When walking along the bustling streets of Port Louis, Curepipe, or Grand Baie, one is immediately struck by the colorful spiritual tapestry of Mauritius. Within just a few blocks, a visitor might pass a vibrant Hindu kovil, a spire-topped Catholic church, a tranquil Chinese pagoda, and a dome-topped mosque. In such a culturally rich environment, people often assume that Islam represents a belief system completely distinct and isolated from the other major religious traditions found on the island. However, beneath the surface of different languages and customs lies a profound spiritual connection: Islam considers itself part of the very same prophetic lineage as Judaism and Christianity. From Adam and Noah to Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, Muslims revere many of the central figures of the Biblical tradition as holy messengers of the One God. Understanding this shared spiritual heritage provides a natural bridge for mutual respect, warm neighborliness, and meaningful interfaith dialogue across our multicultural island nation.
A Single Prophetic Chain: Islam’s Place in the Lineage of Faith
In the Islamic worldview, God did not create humanity and leave people to wander without guidance. Instead, throughout human history, God sent divine guidance and moral direction to every nation and culture across the globe. In Arabic, the language in which the Quran—Islam’s holy book—was revealed, the word for God is Allah. It is worth noting that Allah is not a uniquely Islamic deity; it is simply the Arabic word for the Supreme God, used by millions of Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews for centuries before the advent of Islam.
Islam does not present itself as a brand-new religion invented in seventh-century Arabia. Rather, Muslims view Islam as the final restoration and continuation of the original, timeless monotheism (Tawhid, meaning the belief in the absolute oneness of God) that was taught by all of God’s messengers since the beginning of human existence. The word Islam itself comes from an Arabic root signifying peace, safety, and conscious submission to the Creator. In this broad sense, Muslims believe that every divine messenger who taught people to worship the One Creator and live righteously was practicing Islam.
The Quran mentions twenty-five specific prophets by name, though Islamic tradition teaches that thousands of messengers were sent to different human societies over time. A vast majority of the prophets named in the Quran are central figures in Jewish and Christian scripture. These include:
- Adam: The first human being and the first prophet.
- Nuh (Noah): The patient messenger who built the ark and called his community to divine righteousness.
- Ibrahim (Abraham): The patriarch who championed pure monotheism against idolatry.
- Musa (Moses): The great leader who was granted the Tawrat (Torah) and led the Children of Israel out of bondage.
- Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon): The righteous kings and prophets, with David receiving the Zabur (Psalms).
- Isa (Jesus): The Messiah who was given the Injeel (Gospel) and performed remarkable miracles by God’s permission.
- Muhammad: The final prophet in this chain, through whom the Quran was revealed as the closing guidance for humanity (peace be upon them all).
In Islamic theology, a Nabi is a prophet who receives divine guidance, while a Rasul is a messenger specifically tasked with bringing a written scripture to a community. Muslims make no distinction in honor between these holy figures. As the Quran explicitly states: "Say, [O believers], 'We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him'" (Quran 2:136). Believing in all of these prophets is not an optional belief in Islam—it is an indispensable pillar of faith.
Abraham (Ibrahim): The Patriarch of Shared Monotheism
To appreciate how Islam connects with Judaism and Christianity, one must look at Abraham, known in Arabic as Ibrahim. It is because of Abraham’s central role that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively referred to as the "Abrahamic faiths." Across all three traditions, Abraham stands as the premier model of uncompromising faith, trust in God, and absolute devotion.
In the Quran, Abraham is honored with the title Khalil Allah, meaning "the intimate friend of God." He is described as a Hanif—a person who possessed an innate, pure monotheistic nature and turned away from all idol worship to surrender exclusively to the Creator. The Quran highlights his logical questioning of the idol-worship prevalent in his society, showing how he observed the stars, the moon, and the sun, ultimately realizing that transient created objects could not be divine, and that devotion belonged solely to the Creator of the heavens and the earth (Quran 6:75-79).
The Quran states: "Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one upright in faith, inclining toward truth, and submitting to Allah. And he was not of the polytheists" (Quran 3:67). This passage emphasizes that Abraham preceded the historical institutionalization of specific religious labels; his essence was pure, loving submission to God.
Abraham’s legacy is woven into the daily practices of Muslims around the world. Every day, during their five formal prayers (Salah), Muslims recite a specific supplication called Salawat Ibrahimiyyah, asking God to send peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad and his family, just as He sent peace and blessings upon Prophet Abraham and his family.
Furthermore, major pillars of Islamic life directly commemorate the devotion of Abraham and his family. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), which millions of Muslims undertake each year, reenacts key events from the lives of Abraham, his wife Hajar (Hagar), and his son Isma'il (Ishmael). For example, running between the two hills of Safa and Marwah remembers Hajar’s desperate search for water for her infant son in the desert—a search answered by the miraculous spring of Zamzam. Similarly, the global holiday of Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) honors Abraham’s willingness to dedicate his son to God’s command, demonstrating ultimate faith and trust.
Jesus (Isa) and Mary (Maryam) in Islam: Honor, Miracles, and Theology
For many non-Muslims, particularly those from Christian or secular backgrounds, it comes as a revelation to discover the extraordinary love, honor, and reverence that Islam accords to Jesus (Isa) and his mother Mary (Maryam). In Islam, Jesus is recognized as Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah), one of the greatest messengers ever sent to humanity, belonging to the honored group known as Ulu al-'Azm (the prophets of firm resolve).
The Virgin Birth and the Honor of Maryam
Islam unequivocally affirms the virgin birth of Jesus. According to the Quran, Maryam (Mary) was a woman of supreme piety, chastity, and devotion who was chosen and purified by God above all women of the worlds (Quran 3:42). She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and Chapter 19 of the Quran is named Surah Maryam in her honor.
The Quran describes the miraculous conception of Jesus not through physical divine fatherhood, but through God's creative word. When the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) appeared to Maryam to announce that she would bear a righteous son, she asked how this could be, given that no man had touched her. The Angel replied that God creates whatever He wills: when He decrees a matter, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is (Quran 3:47).
The Miracles of Jesus
Islamic tradition honors Jesus as a powerful miracle-worker whose signs were performed by God’s permission (bi-idhnillah). The Quran describes several miracles of Jesus, showcasing his role as a compassionate prophet:
- Speaking in the Cradle: As a newborn infant, Jesus spoke to defend his mother's honor against false accusations from her community, declaring his prophethood and devotion to God (Quran 19:29-33).
- Breathed Life into Clay Birds: As a youth, Jesus fashioned birds out of clay and breathed into them, and they became living birds by God's leave (Quran 3:49).
- Healing and Raising the Dead: Jesus cured those born blind, healed lepers, and restored life to the dead, all by the permission and power of God (Quran 5:110).
Theological Perspectives: Shared Respect and Key Differences
While Muslims hold Jesus in immense regard, Islamic theology differs from traditional Christian doctrine on key theological points, rooted in Islam's strict commitment to monotheism (Tawhid):
- Prophet and Messiah, Not Divine: Islam teaches that Jesus was a noble human messenger created by God, not God Himself nor the literal "Son of God." In Islamic understanding, attributing divine offspring or co-equality to God compromises the absolute oneness and transcendence of the Creator. As the Quran states: "The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed away before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth" (Quran 5:75).
- The Event of the Crucifixion: Islamic tradition views the end of Jesus's earthly ministry differently than mainstream Christianity. The Quran states that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, but that God rescued him from his enemies and raised him unto Himself (Quran 4:157-158). Muslims believe Jesus will return before the end of time as a righteous leader who will establish justice on Earth.
Far from diminishing Jesus, these teachings reflect the profound respect Muslims hold for him. A person cannot be a Muslim if they reject or disrespect Jesus as a messenger of God.
Interfaith Harmony in Mauritius: Where Shared History Meets Daily Life
In Mauritius, religious diversity is not an abstract concept discussed in textbooks; it is the living reality of daily life. Our island is home to vibrant Hindu, Christian, Muslim, and Chinese-Mauritian communities, all living side-by-side in shared neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and markets. This high degree of social cohesion is one of the most treasured aspects of Mauritian society, fostering a spirit of mutual celebration during national holidays and cultural festivals.
Understanding that Islam shares deep prophetic roots with Judaism and Christianity plays an essential role in strengthening these social bonds. When non-Muslim Mauritians discover that their Muslim neighbors honor Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, initial perceptions of division give way to recognition of a shared heritage. It becomes clear that Muslims do not view Christians or Jews as strangers in faith, but as fellow spiritual heirs to an ancient prophetic lineage.
This shared heritage extends beyond historical narratives into core ethical values. The prophetic tradition places paramount importance on charity, honesty, hospitality, honoring parents, caring for the poor, and maintaining peace within the community. In Islam, giving to the needy (Zakat, the obligatory annual almsgiving, alongside Sadaqah, voluntary charity) is a fundamental duty, mirroring similar principles of selfless service found across other faith traditions on the island.
To explore further how these shared values shape peaceful coexistence and daily life across our island, see our detailed guide on Interfaith relations in Mauritius. By recognizing what we hold in common while respecting our distinct theological identities, Mauritians of all backgrounds continue to build a harmonious, inclusive society founded on genuine mutual understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Muslims believe in the Bible and the Torah?
Muslims believe that God originally revealed holy scriptures to His messengers, including the Tawrat (Torah) to Moses, the Zabur (Psalms) to David, and the Injeel (Gospel) to Jesus. However, Islamic belief holds that over centuries of human transmission, the original texts underwent human modification and editing. Therefore, while Muslims respect Biblical figures and spiritual wisdom, they treat the Quran as the final, fully preserved criterion for divine truth.
Why do Muslims say "Peace be upon him" after mentioning prophets?
In Islam, mentioning any prophet of God is an occasion of deep respect and spiritual devotion. When a Muslim speaks the name of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, or Muhammad, it is customary to add the Arabic honorific phrase Alayhi as-salam (meaning "Peace be upon him"). This supplication expresses love, gratitude, and honor for the sacrifices these holy messengers made to deliver divine guidance.
Is Allah a different God than the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus?
No, Allah is simply the Arabic word for the One Supreme God who created the universe. Arab Christians, Arab Jews, and Muslims all use the word Allah when referring to God. When Muslims pray to Allah, they are worshipping the exact same God worshipped by Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and all of God's holy prophets throughout human history.
Sources
- Abdel Haleem, M.A.S. The Qur'an: A New Translation. Oxford World's Classics, Oxford University Press, 2005.
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prophets (Kitab al-Anbiya), Translated by Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Darussalam Publishers.
- Esposito, John L. What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford University Press, 2011.
- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary. HarperOne, 2015.
- Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC). A Common Word Between Us and You Interfaith Initiative. https://www.acommonword.com