THE
THREE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS similarities & differences THE
THREE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS similarities & differences
| JUDAISM | CHRISTIANITY | ISLAM | |
| Birthplace | Middle East | Middle East | Middle East |
| Concept of God | One God | One God | One God |
| Central Figure | Moses | Jesus Christ | Muhammad |
| Scripture | Torah, Prophets, Writings from the Talmud (oral tradition) | Bible – Old Testament and New Testament | Qur'an – direct revelation from God. Hadith – Sayings and teachings of Muhammad |
| War | Peace is always preferable, but war in self-defence is considered obligatory | “Just War” can be fought as a last resort; tradition of non-violent resistance | War should be fought in self-defence only and within strict guidelines |
| Divisions | Modern movements include: Reform, Conservative, Modern Orthodox, Constructionist | Many theological divisions and schisms; Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, numerous Protestant churches | Main division is that of Sunni – Shiite. Majority of Muslims are Sunni |
| Fundamentalism | Ultra-orthodox Jews reject modern secular world and live in strict communities | Debate over the literal meaning of the Bible; efforts to bring religion into daily life | Return to ‘pure Islam’; efforts to bring religion into daily life |
| Holy State | Jerusalem | Jerusalem | 1.
Mecca 2. Madina 3. Jerusalem |
| Jesus | A historic figure. Not the Messiah | The Son of God | Highly regarded as the second last Prophet. Muhammad regarded as the last Prophet |
| Hierarchy | No hierarchy. Rabbi’s are considered teachers | Catholics and Orthodox have extensive hierarchy. Some Protestant branches have almost none | No hierarchy. Prayers are lead by Imams, teachers, who have studied the Qur’an |
| Idols & Images | Images and statues are strictly forbidden | Images and statues are allowed in some divisions but not worshipped | Images and statues are strictly forbidden |
| Charity | Tzedakah: 10% of income | Tithe: 10% of income | Zakat: 2.5% of income |
| Conversion | No active preaching to non-Jews. Jews must turn away a convert three times to ensure their commitment | Conversion considered important in most traditions. Missionaries are prominent among Catholics and Protestants | Da’wa (Invitation): Muslims should share their knowledge of Islam without trying to convert. Only God can bring someone to Islam |
| Tolerance to other faiths | Jews tolerate other religions and do not seek to convert | Christians taught to “Love thy neighbour” and proclaim that Christianity is the only way to God | Muslims taught to tolerate other faiths. Special respect for Jews and Christians as ‘People of the Book’ |
| Status of Women | Men and women are equal in the eyes of God. Traditional Judaism prescribes different roles for men and women. Orthodox men and women worship separately | Men and women worship together. Some Protestant churches ordain women as Priests | Men and women are regarded as equal, as taught in the Qur’an. Men and women traditionally pray separately |
| House of Worship | Synagogue | Church | Masjid (Mosque) |
| Main Day of Worship | Saturday (Shabbat) | Sunday | Friday (Jum’a) |
| Dietary Requirements | Must keep kosher. No pork or certain seafood, other meat to be killed by kosher method, separation of meat and dairy | None | Must be halal. No pork, other meat should be prepared by halal method. Alcohol prohibited |
| Life after Death | No immediate life after death. Life in the ‘world to come’ after the coming of the Messiah | Day of Judgement followed by Heaven and Hell | Day of Judgement followed by Heaven and Hell |
by
Hiba Kanj and Feda Abdo
Adapted from: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/DailyNews/islam_special_report_011009_belief3.fbk
