Islam and Mormonism have been compared to one another since the earliest origins of the latter in the nineteenth century, sometimes by detractors of one or both religions,[1] but also at least once by Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, himself.[2] Smith was also frequently referred to as "the Modern Muhammad" by several publications of the era, notably in the New York Herald,[3] shortly after his assassination in June 1844. This epithet repeated a comparison that had been made from Smith's earliest career,[4] one that was not intended at the time to be complimentary.[citation needed]
Comparison of the Mormon and Muslim prophets still occurs today, sometimes for derogatory or polemical reasons[5] but also for more scholarly and neutral purposes.[6] Although Mormonism and Islam have many similarities, there are also significant differences between the two religions. Mormon–Muslim relations have historically been cordial;[7] recent years have seen increasing dialogue between adherents of the two faiths, and cooperation in charitable endeavors.[8]
Mormons are also frequently compared to Ahmadi Muslims specifically, with many noting distinct similarities in both groups' relative age, history, culture, approach to missionary work, and general lack of acceptance from mainstream Islam and Christianity.[9]
^Fluhman, J. Spencer (2008). "An 'American Mahomet': Joseph Smith, Muhammad, and the Problem of Prophets in Antebellum America". Journal of Mormon History. 34 (3): 23–45. JSTOR23290536.