Middle East Religions Three religions were founded in

Middle East Religions Three religions were founded in the Middle East. 1. Islam 2. Judaism 3. Christianity

Islam

Islam n The major religion in the Middle East. n Founded by Muhammad. He had a revelation that he was named a prophet by Allah, or God. n Qur’an (Koran) = Holy book of Islam (provides a set of rules to guide behavior. ) n Followers are called Muslims n Monotheistic – Muslims believe in one god, Allah n Allah = God

ISLAM n Mecca : Holy City in Saudi Arabia. Muslims try to visit at least once in their lifetime. n Hajj: An annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and a religious duty for Muslims that should be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims. n Muslims pray 5 times a day and face Mecca while they pray. n Mosque: Where Muslims gather to pray (church) n Common Holidays: Ramadan, Eid n 5 Pillars

5 Pillars – major beliefs 1. Proclaim belief in one God (Allah). 2. Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca. 3. Charity: share wealth with the poor. 4. Fasting: No food or drink (sunrise to sunset) during month of Ramadan. 5. Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca once during lifetime.

Judaism The most ancient of the 3 major Middle Eastern religions. Judaism is a monotheistic religion; its followers worship one god. The followers are known as Jews or Hebrews.

Beginnings of Judaism n Fonder: Abraham n Covenant: a binding agreement. The Jewish people believe this covenant was made between God and Moses establishing God as the ruler of Heaven & Earth. This also made the Jew’s the chosen people of the Earth.

Beliefs n Holy Book – The Torah n Ten Commandment – religious and moral laws believed to be given to the Hebrew people by God n Name of god – Yahweh n Place of worship –Synagogue n Symbol – Star of David n Common Holidays – Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah

Christianity n Monotheistic worship 1 God n The followers are known as Christians. They follow the teachings of Jesus n Common holidays: Christmas & Easter

Beginnings of Christianity n Founder: Jesus Christ n Messiah: one anointed by God. The Jewish prophets predicted that a messiah would deliver the Jews from foreign rule and restore the kingdom of Israel. n Parables – Jesus used parables, short stories with simple moral lessons to teach people to be kind to one another.

Beliefs n Trinity, resurrection, Ten Commandments, Jesus & parables n Holy Book: The Holy Bible n Place of Worship: Church n Symbol: Cross n Martyrs – people who suffer or die for their beliefs.