Download Three Major Religions of

SS7G8-The student will describe the diverse cultures of
the people who live in SW Asia (Middle East)
c. Compare and contrast the prominent religions in SW
Asia (Middle East): Judaism, Islam, and Chrisitanity
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Monotheistic—belief in one God
Oldest of the three major religions-Known as Jews
Descended from Abraham—called Israelites
Believe that Moses is a prophet—messenger of
God
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Lead the Israelites out of Egypt
Holy book is called the Tanakh or the Hebrew
Bible
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Monotheistic religion
Founded in 30 AD by a Jewish teacher
named Jesus
Holy Book—The Bible (The New
Testament)
World’s largest religion—2 billion
followers worldwide
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Monotheistic religion
Founded by Muhammad ( 570 A.D.—632 A.D.)
in the 7th century.
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Muhammad was a merchant from Makkah (Mecca)
According to Islamic teachings, he heard messages
from an angel telling him to preach about God
(Allah)
Holy Book—the Koran or Quran
5 Pillars of Islam—the rules for the faithful
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5 Pillars of Islam—acts of worship that are
required of the faithful
1st— Belief--To make the statement, “There is no God but
Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.”
 2nd—Worship--Muslims must pray 5 times a day facing
Mecca
 3rd—Almsgiving-- give money to people in need
 4th—Fasting--To fast (or not to eat or drink anything)
during daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan
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 This is the month in which Muhammad received his first
message from God.
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5th—Pilgrimage--The Hajj (holy journey of Muslims)
 Each Muslim, at least once in his/her life travel to Mecca to
pray, if able
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ALL have a Holy Book
ALL believe in one God (monotheistic)
ALL have prophets (messengers of God)
ALL believe Abraham is the father of
their faith
ALL have holy sites in SW Asia
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Each has a different view of Jesus Christ
Each has specific places of worship
Islam—mosques
 Judaism—synagogues
 Christianity—churches or cathedrals
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Each has specific religious practices
Islam—Ramadan
 Judaism—Yom Kippur
 Christianity—Easter
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