Embracing the Different
“Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God, whose teaching has been revealed through the three prophets—Moses, Jesus and latest in time, Muhammad” (Glenn, 2014, p. 181). Judaism, Christianity and Islam purportedly emerged as result of divine revelation from God. Despite what is believed to be a common source, the contemporary interpretations and practices of the traditions put in place by the three major religions, exhibit distinct differences and often deep seeded conflict between and within each group. As it relates to Islam, the concept of Jihad is often touted as the fuel behind the religion’s fervent expansion and more recently as a justification for enacting what some practitioners perceive as a holy war against infidels. This perpetual war is viewed as a necessity, to guard against any outside ideals or system that threatens the integrity of the Islamic faith. Even though its meaning is ambiguous among Muslims and non- practitioners alike, Jihad may be credited for Islam’s dominance on the world stage; and as reported in the west, it has also given rise to the perception of Muslims as intolerant and inherently opposed to difference (Glenn, 2014, pp. 229-230).
Dhimmi …show more content…
Specifically, Islamic thought recognizes its historical and divine link to the source and traditions of Judaism and Christianity. Under Islamic law a special consideration is given to people who worship the same God as Muslims. The other people of the book or the dhimmi, were historically treated favorably under Muslim rule and were extended equality to that of Muslims under the law with respect to property, contracts and obligations (Glenn, 2014, p
“Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God, whose teaching has been revealed through the three prophets—Moses, Jesus and latest in time, Muhammad” (Glenn, 2014, p. 181). Judaism, Christianity and Islam purportedly emerged as result of divine revelation from God. Despite what is believed to be a common source, the contemporary interpretations and practices of the traditions put in place by the three major religions, exhibit distinct differences and often deep seeded conflict between and within each group. As it relates to Islam, the concept of Jihad is often touted as the fuel behind the religion’s fervent expansion and more recently as a justification for enacting what some practitioners perceive as a holy war against infidels. This perpetual war is viewed as a necessity, to guard against any outside ideals or system that threatens the integrity of the Islamic faith. Even though its meaning is ambiguous among Muslims and non- practitioners alike, Jihad may be credited for Islam’s dominance on the world stage; and as reported in the west, it has also given rise to the perception of Muslims as intolerant and inherently opposed to difference (Glenn, 2014, pp. 229-230).
Dhimmi …show more content…
Specifically, Islamic thought recognizes its historical and divine link to the source and traditions of Judaism and Christianity. Under Islamic law a special consideration is given to people who worship the same God as Muslims. The other people of the book or the dhimmi, were historically treated favorably under Muslim rule and were extended equality to that of Muslims under the law with respect to property, contracts and obligations (Glenn, 2014, p