JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM

• Islam is a significant Arabic word that means "obedience" or "submission," denoting surrendering to God
• A Muslim is one who practices Islam and surrenders to God
• The birthplace of Islam is the Arabian Peninsula, consisting mainly of deserts
• Mecca and Yathrib (Medina) were the two most prosperous and powerful cities in the Arabian Peninsula
• The culture of the nomadic Bedouin tribes of Arabia was kin-based, living primarily by trade, agriculture, and conducting raids on rival tribes
• Arabia reflected tribal beliefs in gods and goddesses who were protectors of individual tribes
• The Kaaba in Mecca housed the idol of tribal deities
• Muslims believe in one supreme God, Allah, who is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe
• Islam is a monotheistic religion where believers worship Allah solely
• The Holy Qur'an is recognized as the word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad
• Hadith refers to reports regarding the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad
• The Five Pillars of Islam are:

  • Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
  • Salah (Prayer)
  • Zakat (Charity)
  • Hajj (Pilgrimage)
  • Sawm (Fasting)
• Salah involves rituals like ablution and prescribed actions, postures, and words during prayer
• Zakat means "purification" and "growth"
• Sawm involves fasting and self-control during the holy month of Ramadan
• Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime
• Muslims are divided into three major sects: Sunnis, Shiites, and Sufis
• Shia Islam originated from the followers of Ali ibn Abi Talib in the 7th century
• Sunnis believe that the Muslim community can elect their leaders
• Sufism is a mystic and ascetic tradition emphasizing personal piety and spirituality
• Eid al-Adha is a festival marking the sacrifice of Abraham and the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca
• Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim month of fasting (Ramadan)
• Muharram marks the first month of the Islamic liturgical year
• Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates Muhammad's birthday
• Judaism:

  • Oldest of the monotheistic religions, dating back to around 1500 BCE
  • Originated with the covenant between God and the Israelites in Mt. Sinai
  • Adherents are called Jews
• Sacred Texts:

  • Torah: first revealed law given to Moses, contains the "Five Books of Moses"
  • Talmud: compendium of learning, basic source for Jewish law and codes
• Five Books of Torah:

  • Genesis: creation of the world and origins of Jewish people
  • Exodus: founding myth of Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt
  • Leviticus: establishes relationship between priests and common people
  • Numbers: begins with a census of Israelites and the tribe of Levi
  • Deuteronomy: farewell address by Moses to Israelites before entering Canaan
• Ten Commandments:

  • 1. No other gods besides God
  • 2. Do not worship idols
  • 3. Do not take God's name in vain
  • 4. Remember the Sabbath day
  • 5. Honor your father and mother
  • 6. Do not kill
  • 7. Do not commit adultery
  • 8. Do not steal
  • 9. Do not bear false witness
  • 10. Do not covet
• Christianity:

  • World's largest religion with about 2.4 billion followers
  • Based on the life, works, and teachings of Jesus Christ
  • Symbol: Cross symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice for humanity
• Sources of Historical Information:

  • Old Testament: repository of the sacred covenant between God and the people through Abraham and Moses
  • New Testament: records the new covenant through Jesus
• Religious Leaders Hierarchy:

  • Pope: head of the Catholic Church
  • Cardinals: assist the Pope
  • Archbishops: administer archdioceses
  • Bishops: teachers of doctrines and ministries of church government
  • Priests: administer sacraments
  • Deacons: classified into traditional and permanent deacons
• Seven Sacraments:

  • Baptism: removes guilt and effects of Original Sin
  • Confirmation: completes Baptism with graces of the Holy Spirit
  • Holy Communion: reception of Christ's body and blood
  • Confession: reconciles Christians with God by confessing sins
  • Marriage: union of man and woman for procreation and support
  • Holy Orders: continuation of Christ's priesthood
  • Anointing of the Sick: administered to seriously ill or dying for strength
• Worship and Observances:

  • Judaism: Sabbath commemorates God's completion of creation
  • Christianity: Advent, Lent, Pentecost celebrate different aspects of faith