Religions in the Middle East

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Religions in the Middle East
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Judaism

• Originated in Mesopotamia (Middle East)
• Abraham Monotheistic
• Followers Jews or Jewish
• Teachings of the Torah (Old Testament)
• Spread throughout the Middle East / North Africa

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Judaism

• Oldest of the three monotheistic religions.
• Abraham is regarded as the father of their
  people. (Jews)
• Monotheistic (belief in one god)
• Accepts the Old Testament as its Holy Book.
  (Torah First 5 books of the Old Testament)

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Judaism

• Abraham Moses considered Prophets.
• Jerusalem is a Holy City.
• Recognizes the 10 Commandments
• Many denominations/sects.
• Divine creation of the universe

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Judaism

• Place of Worship Synagogue
• Religious Festivals Passover, Hanukkah
• Dietary Restrictions Mosaic Law (No pork, shell
  fish, etc.)
• Foods must meet the laws of kosher (blessed by
  priest or prepared correctly)

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Christianity

• Originated in Galilee - Middle East
• Teachings of Jesus - Monotheistic
• Followers Christians
• Bible New Old Testaments
• Most widely distributed religion throughout the
  world

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Christianity

• Second oldest of the three monotheistic
  religions.
• Jesus is considered the son of God.
• Accepts both the Old Testament and New Testament
  as Holy Books.
• Monotheistic (belief in one god)
• Abraham Moses considered Prophets.

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Christianity

• Jerusalem is a Holy City.
• Recognizes the 10 Commandments
• Many denominations/sects.
• Divine creation of the universe
• Place of Worship Church
• Religious Holidays Christmas Easter
• Based on the life and teachings of Jesus
• Peter and Paul help spread Christianity in the
  1st Century AD.

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Islam

• Originated in Saudi Arabia - Middle East
• Teachings of Muhammad
• Followers Muslims
• Quran (Koran)
• Spread throughout the Middle East into Europe,
  Africa, and Southwest Asia

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Islam

• Third oldest of the three monotheistic religions.
• Holy book is the Qur'an.
• Accepts both the Old Testament and New Testament
  as Holy Books.
• Followers participate in a pilgrimage to Mecca.
  (Hajj)

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Islam

• Jesus is recognized as a Prophet
• Denominations/sects Sunni Shia
• Divine creation of the Universe
• Place of Worship Mosque
• Religious Month of Ramadan (Ninth month on the
  Muslim Lunar calendar) (Fasting)
• Dietary Restrictions (No pork)
• Main prophet is Muhammed.

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Islam

• God Allah
• Holy Cities Mecca Medina (Saudi Arabia)
  Jerusalem (Israel)

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5 Pillars of Islam

• 1) Faith Shahada "There is no god, except
  Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
• 2) Prayer Salat Pray 5 X a day facing Mecca.
• 3) Charity Zakat donate 2.5 of their capital
• 4) The Fast During Ramadan fasting from
  Daylight to Dark.
• 5) Pilgrimage Hajj A muslim who is
  physically able should make a pilgrimage to Mecca
  once during their lifetime.