Comparative Theology · Common Ground
Jesus fell on his face and prayed
In short
- 1.Matthew 26:39 has Jesus fall on his face to pray.
- 2.He asks that the Father's will override his own.
- 3.That posture and that prayer are Muslim prayer.
The claim being examined
In Gethsemane Jesus prostrates on the ground and prays that the Father's will be done, not his own.
The Islamic position
Muslims pray in exactly this posture, and with exactly this submission. The word Islam means submitting your will to God's.
Analysis
Prostration as a prayer posture is standard in the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels. It disappears from most later Christian practice but is preserved in Islamic salah five times a day.
From the Qur'an
Qur'an 3:43
O Mary, be devout to your Lord, prostrate and bow with those who bow.
From the Bible
Matthew 26:39
epesen epi prosopon autou
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
Read it in their BibleLuke 22:42
Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
Read it in their BibleSources
The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection
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