World Religions 11-HUMSS

5 MAJOR RELIGION OF THE WORLD AND THEIR What Do They Have in Common?
HOLY BOOK
• They all believe in one God (monotheism).
• They all consider Abraham an important figure.
• They all have holy books and places of worship
"The Abrahamic Three: Three Religions, One God"
(synagogues for Jews, churches for Christians,
Three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and and mosques for Muslims).
Islam—which are known as the Abrahamic religions • They all have moral teachings about how to live a
because they all trace their origins to Abraham, a key good life.
figure in their beliefs. Even though they have different
teachings and traditions, they share one important belief: Even though Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have
there is only one God. differences, they are connected by their shared belief in
one God and Abraham’s role in their history.
Understanding these similarities and differences helps us
1. Judaism – This is the oldest of the three. Jewish
respect different beliefs and appreciate what unites
people believe in one God and follow the
people around the world.
teachings in their holy book, the Torah. They
believe God made a special covenant (agreement)
CHRISTIANITY
with Abraham and his descendants.
2. Christianity – Christianity grew from Judaism and
Christianity, one of the world’s largest religions. It began
is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom
in the Middle East and is closely connected to Judaism,
Christians believe is the Son of God and the
but it developed into its own religion based on the
Savior. Their holy book, the Bible, includes both
teachings of Jesus Christ.
the Jewish scriptures (Old Testament) and
Christian writings (New Testament).
Who is Jesus?
3. Islam – Islam was founded by the prophet
Muhammad, whom Muslims believe was the last
• Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God
prophet of God. They call God Allah and follow
who came to Earth as a human.
the teachings of their holy book, the Quran.
• He is called the Messiah or Savior because he
Muslims also believe in Abraham and many of the
taught about love, forgiveness, and faith in God.
same prophets as Jews and Christians.
• His teachings are recorded in the Gospels, which
means ‘Good News.’
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The Christian Bible Who Do Muslims Believe In?

• Christianity’s holy book is the Bible, which is • Muslims believe in one God, whom they call Allah
divided into two parts: (which simply means "God" in Arabic).
o Old Testament – Based on Jewish • They believe that Muhammad is the last prophet
scriptures. of God.
o New Testament – Focuses on Jesus’ life, • They also respect other prophets, including
teachings, and the early Christian Church. Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, but they do not see
Jesus as the Son of God.
How is Christianity Different from Judaism?
The Five Pillars of Islam
• Both believe in one God, but Christians believe
Jesus is the Son of God, while Jews do not. The Five Pillars of Islam are the core beliefs and
• Christianity teaches salvation through faith in practices that every Muslim follows. These pillars serve
Jesus, while Judaism follows the laws and as a guide for living a good and faithful life. Let’s break
teachings of the Torah. them down in a simple way:

Why is Christianity Important? 1. Shahada (Faith) – This is the declaration of

faith, where Muslims believe and say:
Christianity spread across the world and has shaped “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His
cultures, traditions, and beliefs for centuries. Today, prophet.”
millions of people follow Jesus' teachings, which o This statement shows their belief in one
emphasize love, kindness, and faith in God. God (Allah) and that Muhammad is His
final messenger.
ISLAM 2. Salah (Prayer) – Muslims pray five times a day
facing Mecca:
Islam, one of the world’s major religions. It began in the o Before sunrise (Fajr)
Middle East in the 7th century C.E. and was founded by o Midday (Dhuhr)
Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe was the last o Afternoon (Asr)
messenger of God. The teachings of Islam are written in o Evening (Maghrib)
its holy book, the Quran. o Night (Isha)
o These prayers help Muslims stay connected
to God and seek guidance.
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3. Zakat (Charity) – Muslims give a portion of their • Muslims believe in many of the same prophets
wealth to help the poor and those in need. as Jews and Christians.
o It teaches kindness, generosity, and • However, Muslims see Jesus as a prophet, not
social responsibility. the Son of God.
o Usually, it’s 2.5% of their savings each
year. Islam is followed by millions of people worldwide and
4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan) – During the influences cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from
sunrise to sunset. JUDAISM
o They do not eat, drink, or engage in sinful
behavior during daylight hours. Judaism, the oldest monotheistic religion—which
o Fasting teaches self-discipline, patience, means it was the first religion to believe in only one God.
and gratitude. It began over 4,000 years ago in the eastern
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) – Muslims who are Mediterranean and is still practiced today by millions of
physically and financially able should travel to Jewish people around the world.
Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
o Mecca is Islam’s holiest city, and millions Who Are the Key Figures in Judaism?
of Muslims go there every year.
o This journey symbolizes unity, faith, and • Abraham – Considered the founder of Judaism
devotion to God. because he made a special agreement (covenant)
with God.
Why Are the Five Pillars Important? • Moses – A very important prophet who led the
Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt and
These pillars shape a Muslim’s daily life and strengthen received the Ten Commandments from God.
their relationship with God. By following them, Muslims
practice faith, prayer, kindness, self-control, and Sacred Texts of Judaism
devotion.
• The Torah – The most important Jewish holy
Islam and Other Religions book, which contains the laws and teachings of
Judaism. It is also called the Pentateuch,
• Islam is closely connected to Judaism and meaning "five books."
Christianity because all three believe in one God. • The Talmud – A collection of writings that explain
Jewish laws and traditions.
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Key Beliefs of Judaism Core Beliefs in Hinduism

• Belief in One God – Judaism was the first religion • Belief in the Spirit – Hindus believe that the true
to teach monotheism (belief in one God). nature of a person goes beyond their body and
• The Ten Commandments – A set of moral and mind, and is instead found in a spirit that is deeply
religious laws given to Moses. connected to God. This spirit is part of a greater
• No Worship of Other Gods – Jews believe in universal spirit that flows through all of creation.
one true God and do not worship any other gods. • God in Many Forms – Unlike Christianity, Islam,
• Following the Torah – Jewish people follow the or Judaism, which believe in one God, Hinduism
teachings and traditions found in the Torah. is polytheistic. This means that Hindus believe in
many gods, but all these gods are seen as
Connection to Christianity and Islam different manifestations of the same supreme
divine power.
• Judaism is closely connected to Christianity and • The Vedas and Upanishads – The teachings and
Islam because all three believe in the same God. philosophy of Hinduism are found in the Vedas,
• Christianity grew out of Judaism, and Jesus which are ancient texts that include hymns,
himself was born into a Jewish family. prayers, and rituals. The Upanishads are a part of
• Islam also respects Abraham and Moses as the Vedas and contain deep spiritual teachings
important prophets. about life, the universe, and the connection
between humans and God.
Why Is Judaism Important?
Key Concepts in Hinduism
Judaism has had a huge influence on world history,
inspiring Christianity and Islam and shaping the moral 1. Atman – The individual soul or spirit that is
and legal systems of many cultures. connected to God.
2. Brahman – The ultimate reality or world soul, the
HINDUISM supreme, all-encompassing divine power that is
present in everything.
Hinduism, which is one of the world’s oldest religions 3. Karma – The belief that actions in this life affect
and is still widely practiced today. It began over 4,000 your future lives, whether good or bad.
years ago in the Indus Valley (present-day India and 4. Reincarnation – Hindus believe in reincarnation,
Pakistan) and is often called Sanatana Dharma, which meaning that when a person dies, their soul is
means the 'eternal spiritual path'. reborn into a new body. This cycle of life, death,
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and rebirth continues until the soul achieves • After years of meditation, Siddhartha reached a
moksha (liberation from the cycle). state of enlightenment—he understood the true
5. Dharma – The moral duties and responsibilities nature of life, suffering, and how to escape it.
one has in life, including actions, behaviors, and • After this experience, he became known as the
roles that align with the divine will. Buddha.

Why Is Hinduism Important? Key Beliefs in Buddhism

• Hinduism is the oldest living religion and has a Buddhism teaches that suffering is a part of life, but it
wide variety of beliefs, customs, and practices, can be overcome. It focuses on reaching a state of peace
including many different sects or groups. and freedom from suffering, called nirvana. Here are the
• It has a huge influence on culture in countries basic beliefs:
like India, Nepal, and beyond. Its teachings about
life, death, and spirituality have shaped the 1. Samsara (The Cycle of Life and Death) –
philosophies and practices of millions of people Buddhists believe that life is a continuous cycle of
around the world. birth, death, and rebirth. This cycle is called
samsara. The goal is to escape this cycle and
BUDDHISM reach nirvana, a state of perfect peace.
2. The Four Noble Truths – These are the core
Buddhism, another major religion that, like Hinduism, teachings of Buddhism that explain suffering and
began in India over 2,500 years ago. It was founded by how to overcome it:
a man named Siddhartha Gautama, who became o The Truth of Suffering – Suffering exists in
known as the Buddha, which means ‘the enlightened life (birth, aging, sickness, death).
one’. o The Truth of the Cause of Suffering –
Suffering is caused by desire and
Who Was the Buddha? attachment.
o The Truth of the End of Suffering –
• Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family, Suffering can be overcome by eliminating
but after seeing the pain and suffering in the world, desire.
he decided to leave his life of luxury and find a o The Truth of the Path to the End of
way to end suffering. Suffering – This is the Eightfold Path,
which is the guide to living a moral and
mindful life.
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3. The Eightfold Path – The Eightfold Path is a set of principles that guide Buddhists to live in a way that leads to
enlightenment and nirvana. The eight practices are:
o Right Understanding – Understanding the Four Noble Truths.
o Right Intent – Having the right motivation, free of greed, hatred, or ignorance.
o Right Speech – Speaking truthfully and kindly.
o Right Action – Acting in a moral and non-harming way.
o Right Livelihood – Choosing a job or career that does not harm others.
o Right Effort – Making the effort to improve oneself and reduce negative habits.
o Right Mindfulness – Being aware and mindful of your thoughts and actions.
o Right Concentration – Developing concentration and meditation to gain insight.

Why is Buddhism Important?

Buddhism offers a way to understand the nature of suffering and peace, and its teachings about meditation and
mindfulness have spread worldwide, influencing culture, philosophy, and psychology.

Buddhism teaches that anyone can follow the path to enlightenment, and it emphasizes the importance of peace,
compassion, and wisdom.