After his retreat Jesus set out to find followers to become his disciples Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Jesus and his disciples set out on a journey leaving all Worldly possessions behind to spread the wordof god and teach humanity to love. Many miracles were performed in their travels “As Jesus traveled, speaking, he is said to have performed many miracles, such as turning water into wine, healing the sick, restoring the dead to life, walking on water, casting devils out of possessed , and turning a few loaves and fish into enough food to feed a crowd of thousands, with copious leftovers.” (Fisher, 2005, p. 291). Jesus, the son of God and had many followers of all types, as well as women who at the time where circumscribed to their roles were welcomed. The purpose for Jesus was to show people how to love and cherish God and to love each other; these are considered the most important commandments of the ten comandments to Jesus. “Jesus preached that God is forgiving to those who repent.” (Fisher, 2005, p. 294).
Jesus traveled to Galilee during his teachings, where Herod Antipas was the appointed ruler of Galilee and considered Jesus a threat. There, Jesus found that the Baptist John had been killed. Because of this threat Jesus remained outside Galilee and continued his teachings. He considered himself a shepherd of god that would sacrifice himself for his follow people, if needed be and explained that his teachings were from God (Fisher, 2005, p. 294).
During The Last Supper Jesus warned his disciples of his coming death. Judas, one of the disciples, traded information, which resulted in arrest of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Fisher, 2005). Jesus was sent to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor for questioning. The people filled the streets urging for the death of Jesus, and so he was given to military guards where he was crucified give cross and beaten. According to the gospels, Jesus had been hanging on the cross for hours when he cried out “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me” (Fisher, 2005, p.301.) The disciples of Jesus hid in fear after the crucifiction. Moreover, many of his disciples claimed they had been visited by Jesus. Those who witnessed the resurrection of Jesus helped shape Christianity, and gain strength in the Roman Empire. Many people believed that Jesus was God in human form (fisher, 2005, p.302.)
Saul, who was an intimidator of Christians, was deeply influenced by the resurrection that changed the minds of many, including him. Christ visited him and was instructed “to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Fisher, 2005, p. 303.) Saul’s Life changed after the death of Jesus; with a new mission to spread Christianity across the Mediterranean and help expand its growth. The cross with or without Jesus’ image crucified on it, became the symbol of Christianity. “It marked the path of suffering service, rather than political dominations, as the way of conquering evil and experiencing union with a compassionate God” (Fisher 2005, p. 306).
Mohammed, like Jesus is known for restoring religion back to God. Mohammed is considered the last of the prophets known to the Muslim religion and was born in approximately 570 Common Era. Because his father died before he was born, Mohammed’s uncle became his primary caregiver, therefore making him a shepherd. Mohammed traveled to Syria and in his travel; he was noticed by a Christian who believed him to be a prophet because of markings on Mohammed’s body. Mohammed worked for a woman named Khadijah transporting goods and later took him for her husband when he was 25. She believed and understood Mohammed’s spiritual ties and was supportive. Khadijah was one of Mohammed’s most dedicated supporters and was wealthy, which made there marriage beneficial. When Mohammed was fourty he made a spiritual trip that he fasted for, which is celebrated today as Ramadan. During this time an angel by the name of Gabriel approched him and demanded Mohammed to recite, what he recited is known today as the first words of the Qur’an. Mohammed felt uneasy about this experience, had his wife for comfort and encourages him to continue his work. Later he shared this experience with a few close friends. Soon after Mohammad spoke publically, almost three years after the encounter with Gabrial, a group of elite businessmen known as the Qurayshites, began to disgrace Mohammed and throw stones at him. Because a follower of Mohammad refused to deny Mohammad as a prophet, he was beaten and tortured. The follower, Bilal was a slave and made a muezzin, "one who called the people to prayer from a high place” (Fisher, 2005, p.366.) Finally, Mohammed and followers fleed to an isolated place and lived there for three years nearly sarving. Mohammed returned to Mecca after three years and was again, treated poorly. At fifty years of age the persecution worsened after the death of his wife and uncle.
Mohammed experienced Night of Ascension shortly after the death of his uncle. During this night Mohammed ascended through the seven heavens into the cosmos where he met with prophets such as Jesus and Adam. In the cosmos he saw a paradise like heaven and a burning, firery, hell and received blessings of a Divine Presence. Mohammed Journeyed from Mecca to Medina to escape the consistants threats against his practices. Mohammed left Mecca quietly in the night to avoid conflict with Abu Bakr, who was his close friend. During that time, Mohammed taught the “secret practice of the silent remembrance of God” (Fisher, 2005, p. 367), and helped create Constitution for the city of Yathrib, he was viewed as a prophet by the people. Mecca Felt threatened by Mohammad leaving Mecca leader was suspicious of the Muslim migration that took place in 622 CE. Mecca eventually declared war and Mohammed was drawn in by directing the first attack during retaliation, while injured Mohammad decided on a settlement with Mecca, for the people to face Mecca during prayer instead of Jerusalem (Fisher, 2005, p367.) In 632 CE Mohammed passed with no named successor. Ali, Mohammed’s son, became the new heir to Medina. Mohammed helped create moral order for the Islam religion and his death opened the eyes of the people. Much like Christianity the religion spread and still grows even today. Without Mohammed’s messages from God there would be no Qur’an, which has remained the same throughout history.
Jesus and Mohammed are similar in their methods of work but in different religions and times. Jesus worshipped as the Savior when born and after death. Jesus is worshipped for remembrance of dieing for the sin of all humanity and his resurrection. The cross a prominent symbol in Christianity, along with baptism and communion, and other sacraments and rituals all refer to his death and resurrection. Christians pray to God the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Mohammed is not worshipped; He is a prophet, a messenger of Allah. Muslims strive to live as he did, following the Five Pillars set forth in his revelation. Both historical figures messages are of equal importance to their respected religion and both are still being carried out today.
Reference
Fisher, Mary Pat (2005). Living Religions, Chapters 9 and 10. aXcess, HUM130 – Religions of the World.
