(Mormonism & Islam, part 8)

C O N C L U S I O N

What might one conclude from this comparative study? It seems that the similarities of the two religions seem to outnumber the dissimilarities. Most of the policies and practices of both religions seem to coincide enough to conclude that they are similar in purpose and both originate from the same God. Although wars have been waged over the points of doctrine which are in variance between Moslems and Christians, when the lifestyles of two groups such as Moslems and Mormons are so similar, it should not be worth continually bickering to argue over beliefs which could be considered abstract when so many practical aspects are shared. So if someone does or does not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, that will be clarified at the time of death. Meanwhile the manner of treating ones neighbor or showing kindness to parents and families while maintaining high moral standards can be emphasized and whether we are literal sons and daughters of God or not can be discussed after we move on to the next stage of existence and should not cause frustrations and bitterness here on earth. It seems that when disagreements on points of doctrine result in violence and harm to individuals and society, the whole purpose of religion and the desire that God has for our well-being is undermined.

By studying both religions as well as other religions, a person can more clearly understand certain common precepts which reoccur throughout the world's history and through the writings of various nations. If we seek truth wherever it may be found we are richer for it and are more able to love and respect those we did not formerly understand.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Andrae, Tor. Mohammed The Man and His Faith. New York and Evanston: Harper and Row, Publishers, 1960.

Arabic-English Dictionary. Beirut: Catholic Press, 1955.

Azzam, 'Abd-al-Rahman. The Eternal Message of Muhammad. New York, New York: The New American Library, 1964.

Berret, William E. Teachings of the Doctrine and Covenants. Salt Lake City: Deseret Sunday School Union, 1968.

The Holy Bible, King James Version. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1983.

The Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1950.

Burton, Richard F. Personal Narrative of a Journey to El Medina and Meccah. (London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts, 1857.

Coulson, N.J. A History of Islamic Law. Edinburgh: University Press, 1990.

The Doctrine and Covenants. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1951.

Farouqi, Isma'il R. Islam. Brentwood Maryland: International Graphics, 1984.

Fernia, Elizabeth. "A Veiled Revolution," videocassette.

Gospel Principles. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1988.

The Holy Quran. Maulawi Sher Ali, Trans. Rabwa, West Pakistan: Ahmadiyya Muslim Foreign Missions Office, 1960.

The Holy Quran. Yusef Ali, Trans. Brentwood, Maryland: Amana Corp., 1983.

Hopfe, Lewis M. Religions of the World. London: Collier Macmillan Publishers, 1976.

Journal of Discourses. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12:190-191, AG of PV.

The Koran. N.J. Dawood, Trans. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin Books, 1979.

Nibley, Hugh. An Approach to the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1957.

Palmer, Spencer. Mormonism-- a Message for All Nations. Provo: Brigham Young University, 1965.

_______________, Ed. Mormons and Muslims. Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1983.

The Pearl of Great Price, a Selection from the Revelation, Translations, and Narrations of Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1951.

Pickthall, Mohammed Marmaduke. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1963.

Rahman, Fazlur. Islam. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.

Sourdel, Dominique. Islam. New York: Walker and Company, 1962.

Whitney, Orson F. The Strength of the Mormon Position. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1960.

Widtsoe, John A, Selector. Discourses of Brigham Young. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954.