Most who know me recognize that my mission is to promote tolerance and respect for diversity in our communities by knowing and loving thy neighbor.

According to Islamic tradition, all prophets and messengers are brothers. They have different mothers, but they have one father, the message of God.

It is true that a person is not a Muslim if he or she does not love and revere Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad and all the prophets and messengers revealed or not revealed to him or her. Sharing the lessons from the stories of prophets is just another attempt on my part to learn about one another and develop love and respect for one another.

For that reason, you will not hear a practicing Muslim take the name of a prophet in vain. Never. It is hurtful when you see the caricatures of a prophet like in Nordic Europe or a nude chocolate Jesus statue in New York, in the name of freedom of speech. It is not always easy. However, a practicing Muslim is guided to restrain anger if a prophet is degraded.

On the other hand, it is always a pleasure to remember the sayings of these divinely inspired human beings. And it is the Islamic tradition.

Here is a small sample of the parallel sayings of Jesus and Muhammad:

“God knows your hearts.” Luke 16:15. “God knows the secrets of your hearts.” Quran 3:154

“ Hear, O’ Israel, the Lord our God is one. Love thy Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:29-30. “Your God is one God. There is no god but he, the compassionate, the merciful.” Quran 2:163.

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Matthew 13:13. “They have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear.” Quran 7:179.

“Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” Matthew 7:6. “You truly cannot guide whom you love. But God guides whom He will. And He best knows those who receive guidance.” Quran 28:56.

“The truth will set you free.” John 8:32. “O’ you who believe, guard your souls, follow the guidance. God will show you the truth.” Quran 5:105.

“Stop judging by mere appearances.” John 7:24. “Truly, the most worthy of honor in the sight of God is he who is most righteous.” Quran 49:13.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” Luke 6:37. “Deal justly, and you will not be dealt unjustly.” Quran 2:279.

These sayings are very inspiring and moving, and I have just scratched the surface. A whole book can be written on this subject. In the future, God willing, I may write the parallel sayings of Moses and Muhammad and more of Jesus and Muhammad.

I also intend to continue with the lessons from the story of Adam and Eve in my next column.