Originally Posted by MustafaMc

Yes, this is a very interesting interpretation of the passage. I believe that verse James 2:13 sets the stage for what follows: "because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement." The Bible has the parable of the Good Samaritan and other verses that show how we treat or fellow humans is extremely important with spontaneous acts of love carrying tremendous weight as good deeds.

However, verses 2:21-22 put a slightly different twist on it: "Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." Abraham was clearly not showing love towards his son by preparing to offer him as a sacrifice, rather he was being obedient to God.

This point illustrates a critical point of difference - Christians see that Muslims are trying to "earn" their way to Paradise with ritual prayer, fasting, obligatory charity and pilgrimage while Muslims see these as acts of obedience and submitting our wills to that of Allah. When we became Muslims we made a commitment to practice our faith and daily we strive to fulfill our obligations toward Allah. However, showing mercy also carries tremendous weight in Islam.

Then I would say Christians and Muslims have alot in common on this issue. Christians also believe that good works are a product of faith. I didn't state that Muslims were trying to "earn" their way into Heaven. I only pointed out that to Christians, good works alone will not achieve salvation, which I believe is the same belief in Islam.

Originally Posted by Keltoi

Then I would say Christians and Muslims have alot in common on this issue. Christians also believe that good works are a product of faith. I didn't state that Muslims were trying to "earn" their way into Heaven. I only pointed out that to Christians, good works alone will not achieve salvation, which I believe is the same belief in Islam.

Yes, I agree with you that we believe the same that good works alone are not enough to achieve salvation. I am glad to have seen several points of agreement between us.

I apologize if it seemed that I was implying that you believed that we Muslims are trying to earn our salvation. Perhaps, I am a bit touchy on this issue as there are Christians on and off this forum who have used those very words and I wanted to seize the opportunity to clarify our position. Thank you for your understanding.