Abstract
One of the most important chapters in this book is Chap. 5. Here we lay out the differences and similarities between Muslims and Christians in what they believe, practice, and value. For over a thousand years, Muslims and Christians have focused on the differences between their belief systems, which have been used to justify wars and atrocities on both sides. Yes, there are differences, and some pretty major ones at that. However, what is usually neglected are the striking similarities between the two belief systems, the overlap in religious practices, and the almost identical religious values regarding the sanctity of life, the family, and many behaviors likely to affect health. Here we unapologetically lay out the differences and the similarities in as objective and rigorous way as possible, relying on the sacred writings in the Qur’an and the Bible for guidance. These differences and similarities are likely key to understanding how religion affects individual and community health in both traditions.
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Notes
- 1.
Citations to Sahih Bukhari (the most respected of all Sunni Hadiths) is based on a 2009 translation M. Muhain Khan (2009). We list the reference by volume, book, and number (vol/book/no). See http://d1.islamhouse.com/data/en/ih_books/single/en_Sahih_Al-Bukhari.pdf (last accessed April 22, 2014).
- 2.
This is different from the way Christians describe Jesus (“the Word of God”). By Word, most Muslims believe it refers to God’s command to “Be!” in foretelling Mary’s miraculous pregnancy (3:47).
- 3.
“They” refers to the Children of Israel.
- 4.
Citations to Sahih Bukhari (the most respected of all Sunni Hadiths) is based on a 2009 translation M. Muhain Khan (2009). We list the reference by volume, book, and number (vol/book/no). See http://d1.islamhouse.com/data/en/ih_books/single/en_Sahih_Al-Bukhari.pdf (last accessed April 22, 2014).
- 5.
Qur’an translation by Muhammad Asad.
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Koenig, H.G., Shohaib, S.A. (2014). Differences and Similarities. In: Health and Well-Being in Islamic Societies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-05873-3_5
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