Values in the Bible and Qur'an
Primary 4 · Social and Religious Studies
Values in the Bible and Qur'an
Lesson 1 of 5
13 min
On the way home from school, Keza and Amina find a wallet full of money near the market. "We could buy so many sweets!" says a boy passing by. Keza and Amina look at each other. "It isn't ours," says Amina. "My Bible says 'You shall not steal'," says Keza. "And my Qur'an teaches honesty too," says Amina. They take the wallet to the market office.
Values are the things we believe are right and important, and that guide how we behave. Ethical values help us tell right from wrong. The Bible and the Qur'an teach many of the same values.
"You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour." (Exodus 20:15–16)
"Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight." (Proverbs 12:22)
"False testimony" means telling lies about someone. An "abomination" is something God hates.
"Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth." (Qur'an 2:42)
This means: do not mix up truth with lies, and do not hide the truth on purpose.
Both holy books teach us to treat everyone fairly and never to cheat.
"Woe unto the defrauders: Those who when they take the measure from mankind demand it full, But if they measure unto them or weigh for them, they cause them loss." (Qur'an 83:1–3)
A "defrauder" is a cheat. These verses warn traders who want full measure when they buy, but give too little when they sell. The Bible's command "You shall not steal" teaches the same thing: taking what is not yours, even a little, is wrong.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)
"The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren ..." (Qur'an 49:10)
"Naught else than" means "nothing other than". A peacemaker helps people who are quarrelling to make up. Both faiths honour peacemakers.
Tip
HFP: Honest, Fair, Peaceful. Three values you can find in BOTH the Bible and the Qur'an.
Test yourself: "Would I be happy if everyone saw what I am doing?" If not, it is probably not honest.
Answer: The things we believe are right and important, which guide how we behave.
Answer: "You shall not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
Answer: Do not mix up truth with lies, and do not hide the truth on purpose. Be honest.
Answer: Someone who helps people who are quarrelling to make peace.
Answer: Qur'an 83:1–3 (woe to the defrauders), and the Bible's "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15).
What you learned today
Sources and credits
The rest of the lesson, including the practice questions, is written by Ganzaa.
Quick check
Keza and Amina find a wallet full of money near the market. What do they do?
