Prayer in Islam and Christianity

Abstract

Prayer, a pillar of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, takes different forms within and between each tradition. At the same time, it reflects the foundational articles of faith in each tradition. This short article reviews the various elements that shape the basic forms of the practice and how they reflect the doctrines of each tradition. It calls for mutual understanding and questioning whilst showing why there is no escaping our doctrinal differences. As such, Muslims and Christians are not simply fighting for better answers to the same questions. Rather, they begin with different questions about the nature of creation and of humanity in the first place, which is why their answers and practices differ.