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What are all of the differences between Judaism Christianity and Islam?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
- Islam is God religion per Quran revelation to Prophet Muhammad. Christianity is God's religion according to the revelations throughout The Bible.
- Muslims believe that Jesus is one of the greatest God prophets and messengers. Some Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God; some others believe that Jesus is himself divine. Some other Christians believe he is human and neither God nor son of God.
- Muslims believe in all prophets including prophet Muhammad and Jesus. Christians do not believe in the Prophet Muhammad.
- Muslims believe in all God holy books including Quran and the Bible, but they do not accept the authority of the Bible. Christians do not believe in the Quran as inspired scripture.
- Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified and just his likeness was thrown by God on another one who was crucified. Christians believe that Jesus was crucified as described in the Bible.
- Muslims believe that every one is responsible for his deeds (good or sinful) in front of God in the Day of Judgement and that those made net good deeds will be rewarded, by God mercy, with entering the Paradise while those who made net bad deeds, unless forgiven by God, will be punished by being pushed in Hell fire. Christians believe that all men and women are responsible for their sins and all deserve eternal damnation. Jesus' sacrifice made it possible for some to enter heaven through God's mercy, and not based on their own merit.
Hint: the above shows that both religions are different only in some faith issues that are regarding the relationship between yourself and your God which is a matter to be resolved by God on the Day of Judgement. However, both religions are quite similar in all issues regarding relationships among all people. In reality, there are no differences between the two religions regarding the way that people of different religions should treat each other. This, logically and spiritually, calls all people to live together in love, peace, and harmony regardless their different religions or beliefs.
- Both are widely believed religions.
- Both believe in God's angels.
- Both believe in the last Day of Judgment.
- Both believe in Paradise/Heaven and Hell.
- Both believe that no one enters Paradise/Heaven by own deeds/merit but rather by God Mercy and forgiveness.
- Both believe in eternal life after earthly death.
- Both forbid adultery, robbery, unjustified killing, cheating and lying.
- Both religions are similar in practicing mutual respect to their believers. Quran says (meaning English translation): ".... You will find the nearest in love to Muslims those who say 'we are Christians'. That is because amongst them are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world and they are not arrogant. And when they listen to the Quran revelation received by the Messenger (Muhammad), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognized. ... So because of what they said, Allah (God) rewarded them ...." [Quran, chapter 5, verses 82-86]
"(Remember) when the angels said, "O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous." She said, "My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?" He said, "So (it will be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, 'Be!' and it is." (Qur'an, 3:45-47)"
Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother. God has said: The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, "Be!" and he came into being. (Qur'an, 3:59)
During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said: "I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by God's permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses...." (Qur'an, 3:49)
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. It was the plan of Jesus' enemies to crucify him, but God saved him and raised him up to Him. And the likeness of Jesus was put over another man. Jesus' enemies took this man and crucified him, thinking that he was Jesus. God has said:
...They said, "We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God." They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man)... (Qur'an, 4:157)Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in one God, brought by earlier prophets, but rather to confirm and renew it. The mainstream Islamic view of the second coming maintains Jesus did not die (see Islamic view of Jesus' death) and was lifted up to Heaven by God, where he is waiting to descend during the "last days" when corruption and perversity are rife on Earth. Jesus will return to wage a battle against and defeat the false Messiah (Dajjal, or Anti-Christ) and call all humanity to Islam, as originally called upon by all the prophets including himself. Jesus shall be accompanied by an army of the righteous, and shall be fighting against darkness, uniting his army with the army of Mahdi in the last war of human history. The Dajjal will wage war with his army of corrupt followers and mischief-makers and those that have fallen under his deception.
God is all powerful. He created the day and the night, the sun and the moon, the stars in the sky, the oceans and the land, the heavens, and all creatures in this world; those we know of and those we do not know of. He created the seen and the unseen. He knows that which has passed and that which has yet to pass. He created mankind.
Muslims believe that God is one and that Jesus was a Prophet of God. Muslims love Jesus and believe in the second coming. Islam was revealed to the people in Arabic - because that was the language of the people to whom it was revealed. Muslims believe that Mohammed, peace be upon him, was also a Prophet of God, and the last of God's Prophets. Islam reinforced the original messages of the Torah and the Gospel, as revealed by God, but which had been altered by man's innovations over time.
Allah is the Arabic word for God. Muslims believe in all of the Prophets of God, including Jesus, Moses, Aaron, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Solomon. Muslims believe that Prophet Mohammed brought the final message to mankind to worship one God only, to love one another, to invite good and forbid evil.
The main difference between Islam and Christianity is the belief about Jesus.
{| | Muslims respect and revere Jesus (peace be upon him). They consider him one of the greatest of God's messengers to mankind. The Quran confirms his virgin birth, and a chapter of the Quran is entitled 'Maryam' (Mary). The Quran describes the birth of Jesus as follows:
|} (Remember) when the angels said, "O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous." She said, "My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?" He said, "So (it will be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, 'Be!' and it is." (Quran, 3:45-47)
Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother. God has said: The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, "Be!" and he came into being. (Quran, 3:59)
During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said:
"I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by God's permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses...." (Quran, 3:49)
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. It was the plan of Jesus' enemies to crucify him, but God saved him and raised him up to Him. And the likeness of Jesus was put over another man. Jesus' enemies took this man and crucified him, thinking that he was Jesus. God has said:
...They said, "We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God." They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man)... (Quran, 4:157)
Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in one God, brought by earlier prophets, but rather to confirm and renew it.The mainstream Islamic view of the second coming maintains Jesus did not die (see Islamic view of Jesus' death) and was lifted up to Heaven by God, where he is waiting to descend[40] during the "last days" when corruption and perversity are rife on Earth. Jesus will return to wage a battle against and defeat the false Messiah (Dajjal, or Anti-Christ) and call all humanity to Islam, as originally called upon by all the prophets including himself. Jesus shall be accompanied by an army of the righteous, and shall be fighting against darkness, uniting his army with the army of Mahdi in the last war of human history. The Dajjal will wage war with his army of corrupt followers and mischief-makers and those that have fallen under his deception.
Christainity- bible is called holy book or bible
Islam- has bible but his called Qu'ran
Christianity believes in the Trinity and that Jesus (pbuh) was the son of God. Islam teaches that there is only one God and He has no offspring.
To learn more about the differences between Christianity and Islam see the link below
Answer 3:Both religions are different only in some faith issues that are regarding the relationship between yourself and your God which is a matter to be resolved by God on the Day of Judgment. However, both religions are quite similar in all issues regarding relationships among all people. In reality, there are no differences between the two religions regarding the way that people of different religions should treat each other. This, logically and spiritually, calls all people to live together in love, peace, and harmony regardless their different religions or beliefs. Answer 4:Muslims believe that there is only one Allah ( God) with no partner & no similar , He is the lord of all creation , & He is completely different from anyone else , He has no father & no mother , no wife & certainly no son , He doesn't need a son ! He is the richest & the strongest .... having a son is for the creatures including humans so in one way or another it's a kind of weakness & this is impossible for Allah (God)!Another important difference between the two religions is that Christians believe that Jesus peace be upon him had been crucified , while Muslims believe that Jesus is a prophet who was called to prophecy before Muhammad peace be upon all the prophets. It's a must for a Muslim to believe in Jesus PBU as a prophet as well as all other prophets since Adam's time PBU too. Muslims believe that Jesus PBU hadn't been crucified & he is the only prophet who didn't die yet, they believe that he will come back to this life on earth as a Muslim i.e. a follower of Muhammad PBU & he will break the sign of cross & the place where he will come to is already known by Muslims as Muhammad PBU told them, he will come to Damascus & will pray particularly in the Oumawi Mosque.
Christians believe that Jesus was crucified to bear the sins of humanity or as a penance to their faults or the fault of our father Adam when he ate the apple or the forbidden fruit, however Muslims believe that nobody should pay the price for the sins of others as everyone is responsible for only his/her deeds & that Allah (God) is fair & nobody will be punished for the faults committed by others.
These were some basic differences between the two religions.
Answer 5:Islam teaches us that we must pray directly to God without an intermediary and no soul can bear the burden of another and that the nature of humanity is good, and we did not inherit sin from Adam. Each soul comes into being free of sin.The oneness and universality of God's message requires that people accept all the messengers of God. Rejecting one of them amounts to rejecting them all. The Jews reject Jesus's mission and Muhammad's mission; some Christians reject Muhammad's mission; whereas Muslims accept them all (but reject the the divinity of Christ), reject incorrect historical interpretations and human elements in these missions.
* Muslims believe that God is One while most Christians believe that God is three persons in one. * Islam is God's religion per Qur'an revelation to Prophet Muhammad. Christianity is God's religion per the Bible revelation to Jesus.
* Muslims believe that Muhammad is God's prophet and messenger while Christians don't believe Muhammad is God's prophet or messenger. * Muslims believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) is God's prophet and messenger while most Christians believe that Jesus is God and the Savior of humanity. * Muslims believe that Jesus was lifted bodily to the heavens by God's miracle and was not crucified while Christians believe that Jesus was crucified. * Muslims believe that Adam and Eve were forgiven by God (the Creator) while many Christians believe in the concept of original sin and its transfer to all generations. * Muslims believe that every one is responsible of his deeds in front of God in the Last Day of Judgement while Christians believe that the Christ will save them from their sins. * Muslims believe in the Torah, Bible and the Qur'an as God's holy books (in addition to other holy scriptures revealed to Abraham, David, and other prophets) while Christians believe in the Torah and the Bible only and don't believe in the Qur'an. * Muslims weekly religious holiday is Friday and is allowed to work on Fridays, per their choice, while Christians have Sunday as their weekly religious holiday and they are not recommended to work on Sundays. * Muslims don't believe that God took rest on the 7th day after the creation of the universe in 6 days (God never gets tired). Christians believe that on the 7th day, after universe's creation in 6 days, God took rest.
It is to be highlighted that both religions are different only in some faith issues that are regarding the relationship between yourself and your God. This is a matter to be resolved by God on the Day of Judgement. However, both religions are quite similar in all issues regarding relationships among all people. In reality, there are no differences between the two religions regarding the way that people of different religions should treat each other and deal with each other. This, logically and spiritually, calls all people to live together in love, peace, and harmony regardless their different religions or beliefs. Answer The main difference between Islam and Christianity is the belief about Jesus.
Answer 6:They share many common beliefs and values. While they do have different ways of expressing their faith, sincere followers of both religions believe in doing good works. Answer 7:The development of Christianity and Islam are very different. The Gospels contain Jesus' own teachings as most Christians believe he is the second person in the Trinity. This contrasts to Islam where the Qur'an contains Allah's revelations delivered to Muhammad.However, some say that analysis shows that Muhammad's revelations were simply pre-Islamic folklore, plagiarised Biblical stories and words to suit Muhammad's own ends. In terms of the development of the religions both were very different.
Throughout Jesus' ministry he pushed a message of peace and love and is said to have performed miracles to convince the masses. In contrast, Islam was spread by force, war and violence, and Muhammad, unlike all other Islamic prophets before him (i.e. prophets borrowed from Jewish and Christian traditions) did not perform any miracles.
Islam believes in only one God almighty, The creator of heaven and the earth, The sun and moon And everything, What we have see and what we haven't seen yet, But Muslims believe in Jesus As A merciful messenger of God almighty, In the Holy book of Muslims (Quran) it has mentioned about Jesus And his miraculous birth, And also about his righteous mother Mary, In surah E Marriam (Chapter marry) But Christians believe that Jesus is A son of God, He is begotten son of God almighty, According to Islam begetting is an animal act of lower function of sexual act, Which is certainly can't attribute to the pure holy God almighty, because God and Human or totally contradictions, God is not Created or born, But Jesus is, God does not require to eat , But Jesus and his mother Did, God does not go for the call of nature, but Jesus did, God never feel hungry and thirsty But Jesus use to drink and eat, God never feel pain but Jesus did, According to Islam God never Die nor can be killed by anyone, But according to Christianity Jesus died on the cross and Jews killed him.
Answer 8:Christianity believes that Jesus is the savior. Islam believes that Muhammad is God's chosen prophet. Answer 9:There are many many differences but space permits me to outline just a few.Islam is a religion that worships the God of Abraham (whom Muslims call 'Allah') as revealed by the prophet whom they regard as their spiritual leader - Muhammad. Though on the whole preaching love and respect for God, Muhammad also preached exclusively for Muslims and that no Muslim should befriend a Jew or Christian. Muslims regard Moses, Elijah and Jesus as prophets but lesser prophets than Muhammad. Like Jews, Muslims believe in salvation by adherence to and by living live by a set of rules such as obligatory praying several times a day. male circumcision, not eating certain foods such as pork, and other obligatory customs and rules e.g. in the way they conduct themselves, how they dress and the role of women in society.
Christianity is a religion that also worships the God of Abraham, but Christians believe that Jesus is not simply a prophet but the manifestation of God himself in human form. This is based on Jesus' own claims, his miracles, the prophesies about him and his resurrection from the dead - a great difference between Muhammad and Jesus is that Muslims admit that Muhammad died, but Christians believe that Jesus' death was a turning point in history where he saved all humanity, not just Christians, from their sins, and through his subsequent resurrection saved everyone who turns to him. Therefore, to the Christian, salvation comes not from a set of rules but by God's grace alone. Thus, Christians are free to eat what they like, and dress in the manner that they find most comfortable, as they believe what is in the heart is far more important than any outward sign of pious religion. They undergo no circumcision and regard all people created equal in God's sight - both Jew and Muslim, male and female. They are commanded by Jesus to love enemies and befriend and love those of all faiths and none.
Answer 10: Hints on Answer 9- The saying in Answer 9 above that "God of Abraham (whom Muslims call 'Allah')" is not accurate as the Name Allah for God is the Arabic name used by all Arabs (Jews, Christians, and Muslims). Refer to the Arabic Bible, you find Allah used for God. Also Arabic Christians say 'Mesih Ibn Allah' that means 'Christ son of God'.
- The saying in Answer 9 above that "Muslims regard Moses, Elijah and Jesus as prophets but lesser prophets than Muhammad" is not true. God command Muslims to believe equally in all God prophets. In the Quran, Holy book of Islam, God has said (meaning English Translation): {The Messenger (Muhammad) has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah (God) and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.}(Quran, chapter 2, verse 285)
- The saying in Answer 9 above that "no Muslim should befriend a Jew or Christian" is not true. God command Muslims to be kind and peaceful in dealing with non Muslims who don't attack them to deprive them from their homes or religion.
In the Quran, Holy book of Islam, God has said (meaning English Translation):
" God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers."[Quran, chapter 60, verse 8].
1. This does not need any qualification. I have already stated that Muslims call God 'Allah' and this is the same God of Abraham, Moses and Christ. Why is a 'correction' needed?
(hint by first answerer: You are right. I wrongly understood that you mean different God than in Judaism and Christianity as some claim)
2. The basis of Islamic belief is the Shahada which states ""There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God (or Prophet)". This clearly puts Muhammad as THE messenger from God above all other prophets - or these would have been mentioned too. (hint by first answerer: The reason of the 'Shahada' is that Prophet Muhammad called the polytheists to believe in one God and to believe in his prophecy otherwise how they will believe in Quran and his preachings. The six basic Muslim faith articles include believing in all God prophets with no distinction)
3. The Koran does forbid Muslims befriending Jews and Christians. It is written clearly in the Koran -
" [5.51] O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people." It cannot be more clear.
hint on #3 above by first answerer: The Quran verse above is, of course, correct. However, the Arabic text and the occasion when this verse is revealed is to forbid Muslims from making allies with Christians or Jews against other Muslims. In the same sense, also in Quran, Muslims are commanded not to make allies with God unbelievers against Jews and Christians. This explains why Muslims were sad and depressed when Christians were defeated by the Persians (God unbelievers) and God told them in Quran that they will win in less than ten years and it was. Quran (30, verses 1-5) says: "The Byzantines have been defeated (2) In the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome. (3) Within three to nine years. To Allah belongs the command before and after. And that day the believers (Muslims) will rejoice (4) In the victory of Allah. He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. (5)". Personally, I have lots of close Christian Egyptian friends and sure this is not against Islamic Guides. All religions call for mankind cooperation, prosperity and peacefulness and never call for enmity or hatred among different faiths or religions).
Islamic point of view
Muslims believe that Islam is not a new religion , but a final restatement of the original revelation that has been conveyed to humanity by messengers and prophets sent by God. They believe that the original, unchanged revelations given to Abraham and other prophets(like Moses) reaching back to Adam all came from the One True God(The Creator). This common origin explains their similarities in many beliefs and values
However, over time the teachings of the various religions, due to a variety of reasons, have become distorted and mixed with made-man ideas.
Muslims regard Muhammad as the last prophet and messenger of God and regard him as a direct descendant of Abraham through his first born son, Ishmael,
As Muslims believe that God promised that since Muhammad is regarded by them as the last of the series of the Prophets and Messengers and since they regard the Holy Qur'an is His last Book of Guidance to humanity, He Himself will guard it from any changes or corruptions till the Day of Judgment. This is why this last Revelation which was sent more than 1400 years ago has remained unchanged, not even a word or a letter has been altered.
Islam teaches us that we must pray directly to God without an intermediary and no soul can bear the burden of another and that the nature of humanity is good, and we did not inherit sin from Adam. Each soul comes into being free of sin.
The oneness and universality of God's message requires that people accept all the messengers of God. Rejecting one of them amounts to rejecting them all. The Jews reject Jesus's mission and Muhammad's mission; some Christians reject Muhammad's mission; whereas the Muslims accept them all (but reject the the divinity of Christ), but reject incorrect historical interpretations and human elements in these missions
Answer 12:Christians believe in the ten commandments and try to keep them, Muslims do not and neither did Muhammad.Christians believe that Jesus is the true Messiah as the Son of God, part of the Holy Trinity together with the Father and Holy Spirit. Muslims do not believe.
Christians believe it is wrong to kill except in extreme self defence, Muslims believe it their right to kill with impunity and still go to Paradise.
Muslims believe in the practise of 'thighing' with babies one year old, Christian belief abhors paedophilia as an abomination.
Answer 13 (comments on Answer 12 above):- Quran and prophet Muhammad teachings include instructions similar to the ten commandments except that the Commandment that Saturday is the rest day because God rested on this day after His creation of the universe. Muslims believe that God creates by saying 'be' then ' it is' and that God is free from being tired. Refer to related question below.
- Muslims do not believe in the Trinity. They believe that God is one with no son or father and that Jesus is one of the Greatest Prophets and Messengers but not god or son of God.
- Muslims are forbidden; per Quran and prophet Muhammad teachings; from killing innocent people and civilians. They are allowed only to fight who fights them and to seek peace if the attackers quit fighting.
- It is false the claim that Muslims believe in the practice of 'thighing' with babies one year old.
Basically, Christianity and Islam religions are similar.
Followers of both religions believe in:
- God the Creator
- Angels
- All God prophets (some Christians do not believe in Muhammad as God prophet)
- All God holy books (some Christians do not believe in Quran as God revelation to Prophet Muhammad)
- Day of Judgment
- The second eternal life
- Hell and Paradise in the other life
- Praying, Alms Giving, and fasting (but with different rituals and rules)
- doing good deeds for the benefit of community, mankind and nature.
In Quran, Muslims holy book, it is mentioned that all prophets (peace be upon them), including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, call for worshiping one and only one God with no partners, no son, no father, no companion, and no resemblance. However, some Christians believe that Jesus is God or son of God.
Answer 14:- · Christians have the same God who revealed to Abraham, Moses and other Jewish prophets as JEHOVAH. Islam has Allah as God and has never revealed as Jehovah or as Father as Jesus taught.
- · In Christianity, Jesus came and died for sinners as prophesied by the Jewish prophets. In Islam, Jesus did not die but taken to heaven.
- · Love your enemies is the Christian teaching. Islam does not teach to love non-Muslims.
- · Christianity has a savior Jesus Christ who saves them from sins and hell punishment. Islam does not have a savior but has only messengers who died just like regular humans.
- · Marrying another person while your spouse is living is adultery according to Christian teaching. Islam does not consider this as a sin (following Muhammad's example).
- · Christianity offers a heaven with the presence of Lord Jesus. Islam offers a heaven with milk, vine and virgins.
- · Jesus is the Son of God in Christianity as revealed in OT. Jesus is just a messenger in Islam even though Jesus is unique in Quran.
- · Christianity found in the New Testament has no rituals. Islam has a lot of rituals including reciting in Arabic you do not understand and kissing the black stone at Kaaba.
- · Christians are called children of God. Muslims are the slaves of Allah.
- · Christians worship God in spirit and no directional worship. Muslims worship Allah by turning towards Kaaba in Mecca.
- · New Testament teaches Jesus is the only way to heaven. Quran teaches good Christians, Jews, Sabience will also go to heaven.
- · Salvation is guaranteed in Christianity since Jesus died to save them. No guaranty for salvation in Islam.
- · Do not kill is the teaching of Christianity as Jesus or His disciples did not kill anyone. Killing is allowed in Islam as Muhammad and his followers killed many.
- · Salvation in Christianity is based on what God did through His Son Jesus who was punished for others sins. Salvation in Islam is based on human efforts.
- · Christian Scripture teaches not to fight. Islamic scripture teaches to fight and Allah loves those who fight for Allah (Quran 61:4)
- · Christian Scripture teaches God as Righteous. Islamic scripture teaches Allah as a Deceiver ( best of Deceivers - Quran 3:54, 8:30)
- · There is no consequence if a Christian leaves faith (except hell). Will be killed if a Muslims leaves faith (No compulsion in religion is an abrogated verse).
- · Christian Scripture does not change its message. Islamic scripture changes its message through what is called abrogation with a new message (Many times in Quran old revelations were replaced by new ones, Quranic messages were abrogated by Muhammad and such)
- · Christian Scripture came through EIGHT different people. Islamic scripture came through just ONE person.
- · Christianity teaches that only those whose name is not written in the Book of Life will be in hell. Islam teaches that even all Muslims will have to go to hell (Quran 19:71).
- Allah (God in English) is same God in Christianity and Judaism. In Arabic versions of the Bible God is written as Allah,
- It is true that in Islam Jesus was bodily raised to the Heavens and that his likeness was thrown on the one who betrayed Jesus; by miracle of God; and he was crucified in place of Jesus.
- Love your enemies is a slogan that never practically applied. Refer to the WW1, WW2, wars in North in south America, wars of the Crusades, current wars in the Middle East.
- All God prophets are human including Jesus (Peace be upon him). This the Muslims belief. Your good deeds and the God mercy are your savior.
- Polygamy was allowed before Islam even for prophets. Refer to the marriages of Solomon, David, Jacob,.... and many Romans and others. Jesus is the only prophet who didn't marry. Islam limited the allowed marriages to four.
- No one can know what is the Heaven. All what is mentioned about the Heaven in Quran is just for illustrations and not physically the same. It is mentioned in Quran that what is the Heaven never seen by eyes, never heard by ears, and never even thought of by heart.
- Jesus never said that he is Son of God. Even some Christians they do believe that He is a prophet and not son of God.
- Does it mean that Christians have no rituals? Kissing the black stone is not ritual worship and is not obligatory. However, kissing the black stones has special reasons. Don't Christians kiss the Cross that is a human made?
- God has neither children nor sons not companions. we are all bondmen and bondwomen to God; including prophets; but not slaves. Quran says for example (15:3) " The descendants of those whom We boarded along with Nooh; he was indeed a grateful bondman."
- Turning to Kaaba is only during praying to God.
- Jesus called also his followers that to go to the Heavens they should worship God as the one and only one God with no partner and no son.
- Obedience to God is manifested through following God commands. Only those Christians, Muslims, Jews, ... who worship God with no partners and do Good deeds will be Accepted in God Heavens with God mercy.
- Killing is not allowed in all religions including Islam. It is allowed in Islam only in defense when Muslims are attacked by others.
- Answered under 12
- Are you sure Christians never fight and never fought?
- Deceiver in Quran is mentioned in Arabic that has another understanding in Arabic language. As we say God hand is with you. It doesn't mean that God has hands.
- It is not true that in Islam teachings to kill who converts out of Islam. What is your proof that no compulsion in religion is abrogated?
- Abrogation was done only by God but once Quran revelation completed there was no abrogation. Quran was revealed over 23 years and required impose its teachings gradually to suit people capacities. Would you explain why there are different Bible text versions?
- It is logic that Quran God revelation to be to prophet Muhammad only. The same way Bible revelation was to Jesus only. Torah revelation was to Moses only.
- It is not enough to be a Muslim or Christian or else to be accepted the Heavens. You must be true believer in God oneness with no partner and no son and follow God commands to be accepted in God Heavens per God mercy and forgiveness.
The main similarity is that same God is worshiped in both religions and that both religions call for good morals. The main difference is that Christians believe that Jesus is God or son of God while Muslims believe that Jesus is one of the five great prophets (Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad; peace be upon them all). Refer to question below.
Some similarities are that both Islam and Christianity believe in the prophets such as Prophets Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus (Peace be upon them all).
They both share some moral values such as love thy neighbor, cherish life, feed the poor. etc.
Both are Abrahamic faiths, and are both monotheistic.
The difference lies mostly in how Jesus and Muhammad are viewed.
Christianity is a triune monotheistic religion. Its form of monotheism can be summarized in the following seven points:
1. The Father is God
2. The Son is God
3. The Holy Spirit is God
4. The Father is not the Son
5. The Son is not the Holy Spirit
6. The Holy Spirit is not the Father
7. There is only one God
Christianity rejects Muhammad as a messenger of God.
Christianity believes Jesus died on the cross and Islam rejects this.
Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion; it teaches that Jesus was a messenger of God, much like Moses, Noah, etc. God is one in Islam, with no partners or children. Islam also teaches that Muhammad was the last of the messengers.
Some differences between Christianity and Islam:· Christians have the same God who revealed to Abraham, Moses and other Jewish prophets as JEHOVAH. Islam has Allah as God and has never revealed as Jehovah or as Father as Jesus taught.· In Christianity, Jesus came and died for sinners as prophesied by the Jewish prophets. In Islam, Jesus did not die but taken to heaven.
· Love your enemies is the Christian teaching. Islam does not teach to love non-Muslims.
· Christianity has a savior Jesus Christ who saves them from sins and hell punishment. Islam does not have a savior but has only messengers who died just like regular humans.
· Marrying another person while your spouse is living is adultery according to Christian teaching. Islam does not consider this as a sin (following Muhammad's example).
· Christianity offers a heaven with the presence of Lord Jesus. Islam offers a heaven with milk, vine and virgins.
· Jesus is the Son of God in Christianity as revealed in OT. Jesus is just a messenger in Islam even though Jesus is unique in Quran.
· Christianity found in the New Testament has no rituals. Islam has a lot of rituals including reciting in Arabic you do not understand and kissing the black stone at Kaaba.
· Christians are called children of God. Muslims are the slaves of Allah.
· Christians worship God in spirit and no directional worship. Muslims worship Allah by turning towards Kaaba in Mecca.
· New Testament teaches Jesus is the only way to heaven. Quran teaches good Christians, Jews, Sabience will also go to heaven.
· Salvation is guaranteed in Christianity since Jesus died to save them. No guaranty for salvation in Islam.
· Do not kill is the teaching of Christianity as Jesus or His disciples did not kill anyone. Killing is allowed in Islam as Muhammad and his followers killed many.
· Salvation in Christianity is based on what God did through His Son Jesus who was punished for others sins. Salvation in Islam is based on human efforts.
· Christian Scripture teaches not to fight. Islamic scripture teaches to fight and Allah loves those who fight for Allah (Quran 61:4)
· Christian Scripture teaches God as Righteous. Islamic scripture teaches Allah as a Deceiver ( best of Deceivers - Quran 3:54, 8:30)
· There is no consequence if a Christian leaves faith (except hell). Will be killed if a Muslims leaves faith (No compulsion in religion is an abrogated verse).
· Christian Scripture does not change its message. Islamic scripture changes its message through what is called abrogation with a new message (Many times in Quran old revelations were replaced by new ones, Quranic messages were abrogated by Muhammad and such)
· Christian Scripture came through EIGHT different people. Islamic scripture came through just ONE person.
· Christianity teaches that only those whose name is not written in the Book of Life will be in hell. Islam teaches that even all Muslims will have to go to hell (Quran 19:71).
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all monotheistic religions that trace their origins to the Middle East. Some key differences include beliefs about the nature of God (Trinity in Christianity), the role of Jesus (prophet in Islam, divine figure in Christianity), and the holy scriptures (Torah, Bible, Quran). Additionally, there are differences in practices, rituals, and religious laws within each faith.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoThis is an attempt to put together a list of all differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and includes all previous answers. Each answer will have J:, C:, I: which correspond to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic perspectives on the question raised. Please note that most of these questions are far more involved than these short answers allow. For more information, please check to see that the question is not answered elsewhere or ask it.
Founding:
When was the religion founded?
J: According to Judaism, the first Jew was Abraham who recognized God's oneness at around 1800 B.C.E.. However, the Laws of the Torah which define Jewish practice were only revealed at Mount Sinai some five-hundred years later. Archaeologists believe that the Jewish religion did not crystallize fully until 500 B.C.E.
C: Christianity was developed by Peter and Paul along with Jesus other disciples and followers. It split off from Judaism by around 80 C.E. and set out its basic beliefs in the Nicene Creed in 325 C.E. and 381 C.E.
I: According to Islam, Islam is a natural state of humanity, making Adam the first Muslim. However, the institutionalized beliefs of Islam come from the implementation of the Divine Revelation of the Qur'an in 615 C.E. and later. In 622 C.E. the first Muslim Community in Yethrib (Medina) was founded. Qur'anic scholarship, which defined the general parameters of Islam began in earnest in the mid-600s C.E. and continues to this day.
God:
What is God's name?
J: According to Judaism, the name of God is the unpronounceable YHVH Tetragrammaton. Archaeologists believe that the YHVH was once pronounced "Yahweh", but this name is rejected by religious Jews. Jews refer to God as HaShem, which means "the Name", in common conversation and as Adonai, which means "Our Lord" when praying. There are also a number of names used to describe his different attributes.
C: Some sects of Christianity name God as Jehovah from a pronunciation of YHVH. Others just use vernacular terms for God such as "Our Lord", "Our Father", or "Our King". These vary both from sect to sect and from language to language.
I: Islam does not have a name for God and just calls him "Allah" which is the Arabic word for "God". Muslims also call God by one of 99 descriptive names such as "Al-Khaleq" - "The Creator", "Al-Rahman" - "The Merciful", "Al-Fatih" - "The Conqueror", and so on when referring to particularly attributes of his personality.
How is the concept of the Trinity viewed?
J: Judaism rejects the Trinity as heresy and polytheism.
C: The Trinity is the basic understanding of the relationship between all three essences of God and the way in which they interact with one another. Most Christians believe in the Holy Trinity, that God is composed of three parts (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
I: Islam rejects the Trinity as the violation of the sin of "shirk" or allowing things to be co-equal with God.
Has God ever become incarnate and when did this happen?
J: No, this has never happened.
C: God became flesh in the form of Jesus Christ around 2000 year ago.
I: No, this has never happened.
Is the God of all three religions the same God?
J: Judaism holds that the Christian understanding of the Trinity makes the Christian God a different God than the Jewish God. However, the God of Islam shares enough in common with the Jewish God to be the same God.
C: There are varied opinions on this in Christian circles. The dominant opinion is that all three religions worship the same God. A significant minority opinion is that Jews and Christians worship the same God, but that the characteristics of the Islamic God show that that God is distinct.
I: It is an Islamic position of faith derived from the Qur'an that all three religions worship the same God.
Prophets and Prophecy:
What makes a Prophet?
J: A Prophet must receive visions or have communications with God and relay those to the people. Prophets are fallible human beings who may commit sin or equivocate before seeking repentance. There are a number of exemplars in Judaism, like Isaac, who are not Prophets by virtue of this definition.
C: A Prophet must receive visions or have communications with God and relay those to the people. Prophets are fallible human beings who may commit sin or equivocate before seeking repentance. There are a number of exemplars in Christianity, like Isaac, who are not Prophets by virtue of this definition.
I: The lineage of Prophets was those men who revealed the nature of God to all peoples and cultures. Each Prophet was pure and blameless. A Prophet need not have received a direct vision from God, merely to believe in Him, encourage others to join in that belief, and provide a good example.
If there is a hierarchy of Prophets, what is it?
J: Moses is considered a Prophet whose ability to prophesy and communicate with God face to face can never be paralleled.
C: All Prophets are equal, but Moses is first among equals. Of course, this assumes that Jesus, as God, is not himself a Prophet, since Jesus has a stronger position on Christianity than any of the Judeo-Christian prophets.
I: Five Prophets: Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed are what are called "Rasul" which means "Messenger" since each came down with a Heavenly Book for humanity. The remaining prophets are "Nabi" which just means prophet. They are of lesser importance.
What are some recognized valid Prophets outside of the accepted Prophetic tradition?
J: Judaism holds that Moses had a counterweight in the non-Jewish world called Bilaam (as mentioned in the Book of Numbers). Bilaam was a legitimate Prophet, but used his gift for evil purposes.
C: None.
I: None.
If prophecy can no longer occur, when did this happen?
J: Judaism holds that prophecy ceased after the prophecies of Malachi around the Destruction of the First Temple.
C: Some sects of Christianity believe that prophecy continues to the present-day, like Mormons while others believed it has ceased since Revelations was penned.
I: Mohammed is the seal of prophecy. No-one can prophesy after him. Some minority sects like Ahmadiyya Islam say that prophecy has existed since Mohammed and are seen as heresies because of this belief.
If prophecy can no longer occur, is there a way to bring it back?
J: The Messianic Age will restore prophecy.
C: No. (Obviously, in sects where prophecy still occurs, there is no need to "bring it back".)
I: When Jesus returns (and the Mahdi comes in certain sects) at the End of Days, these individuals will be able to perform prophecy.
Is Adam's sin forgiven by God?
J: No. Adam's sin results in his being exiled from the Garden of Eden and having to work for his food. The presence of death is a direct result of Adam's sin. However, even though we are bound to that world, we are not bound to those sins.
C: No. Adam's sin has been passed down to all of humanity.
I: Yes. Before leaving Paradise, Adam is pardoned since he fully repented for his misdeeds.
What role does Moses play?
J: Moses is the primary prophet, responsible for receiving the Ten Commandments and the entirety of the Torah Revelation at Mount Sinai. His prophecy will never be surpassed.
C: Moses was responsible for the Old Covenant which, while important, has been superseded by the new covenant given to man on account of Jesus Christ.
I: Muslims believe that Moses was one of the great prophets of Allah (a Rasul). Moses brought divine revelation to the Jewish people, but the Jews neglected their duty to share this revelation with everyone. Slowly but surely, the law he gave out was corrupted and Mohammed had to come to clarify Moses' original intent.
What role, if any, does Jesus play?
J: In Judaism, Jesus is considered a False Messiah and Jews do not believe in him. He was branded as a heretic and has no religious authority.
C: The Son, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, is Jesus Christ, whose claims to divinity are believed and celebrated in the mainstream Christian religions. As well as being part of the Godhead, Jesus is the Messiah and will be responsible for the bringing of the Messianic Age.
I: Muslims believe that Jesus Christ was one of the great prophets of Allah (a Rasul) but certainly he was neither God nor divine. Muslims also hold that Jesus is the Messiah, but pursuant to their definition of the term (elaborated in the question: What are the aspects of a Messiah?).
What role, if any, does Mohammed play?
J: None. Many Muslims believe that Jews hold Mohammed to be the Messiah and stubbornly refuse to believe in him because he is Arab, but the truth is that Mohammed does not figure into Jewish religious thought in any way.
C: None.
I: Mohammed was selected by God to provide the final lasting revelation to the World (the Qur'an). It is through Mohammed that the first Islamic Community (Ummah) is formed, the first Islamic State is formed, and the Arab Tribes are cohesively united one behind one banner.
Messiahs and Salvation:
How does a person achieve Salvation? (These answers are overly simplified.)
J: By righteous acts and good deeds, provided he believes in the Noahide Laws (or if Jewish in the Torah Law).
C: By belief in Christ's saving power.
I: By righteous acts and good deeds, provided he believes in the Holiness of the Qur'an and the rules it specifies.
Does a person have the capacity to perform enough good in the world to achieve Salvation?
J: Yes, but it is not a set quantity. God is the ultimate arbiter.
C: No. Man is irredeemable without faith in Christ. In certain Protestant denominations with predestination, salvation is accorded to people ex ante and cannot even "choose" to have the faith in Christ necessary to enter heaven.
I: Yes, but it is not a set quantity. God is the ultimate arbiter.
What are the aspects of a Messiah?
J: The Jewish Messiah has the role of Divinely Sanctioned Monarch who by implementing God's will on Earth. He is entirely human, but of a high spiritual character (like Moses). His coming will bring about the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.
C: The Messiah is an incarnation of God sent in two waves, the first coming reveals his glory and provides an avenue for the pious to seek salvation. In the second coming, he will be forced to wage a spiritual war on Earth against the Anti-Christ and only those deserving may enter the victorious Kingdom of God that he will head.
I: The Messiah is a prophet and leader of men. In his first moments of prophecy, he revealed the Anjil (the Islamic interpretation of Jesus' New Testament Ministry). He then went into hiding, where he remains to this day. At some point, he will be forced to wage a spiritual war on Earth against the Dajjal (Anti-Christ) and only those deserving may enter the victorious Kingdom of God that he will head. Some Muslims also believe in a second savior called the Mahdi who was a Muslim heir is also in hiding and will join the Messiah at the proper time.
Has the Messiah come yet?
J: No, but he is expected. A number of false Messiahs have been discredited.
C: Yes, and he is expected to return at the time of the destruction of this world in heavenly power, due since his humbled first appearance, where took place his ascension, which followed his resurrection and death on the cross.
I: Yes, and he remains in hiding. The Mahdi, for those who believe in him, has also arrived and is similarly in hiding until the moment when it is proper for him to join the Messiah.
If the Messiah has come, who is he?
J: There have been a number of false Messiahs such as Jesus of Nazareth, Bar Kochba, Shabbatai Tzvi, and Menahem Mendel Schneersohn (although a minority Jews still regard the latter as a quasi-Messiah). However, as there is no recognized Messiah, there is no name.
C: Jesus of Nazareth.
I: Sid al-Messih Isa (Jesus of Nazareth)
What does the End of Days look like?
J: The Messiah will serve as a peacemaker, abolishing all nations and bringing about the Prophecies of Isaiah (Lion will lie with the lamb, they shall beat their swords into plowshares, etc.). God will judge who is worthy and those who are worthy will come to live on an Earth without flaws (basically paradise).
C: Jesus Christ will be forced to wage a spiritual war on Earth against the Anti-Christ and only those deserving may enter the victorious Kingdom of God that he will head.
I: At some point, the Messiah will be forced to wage a spiritual war on Earth against the Dajjal (Anti-Christ) and only those deserving (by way of a Divine Judgment) may enter the victorious Kingdom of God that he will head. Some Muslims also believe in a second savior called the Mahdi who was a Muslim heir is also in hiding and will join the Messiah at the proper time.
What does the post-Messianic period look like?
J: Terrestrial Earth, but without its negative aspects.
C: Heaven.
I: Paradise.
Clergy, Saints, and Castes:
What are clergy called and what are their functions?
J: Rabbi: Generally a spiritual guide for the congregation. Interprets the tradition for the laity. Cantor: Leads the chanting of the liturgy. Sometimes, the chanting of the liturgy is delegated to a member of the laity.
C: Priest/Pastor: The title is Priest in Catholicism and Orthodoxy and Pastor in most forms of Protestantism. The person has the role of both interpreting the tradition for the laity and leading the chanting of the liturgy. Sometimes the chanting of the liturgy is delegated to a member of the laity.
I: Imam: The Imam has the role of both interpreting the tradition for the laity and leading the chanting of the liturgy.
What are the personal requirements to become clergy?
J: In Orthodox Judaism, a male Jew must attend Yeshiva or a Religious University where he learns sufficient material to become a Rabbi. In Liberal Judaism, a Jew (male or female) must attend an institution accredited to the movement he wishes to minister for.
C: In Catholicism and Orthodoxy, a male Christian must graduate an accredited theological institution and cannot get married after ordination. (Catholic Priests must also have previous marriages annulled prior to accepting orders.) As concerns the various Protestant denominations, some accept women clergy, while others do not and some have stringent requirements for ordination and others do not.
I: In Islam, a male Muslim must attend Madrassa or a Religious School where he memorizes the Qur'an and learns Islamic Jurisprudence. In some Islamic Countries, this can certified by the government.
Unfortunately, in the case of all three, in less developed countries, the requirement for ordination is not necessarily well-maintained and this results in off-the-street hacks.
Can women be clergy?
J: In Orthodox Judaism, No. In Liberal Judaism, Yes.
C: In Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and some Protestant denominations, No. In most Protestant denominations, Yes.
I: No.
What are Saints and how does somebody qualify for Sainthood?
J: There are no saints.
C: Catholicism and Orthodoxy canonize Saints for those who give a lot themselves. They also must perform three proven miracles. Protestant Christianity does not believe in Sainthood.
I: There are no saints. Some Islamic Scholars believe that Sainthood is a form of shirk, the association of partners with God.
If there a hierarchy of clergy, what is it?
J: There are some Rabbis with a greater following, but all Orthodox Rabbis are on equal footing in their communities.
C: In Orthodoxy and Catholicism, Priests report to Bishops who report to a variety of more senior officials. In the Orthodox Church, this caps with the Patriarchs who have equal standing, but in different central locations. In the Catholic Church this caps with the one Pope in Rome. The various Protestant denominations have different organizations. The Anglican Church is like the Catholic Church while the Mormon Church has a sort-of-hybrid between the Orthodox and Catholic model. Evangelical Christianity has no universal leadership, just Pastors of incredible renown whose opinions carry a lot of weight.
I: There are some Imams with a greater following, but all Sunni Imams are on equal footing in their communities. Sufis have leaders of their orders who all of the Sufis of that order are bound to obey. Shiite Islam has a hierarchical structure where Imams are subordinate to the regional Ayatollahs. The Ayatollahs have equal standing to each other in terms of Islamic Law.
Are there different castes in the religion?
J: Yes. Jews are born into one of the three groups: Israel, Levi, and Cohen. The Cohens have a duty to help lead prayer and cannot marry outside of Judaism without forfeiting their place. The Levite duties have dissipated since the Second Temple Period. All converts become part of Israel.
C: No, all Christians are equal after baptism.
I: No, Islam does not recognize the superiority of one ethnic, racial, or tribal group of Muslims over others. The Nation of Islam was expressly repudiated by Malcolm X in his later life for betraying this belief.
Prayer and Holy Sites:
What are the holy sites?
J: Judaism has only one major holy site: the Western Wall in Jerusalem. There are assorted burial grounds and shrines across the world which have a lesser holiness as well.
C: Christianity has several sites in Jerusalem including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Via Dolorosa. Christianity also has a number of monasteries, nunneries, and burial grounds that have a certain level of holiness. Vatican City is also a holy Catholic city since the Catholic leadership resides there.
I: Islam has three major holy sites: the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There are assorted burial grounds and shrines across the world which have a lesser holiness as well. Shiites have additional holy grounds devoted to the Infallible Imams.
If there are special requirements to pray at a holy site, what are they?
J: Women and men pray separately and must be properly attired. People may place prayers in the cracks in the wall.
C: People must be properly attired.
I: Only Muslims may go to the Muslim holy sites. Men and women pray separately and must be properly attired.
If praying at a certain holy site is required for a person of the faith, why is this required?
J: Judaism does not require prayers at the Western Wall. (For most of Jewish history, pilgrimages to Jerusalem were not possible.)
C: Christianity does not require prayers at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or at St. Peter's Basilica.
I: The Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) is required for all Muslims who can reasonably perform it. This is is one of the pillars of Islam that God gave to Muhammad and without which a person's religious commitment is incomplete.
If there are holy regions or territories (not just parts of cities), what are they?
J: The Jews consider the Land of Israel (which includes some of the State of Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan) to be the Holy Land promised to them by God.
C: Christians also claim the holiness of the Land of Israel, but to a lesser extent. The mini-states of Vatican City and Mount Athos is holy to Catholics and Greek Orthodox Christians respectively.
I: The area around Mecca and Medina is holy in Islam.
What is the house of worship?
J: Jews pray in a synagogue.
C: Christians pray in a church.
I: Muslims pray in a mosque.
How often does prayer occur?
J: Jews pray three times a day with extra prayers on Shabbat and holidays.
C: Christians have mass on Sundays and informal prayer throughout the week.
I: Muslims pray five times a day.
Is it preferable to pray alone or in a congregation?
J: It is much more preferable to pray with others, but worship alone is permissible.
C: There are benefits to personal reflection and worship as well as communal worship.
I: It is much more preferable to pray with others, but worship alone is permissible.
If the Liturgy is consistent, what defines it?
J: The Jewish liturgy is set by the Siddur or Prayerbook.
C: Christian liturgy depends on the sect and the local leadership. It oftentimes does not follow a proscribed format. Where it does, it is presented in a Hymnal.
I: Muslim liturgy depends on the sect and the local leadership. It oftentimes does not follow a proscribed format.
Can Men and Women pray alongside one another or is there a form of separation?
J: In Orthodox Judaism, women and men are divided by a barrier called the Mehitza. In Liberal Judaism, Jews have egalitarian seating.
C: Men and women pray together.
I: In Islam men pray in front of the women so that they do not see them.
Are Women allowed to lead prayer?
J: In Orthodox Judaism, No. In Liberal Judaism, Yes.
C: In Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and some Protestant denominations, No. In most Protestant denominations, Yes.
I: No.
Are individuals outside of the faith allowed to lead prayer?
J: No.
C: No.
I: No.
Holy Rituals:
If there are Sacraments, what are they?
J: There are no sacraments.
C: There are seven sacraments according to Catholicism: Baptism (Christening), Confirmation (Chrismation), Holy Eucharist, Penance (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony (Marriage).
I: There are no sacraments.
What are the holidays?
J: There are numerous holidays including: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hannukah, Purim, Pesah/Passover, Shavout, Tisha B'Av.
C: There are numerous holidays including: Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Lent, Pentecost.
I: The most important holidays in Islam are Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Awal Muharram, and Wulidat an-Nabi.
Why and when do people fast?
J: Jews fast on the four fast days throughout the year for 25 consecutive hours each time. This is to strengthen their prayer and symbolize their internal mourning. Additionally, Jews may fast on other days at their discretion.
C: Christians do not fast unless they want to amplify their prayers.
I: Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset every day of Ramadan. This is done to purify their bodies and hearts. Fasting on other days of the year to amplify prayers is permitted.
If there is Ritual Bathing, please describe?
J: Jews have mikvahs which serve as purification baths. Women submerge in the water after their period.
C: Babies are submerged to baptize them into the faith or they have holy water sprinkled onto them.
I: No ritual bathing. However, Muslims perform wudu, or ritual ablutions, where they pour water over their extremities in order to purify themselves before entering a mosque.
Is there a Sabbath, and if so, when is it and what makes it special?
J: Jews have Friday night to Saturday night as their Sabbath and they are forbidden from performing a great number of labors on that day. This is in commemoration of God resting on the Seventh Day.
C: Christians have Sunday as their Sabbath and they are not recommended to work on Sundays. This is in commemoration of Jesus' resurrection on the Sunday.
I: Muslims gather together on Friday for communal prayer, but there is no prohibition on working on Fridays. This difference is because Muslims don't believe that God took rest on the Seventh Day after universe was created in 6 Days.
What are some foods consumed specifically on special days?
J: On Rosh Hashana, Jews eat apple and honey. On Passover, Jews eat Matza or unleavened bread.
C: Christians typically eat ham on Christmas Eve.
I: Muslims have special foods for the break-fast during Ramadan which include soups and dates. On Eid al-Adha, it is customary to slaughter a lamb and eat its flesh.
If there are some foods which specifically must not be eaten, what are the requirements?
J: Jews are forbidden from eating certain types of animals (including pork) and are forbidden from mixing white or red meat with any dairy product. Also land animals and certain fowl have to be killed according to certain procedures. Blood (from any animal) and human flesh are also prohibited.
C: Christians are allowed to eat whatever they desire except human flesh.
I: No humans, no pork, no alcohol, and for Hanafi Sunni Muslims, no shellfish. Additionally meat must be slaughtered in a particular way.
Holy Books and Religious Laws:
What are the Holy Books?
J: Tanakh or Jewish Bible of which the most important part is the Torah or Pentateuch.
C: The Bible composed of the Old and New Testaments. Mormons have additional holy books like the Book of Mormon that are not accepted as holy by non-Mormons.
I: The Qur'an is the central Islamic text, but Islam also holds the Torah (Pentateuch), Zabur (Psalms) and Injil (Gospels) to be holy.
By what method are the Holy Books read to extract moral principles?
J: The Torah or Pentateuch read with an attempt to extract legal principles combined with interpretations codified by jurisprudential scholars in subsequent books and writings. Each set of scholars is bound to the precedent of previous scholarship. The remaining books of the Jewish Bible or Tanakh have persuasive authority.
C: This is one of the fundamental divides within Christianity. Orthodox Christianity holds that each Patriarch has the right to determine the proper reading of biblical verses and their interpretation in his Patriarchate. Catholicism holds that each Pope determines the proper readings and corrects improper readings by the use of Papal Bulls or by invoking his Infallibility, which all Catholics are required to accept. In most Protestant denominations, each Believer is required to read the Bible and come to his own conclusions about its moral principles and holdings. In Mormonism, God continually updates the President of the Mormon Church with insights and understandings of the Holy Texts.
I: The Qur'an is read with an attempt to extract legal principles combined with interpretations codified by jurisprudential scholars in subsequent books and writings. Each set of scholars is bound to the precedent of previous scholarship. Hadiths or Mohammed's Sayings and the Biography of the Prophet by Ibn Ishaq have strong persuasive authority.
If there are traditional modes of presenting the holy books, what are they?
J: The Torah in its most holy form is written in Hebrew on a parchment scroll and it is read out of this scroll during prayer. There are other books of the Bible called Megillot or Scrolls that are also read and preserved this way. The remaining parts of the Bible are in book-form.
C: In Orthodoxy, the Bible should be read in Ancient Greek, but vernaculars are acceptable. In Catholicism, Protestantism, and Mormonism, the Bible can be read out of a book in the vernacular of the country.
I: The Qur'an should be read only in Arabic with the proper tajwid (grammatical marks). A Qur'an not in use should rest on a Rihal or Qur'an Stand.
How involved should religious individuals be in extracting information from holy texts?
J: Every Jew with access to Scripture has an incumbent order to interpret it for himself, but those interpretations need to be guided by the Rabbis of the past.
C: Orthodoxy and Catholicism require clergy to interpret the Scripture. Most Protestant denominations require the individual to determine meaning from Scripture.
I: It is proper to accept only the interpretations of texts as given by Imams and other religious figures. Individual interpretation is forbidden in most sects.
What are the additional religious writings which are critical to understanding religious laws?
J: Mishnah, Talmud, Shulchan Aruch
C: Nicene Creed, Several Ecclesia (not a particular writing but a group of them), 95 Theses (for Protestantism)
I: Collections of Hadiths, Biography of the Prophet
What are the canons of Religious Law called and why?
J: Halakhah: It comes from the verb "to go" and refers to the direction a believer must progress through life.
C: Christianity does not have religious jurisprudence and is guided primarily on creeds and Philosophies. The particular laws are not important (with orthodoxos being superior to orthopraxis).
I: Shari'a: It comes from the words for "path" and "legitimate" and refers to the proper path upon which a person must progress.
Which is more important: Orthodoxos (Proper Belief) or Orthopraxis (Proper Action)?
J: Orthopraxis (70%) Judaism practices many of the customs and honors the holy days that the Christian church has forgotten, such as Sukkot, Pesach (Passover), Hannukah, etc.
C: Orthodoxos (80%) "Faith alone will save"
I: Orthopraxis (60%) Islam has numerous lifestyle requirements, but a Muslim is required to have a lot of faith in Allah.
Proselytization and Conversion:
Does the religion seek new converts?
J: Judaism does not proselytize and turns away those who would convert unless they are absolutely sure that they want to do this.
C: All forms of Christianity actively proselytize.
I: All forms of Islam* actively proselytize. (*Druze do not proselytize, but are usually not considered Muslims)
What are the requirements of the convert-to-be?
J: A Convert-to-be must study Jewish Laws, Customs, and History with a Rabbi for an extensive period of time (usually years) and (if male) must be circumcised.
C: A Convert-to-be must profess the belief that Christ is his savior.
I: A Convert-to-be must truthfully and Honestly recite the Shahada or Testimony of God and Mohammed's Prophecy before a community of Muslims
What have been the historical methods of enlarging the faith?
J: Primarily Reproduction and the Conversion of those non-Jews who requested it.
C: Christianity has enlarged itself by becoming the official religion of nations (like Rome and most European countries until about the mid-1800s), forced conversions, missionizing to the unbelievers, conversion of those non-Christians who request conversion, and reproduction.
I: Islam has enlarged itself by becoming the official religion of nations (like the various Caliphates and most modern Muslim-majority countries), financially and politically incentivizing conversions, missionizing to the unbelievers, conversion of those non-Muslims who request conversion, and reproduction.
What are the presently-used methods of enlarging the faith?
J: Reproduction
C: Reproduction and Evangelism
I: Reproduction, Evangelism, and Legal Impediments to Apostasy
Can a person leave the faith via conversion?
J: No. According to Jewish Law, a Jew remains Jewish until death regardless of whether he renounced the covenant and chooses another faith. Functionally, however, a Jew who has converted out of Judaism no longer associates with the Jewish community.
C: Yes. A Christian who becomes the follower of a different religion makes that person no longer a Christian. While there are no longer laws about Christian apostasy, a de facto Excommunication still takes place in most religious communities for the Apostate.
I: No. A Muslim who leaves Islam is guilty of the religious crime of apostasy. Conversion to another monotheistic faith often results in beatings and attacks in Muslim-majority countries and conversion to polytheistic faiths often results in death. Only Liberal Forms of Islam accept conversion out of Islam.
Can a person leave the faith through embracing atheism?
J: An ethnic Jew who becomes an Atheist is still ethnically Jewish, but is no longer religiously Jewish. Judaism has no law to "deal" with apostasy, but religious Jewish communities have typically instituted Kherem (Excommunication) which forbids members of the community from interacting with the Apostate.
C: A Christian who becomes an Atheist makes that person no longer a Christian. While there are no longer laws about Christian apostasy, a de facto Excommunication still takes place in most religious communities for the Apostate.
I: A Muslim who becomes an Atheist is guilty of a religious crime and is the most serious form of apostasy. Rejection of God is punishable by death in all but the most liberal forms of Islam.
Sexuality, Marriage, and Children:
If Polygamy is permissible, what are the requirements?
J: Ancient Judaism endorsed polygamy, requiring that the husband must satisfy all of his wives and treat them equally. Currently Judaism does not permit polygamy.
C: Mormonism endorses polygamy, most other sects reject it.
I: Islam endorses polygamy, requiring that the husband must satisfy all of his wives and treat them equally. A man can have no more than four wives.
Are homosexual relations and marriage permitted?
J: No in Orthodox Judaism, but Yes in Liberal Judaism. It is less condoned in Conservative Judaism than Reform or Reconstructionist Judaism.
C: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Mormonism, and most forms of Protestantism condemn homosexuality and homosexual marriage. Some forms of Protestantism accept it.
I: Every sect and school of Islam rejects homosexuality and forbids homosexual marriage.
If Divorce is permitted, what are the requirements?
J: Judaism permits divorce after the couple fails to reconcile. The husband must issue a "Get" or "Bill of Divorce" for this to occur.
C: Catholicism forbids divorce. It is possible to have a marriage annulled, but this makes the kids illegitimate. In other forms of Christianity there may or may not be a form of divorce.
I: Islam permits divorce after the couple fails to reconcile or in cases of polygamy where it can be shown that the husband is treating one wife worse than another.
What activities does a newborn participate in?
J: Newborn males who are eight-days old are circumcised. Newborn females who are around a week old are brought before the congregation in a baby naming.
C: Newborn children are baptized, which is when the newborn is placed in holy water (or has holy water poured on it - depending on the tradition) and is made a member of the Church.
I: Muslims whisper the Call to Prayer in their newborn's ears and give the baby some date juice. In seven days, the baby's hair is shaved and from seven days until puberty, male circumcision may occur.
What is the coming-of-age ceremony?
J: Bar/Bat Mitzvah: A young Jew reads a portion of the Torah in front of the congregation.
C: Confirmation: A young Catholic or Protestant formally takes the Eucharist and participates spiritually in the Sacrifice upon the Cross in later childhood, whereas in Orthodoxy, the Eucharist is taken right after Baptism. In some Protestant groups, there is the Believer Baptism, where a consenting adolescent or adult becomes baptized again in the Holy Spirit.
I: Islam has no overall coming-of-age ceremony. However, the requirements to perform Salaat or Prayers come about at early adolescence.
Sin and Atonement for Sin:
What qualifies as sin?
J: Sins are violations of the Torah Law; when a person misses the mark.
C: Sins are acts of offence against God by despising his Person and his commandments, and by injuring others.
I: Sins are acts of disobedience against the commands of Allah or His Messenger.
What distinguishes different levels of sinfulness?
J: Different levels of sinfulness are fleshed out in interpretations of the Torah, referring to specific language and habits, and these are further clarified in the Talmud and later texts.
C: Biblical verses demonstrate that some sins are worse than others, however, all of them are equally distancing from a relationship to the Divine.
I: If a sin is directly mentioned in the Qur'an, it is a major sin, but if it is not, it is a minor sin.
Are individuals originally born with sin?
J: No. People are born neutral with a proclivity to do good.
C: Yes. People inherit Adam's original sin.
I: No. People are born neutral with a proclivity to do good.
What is the required recognition or conversion process for newborns to be recognized in the religion?
J: If a child is born to a Jewish mother, the child is Jewish. If the mother is not Jewish and the father is, the child should be converted as soon as practicable (assuming a normal family situation). At eight days, the male children are circumcised and the female children are brought to synagogue to be named.
C: The child must be baptized in most forms of Christianity. (There are some forms of Protestantism that believe in later-life baptisms.)
I: Any child born to a Muslim father is Muslim. If the father is not Muslim and the mother is, the child should be converted as soon as practicable (assuming a normal family situation). Male circumcision should occur at some point during the child's earlier years. Some Muslims engage in female circumcision and this is endorsed by the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, but not necessary according to the Maliki and Hanafi Schools and Shiite Islam.
How does a person atone for sinful conduct?
J: Prayer and seeking forgiveness from the person wronged (if applicable).
C: Faith in Christ and Good Works.
I: Prayer and seeking forgiveness from the person wronged (if applicable).
Can a person know that God has forgiven their iniquities and transgressions?
J: No. Only God knows whether or not He has forgiven someone.
C: Yes. The Expiation on the Cross gives forgiveness for all who seek it through faith in Christ.
I: No. Only God knows whether or not He has forgiven someone.
Burial and Afterlife:
What is the method for disposing of the dead?
J: Immediate Burial.
C: Usually burial, but other methods may be considered.
I: Burial.
How much time after death may pass before burial?
J: Less than 48 hours.
C: There is no time requirement, sometimes wakes and other funerary requirements may delay burial until two weeks after death.
I: The time is not set, but is usually less than 48 hours.
What is the afterlife?
J: In Judaism, there is no eternal delineation between good souls and evil souls as is common in Christianity and Islam. Judaism holds that the Satan is still in heaven, which further means that there is no King of the Damned or any form of Eternal Damnation. During the Afterlife period, there are different mechanisms by which the soul must come to spiritual fitness in order to be a part of the eventual resurrection of the dead. Some Kabbalists say that this comes by way of reincarnation, but the dominant opinion in Judaism is that souls must exert themselves painfully to open up new levels of holiness.
C: The Christian afterlife is based in a place above us, i.e. the Spiritual Heavens. There is an initial selection where those who did not join in with Christ's saving grace are sent to Hell, a realm of fire and brimstone over which Lucifer, the Devil, reigns supreme. Those who are Believers ascend to the Pearly Gates of Heaven and sit alongside God the Father in the majesty of Heaven for eternity. What Heaven actually looks like is not terribly developed, but it is believed to be a "good place". For those that are not clearly bound for Hell or Heaven, there is a third realm called Purgatory where Christians are challenged so that they can be properly resorted later.
I: Islam has a conception of Paradise or Jinnah, which resembles the Garden of Eden in many respects. This Spiritual Place operates very similarly to Earth in that there are gardens, people, food, beverages, etc. It is paradise in that all of these things come without their negative side effects. Jinnah has multiple levels, each designated for those who exist on different levels of holiness. There is also discussion of the presence of virgins for the deceased, although the number of virgins differs between traditions. Those who did not believe in Islam (or Judaism or Christianity) are sent to the Hellfire which operates quite similarly to the one described in Christianity.
Do people of other faiths have the opportunity to access the "good place" in the afterlife?
J: A Gentile will have a place in the World to Come by following the Seven God-given Noahide Laws. A Jew must follow the applicable 613 commandments of the Torah to have their portion in the World to Come.
C: A person must have faith in Jesus Christ or need to not be aware of the Christ sacrifice (such as random tribes in Papua New Guinea). Some denominations believe in faith, confession, and/or predestination.
I: A person who rejects Mohammed's message is bound for hellfire.
What are the roles of angels?
J: Angels are believed to be Divine Messengers or Agents of God's court. They have no will of their own and serve only to do as God commands them.
C: Angels are the members of God's court who serve and protect humans who follow God's will.
I: Angels are believed to be Divine Messengers or Agents of God's court. They have no will of their own and serve only to do as God commands them. Angels are also believed to be made out of light.
What is the role of the Satan?
J: Satan is seen as God's Loyal Opposition, speaking out against humans in the Heavenly Kingdom.
C: Satan is the Master of Hell.
I: Satan is the Master of Hell.
Are there other supernatural beings?
J: Judaism believes in some forms of demons and the dybbuk (which is a dead human spirit possessing a live human), but these beliefs are not often discussed or believed by most today.
C: Christianity believes in different types of demons.
I: Islam believes in demons and jinns (including ghouls, efrits, and marids), which are both believed to have been fashioned out of fire.
Language:
If there is a special holy language associated with the religion, what is it?
J: Yes. Hebrew and Aramaic.
C: It depends on the version of Christianity, but with few exceptions, Christianity does not have a holy language
I: Yes. Proper/Qur'anic Arabic.
If there are special vernaculars used by the religious, what are they?
J: It depends on the region. The most common Jewish language was Yiddish, which was popular between Germany and Russia and all lands in between. Additionally, among Sephardic communities in Spain and the Middle East, the Ladino language was prevalent. Jews in Arab countries developed a dialect of Judeo-Arabic as well.
C: Mostly No. Most Christians speak in the common regional tongues. There are some Syriac Christian groups which speak Syriac among one another and Maronites in Israel are trying to revive the Aramaic they spoke five hundred years ago. These Christians cumulatively represent less than 10 million people.
I: No. Muslims speak in the common regional tongues.
Charity and Alms:
What reason should someone give charity or alms?
J: Jews believe that money should be redistributed from those who have it to those who do not have it. Redistributing money has nothing to do with sympathy or empathy, rather it has to do with justice and equality, which is why Jews call it Tzedaka or Righteous Action.
C: Christian doctrine believes in giving alms to the poor in society because of sympathy and empathy for their plight.
I: Islam holds that giving out money to the poor helps to purify the believer and help to grow the believer's financial assets. The giving of alms or Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Zakat is supposed to be collected as a tax and redistributed to poorer Muslims, similar to modern welfare.
What percentage of income should go to charity or alms?
J: 10% of a Jew's income should go to the poor.
C: There is no set percentage, but a reasonable amount should be donated.
I: Sunni Islam holds that 2.5% should go to the poor. Shiite Islam holds that 10% should go to the poor.
Religious Extremism:
What types of extremists and fanatics come out of the religion?
J: In Israel, deeply religious Jews called Datei Leumi or Religious Zionists live in the Occupied Palestinian Territories believing that all of the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish State. There are also Hasidim who are ultra-orthodox Jews who live both inside and outside of Israel. They are apolitical, but do not associate with non-Hasids. Some, but not all speak the local tongue.
C: There are a number of extreme Protestant sects like the Puritans, the Westboro Baptists, and some types of Evangelical Christians. Additionally, there are groups like the Pennsylvania Dutch (Amish), Mennonites, or Christian cults who live outside of the mainstream world and avoid contact with those whose opinions don't agree with them. There are various Christian fundamentalist communities across the USA.
I: There are several varieties of Islamic extremism. There are violent paramilitary and terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Ansar ed-Dine, etc. which are known for their massacres of civilian populations. There are political parties that embrace a repressive form of Islamism or Islam-based governance, like the Taliban, the Sha'ab al-Islam, and the Iranian Ayatollahs. There are also extremists who "peacefully" advocate for fundamental inequality between Muslims themselves and with non-Muslims as well such as Anjam Choudhry and numerous Wahhabists like Hizb at-Tahrir and Muhajirun.
Needless to say, these forms of extremism are by and large not endorsed by the mainstream community and may even be considered heretics by mainstream religious followers.
What issues do the above-mentioned extremists cause?
J: The Datei Leumi help to foster and grow the problem of cavalier Israeli settlements in the West Bank, making the establishment of a Palestinian State more difficult.
C: Extremist Christians generally make acceptance of more liberal social policies, like gay marriage unpalatable politically across the United States. In the past, extremist Christian groups were responsible for massacres, pogroms, and wars against unbelievers, even if those unbelievers were other Christians.
I: Extremist Muslims are responsible for major terrorist attacks, the destruction of historical monuments, and the denial of human rights in their countries. Extremist Muslims have also declared war on sovereign states in coups d'état (such as Somalia) or engaged in secessionist policies (such as Azawad/North Mali).
Religion and Science/Medicine:
Do religious individuals accept Evolution?
J: Orthodox Judaism rejects evolution and believes in Young Earth Creationism. Liberal Judaism accepts evolution and holds the Creation Story to be metaphorical.
C: Catholicism and Orthodoxy accept evolution and see Creation as metaphorical. Most Protestant groups of Christians reject evolution, but some do accept it. There is a plethora of varieties of Christian Creationism.
I: Islam rejects evolution. There are several types of Islamic Creationism.
Do religious individuals accept Modern Medicine?
J: Yes. Jews believe God helps doctors and healers to heal people.
C: Most Christians accept modern medicine, but Christian Scientists reject modern medicine since they hold only God can heal.
I: Yes. Muslims hold that the use of mental faculties to solve Earthly problems is permissible. God will assist those who help the sick.
Is Stem Cell Research permissible?
J: Yes, provided embryos are not created explicitly for this purpose.
C: No.
I: Yes. There is no issue with using fertilized cells prior to their development into a human-looking creature.
Is Abortion permissible?
J: Allowed in cases of harm to mother up to the moment of birth, but less problematic in the first forty days. Otherwise abortion is forbidden.
C: Abortion is completely impermissible.
I: Allowed in cases of harm to mother up to the moment of birth, but less problematic in the first forty days. Otherwise abortion is forbidden.
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What are the three great monotheistic faiths?
Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
Is there a link between Christianity and Islam?
Both Islam and Christianity originated out of Judaism.
Connecions Islam Christianity judaism?
The connection between Islam, Christianity and Judaism is that the three religions trace their history to the covenant between God and Abraham.
What do Jews have to do with Chrisitanity?
The question should be " What does Christianity have to do with Jews (or Judaism)?" Judaism is like a tree where Christianity is its branch and Islam is it leaves. Christianity is based on Judaism and Islam is based on Christianity. The major difference between the three is that Judaism doesn't have jesus in it unlike Christianity and Islam.
How do the views of Jesus differ between Judaism Christianity and Islam?
Christianity: Son of God (Messiah) Islam: Prophet Judaism: False messiah
What three religions claim palestine as the Holy Land?
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have all claimed the Holy Land for themselves.
What are the Abraham faiths?
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam religions.
Where is the central location now of Christianity Judaism and Islam?
For Judaism and Christianity it is Jerusalem. For Islam it is Mecca.
What are three prominent religions in the Middle east?
-- Islam -- Judaism -- Christianity
Which religions were founded in the Europe and southwest Asia?
Christianity and Judaism
What are three major monotheistic religions?
Judaism, Christianity and Islam.( Abrahamic religions)
Which major religions trace their origins back to Abraham?
Abraham is considered the father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam as the Old Testament's 5 books of Moses - The Pentateuch (books are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numeri and Deuteronomy) are included in the Holy Book of Judaism that is Torah. Eventually he is considered as the father of Islam basically claims entire religions of Judaism and Christianity as "prophets" and predecessors of Islam.
