Differences in the ascetic behaviour in the Sahih al-Bukhari and the synoptic gospels through the stories related to Muhammad and Jesus

Abstract: Asceticism is a widely discussed topic. The aim of the thesis is to compare two textual blocks – the Sahih al-Bukhari and the Synoptic Gospels - from two different religious traditions and deduce the most vivid particularities of the respective visions of asceticism, situating the findings in context of the related academic scholarship. Findings in some cases are very unexpected. If in the Sahih al-Bukhari Muhammad urges to adopt a middle, moderate course, Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels implies on extremities in several areas but not all. Following the localised patterns of the ascetic behaviour in the texts there emerges the idea that ascetic behaviour in the Synoptic Gospels is a way to transform oneself in a way appealing to God and employ God’s kingdom on the earth, while in the Sahih al-Bukhari it is a way to sustain the appropriate functioning of the society and approaching Allah receive the rewards in the Hereafter. Findings of this master’s thesis also challenge some of the prevailing in the contemporary scholarship definitions of asceticism, showing that some aspects of these definitions are very Christian/shaped by Christian assumptions instead of being universal and that it is worthwhile putting several expressions of self-control for divine merits in comparison to describe what it is.