination unknown. Times Higher Education, Issue 1931, 50-52. Repohl, R. F. (1997). Hunger Together. Commonwel, Vol.124 Issue 3, 9-11. Shahzad, Q. (2013). Accomodating Trinity: A Brief Note on Ibn 'Arabi 's Views. Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Vol. 48 Issue 1, 114-120. Tarmney, J. B. (1977). Muslim and Christian Attitudes Toward Fasting in Southeast Asia. Review of Religious Research, Vol.19 Issue 1, 3-13.

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