Charity Takes Understanding

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that all truth is part of Mormonism. Although there are some doctrinal differences between us and Muslims, there are more similarities than there are differences. Jesus Christ was capable of perfect love and charity because He knew what was important to those He was serving and was aware of what they believed. Whether they were a Samaritan or a Greek, He respected all cultures and saw each of them as children of our Heavenly Father. Here are some similarities between Mormonism and Islam:

1. Islam is not violent nor does it teach violence as a means to gain power or take advantage of others. One example is found in Holy Quran: 2, 208 “O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” Islam has a direct translation to peace. As members, we also believe in peace and love towards our fellow men. Christ taught us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us.
2. The Holy Quran is sacred scripture in which they hold most sacred. It is so special to them that once a Quran is printed; it is never destroyed because it is thought to be literally from the mouth of Allah (God). The eight Article of Faith describes our feeling to the scripture when it says, “8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” We love our scriptures, search for peace in their pages and live our lives according to what is found within their covers.
3. One doctrinal difference is that we believe that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten of the Father and that He atoned for the sins of the world. Even though there is that difference, the feelings towards Him are similar in nature and feel like His mission is sacred. They believe in God just like you do and esteem Jesus Christ as a great prophet and miracle worker. Quran, 3:45-47 states, “(Remember) when the angels said, “O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God).  He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous.” She said, “My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?” He said, “So (it will be).  God creates what He wills.  If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, ‘Be!’ and it is."
4. Muslims love their families just as a Christian or Jew. Islam.org explains, “A sensible and well-balanced family system is the very foundation of a happy life. Indeed, it is the root of an advancing civilization. Religion comes to take human beings nearer to Allah.” They love their children and want to do good in the world just like everyone else. The Family Proclamation states the family is ordained of God. Families are sacred to both religions.
5. For Mormons our sacred clothing would be the temple garment. Just like our garments, Muslims have an outward expression of their love for God and it’s called the hijab. Not all Muslim woman wear a hijab and a hijab is not a symbol for terrorism. It is a representation of modesty as a woman and dressing your body as if it was a temple or a sacred gift from Allah. It depends on the woman, the country she was brought up and what she feels is the best way to show her devotion to God.

Love stems from understanding and education is the conduit to understanding. We believe in the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. May we take our Savior’s invitation and love others as He would have us love.