The two largest religions in the world, Christianity and Islam, were implemented by two of the most powerful religious leaders, Jesus and Muhammad. There is no doubt that both Jesus and Muhammad have powerfully influenced humanity. As religious leaders, both men laid down the principles on which Christianity and Islam are still founded today. However, while Jesus performed miracles and rose from the dead, thereby proving to his disciples that he was God, Muhammad performed no such feat and made no such claims. In fact, Muhammad's only claim was that he was the last prophet sent by God. Although the events of September 11, 2001, cast an unfavorable light on the Islamic religion, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of Muslim members, nor did it stop the Islamic religion from growing. Clearly, with over a billion members worldwide, Islam is one of the most important religions in the world today. What is Islam, who is Muhammad and how does Islam compare to Christianity? If Islam was founded by a single man, what motivates people not only to join Islam, but also to remain faithful members of it? If one were to seek the answer to these questions based on media interpretation, the answers provided by the media would give the impression that Islam is a mere man. a religion of hatred and violence. On the contrary, as Robinson (2007) says, the Islamic religion is divided into several subgroups. Among these subgroups, “there is a very small, radical, extremist, fundamentalist, hate-filled terrorist wing. The same goes for a much broader peaceful and moderate wing” (Islam: Is It a Religion of Violence or Peace?, ¶3). The lack of knowledge of Muslims by non-Muslims has caused dangerous and growing unease between the two groups. . Therefore, it is important to research care...... middle of paper ...... my religion seems foreign and strange, it is only foreign and strange because we are not used to it to such customs. The history, rules, and practices of Christianity seem equally foreign and strange to those unfamiliar with the customs of Christianity. Islam gives Muslims a purpose in life and the tools to achieve that goal, just as Christianity gives Christians a purpose in life. and the tools needed to achieve this goal. The goal of Islam and Christianity is to reach paradise after death, by believing in God (or Allah), leading a virtuous life and performing good deeds (Robinson, 2002). Fisher, M.P. (2005). ). Living religions. (6th ed.). Prentice-Hall Publishers. Robinson, B.A. (October 14, 2002). Islam: is it a religion of violence or peace. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_war.htm