Muslims, Christians, and Jews all trace their spiritual roots back to Abraham, making him a central figure that unites the three major monotheistic religions. Abraham is considered the founding patriarch in Judaism, the "father of faith" in Christianity, and a revered prophet in Islam. In Judaism, Abraham is the first to enter into a covenant with God, becoming the ancestor of the Jewish people through his son Isaac and grandson Jacob (later called Israel). Christians also see Abraham as a model of faith, often referencing him in the New Testament as a spiritual forefather who believed and trusted in God. In Islam, Abraham (known as Ibrahim) is honored as a prophet and a pure monotheist who submitted fully to the will of God. He is also seen as the ancestor of the Arab people through his son Ishmael, and by extension, the ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad. The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of faith is a key narrative shared by all three religions, though the identity of the son differs: Jews and Christians believe it was Isaac, while Muslims believe it was Ishmael.
Jesus is another significant figure who ties these faiths together, though understood in different ways. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior, and the fulfillment of the prophecies in the Hebrew Bible. He is central to Christian belief as the Messiah who brings salvation through his life, death, and resurrection. In contrast, Judaism recognizes Jesus as a historical Jewish figure but does not accept him as the Messiah or divine. Both Christians and Muslims affirm that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Maryam), through a miraculous birth, and that he performed many miracles such as healing the sick and raising the dead—with the power granted by God. Additionally, both Christians and Muslims believe that Jesus will return at the end of time. Christians believe he will come to judge the living and the dead, while Muslims believe he will return to restore justice and defeat the false messiah (al-Dajjal).
In essence, Abraham and Jesus serve as powerful common threads linking Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While each religion interprets their roles differently, all three honor Abraham as a founding figure of faith and recognize Jesus as an important presence in the broader story of God’s relationship with humanity. These shared figures highlight the deep connections and common roots of the three Abrahamic faiths.
The cross you bear
Really gets you nowhere
No where...
... not there...
Are we even aware?