10 Reasons to believe Jesus Preached Islam

Muslims believe Jesus Christ was a holy Prophet from the same God who sent Abraham, Moses and Muhammad. Here are 10 reasons as to why Muslims believe Jesus preached Islam that are guaranteed to change your perception.

The “five pillars of Islam” are the foundation of faith for the Muslims. But are they confined to Muslims? Did Moses and Jesus preach separate religions?

 Here are the 10 reasons (The first 5 are the five pillars of Islam)

 #1. One God (And Muhammad is an apostle of God)

The most important Islamic commandment is to believe in one God and Muhammad’s prophecy.

So know that there is no god but God…” Qur’an 47:19

Jesus also taught that there is only One God and Only God should be worshipped. He made references to the “Ten commandments” in Torah, the first being a belief in God’s unity.

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” Deuteronomy 6:4

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One. Mark 12:29

A discussion on Jesus’ teaching on Muhammad’s prophecy is more complex and due to limited space here, I am asking you to read chapter 12 (Muhammad) of my book, The Three Abrahamic Testaments.

 #2. Obligatory prayers (Salat, pronounced Salah)

Salat is the ritualistic prayer that Muslims perform five times a day. It follows a prescribed pattern and recitation of specific passages from the Qur’an and supplications. Yes it is a (formal) way to connect with God on a daily basis.

But more than just a set of rituals and postures, it is a way to purify the soul to seek nearness to God, the Creator.

But is it meant for Muslims only? Didn’t Jesus do the same?

And remember We took a covenant from the children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer [Salat]; and practice regular charity [Zakat]. Qur’an 2:83

Jesus taught:

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” Matthew 26:36

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39

Note that “to pray” and “praying” in 26:36 and 26:39 is translated in Arabic version of the Gospel as “Salla”, drawn from the same root word as Salat. I also find it interesting that Jesus bowed down during the prayer, doing what Muslim call Sajdah, the same word used in the Arabic Gospels.

#3. Charity (Zakat)

Zakat a form of obligatory charity, and is due as a fixed proportion of one’s surplus wealth and earnings after meeting one’s financial obligations and liabilities. The command for Zakat and Salat is mentioned in the Qur’an side by side almost all the time.

Read, therefore, as much of the Qur’an as may be easy (for you); and establish regular Prayer (Salat) and give regular Charity (Zakat); and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan [qarza hasna]. Qur’an 73:20

Jesus taught;

The Gospels frequently make references to giving to the needy. Not only that, Jesus emphasized to do it in private and not for show.

But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.. Matthew 6:3

This is remarkably similar to what Prophet Muhammad taught his followers. In reference to certain deeds that will earn God’s special mercy and protection on the Day of Judgment, he declared:

A person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given. Sahih Bukhari vol 2, chapter 24:504

#4 Fasting (Sawm)

Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan for 30 days from dawn to dusk. It is more than just avoiding eating and drinking, and is meant to purify the soul and seek God’s pleasure, and to learn self-control.

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil). Qur’an 2:183

Jesus taught

Fasting is noted in the Old and the New Testaments and many Biblical prophets are known to have been fasting. Moses fasted (at least twice) for 40 days and so did Jesus.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. Matthew 4:1–2

Do you agree that Prophet Jesus taught “Islam”? Are Prophet Muhammad’s teachings the same as (or similar to) those of Prophet Jesus?

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