Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are often viewed as distinct religions, yet they share deep historical and theological connections. Known as the Abrahamic faiths, these three religions trace their origins to the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, peace be upon him) and share fundamental beliefs about monotheism, prophecy, and divine guidance.
In this article, we will explore Islam’s connection with Judaism and Christianity, highlighting their similarities, differences, and the Islamic perspective on previous revelations.
1. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity: The Three Abrahamic Faiths
Islam teaches that all prophets throughout history were sent by one God (Allah) to guide humanity toward worshiping Him alone. While the messages of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have taken different forms, they originate from the same divine source.
- Judaism: Follows the teachings of Prophet Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) and the Torah.
- Christianity: Centers around the teachings of Jesus Christ (Isa, peace be upon him) and the Gospel.
- Islam: Follows the final revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Quran.
Despite differences in interpretation, all three faiths emphasize ethical living, worship, accountability in the afterlife, and devotion to God.
2. The Belief in One God (Monotheism)
The core belief of Tawheed (the Oneness of God) in Islam aligns with the monotheistic beliefs found in Judaism and early Christianity.
- Judaism: The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) declares: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.”
- Christianity (original teachings): Jesus (peace be upon him) emphasized worshiping one God: “The Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Mark 12:29)
- Islam: The Quran confirms this: “Say, He is Allah, [who is] One.” (Quran 112:1)
While later Christian doctrines introduced concepts like the Trinity, Islam upholds the pure monotheism taught by earlier prophets.
3. The Role of Prophets in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity
Islam acknowledges all prophets from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Many of these prophets are central figures in Judaism and Christianity as well.
| Prophet | Judaism | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam | First human | First human | First human, first prophet |
| Noah (Nuh) | Righteous prophet | Righteous prophet | Warned his people before the flood |
| Abraham (Ibrahim) | Forefather of Jewish nation | Called by God | “Father of the Prophets” |
| Moses (Musa) | Greatest prophet | Prophet, lawgiver | Received the Torah, led Israelites |
| Jesus (Isa) | Not recognized as divine | Son of God, Messiah | Prophet and Messiah, not divine |
| Muhammad (ﷺ) | Not recognized | Not recognized | Last and final prophet |
Islam’s View of Jesus and Moses
- Islam respects and honors both Moses and Jesus as major prophets.
- Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) is mentioned more than 130 times in the Quran as a great leader and lawgiver.
- Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him) is called the Messiah and was born of the Virgin Mary (Maryam, peace be upon her), but Islam rejects his divinity and the concept of crucifixion. Instead, it teaches that Jesus was a prophet who preached monotheism and will return near the end of times.
4. The Holy Scriptures: Torah, Bible, and Quran
Islam acknowledges that Allah revealed previous scriptures to guide people, but it also states that these messages were altered over time.
- The Torah (Tawrat): Given to Prophet Moses (Musa, peace be upon him).
- The Psalms (Zabur): Given to Prophet David (Dawud, peace be upon him).
- The Gospel (Injeel): Given to Prophet Jesus (Isa, peace be upon him).
- The Quran: The final, unaltered revelation revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Quran as the Final Revelation
The Quran confirms earlier revelations but also corrects distortions. Allah says:
“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah. And We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light.” (Quran 5:46)
“Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light.” (Quran 5:44)
However, the Quran also states that human alterations have led to errors in these scriptures:
“But woe to those who write the Scripture with their own hands and then say, ‘This is from Allah.’” (Quran 2:79)
Thus, while Islam respects these books, it holds that the Quran is the pure and final revelation.
5. The Concept of the Afterlife
All three religions believe in life after death, divine judgment, and eternal consequences.
- Judaism: Focuses on obedience to God’s laws but has diverse views on the afterlife.
- Christianity: Believes in Heaven and Hell, with salvation linked to belief in Jesus.
- Islam: Teaches a detailed concept of the afterlife, with Paradise (Jannah) for the righteous and Hell (Jahannam) for those who reject God’s guidance.
Islam emphasizes personal accountability—no one can die for another’s sins. Each soul is judged by its deeds.
6. Similar Moral and Ethical Teachings
Despite theological differences, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity share key moral values:
- Kindness and Justice: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31)
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and kindness.” (Quran 16:90) - Charity: Judaism: Tzedakah (charitable giving)
Christianity: Helping the poor is emphasized in the Bible
Islam: Zakat (mandatory charity) - Modesty and Family Values: All three religions emphasize family, marriage, and modesty in behavior and dress.
7. Islam as the Completion of Previous Faiths
Islam sees itself not as a new religion, but as a continuation and completion of the messages brought by earlier prophets.
- Islam does not reject Moses or Jesus—it honors them but corrects misconceptions.
- The Quran confirms previous teachings while clarifying the true path of monotheism.
- Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final messenger, completing the chain of divine guidance.
Allah says in the Quran:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)
Conclusion
Islam, Judaism, and Christianity share profound historical and theological connections. They all stem from the same divine source, preach monotheism, and emphasize morality, justice, and worship.
While Islam respects previous scriptures and prophets, it views itself as the final, preserved guidance from Allah. Understanding these shared values can foster interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and deeper insight into Islam’s role in the Abrahamic tradition.
May Allah guide all seekers of truth. Ameen.
