World Religions

A Comparative Overview
Report

Author: Syed Omer Zakir

Roll Number: 24L-6075
Section: BSEE-1A
Course: Understanding Quran
Submitted to: Mr. Muhammad Sarwar
Associated University: FAST NUCES

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 Introduction
Religion has been a defining force in shaping cultures, societies, and individual lives across
history. This report explores five major world religions—Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism,
and Buddhism—highlighting their origins, core beliefs, rituals, sacred texts, and perspectives on
the afterlife. By examining each of these religions, the report provides a comparative view of how
different traditions understand the purpose of life, moral values, and humanity's relationship with
the divine. This comparative overview aims to foster a deeper understanding of the distinct
philosophies and shared values that underpin these faiths, promoting interfaith respect and
knowledge.

Christianity
Name, Definition, and Meaning

Christianity means having faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus died for their sins
and rose again. It means living according to what Jesus taught, such as loving others, being kind,
and helping those in need. Christianity is about showing love and kindness to others. Christians
try to follow Jesus’ example of love and compassion. Christians believe in one God who created
the world. They believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to save people from their sins.

History and Origin

Christianity started about 2000 years ago with Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and
grew up in Nazareth. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers, called disciples, spread
his teachings all over the world. They traveled to many places to tell people about Jesus. Over
time, Christianity grew and became one of the largest religions. Many people became Christians,
and churches were built in many countries.

Core Beliefs

God: Christians believe in one God who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. They
believe God created the universe and everything in it.

Jesus Christ: They believe Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Christians
believe Jesus came to earth to teach people about God and to save them from their sins.

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Creation: Christians believe that God created the universe and everything in it. They believe that
God made humans in his image and gave them the responsibility to take care of the world.

Sacred Books and Sources of Guidance

The Bible: The Bible is the holy book of Christians. It is divided into two parts: the Old Testament
and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells the history of the Jewish people, and the New
Testament tells the story of Jesus and the early Christians.

Teachings of Jesus: The teachings of Jesus are found in the New Testament of the Bible. These
include stories, parables, and lessons that Jesus taught his followers.

Church Leaders: Priests, pastors, and other church leaders guide Christians in their faith. They
teach about the Bible, lead worship services, and help people grow in their relationship with God.

Purpose of Life

Love God: Christians believe their purpose is to love and worship God. They believe that God
created them to have a relationship with him.

Help Others: Christians believe they should help and be kind to others. They try to follow Jesus’
example of serving and caring for people in need.

Follow Jesus: Christians believe they should live their lives according to Jesus’ teachings. This
means being honest, loving, and forgiving, and trying to make the world a better place.

Rituals

Baptism: Baptism is a ceremony where a person is welcomed into Christianity. It involves being
dipped in water or having water poured over them to symbolize being cleansed from sin.

Communion: Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a ritual where Christians eat
bread and drink wine (or grape juice) to remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples before he
died.

Prayer: Prayer is talking to God. Christians pray to ask for help, to give thanks, and to seek
guidance. They believe that God listens to their prayers and answers them.

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Afterlife

Heaven: Christians believe that heaven is a place of happiness and peace where good people
go after they die. They believe that in heaven, they will be with God forever.

Hell: Christians believe that hell is a place of punishment for those who do wrong and do not
follow God’s ways. They believe that hell is a place of separation from God.

Judgment: Christians believe that God will judge everyone after they die. They believe that God
will reward those who have lived good lives and punish those who have done wrong.

Percentage of Followers in the World

Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with an estimated 2.3 billion followers, making up
about 31.2% of the global population. Christians are found all over the world, with significant
populations in Europe, North and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia.

Judaism
Name, Definition, and Meaning
Judaism is the religion of Jewish people. It includes the social, cultural, and religious beliefs and
practices of the Jews. The Jewish faith revolves around the teachings of the Torah, which is their
sacred book. Together, all Jewish people form what we call Judaism.

History and Origin

Judaism traces its roots back to the biblical figure Abraham, who is considered the founder.
According to Jewish tradition, Abraham rejected the idol-worshiping beliefs of his time nearly
3,800 years ago. Instead, he believed in one God who is all-powerful. The Jewish tradition says
that God’s covenant (agreement) was passed down to Abraham’s son Isaac and
grandson Jacob (also known as Israel). Jacob’s 12 sons became the leaders of the 12 Tribes of
Israel, and over time, the name “Jew” came from one of these tribes, Judah.

Core Beliefs
Jewish people believe in one God, who is the creator of everything. God is seen as the source of
life and everything that happens in the universe. According to Jewish beliefs, nothing happens
without God’s will. They see God as an all-powerful being who oversees the entire universe and

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cares for His people.

Sacred Books and Sources of Guidance

The central book in Judaism is the Torah, also called the “Five Books of Moses.” It
includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Jews believe the Torah was
given to Moses at Mount Sinai around 1312 BCE. The Torah is more than just a religious book—
it’s seen as a guide for living. There is also an Oral Law, which was eventually written down and
includes:

• The Mishna: Basic principles of the Oral Law.

• The Gemara (Talmud): Commentary and discussion on the Mishna.
• Midrash: Stories and teachings that explain the Torah.
• Kabbalistic Writings: Mystical interpretations of the Torah.

Purpose of Life
Many people misunderstand the purpose of life in Judaism. It’s not about ruling the world, even
though a verse in Genesis mentions having dominion over the Earth. Instead, the main goal of
Jewish life is to follow the Torah’s teachings and live by its 613 commandments, known
as Mitzvos. Jews aim to bring their wisdom into everyday life and practice it through their actions.

Rituals
Jewish life is filled with meaningful rituals and traditions, including:

Shabbat (Sabbath): A weekly day of rest and prayer from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Holidays: Important celebrations like Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of
Atonement), Passover, Sukkot, Shavuot, Hanukkah, and Purim.
Daily Prayers: Jews pray three times a day to connect with God.
Shema: A daily declaration of faith in one God.
Circumcision: A ritual performed for boys as a sign of the covenant with God.
Bat Mitzvah: A ceremony marking the transition to adulthood at age 13 for boys and 12 for girls.

Afterlife

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Judaism believes that life doesn’t start at birth nor end at death. According to the Jewish
teachings, the body returns to the earth, but the soul returns to God. Jews believe in Gan Eden
(Heaven) and Gehinnom (Hell) as places where souls go after death. There’s also a belief in
the World to Come, which is a future time of peace and resurrection, though the specifics are still
debated among scholars.

Percentage of Followers in the World

Judaism is one of the smallest major world religions, with an estimated 14 million followers,
making up about 0.2% of the global population. The majority of Jews live in Israel and the United
States, with significant communities also in Europe and other parts of the world.

Islam
Name, Definition, and Meaning
Islam is derived from the Arabic word "Salam," meaning peace, and "Islam," meaning submission.
It signifies complete submission to the will of Allah, the one true God. This submission brings
peace to the believer's life. The followers of Islam are called Muslims, which means "one who
submits."
Islam teaches that the pathway to peace is through surrender to Allah's will, leading to a
harmonious and fulfilling life. The name itself reflects the core essence of the religion: submission
to the divine will and the consequent peace that ensues from it.

History and Origin

Islam originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. The final prophet of Islam, Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him), was born in Mecca in 570 CE. At the age of 40, he received
his first revelation from the angel Gabriel, marking the beginning of a 23-year period during which
the Quran was revealed to him.
Prophet Muhammad's mission was to restore the monotheistic faith preached by earlier prophets
like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). His teachings spread
rapidly throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, laying the foundation for a global
community of believers.

Core Beliefs
Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion, centered on the belief in one God, Allah, who is the creator
and sustainer of the universe. The core beliefs of Islam are encapsulated in the Six Articles of
Faith:
Belief in one Allah: Acknowledging Allah's oneness, uniqueness, and sovereignty.

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Belief in Angels: Spiritual beings created by Allah to perform various tasks.
Belief in the Revealed Books: The Quran, Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and other scriptures revealed
to various prophets.
Belief in the Prophets: Messengers sent by Allah to guide humanity, culminating in Muhammad
as the final prophet.
Belief in the Day of Judgment: The end of the world when all individuals will be resurrected and
judged by Allah.
Belief in Divine Preordination: Acceptance of Allah's will and decree in all matters of life.
Muslims believe that the universe was created by Allah in six days and that it operates under His
divine order. The belief in a purposeful creation and life after death fundamentally shapes the
Muslim worldview.

Sacred Books and Sources of Guidance

The primary source of guidance in Islam is the Quran, the literal word of Allah revealed to Prophet
Muhammad over 23 years. It is composed of 114 surahs and covers all aspects of life, offering
spiritual, moral, and legal guidance.
The Hadith is the second major source, comprising the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet
Muhammad. Collections like Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are considered highly authentic
and provide context and elaboration on the Quranic teachings.
Together, the Quran and Hadith form the basis of Sharia (Islamic law), which governs the religious,
social, and legal aspects of a Muslim's life. The Quran is recited in Arabic during prayers, and its
memorization and recitation are highly encouraged.

Purpose of Life
The primary purpose of life in Islam is to worship Allah and live according to His commandments.
Muslims believe life is a test from Allah, where one's actions are recorded and judged in the
afterlife. The ultimate aim is to gain Allah's pleasure and achieve eternal bliss in paradise.
Worship in Islam is not limited to rituals but encompasses all aspects of life, including moral
conduct, social justice, and the pursuit of knowledge. By living a life in accordance with Allah's
guidance, Muslims strive to attain spiritual fulfillment and contribute positively to society.

Rituals
Islamic rituals are encapsulated in the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the foundation of a
Muslim's faith and practices:
Shahada (Faith): Declaring the oneness of Allah and Muhammad as His prophet.

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Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca, which fosters a direct
connection with Allah and instills discipline.
Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one's wealth to the needy, which purifies wealth and promotes
social equity.
Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan, which teaches self-discipline,
empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual growth.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially
and physically able, symbolizing unity and submission to Allah.
These rituals reinforce the faith, create a sense of community, and remind Muslims of their
purpose and responsibilities in life.

Afterlife
Islamic belief in the afterlife is a fundamental aspect of the faith. Muslims believe that after death,
individuals will be resurrected and judged by Allah based on their deeds in life. The concepts of
paradise (Jannah) and hell (Jahannam) are central to this belief.
Paradise: A place of eternal bliss, where the righteous and pious will dwell, enjoying the bounties
and pleasures prepared by Allah.
Hell: A place of punishment for the wicked and disobedient, where they will face various forms of
torment.
The Quran and Hadith provide vivid descriptions of these places, emphasizing the importance of
living a righteous life and seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness.

Percentage of Followers in the World

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with an estimated 1.9 billion followers, making up
about 24.9% of the global population. The majority of Muslims live in regions such as the Middle
East, North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Significant Muslim communities also exist in
Europe, North America, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Hinduism
Name, Definition, and Meaning
The term Hinduism is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, the name for the Indus River, which
flows through the Indian subcontinent. The people living around this region were called Hindus,
and over time, the term came to denote a broader cultural and religious identity distinct from other

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belief systems. Hinduism does not have a single founder, central religious text, or uniform set of
beliefs. The term "Hinduism" is better understood as a collection of spiritual practices and
philosophies rather than a single, rigid religious system.

History and Origin

Hinduism is often considered one of the world's oldest religions, with roots tracing back over 4,000
years to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is not the product of a single founder or prophet but evolved
from the ancient religious traditions and practices. These practices were later codified and refined
in the Vedas, which are the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism, composed around 1500 BCE.
Hinduism developed from the Vedic religion, and over time, it absorbed various regional customs,
beliefs, and practices. It is often referred to as a "family of religions" rather than a single unified
faith.

Core Beliefs
Hinduism is characterized by its pluralism, with different schools of thought offering varying views
on the nature of the Divine. There is no single, universally accepted concept of God in Hinduism.
Some Hindus believe in a singular Supreme Being, Brahman, while others may worship multiple
deities, such as Vishnu, Shiva, or the Divine Mother (Shakti).
Monotheism and Polytheism: Many Hindus believe in the concept of Ishvara (personal god) or
Bhagwan, who can manifest in many forms. There is also a recognition that there are countless
deities, each embodying different aspect of the divine. This diversity allows for a wide range of
devotional practices, and the choice of deity often depends on personal preference or tradition.
Brahman: In Hindu philosophy, Brahman is the ultimate, formless reality that pervades everything
in the universe. All other gods and goddesses are considered manifestations or aspects of
Brahman. Some Hindus emphasize the idea that every individual soul (atman) is a reflection of
Brahman, and the ultimate goal of life is to realize this unity.
Creation of the Universe: Hinduism holds that the universe is cyclical, constantly undergoing
cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution. These cycles are governed by the Trimurti—the
three primary gods: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The
cycle of creation is endless, with each cycle of life and death known as samsara.

Sacred Books and Sources of Guidance

Hinduism has a vast and varied body of sacred texts. These texts are broadly categorized into
two groups: Shruti ("that which is heard") and Smriti ("that which is remembered").
Shruti: These texts are considered the highest authority in Hinduism and are believed to have
been revealed to ancient sages (rishis) through divine insight. The most important Shruti texts are
the Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda), which contain hymns, rituals, and
philosophical teachings.

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Smriti: These texts are human compositions and include important scriptures like the
Mahabharata (which includes the Bhagavad Gita), the Ramayana, the Puranas, and the
Upanishads. The Bhagavad Gita, in particular, is one of the most revered texts, presenting a
conversation between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna about duty, righteousness, and the
nature of the universe.

Purpose of Life
The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to achieve moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of birth,
death, and rebirth (samsara). Moksha represents the freedom of the soul from worldly
attachments and the realization of its oneness with Brahman.
Hindus believe in the law of karma—the principle that actions in this life directly influence one's
future lives. Good deeds lead to favorable rebirths, while bad actions lead to undesirable
outcomes. Through righteous living, meditation, devotion, and selfless service, individuals can
attain moksha and escape the cycle of reincarnation.

Rituals
Temples and Home Worship: Hindus often worship in temples or at home, where they offer
prayers, light lamps, and make offerings to their chosen deities.
Puja: Puja is the act of worshipping a deity through rituals that may include the chanting of
mantras, singing hymns (bhajans), and making offerings such as flowers, food, and incense.
Yoga and Meditation: Yoga is an integral part of Hindu spiritual practice. It involves physical
postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to achieve mental clarity and spiritual
enlightenment.
Festivals: Hinduism has many festivals, such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of
Colors), and Navaratri (Festival of Nine Nights), which are celebrated with devotion, music, dance,
and rituals.

Afterlife
Hinduism teaches the belief in reincarnation—the idea that the soul is reborn into a new body
after death. The cycle of samsara continues until the soul attains moksha.
The actions of an individual, or karma, determine their future lives. Good karma results in a
favorable rebirth, whereas bad karma leads to suffering or a less desirable form of existence. The
ultimate goal is to transcend the cycle of reincarnation and unite the soul with Brahman.

Percentage of Followers in the World

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Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world, with about 1.2 billion followers, or roughly 15%
of the global population. It is primarily concentrated in India and Nepal, with diaspora communities
in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Buddhism
Name, Definition, and Meaning
Buddhism, derived from the word "Buddha," meaning "the Enlightened One" or "the Awakened
One," is a spiritual and philosophical tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
The term "Buddhism" encompasses a diverse array of beliefs and practices that emphasize
mindfulness, ethical conduct, and the quest for spiritual awakening.
Buddhism is often described as a path of practice and spiritual development, where practitioners
work toward enlightenment or "nirvana"—a state free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

History and Origin

Origin and Founder
Buddhism originated in ancient India in the 6th to 4th centuries BCE. Siddhartha Gautama, a
prince born in the region of present-day Nepal, renounced his royal life after observing human
suffering. After years of ascetic practice, he reached enlightenment while meditating under the
Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha. His teachings laid the foundation of Buddhism,
spreading initially across India and later throughout Asia and the world.
Spread of Buddhism
Following Buddha’s death, Buddhism evolved into different schools, most notably Theravāda,
Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna. The teachings were transmitted across Asia by monks and traders,
leading to significant variations and cultural adaptations in places like Sri Lanka, China, Japan,
and Southeast Asia.

Core Beliefs
Concept of God
Buddhism is unique in that it does not center around a creator deity or a single, all-powerful God.
Instead, it places emphasis on achieving enlightenment through personal practice and ethical
living. In Buddhist cosmology, there are divine beings, but they are also subject to rebirth and
karma and are not considered all-powerful.
Creation of the Universe

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Buddhism views the universe as having neither a beginning nor an end. It is cyclically created,
sustained, and destroyed, a process that repeats indefinitely. Buddhism attributes creation to
natural laws and karma rather than a divine creator.

Sacred Books and Sources of Guidance

Buddhism's foundational texts are collectively known as the "Tripitaka" or "Three Baskets," which
consist of the following:
• Sutra Pitaka: A collection of Buddha's sermons and discourses.
• Vinaya Pitaka: Texts governing the monastic code for monks and nuns.
• Abhidharma Pitaka: Philosophical and psychological teachings and interpretations.
Different schools of Buddhism also have additional texts. For example, Mahāyāna Buddhism
includes the "Lotus Sutra" and "Heart Sutra," while Tibetan Buddhism holds "The Tibetan Book of
the Dead" in high regard.

Purpose of Life
In Buddhism, the purpose of life is to attain enlightenment and end the cycle of rebirth and
suffering, known as "samsara." Through ethical living, mental cultivation, and wisdom,
practitioners aim to achieve nirvana, a state free from attachment, desire, and ignorance. The
ultimate goal is liberation from suffering for oneself and compassion for all beings.

Rituals
Buddhist rituals vary widely across cultures but often include:
• Meditation: Practiced to cultivate mindfulness and insight.
• Offerings: Devotees offer food, flowers, or incense to Buddha statues as a sign of respect.
• Chanting: Reciting Buddhist scriptures and mantras, such as "Om Mani Padme Hum."
• Observing Precepts: Lay Buddhists observe moral precepts, such as refraining from
killing, stealing, and lying.
• Festivals: Buddhists celebrate various festivals, such as Vesak, marking Buddha's birth,
enlightenment, and death.

Afterlife
Buddhism teaches that one's actions (karma) influence future lives. Unlike religions that have a
heaven and hell system, Buddhism describes multiple realms, including human, animal, and
various heavenly and hellish states. Good actions lead to favorable rebirths, while negative

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actions lead to suffering. Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the cycle of rebirth by attaining
enlightenment.

Percentage of Followers in the World

Buddhism is practiced by approximately 6.9% of the global population, with around 500 million
followers. It is most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like China,
Japan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, with growing communities in the West.

Conclusion
In exploring the world’s major religions, we find unique approaches to spirituality and a common
search for meaning, purpose, and ethical living. While each tradition has distinct beliefs and
practices, there are overarching themes of compassion, self-discipline, and the quest for
enlightenment or salvation. By understanding the foundational beliefs and values of different
faiths, we gain insight into the diverse ways people interpret existence and their roles within it.
This comparative study encourages not only religious tolerance but also appreciation for the
spiritual diversity that enriches the global community.

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Bibliography

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• Harvey, Peter. An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History, and Practices.

Cambridge University Press, 2013.

• Keown, Damien. Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2000.

• Smith, Huston. The World’s Religions. HarperOne, 1991.

• Peters, F. E. The Children of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam. Princeton University

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