Does Islam Follow the Ten Commandments?
Islam, one of the major world religions, often raises questions about its relationship with other faiths, particularly Christianity. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether Islam follows the Ten Commandments. This article aims to explore this topic and shed light on the similarities and differences between the Ten Commandments in Islam and Christianity.
The Ten Commandments, as known in Christianity, are a set of moral and religious imperatives given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments serve as the foundation of Jewish and Christian law and ethics. They include directives such as “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” “Thou shalt not murder,” and “Thou shalt not steal.” While Islam shares some of these values, it does not follow the Ten Commandments in the same way Christianity does.
In Islam, the concept of commandments is rooted in the Quran, the holy book of Muslims. The Quran contains numerous verses that provide guidance on moral and ethical conduct. However, the Ten Commandments are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. Instead, Islam emphasizes the Five Pillars of Islam, which are considered the core beliefs and practices of the faith.
The Five Pillars of Islam include the Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars serve as the foundation of Islamic faith and practice, and they encompass many of the same values found in the Ten Commandments.
For example, the first commandment in the Ten Commandments, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” is reflected in the Shahada, which states, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” This declaration of faith emphasizes the monotheistic nature of Islam and the belief in one God.
Similarly, the second commandment, “Thou shalt not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth,” is reflected in the Islamic prohibition of idolatry. The Quran strictly forbids the worship of any other deity or the creation of any image or likeness of God or His creation.
Other commandments, such as “Thou shalt not murder” and “Thou shalt not steal,” are also present in Islamic teachings. The Quran emphasizes the importance of human life and property, and it prohibits murder, theft, and other forms of injustice. Islamic law, known as Sharia, provides detailed guidelines on how to uphold these values in daily life.
In conclusion, while Islam shares some values with the Ten Commandments, it does not follow them in the same manner as Christianity. Instead, Islam focuses on the Five Pillars of Islam, which encompass many of the same moral and ethical principles. The differences between the two religions lie in their respective holy books and the way they interpret and apply these principles in practice. Understanding these distinctions can help us appreciate the unique aspects of each faith and foster a greater appreciation for religious diversity.
