A Christian's Look at Islam 2

What is the meaning of faith?

In part one we looked at how the Christian faith and that of Muslims were very similar. We also explored the differences between Christianity and Islam. Much of this information was sourced from www.geocities.com/mikailtariq/index.htm and trust that the facts have justly been interpreted.

It is reckoned that Christians look for their rewards or punishment in the next life, whilst Muslims believe that by conducting themselves correctly every day heaven can be created here on earth. However through the teachings of James in the bible, this isn’t necessarily a true interpretation of Christian philosophy.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” – James 1:22

“What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him?” – James 2:14

“So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” - James 2:17

These verses obviously demonstrate the need to place action behind beliefs and faith.

A Muslim will conduct himself with dignity and honour. Not to do so is disrespectful to the Islamic faith. Likewise, cleanliness is a very important aspect of their day to day conduct. It is their belief that being unclean offends God. Being dirty through honest toil is acceptable; at any other time it is not. It has to be said that from my experience of people following the Islamic faith, their cleanliness is wholly commendable as cleanliness doesn’t seem to be at the heart of Christian faith.

Whilst bodily cleanliness ranks high in a Muslims conduct, so also does internal cleanliness. This is why they do not partake in alcohol and illicit drugs. As a pig is seen as an unclean animal, eating filth, the consumption of pork is also forbidden.

The Qur’an is obviously the book by which the words must be followed, but a Muslim will also abide by the laws of the land in which they reside. They are lawful and responsible citizens that abhor sin. To make a mistake and sin once is forgivable but to continue to live in sin is wrong and shows contempt of God.

How does this compare to the Christian notion of forgiveness?

The religion of Islam acknowledges that everybody is a brother or sister. A practitioner of Islam must not discriminate between race and ethnic origin.
They must not contribute to the downfall of another. This too, is best practice of the Christian faith.

Islam decrees that a follower should observe the following five points:-

To say the creed several times a day.
To undertake daily prayer – at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. Cleansing must be undertaken prior to prayer and they must face Mecca during prayer.
Give alms – give money to the poor in the community.
Fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting during day-light hours is a reminder of the gift of God’s revelation to Muhammed, ie. The Qur’an.
Undertake a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca once in a lifetime.

By sticking to a disciplined regime a Muslim obviously remains in touch with God many times during the course of the day. A Christian daily routine would be more flexible and consequently perhaps doesn’t retain his/her thoughts on God so much during the day. Grace at meal times and a once per day offering of prayer doesn’t strike as being quite so devout as that of a Muslim.

Although some of the differences between Islam and Christianity may appear to be divisive, there is a lot of common ground. The shear fact that both religions share a belief in one God should be THE uniting factor. Ultimately demonstrating ones faith in God is an individual choice. By living our lives through him and creating a quality in life that is in harmony with fairness, kindness and morality means we can have that freedom of choice and should be able to live peacefully together.

How fantastic is that?

Terry Norrington

www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com