Compare and Contrast Essay: Muhammad and Jesus Messages

The messages of Jesus and Muhammad are similar because they both preach kindness and equality, but the spread of each religion was different because the spread of Christianity was harmed by the Roman emperors, while Islam's tolerance helped it spread, and helped it be welcomed by the Christians. 

The messages of Muhammad and Jesus are similar because they both preach kindness to others and that everyone is equal in the eyes of God. Document #1 says “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy” document #2 says “do not be angry with one another, do not turn away from one another”. both of these documents show how Islam and Christianity both value kindness to everyone, and to never abandon anyone no matter who they are. Document #3 says “You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over others except by piety and good action”, document #4 says “For God shows no partiality.” both of these documents how in both Islam and Christianity everyone is equal in the eyes of God and will be judged the same way. 

The spread of Islam and Christianity are different because the spread of Christianity was harmed by Roman emperors, while Islam's tolerance helped it spread and helped it be welcomed by Christians. Document 5 says, “Nero inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace” this document shows how Christians were punished, this impacted Christianity's ability to grow. Document 6 says  “The Emperor [Diocletian] commanded that all the rulers of the churches in every place should be first put in prison and afterwards compelled by every device to offer sacrifice”, this shows how the rulers were against Christianity and would try to stop it. Document 7 says  “the people of Hims replied, "We like your rule and justice far better than the state of oppression and tyranny in which we were” and document 8 says “that we will not refuse the Muslims entry into our churches either by night or by day… we will not make a show of the Christian religion nor invite anyone to embrace it” both of these documents show how the people liked Islam and embraced it and didn't try to silence it. The difference is obvious when looking at how Christianity and Islam were both treated. Document 9 shows how Christianity was not as big as Islam despite it having more time to grow than Islam, it didn't spread as quickly because it was not welcomed by most, while Islam was embraced and quickly grew to be one of the largest religions in the world.