Ethical Teachings in Christianity and Islam Essay

There are several ethical teachings in Christianity and Islam that instruct Christians and Muslims on how they should act in everyday life. These ethical teachings often require the members of each religion to give generously to the welfare of those in need. This essay will prove that both Islam and Christianity have ethical teachings that instruct people to give to the needy. This will be proved by first defining what an ethical guideline or teaching is, by looking at the Islamic ethical guidelines that instruct Muslims to help those in need and finally through analysing the Christian ethical guidelines that teach Christians to contribute to the welfare of those in need. Ethics is the explicit, philosophical reflection on moral beliefs†¦show more content†¦Several Islamic guidelines instruct Muslims to give their wealth to those who don’t have wealth themselves. The most evident teaching is the third Pillar of Islam or Zakat. Zakat teaches that well off Muslims must pay a welfare contribution for the needy. It is paid once a year based on a person’s cash savings, gold, silver and jewellery. Zakat often takes the form of a tax collected by a government but in the eyes of the contributor it is not simply a tax to pay but holds spiritual significance in that through paying Zakat Muslims try to gain Allah’s favour. Zakat is clearly an ethical guideline that teaches Muslims to help the poor and needy. Another teaching is contained in the guidelines set out for Muslims to follow. The two relevant guidelines are â€Å"You should support the community of Muslims† and â€Å"Justice, compassion and generosity are frequently given as qualities of a truly human life.† These two ethical guidelines require Muslims to support the poor and needy as if Muslims support the community through financial support than they are upholding the first guideline and if Muslims are generous and give money, besides Zakat to the poor and needy than they are upholding the second guideline. These guidelines tie in with what the prophet Mohammed made very clear through several sermons and a number of passages in the Qur’an â€Å"that there is a due above and over Zakat and that theShow MoreRelatedThe Middle East: The Birthplace of Three Major World Religions834 Words   |  4 Pagesreligions are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although on the surface, these three religions seem quite u nrelated, they are actually intricately bound together and very similar. No matter how different the practices and beliefs of Jews, Christians, and Muslims may seem, these three religions are similar because they all began in the same region and built upon similar beliefs. Since the Middle East is the birthplace of three related major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, these religionsRead MoreReligious Philosophies and the Meaning of Life1701 Words   |  7 PagesConfucianism in China. All three are similar in that they are not monotheistic in the manner of Islam or Christianity, but rather adhere to a set of beliefs that are more philosophical and deistic. In Hinduism, the basic tenant is dharma, or the personal duty towards the Supreme; reincarnation and karma are central to the notion of doing good works in life. This is somewhat similar to Buddhism, in that the teachings of the Buddha point the way through the right path towards wisdom, and the idea of causeRead MoreChristianity, Islam and Buddhism728 Words   |  3 Pagesgreatest city in the Christianity and Islamic world. Constantine legalizes Christianity which people seek salvation, and withdrawal from the comfort of the world. Islam was influenced by Christianity and began with the teachings of Mohammad. Islam was spreading expeditiously. In that event Mohammad experience revelations which his followers recorded then used to make the Qur’an. The message of the Qur’an was focused on monotheistic views which are the belief of one god. Teachings, attitudes, and toleranceRead MoreChristianity And Islam : The Religions1510 Words   |  7 PagesChristianity and Islam are the two largest religions in the world. Christianity is a belief built on the life, teachings and death and rebirth of Jesus. He was born as a Jew in Roman-Occupied Palestine (Fisher, pg. 302). Christians believe Jesus was born in Bethlehem. (Fisher pg. 305) According to the Gospel Jesus mother is virgin Mary and she conceived him by the Holy Spirt (fisher, pg. 306). Jesus taught the word of God and he also performed some miracles such as turning water into wine, healingRead MoreThe Fourth Noble Truths By The Eightfold Path1093 Words   |  5 PagesBuddhist beliefs. Buddhism teaches the concepts of understanding, thoughtful mind, and freedom of speech, action livelihood, encouraging effort, mindfulness and concentration. These categories are divided into sub-sections. The first section is ethical conduct which include the concept of right to speech, right to action and right to livelihood. Right to speech is to abstain from lying, gossiping and from spiteful, hurtful, rude and harsh language. The right to action is to abstain from harmingRead MoreThe Contribution of Prophets in History858 Words   |  4 Pagesreligions, Islam exerts an enormous influence upon the lives of its followers. Muhammad exercised and exercises a profound political and historical influence because he founded and promulgated one of the worlds great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. In comparison to Jesus for example Muhammad played a far more important role in the development of Islam than Jesus did in the development of Christianity. Although Jesus was responsible for the main ethical and moralRead MoreBuddhism s Belief Of God1419 Words   |  6 Pagesbecause it is not believed in. Buddhism follows teachings and practices that are tested which allows and individual to recognize by showing truth, reality and the way things are in the world. Hinduism is not considered to be a religion of creed and doctrine. It begun in 1500 BC as a polytheistic and ritualistic religion. Moreover it has no specific origin or specific founder. The religion sacred text is Sanatan Dharma, which is â€Å"The Eternal Teachings†. Hinduism does not have a unified doctrine, howeverRead MoreComparing Christianity and Islam769 Words   |  3 Pagesindividual, God and their neighbours. Christianity and Islam are both religious traditions that have their sacred texts, the Bible and the Quran and Hadith respectively, as the foundation stones to guiding its adherents to a life of inner-peace. This is achieved through following the principal teachings and taking part in the significant practices whilst following a comprehensive ethical structure as stated in their sacred texts. Both Christianity and Islam strive to emphasise the achievement ofRead MorePeace can be described as a state of being between groups where mutual respect has lead to sense of600 Words   |  3 Pagesexpressed in both Christianity and Islam, with the sacred texts of each, the New Testament and Quran respectively, depicting its own guide towards inner peace for its adherents. In Christianity the idea of peace is strongly linked with the prominent figure of Jesus Christ as a model for all adherents follow. Alternatively, in Islam inner peace is achieved through submission to the will of Allah, the supreme creator and following in the footsteps of the founder. Within Christianity, an understandingRead MoreThe Seven Pillars Of Hinduism1201 Words   |  5 PagesIn the early times, many religions were being founded. A few of them include Hinduism, Christianity, and Islamic. These three religions were founded and based on different things in different parts of the world. Although Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam religions have many differences, they were alike in several ways including: how people should treat each other, doing good deeds, and correct behavior. The author of the seven pillars in Hinduism, Ashoka, was a cunning warrior and charismatic statesmen