Do Muslims follow the Ten Commandments?

Summary

Muslims generally adhere to the principles outlined in the Ten Commandments of the Bible. Many of the values in the Ten Commandments align with the core teachings in Islam. Both Islam and the Bible emphasize the Oneness of God, prohibiting idolatry and promoting the respectful use of God’s name. They both also advocate for moral values such as respectful family relationships, the sanctity of life, respecting the property of others, adherence to the truth, prohibition of theft, false testimony, envy and greed. However, one difference is the concept of the Sabbath. In Islam, Friday is a special day of worship, but it is not regarded as a day of total rest as prescribed for the Sabbath. Overall, the Ten Commandments are mentioned in Islamic teachings (particularly in the Holy Quran, the Islamic scripture) but in a broader context and not grouped as a list of ten edicts like in the Bible. Their ethical principles are found in the Holy Quran and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), showing the shared moral foundation between the Bible and Islam.

Table of Contents

• Do Muslims Follow the Ten Commandments?
• What Are the Ten Commandments?
• Similarities Between Islam and the Ten Commandments
• Differences Between Islamic Teachings and the Ten Commandments
• In-Depth Comparison: The Ten Commandments and Islamic Teachings
  • You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me
  • You Shall Not Make Idols
  • You Shall Not Take the Name of the Lord Your God in Vain
  • Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy
  • Honor Your Father and Mother
  • You Shall Not Murder
  • You Shall Not Commit Adultery
  • You Shall Not Steal
  • You Shall Not Bear False Witness
  • You Shall Not Covet
• Role of Moses (as) in Islamic Teachings

1. Do Muslims follow the Ten Commandments?

Muslims do follow the Ten Commandments as the premise of each Commandment is reflected in Islamic teachings. While the Ten Commandments are rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, many of their core ethical and moral directives are found within the Holy Quran and practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa).

2. What are the Ten Commandments?

The Ten Commandments, or the Decalogue, are a set of moral principles given to Prophet Moses (as). It is recorded in the Holy Quran that Moses (as) retreated to Mount Sinai for a period of 40 days and received the Ten Commandments which he wrote on a tablet (Five Volume Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 1038). Although the commandments are not recorded together in the Quran, as they are in the Bible, it is believed they are the same commandments recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:4-21. Some commandments are explicitly found in the Quran. For example, in Chapter 5 verse 33 of the Qur`an, it is mentioned that the children of Israel were told not to kill, which is the 6^th commandment.

The Ten Commandments are considered to be the foundation of Jewish and Christian ethics and morals. These morals are also followed by Muslims and mentioned in the Quran, but in a broader aspect. The shared values of monotheism, respect for life, family and property, as well as the importance of truthfulness and gratitude, are ethical principles universal across the Abrahamic faiths.

3. Similarities between Islam and the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments from the Bible and Islamic teachings share many similarities.

Nine of the Ten Commandments from the Bible directly align with Islamic teachings, as detailed in the Holy Quran.

4. Some differences between Islamic teachings and the Ten Commandments

The primary difference between the Ten Commandments and Islamic teachings is the observance of the Sabbath; however, it does align with the Islamic concept of Jumu`ah (Friday), a special day of worship.

5. The Ten Commandments and Islamic Teachings

Below are brief comparisons of each Commandment with Islamic teachings. They are very aligned.

a. You shall have no other gods before me

The commandment ‘You shall have no other gods before me’ aligns closely with Islam’s teaching of Tauheed (Oneness of Allah). Biblical and Islamic teachings call for worship exclusively of the one true God and prohibit polytheism and idolatry. Monotheism is the central component of Islam, and the Quran repeatedly affirms that there is no deity but Allah (Holy Quran 112:2, 2:164). Similarly, the Bible’s commandment rejects other gods, emphasizing the importance of monotheism in both faiths.

b. You shall not make idols

The commandment ‘You shall not make idols’ is found in Islam as well. Islam strictly prohibits idol worship and the creation of images or representations of God. In Islam, shirk (associating partners with Allah) is considered to be a grave sin. It is repeatedly stressed that Allah has no physical form and is beyond representation. Islam urges believers to create a direct connection with Allah without any mediation of idols. This shared emphasis highlights the rejection of false deities in both faiths.

c. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain

This commandment is also found in Islamic teachings, where Islam emphasizes respectful use of Allah’s name. In Islam, Allah’s name is considered sacred and believers aim to start their activities using His sacred name by saying: ‘In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful’. This is also found in the beginning of much Islamic literature. The Holy Quran advises Muslims to avoid using Allah’s name carelessly, just as the Bible forbids using God’s name in vain.

d. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy

The Bible emphasizes a day of rest and worship dedicated to God, traditionally observed on Saturday for Jews and Sunday for Christians. In Islam, however, there is no direct equivalent of the Sabbath. Jumu`ah (Friday) holds a special significance for Muslims as a day of congregational prayers and remembrance of Allah. On Fridays, Muslims are encouraged to take time away from their worldly tasks and gather for the Friday prayer in the afternoon, which includes a sermon. Unlike the Sabbath, there are no requirements for complete rest and avoidance of work.  Both traditions emphasize dedicating time for worship, spiritual reflection, and building a connection with God; yet, Islam allows for a balance of worship and daily activities.

e. Honour your father and mother

This commandment is closely reflected in the teachings of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of respecting, obeying and caring for one’s parents. The Holy Quran repeatedly stresses the significance of honoring parents, particularly in their old age, and puts great emphasis on kindness and gratitude towards them for their sacrifices. Respect for parents, in Islam, includes obedience, emotional, physical and financial support when needed. Both the Bible and the Holy Quran highlight the central role of parents in the upbringing of children.

f. You shall not murder

This biblical commandment aligns directly with Islamic teachings, which also strictly forbid the taking of innocent life. In Islam, the act of murder is considered a grave sin, and the Holy Quran equates the killing of one innocent person to the killing of all humanity. In contrast, saving one life is considered equivalent to saving all humanity. Islam upholds the sanctity of life, a shared value in the Ten Commandments.

g. You shall not commit adultery

The commandment ‘You shall not commit adultery’ is found in Islam, which also condemns adultery as a major sin. In Islam, relations are only permitted within the bounds of marriage, and modesty and chastity are greatly emphasized. Adultery is forbidden, and those who engage in it are punished under Islamic law if evidence is present. The Holy Quran commands believers to lower their gaze and guard their modesty to prevent situations that could lead to adultery or other similar sins. Biblical commandments and Islamic teachings both highlight the importance of fidelity.

h. You shall not steal

Stealing is forbidden in Islam, similar to the biblical commandment. Theft is a serious offense with clear punishments for offenders, outlined in the Islamic law. Islam emphasizes honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, encouraging believers to earn a lawful living and avoid dishonest gains. Just as the Bible teaches respect for others’ rights and possessions, Islam also teaches respect for others’ property, with theft being a great violation of moral and legal codes.

i. You shall not bear false witness

The biblical commandment ‘You shall not bear false witness’ is also a fundamental principle in Islam. Honesty and truthfulness is highly valued. The Holy Quran condemns lying and false testimony, emphasizing the importance of justice and integrity. Islam stresses that in order to guard and uphold justice, one should be prepared to testify against themselves and their relatives. Islam stresses truthfulness in both personal conduct and legal proceedings, and believes bearing false witness is seen as a serious violation that harms individuals and society as a whole. Both biblical and Islamic traditions uphold the need for honesty, trust and justice in society.

j. You shall not covet

The biblical commandment ‘You shall not covet’ is reflected in Islamic teachings. Envy and greed are highly discouraged behaviours for Muslims. In Islam, believers are encouraged to be content with what Allah has provided to them and avoid desiring what belongs to others. They are warned that jealousy can lead to harmful results and damage relationships. Islam places greater stress on piety and good deeds, encouraging believers not to make material wealth the ultimate goal.

6. Role of Moses (as) in Islamic Teachings

Moses (as) is revered in Islam as a great Prophet of Allah. All Muslims believe in his truthfulness and honour him and his accomplishments. They believe in the Scriptures of the Torah as well. Moses (as) is the most mentioned Prophet in the Holy Quran, and bears many similarities with the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (sa) (Holy Quran 73:16). He set a universal example of faith, perseverance and struggle for justice. Through his story, Islam reinforces many of its core principles.

Conclusion

While there are minor differences, Muslims do follow the core principles of the Ten Commandments, as there are many similar ethical teachings in Islamic law and in the Holy Quran. The Ten Commandments, which are central to Judeochristian traditions, share similarities with Islamic teachings, specifically in regards to monotheism, respecting life, and maintaining moral integrity. While some differences do exist, such as the observance of Sabbath versus Jumu’ah in Islam, these religions and their respective traditions all emphasize the importance of truthfulness, justice, and family values. Also, the role of Prophet Moses (as) in Islam further highlights the shared foundation of these Abrahamic faiths. The universal principles of faith, perseverance and justice are upheld in both Islam and the Ten Commandments.

References

Ahmad, J. (2020, July 26). Prophets of Allah: Moses, the prophet who freed the children of Israel. Al Hakam. https://www.alhakam.org/prophets-of-allah-moses-the-prophet-who-freed-the-children-of-israel/

The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary: Five Volume Commentary. Islam International Publications Limited. (1988)

https://www.alislam.org/quran/