Why does Islam seem so much more like Judaism than like Christianity?
Islam shares many similarities with Judaism, primarily because both religions have common roots in the Abrahamic tradition and emphasize monotheism, law, and ethical conduct. The Qur'an highlights the connection between Muslims and the Children of Israel, stating that We verily did allot unto the Children of Israel a fixed abode, and did provide them with good things; and they differed not until the knowledge came unto them.
10:93 This verse emphasizes that the Children of Israel were given clear guidance, yet they differed in their beliefs, a situation that also reflects the historical context of Islamic teachings.
In contrast to Christianity, which introduces the concept of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, Islam maintains a strict monotheism. The Qur'an asserts that Allah! There is no deity save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth.
2:255 This underscores the Islamic view of God's unique oneness, which differs significantly from Christian theological concepts.
Moreover, both Judaism and Islam emphasize adherence to a comprehensive set of laws and guidelines for personal conduct, as seen in the Torah and the Sharia, respectively. In contrast, Christianity often focuses on faith and grace as the means to salvation, which can seem less law-centered compared to the practices and rituals found in Judaism and Islam.
The Qur'an also addresses the beliefs of Jews and Christians, saying: And the Jews say the Christians follow nothing (true), and the Christians say the Jews follow nothing (true); yet both are readers of the Scripture. Even thus speak those who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they differ.
2:113 This verse illustrates the ongoing theological disputes and the distinct paths that Judaism and Christianity took, contrasting with the Islamic perspective that emphasizes a return to the original monotheistic faith of Abraham.
In summary, the similarities between Islam and Judaism stem from their shared heritage, monotheistic principles, and legal frameworks, while the differences with Christianity arise primarily from differing theological understandings of God and the role of law and grace in salvation.
Sources
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10:93 · Yunus
10:93 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَلَقَدْ بَوَّأْنَا بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ مُبَوَّأَ صِدْقٍۢ وَرَزَقْنَٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ فَمَا ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْعِلْمُ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَقْضِى بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا۟ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ
And We verily did allot unto the Children of Israel a fixed abode, and did provide them with good things; and they differed not until the knowledge came unto them. Lo! thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they used to differ.
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2:255 · Al-Baqara
2:255 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌۭ وَلَا نَوْمٌۭ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ
Allah! There is no deity save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedeth with Him save by His leave? He knoweth that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne includeth the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.
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2:113 · Al-Baqara
2:113 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَقَالَتِ ٱلْيَهُودُ لَيْسَتِ ٱلنَّصَٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍۢ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَٰرَىٰ لَيْسَتِ ٱلْيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍۢ وَهُمْ يَتْلُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ مِثْلَ قَوْلِهِمْ ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا۟ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ
And the Jews say the Christians follow nothing (true), and the Christians say the Jews follow nothing (true); yet both are readers of the Scripture. Even thus speak those who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they differ.
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