The stories presented in the “Life of Muhammad” are significant because they underscore the close relationships that Muslims and Christians have from historical and theological perspectives. Islam and Christianity are broadly categorized under the Abrahamic faiths because they all trace their origins to Abraham, whom they recognize as their father. Additionally, Muslims and Christians share beliefs in the teachings of several prophets such as Musa or Moses, religious figures such as Yosef or Joseph and Isa or Jesus, and the Scriptures. The two religious groups currently have antagonistic relationships with intense intolerance leading to violent conflicts in many parts of the world.
The Quran mentions Jesus’ name in several passages, underscoring that Muslims acknowledge his existence and religious importance. Muslims consider Jesus the Messiah, the Messenger of Allah (God), and the penultimate prophet as revealed in the Injil. Unfortunately, ideological differences between the two religions over millennia have systematically created schisms that have resulted in distrust and hatred. As such, the stories are important because they can help instill a sense of brotherhood between the Christians and Muslim communities to end the persistent bloodshed and violence committed by each group in the name of religion.
Muhammad calls Jesus his brother because their birth stories are similar and share beliefs in the Supreme God or Allah. For example, a voice directed Muhammad’s mother (Amina d. Wahb) to travel to Busra where she birthed the prophet. The story is similar to Jesus’ birth that involved a visit by angel Gabriel who told Mary to move to Bethlehem where Jesus would be born. Additionally, both Prophet Muhammad and Jesus were also born during times of turmoil. In particular, Prophet Muhammad was born when King Abraha from South Arabia was attempting to conquer Mecca, while Jesus was born when King Herod was killing innocent male infants.