All the Abraham religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, can be traced back to the Prophet Abraham. The 3 religions have many contrasts, including similarities in core beliefs and differences in many religious practices. Some of the commonalities among these religions are discussed in this article.
Monotheistic Beliefs
The belief in the oneness of the God is the first and foremost similarity in Abrahamic religions. Foundation of all 3 religions is based on this core principle, demonstrating that the very core of these religions in unified. Jews, Christians, and Muslims believe that one God created the universe and runs it.
Similarly, a strict adherence to this core principle of monotheism is essential for the followers of the Abrahamic religions. The daily prayer of the Jews, the Shema, emphasizes in oneness of God. Similarly, Muslims and Christians also believe that there is only one God who is incomparable.
Prophetic Teachings
The prophetic tradition is present in Abrahamic religions which presents prophets as the messengers of the God. According to the scriptures in all 3 religions, the prophets carry the God’s message to the people, warn them and guide them towards the god’s path.
In Judaism, Abraham, father of the Jewish nation, and Moses, who received the 10 commandments, are prominent prophets. Jesus Christ (Prophet Isa PBUH) is regarded as the prophet who brought God’s message by the Christians. Islam considers Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last and final prophet of Allah almighty.
Sacred Scriptures
Another key congruence among the 3 religions is the presence of sacred scriptures, parchments and books that contain the word of the God. These sacred writings are the Magna-Carta of the 3 religions and dictate God’s commands about practicing the religion and worship.
The earliest of the 3, Judaism has the Hebrew Bible which contains the Torah, the prophets and other writings. The Torah was revealed on the Prophet Moses and forms the very foundation of the religion. The Bible is the religious book of Christians that contains the Hebrew bible as the Old Testament and The New Testament that consists of life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The last of the Abrahamic religions, Islam has the Holy Quran as the book of guidance that was revealed on the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ethics and Morality
The ethical and moral values taught by all 3 religions are also identical including living righteous, pious and a virtuous life according the God’s will and staying away from everything that displeases the God. The moral principles of justice, equality, compassion, kindness and respect are common.
These moral; principles were revealed on Moses in Torah, Jesus Christ in the Bible and Prophet Muhammad (PBUP) in the Holy Quran. All the prophets taught and demonstrated these teachings through their practical example.
Religious Practices
All 3 religious have unique practices, yet there are some similarities as well. Prayers are considered as a mean of communication in all Abrahamic religions. Jews worship in their synagogues, Christians in the Church and Muslims pray five times a day in Mosques. Similarly, the concept of fasting is common to all 3 religions as well. Muslims fast throughout the month of Ramadan, Christians during Lent and Jews on Yom Kippur.
Final Thoughts
The similarities among the 3 Abrahamic religions unite them. The core beliefs in all three religions are almost alike, even though there are still many differences in customs and religious practices. These similarities are very important for cultivating a sense of brotherhood and mutual respect among the followers of all three religions. This can pave way to a peaceful and a prosperous society where every religion can coexist simultaneously.
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