...Islam and Judaism have similarities and differences. While Judaism is one of the oldest religions, dating back to the days of Abraham, Islam is one of the newest religions. It is believed to have been founded in 622A.D. Muslims must follow the Koran, while Jews must follow the Torah. Both sets of laws are very strict, and they believe there are consequences for those who do not keep them. Islam's five chief obligations, testimony of faith, prayer, giving zakat, fasting in the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to the Mecca, are similar to Jewish commandments and traditions. Faith is the foundation of many religions, Islam and Judaism included. The first of the Five Pillars of Islam, testimony of faith, requires Muslims to say with conviction, "There is no true god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." The first half of this testimony states that only Allah is to be worshiped. Muslims take this very seriously and do not consider Muhammad to be Allah or even divine. They simply believe he was the last in a series of prophets. Besides Muhammad, Muslims believe in many of the same prophets as the Jews. (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus) Similarly, the first commandment states that, "You shall put no other gods before me." Judaism is a monotheistic religion, as is Islam, and they do not believe in the Trinity. To both Jews and Muslims, Jesus was simply another prophet. Unlike Christians, whose faith is based in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Muslims do not...
Words: 690 - Pages: 3
...Judaism and Islam: Not So Different After All Unfortunately today, Islam and Judaism are seen as two conflicting religions that will forever be in turmoil and conflict. Little do many people know the many similarities between the two religions. Of course, the two faiths have many major, distinct differentiations. If they didn’t, they would be the same religion. However the two religions share many of the same principles and beliefs, both through the written teachings themselves and the practice and implementation of the religion throughout the world today. Specifically, Islam and Judaism share similarity points of view when it comes to the personification of G-d and the number of G-ds, Pilgrimages to holy lands, and the requirements for giving charity. Judaism and Islam’s interpretations of G-d are similar to each other, and both together are different than the way Christianity interprets G-d and its major figures. Both Judaism and Islam started among communities whose majority population and leaders came from polytheism. It is said that Abraham was the son of an idol salesman, where he went in and destroyed all of the idols claiming it to be ridiculous. Mohammed was in Mecca, a religious center for polytheistic Arabian religions. Mohammed was visited by Gabriel, and was told to proclaim Allah and that there is only one Allah. Both religions are against the personification of G-d. A major theme of Islam is the rejection of G-d being part of the Holy Trinity. The reason for this...
Words: 981 - Pages: 4
...1. There are three major monotheistic religions found in the World today; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Please find at least three common similarities in the three religions and explain why there are such conflicts between the three religions. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are three major religions practiced today. There are several commonalities among these three religions. These religions are known as the “Abrahamic religions” because they all trace their history to the covenant God made with Abraham in the Hebrew Bible. In these three religions, they all believe in one God, as well as in angels and demons but have different names and different images of such beings. http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islam_judaism_christianity.htm. These religions also believe that Moses is a messenger of God and the Torah is God’s word. http://isocs.org/Articles/I101C/9_similarities.htm. Another similarity within these religions are they believe everyone will experience physical death and there will be resurrection of the body. All believe there will be signs preceding the judgment day. http://www.israelsmessiah.com/religions/compare/islam_judaism_christianity.htm These religions have the same basic principles in which they believe such as the belief of one God, the resurrection of the body, and the coming of the judgment day. As similar as their foundations may be, there has been constant turmoil among these religions. People of the Jewish faith claim they...
Words: 348 - Pages: 2
...not always mean killing yourself in the name of god but rather it is a peaceful journey the individual takes by himself. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all have their own versions of martyrs and martyrdom. These three religions often share many similar characteristics and they do have similar ideas of martyrdom but they also do have stout differences. This paper will ponder what martyrdom means to each religion and the differences between martyrs among the Abrahamic religions. Out of the three Abrahamic religions, martyrs are least prominent amongst the Jews. In the Jewish religion a martyr is associated with “Kiddush Hashem”. As said by Huseyin Cicek “Everyone who lives according to Kiddush Hashem is witnessing, and is a witness of, the one and true God. Every religious Jew has to live according to Kiddush Hashem, if he or she seeks salvation, because life is a gift from God. The only way of honoring God is Kiddush Hashem”. Cicek states that every religious Jew has to live according to the Kiddush Hashem, if this is so then every Jew that practices their religion is a Martyr. According to Rabbinic Judaism voluntary death is not permitted but fighting the enemies of Judaism is permitted. Rabbinic Judaism allows Jews to fight for their religion in a war but it does not allow suicide in the name of god. A martyr according to Rabbinic Judaism is a person who dies following the rules of the Torah....
Words: 1700 - Pages: 7
...Comparing and Contrasting Judaism, Christianity, and Islam “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” This was said by Stephen R. Covey and it means that similarities relate people to each other but differences cause them to become stronger by making them stand alone. Though they are similar in ways such as having multiple denominations, holy locations, and being linked to Abraham, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are different. They are unique in how they live their daily life, the way they worship, and their ages. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share many similarities but also many differences. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have many things in common. For example, they all have multiple denominations within their religion....
Words: 561 - Pages: 3
...When reviewing scriptures and beliefs amongst different religions, many times we are able to find similarities between them- in this case, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. All three religions believe in one God and follow practices and rituals to praise that God, however, if they were the same they’d be named the same thing. Therefore, they all have contained unique traits that set them apart from one another. In this essay, we will review the similarities and differences between the three and discuss the concept of God. A similarity the three have is different divisions. For Judaism-Hasidic, Conservative and Reform Judaism. Ethnic groupings include Ashkenazi (The majority) and Sephardi Jews. For Christianity- Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic. Lastly, Islam- Sunni and Shia. However, the beliefs are where most differences are found but do have several similarities. Jews believe every Jew can have an individual and personal relationship. They believe that God continues to work in the world, affecting everything that people do. The Jewish relationship with God is a covenant relationship. (Judaism: Jewish Beliefs) Christians believe Christians recognize Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save mankind from death and sin. Also, they believe in the Trinity - that is, in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And...
Words: 646 - Pages: 3
...Christianity, Judaism and Islam serve to be three of the most prominent religions practiced and studied within the contemporary generation today. Moreover, each religion is classified by its own individuality and traditions, however similarities are present between the three leading them to reach a single focal point within the subject of religion. For example, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are a derivation of “Abrahamic Traditions” as each religion holds a significant connection to the patriarchal ancestor, Abraham (Molloy 2013). Furthermore, each of the three religions are defined as monotheistic (Molloy 2013) as their beliefs reside under the guidance of one God who is viewed as omniscient and omnipotent (Molloy 2013) leading to similarities...
Words: 280 - Pages: 2
...The contemporary world of Islam faces an uphill battle defending itself from modern day misconceptions and the forced involvement with geopolitics. Islam struggles with the western world’s perception of the religion and cultural understanding. The current religious struggle between the Middle East and the West derives from thousands of years of bloodshed and conflict between the worlds three major religions; Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Blood that was shed during a period of holy wars and the ever expanding ruling powers such as Greece and Rome. The candle of hatred burns in modern times with the presences of radical extremist groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda that continue to ignite hatred towards the West by manipulating the Qur’an and preaching concepts that conflict with the laws of Islam. Many scholars throughout the world have expressed their differences in events that occurred in the Qur’an. Like in Christianity and Judaism, one person’s interpretation of the scriptures can spawn radicals and extremist that prays on the weak to fuel their fire. Many Muslims believe that Muhammad was the only prophet of God and that Jesus was only a practitioner of Christian faith. They are also believing that Jesus was not the son of God nor ordained like Christians do but only Muhammad. In the United States and most of Europe, women have reached equality to men. There are significant differences between the Western World, Middle East, and North Africa. The modern stakes...
Words: 512 - Pages: 3
...react with other countries, such as Saudi Arabia. Despite the differences between the big religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that cause many big wars, genocides, and hatred. There are still some similarities and instances in history where the religions have peacefully co-existed. The main similarity between these three religions is that they all believe in one God. And in my mind, the same God viewed and worshiped in a different way. Another similarity is everyone is a child of Abraham in one way or another. Additionally, all believe there is a way to communicate with God through prayer and believe God speaks to them through coincidences and prophets. Although, in today’s era, any prophets would be seen as lunatics so mostly God’s words are seen through the abnormalities of the everyday life. One of the Holy Scriptures open to a much needed passage. A sudden calmness in a shouting match. A warm smile from a stranger. A feeling of determination when met with controversy and uncertainty. All these things are often...
Words: 590 - Pages: 3
...The Middle East had numerous religions that persisted and changed during the time period of 600 C.E. to 1450. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are some of the main religions that continued during that time period. Many of the Middle Eastern people’s beliefs in religion have not changed since 600 C.E. to 1450. The religion that is still continued and the majority of people practice is Islam. In early 600 C.E. the religion of Islam originated in the city of Mecca. Mecca was chosen as the holy city because of the Ka’ba, which is a holy shrine dedicated to Allah and Muhammad. Islam follows the teachings out of the holy book, called the Qur’an. The followers of Islam include the believed that there was a prophet and he was named was Muhammad. They believed in an afterlife and that angels are real. Islam was and continues to be a monotheistic religion, that worships one god, Allah. There are the Five Pillars of Islam which are rules that the practicing people must follow. The religion is based on the Five Pillars are testimony of faith, praying five times a day, giving a zakat, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. The beliefs of the Islamic society did not change drastically between 600 C.E. to 1450. The Islamic world has changed over time as it has expanded beyond its cultural territories. The expanded Islamic world also improved their trade system and education system. The changes and continuities are largely due to its religion, trade system...
Words: 702 - Pages: 3
...issues in Western Religions. The main objective is to elaborate on Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The other key focus is to uncover the struggles within its historical and modern times. Islam is an interesting subject because it has plenty history surrounding Islamic cultures, and the contrast between Judaism, and Christianity. Nevertheless, revealing how time has change from than to now also captivate some attention. Exploring the foundation surrounding Islam such as Abraham, and the other forefathers is rewarding when searching the history of these three religions. Historical connections Islam and Judaism share connections starting very early in history with the patriarch Abraham. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael, and Isaac, who eventually went on to lead two different groups of people. Ishmael led the Arabs who later became known as the Muslims and Isaac led the Israelites who later became Jews. These two different groups of religions grew and traditions known today in modern religion. Each religion shares a monotheistic belief and has similar belief in prophets. The Tanakh tells the story of Exodus that God chose Moses to lead the Jews out of slavery into freedom (Molly, 2010). Muslims also believe that Moses and several other historical figures, including Isaac, and Ishmael were prophets of God. Judaism connection to Christianity is through Jesus, and the Old Testament. Christianity developed from Judaism; the Tanakh...
Words: 2215 - Pages: 9
...Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The primary focus religion that will be discussed is Christianity, the second religion will be Judaism, and the third religion will be Islam. In this paper the historical connections between these three religions will be explored. Questions will be answered such as; what makes these three religions similar? How are they connected? The theological similarities and differences between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam will also be thoughtfully brought up. The contemporary struggles within Christianity today will be explored. It will also be discussed what contemporary struggles Christianity has with Judaism and the contemporary struggles between Christianity and Islam. In this paper it is the expressed hope that the reader will be able to learn about these three religions and gain knowledge. The paper is to help the reader learn something new about Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and with curiosity want to explore these individual religions further. With this hope in mind this paper will start with the historical connections between these religions. When you take a look at the different religions being discussed in this paper you first have to look at how each one is defined. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary Christianity is defined as being a religion derived from Jesus Christ, based on the bible as sacred scripture, and professed by Eastern, Roman Catholic, and Protestant bodies. (Christianity, 2011) Judaism...
Words: 1060 - Pages: 5
...Contemporary Issues in Western Religions Religious beliefs have been the center of many conflicts across the entire world since the beginning of time. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism the major monotheist religious traditions have been at the heart of many of those religious conflicts. Historical connections and theological similarities are prevalent between the three. In parallel to the similarities exists the contemporary struggles affecting these western religious traditions. From the internal struggles within Christianity such as abortion, to its struggles with Islam and Muslim extremists, finally to the contempt against Christianity from actions of the Holocaust, each tradition faces contemporary struggles within their own right. Gaining a better understanding and insight into the historical, theological, and contemporary struggles between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism will enhance appreciation for each belief. Historical Connections and Theological Similarities: One main pillar of similar theology between Christianity, Islam, and Judaism is the belief in one god. However, each has different perspectives in relation to God. For example, Christians believe in [pic]the Trinity[pic] of [pic]God; God the Father, the Son (Jesus[pic] Christ), [pic]and the Holy Spirit[pic] ("Judaism, Islam, Christianity-Comparison", 2002-2011). Also Christians consider Jesus [pic]the son of God, born to the Virgin Mary, and[pic] had [pic]come to earth to offer redemption for...
Words: 2531 - Pages: 11
...Western Religions One of the ways to understand people of a diverse society is to understand their religious beliefs and practices. In the western world there are three major religions. These religions are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Each of these religions is monotheistic and is practiced by more than half the people in the world. Monotheistic religion is the belief in one God. Although Judaism, Christianity and Islam religious practices are each monotheistic, some of the religious traditions are different. Judaism believes there is one God who cannot be made up of parts; Islam embraces an immaterial, invisible God, one to be intensely feared in His omnipotence; Christians hold fast to the trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The differences mentioned are but a few of the differences between the three religions that could very well be reasons for some of the struggles believers faced during the early biblical days. To better the religious traditions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, one must study the early traditions and struggles of each religion. The writers of this paper will discuss the similarities, differences, theological and historical connections between the three religions. Historical Connections Judaism is historically connected to Christianity through Jesus and the Old Testament. Jesus is considered the Messiah in Christianity and the Son of God. Jesus was actually born and raised Jewish in ancient Palestine. His birth...
Words: 2554 - Pages: 11
...– Brochure or Presentation on a Religion Select one (1) of the following religions with which you are least familiar: Buddhism, Islam, or Judaism, and complete this assignment. Choose Buddhism, Judaism, or Islam and create a four to six (4-6) page brochure in which you: 1. Focus on one (1) of the following topics: a. major festivals (discuss a minimum of two [2] of your choice) b. meditation (purpose, method, etc.) c. rites of passage (funerals, marriage, etc.) More Details hidden… REL 212 WEEK 10 ASSIGNMENT 2 BROCHURE OR PRESENTATION REL 212 WEEK 10 Assignment 2 – Brochure or Presentation on a Religion Select one (1) of the following religions with which you are least familiar: Buddhism, Islam, or Judaism, and complete this assignment. Choose Buddhism, Judaism, or Islam and create a four to six (4-6) page brochure in which you: 1. Focus on one (1) of the following topics: a. major festivals (discuss a minimum of two [2] of your choice) b. meditation (purpose, method, etc.) c. rites of passage (funerals, marriage, etc.) More Details hidden… REL 212 WEEK 10 ASSIGNMENT 2 BROCHURE OR PRESENTATION REL 212 WEEK 10 Assignment 2 – Brochure or Presentation on a Religion Select one (1) of the following religions with which you are least familiar: Buddhism, Islam, or Judaism, and complete this assignment. Choose Buddhism, Judaism, or Islam and create a four to six (4-6) page brochure in which you: 1. Focus on one (1) of the following topics: a. major festivals (discuss...
Words: 418 - Pages: 2