Confucianism and Islam make up two of the five greatest religions.

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Defining the Sacred
Confucianism and Islam make up two of the five greatest religions in the world. Although representing two entirely separate worldviews, it is mainly in the ethical characteristics that we can find remarkable similarities. In the assigned readings, “The Analects” and “The Sura 35,” there are similarities in structure, in that, they lay a framework to incorporate morality and ethics from the public sphere. Alternatively stated, the Islamic argument against secularism, that is, the separation of societal concerns and politics from morality and religion is not dissimilar to the Confucian perspective presented in “The Analects.”
“The Analects” acknowledges an overarching divine force and talks about heaven, asserting that its followers must be religious and steadfast in their lives (Confucius, 62). A distinction between an ultimate power which creates and governs the world is also made (Confucius, 62-63). This is similar to “The Sura 35” which acknowledges a superior power (God), maker of heavens, the earth, and angels (Quran 35:1). “The Sura 35” is also similar to “The Analects” as it talks of harsh punishment for unbelievers and a great reward and forgiveness for the believers (Quran 35:7). “The Analects” talks about prayer, and this is seen when the Master falls ill, and Zi Lu is asked to leave and pray for him to which the master replies “My praying has been for a long time” (Confucius, 185). “The Sura 35” also talks about prayer whereby followers are instructed to recite the Book of God and perform the prayer (Quran 35:29) and pray to God because He is the only one who can answer prayer (Quran 35:14).
“The Analects” oft...