Does Islam follow the ten commandments?

Comparing Ethical Principles Between Islam and the Ten Commandments

hussainLast Updated: August 31, 2023

0 8 5 minutes read

Does Islam follow the ten commandments?

Yes, Islam acknowledges the moral principles presented in the Ten Commandments, but they are not explicitly listed in the Quran. Islamic teachings emphasize similar values and virtues, though the exact formulation may differ.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Ten Commandments, a fundamental set of ethical and moral principles, hold immense significance in the Judeo-Christian tradition. While these commandments are deeply rooted in the Old Testament of the Bible, many wonder whether Islam, another major Abrahamic faith, follows a similar set of principles. In this article, we will delve into the question of whether Islam adheres to the Ten Commandments, examining both the similarities and differences between the two religious traditions.

The Ten Commandments: A Brief Overview

The Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of the Jewish and Christian faiths, presented as a set of ethical guidelines given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments address various aspects of human behavior, emphasizing the importance of one’s relationship with God and with fellow human beings. They cover a wide range of principles, including monotheism, respect for parents, honesty, and abstaining from murder, theft, and adultery.

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Islam’s Ethical Framework

Islam, like Judaism and Christianity, is rooted in the Abrahamic tradition and shares common historical and theological ties with the Ten Commandments. While Islam does not explicitly list a set of commandments in the same format as the Ten Commandments, it does encompass a comprehensive ethical framework that aligns with many of the principles outlined in the commandments.

Monotheism: The core principle of monotheism, the belief in the one and only God, is shared between the Abrahamic faiths. Islam’s foundational declaration, the Shahada, emphasizes the oneness of God and serves as a testament to monotheism.

Respect for Parents: While Islam does not outline this principle in the same commandment style, it places great emphasis on respecting and honoring parents. The Qur’an repeatedly underscores the importance of treating parents with kindness and compassion.

Prohibition of Murder and Adultery: Islam unequivocally prohibits the taking of innocent life and engaging in illicit relationships. These principles parallel the commandments against murder and adultery in the Ten Commandments.

Honesty and Prohibition of Theft: Islam places a strong emphasis on honesty and condemns theft and deception. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the value of truthfulness and integrity in both personal and business dealings.

Bearing False Witness: Similar to the commandment against bearing false witness, Islam condemns lying and false testimony. Muslims are encouraged to speak the truth and avoid spreading falsehood.

Coveting: The concept of contentment and gratitude is central in Islam. While not directly mentioned as a commandment, the teachings of Islam discourage envy and greed, promoting a sense of satisfaction with what one has.

Differences and Nuances

While Islam shares many ethical principles with the Ten Commandments, there are also notable differences and nuanced perspectives between the two.

The Sabbath: The observance of a specific day of rest, as seen in the Ten Commandments’ injunction to keep the Sabbath holy, is not a central element in Islam. Instead, Islam emphasizes regular prayer and weekly congregational prayers on Fridays.

Religious Images: The prohibition on creating and worshiping graven images, found in the Ten Commandments, is not explicitly addressed in Islam. Islamic tradition discourages the creation of images of living beings, but the focus is more on avoiding idolatry.

Adoration of God: The Ten Commandments emphasize not taking the Lord’s name in vain. While Islam also advocates for the respectful use of God’s names, the focus is more on sincere worship and devotion.

Conclusion

In exploring the relationship between Islam and the Ten Commandments, it becomes evident that while the two traditions differ in certain aspects, they share a common foundation of ethical and moral principles. Islam’s ethical framework aligns with many of the values outlined in the Ten Commandments, such as monotheism, respect for parents, prohibition of murder and theft, honesty, and refraining from false testimony. It is important to recognize that the religious and cultural contexts of these traditions have led to distinct expressions of these principles.

Ultimately, the question of whether Islam follows the Ten Commandments is complex, as Islam presents its own set of ethical guidelines and teachings that resonate with the broader Abrahamic values while also reflecting its unique theology and historical evolution.

FAQs about Islam and the Ten Commandments

Does Islam follow the Ten Commandments?

Are the Ten Commandments mentioned in the Quran?

While the Ten Commandments as enumerated in the Judeo-Christian tradition are not directly mentioned in the Quran, many of the underlying principles are emphasized in various verses.

What principles from the Ten Commandments are emphasized in Islam?

Principles like monotheism, respecting parents, refraining from murder, theft, and false witness, and avoiding adultery are emphasized in Islam as well. These principles align with the moral teachings of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad).

How does Islam emphasize monotheism like the first commandment?

Islam’s fundamental principle is Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of Allah. The first commandment aligns with Islam’s core belief in monotheism and the prohibition of associating partners with Allah.

How does Islam address the commandment against idol worship?

Islam strictly prohibits idol worship and emphasizes the worship of Allah alone. This aligns with the prohibition on making graven images and worshiping other gods in the Ten Commandments.

What about the commandment to observe the Sabbath?

While Islam does not observe a weekly Sabbath like Judaism or Christianity, Friday is considered a special day of congregational worship (Jumu’ah). Muslims are encouraged to rest, pray, and engage in acts of worship on this day.

Are there any differences between the Islamic teachings and the Ten Commandments?

One difference is the absence of a direct commandment against coveting in Islam. However, Islam emphasizes contentment, modesty, and gratitude, which relate to the spirit of this commandment.

How does Islam view the commandment about honoring parents?

Islam places a strong emphasis on respecting and honoring parents. Kind treatment of parents is highly regarded, and it is considered a virtuous act to be dutiful and respectful towards them.

How does Islam address the prohibition against murder, theft, and false witness?

Islam explicitly prohibits murder, theft, and bearing false witness. These prohibitions are in line with the ethical teachings of the Ten Commandments and are reinforced in Islamic law.

Is there a specific list of commandments in Islam?

Islam does not have a list of commandments exactly equivalent to the Ten Commandments. Instead, it provides a comprehensive ethical framework through the Quran and Hadith, guiding believers in various aspects of life.