Two Groups of Commandments, and Why They Matter

1Two directions

Mugisha draws a cross on the board: one line going up and one line going across. "The line going up is how we love God," he says. "The line going across is how we love the people around us." His friend Ishimwe, who is Muslim, adds, "In Islam we also talk about our duties to Allah and our duties to people." Their teacher nods. "You have both found the two groups of God's commandments!"

In Rwanda, Christians and Muslims live, learn and play side by side. In this unit you will read what each faith teaches, in its own words. Learning about each other's faith helps us to respect one another.

2Two groups in Christianity

Many Christians picture the first group written on the first tablet of stone and the second group on the second tablet.

3Two groups in Islam

Islam also teaches two kinds of duties: duties to Allah, such as worshipping Him alone and praying, and duties to people, such as kindness to parents, honesty and fairness. One verse holds both groups together:

"Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents."

(Qur'an 17:23, translated by Marmaduke Pickthall)

The first part is a duty to Allah; the second part is a duty to people.

4Why are God's commandments important?

• They show us clearly what is right and what is wrong.
• They protect important things: life, families, people's belongings, and the truth.
• They build peace and trust in families, schools and communities.
• They help us to love God and to live well with others.
• They help us to become good citizens who obey good laws.

For Christians, keeping the commandments is a way to show love for God. Jesus said:

"If you love me, keep my commandments."

(John 14:15, World English Bible)

The commandment to honour parents also comes with a promise: "that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you" (Exodus 20:12, World English Bible).

Try it yourself