Although the religion of Islam stems from Judaism and both share the common belief in one God, the two religions are very different. In relation to the other major religions of the world, Islam is chronologically the newest. The followers of Islam believe that their religion is the third and final truth that God has revealed (the first and second being Judaism and Christianity). The Jewish believe that they were chosen to be followers of God and that it is more of a destiny.
The followers of Islam, Muslims, believe in the same deity as the Jews but each use different a name. While Muslims refer to their god as “Allah”, the Jews have many names for their deity but believe his true name is “Yahweh”. Many Jews don’t even use that name as they believe it is too pious to be spoken or even written which is why sometimes it is abbreviated as YHWH. Founded by the prophet Muhammad, Islam has expanded from Mecca, Arabia around the world and amassed over a billion followers. Judaism, on the other hand, was initiated by the “Children of Israel,” or Hebrews and later became known as Jews due to the area around Jerusalem called Judaea which is where they lived. Judaism grew as well but that was not the intentions of the religion as they didn’t seek to covert non believers.
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Similar to the idea of the Hebrew Bible, the Quran is scripture that teaches its followers how to live their lives. The Hebrew Bible was put together by many authors and over a long period of time although the Quran is very different in that it is believed to be God’s words that Muhammad memorized and recited for others to copy. Unlike the Bible, the Quran has 114 chapters called Surahs and are more instructions and teachings. The Bible differs in that it imbeds most of its teachings in its history and stories. The Quran and the Bible is used for more than just religion in its respective faith, both are used for educational purposes.
Islam and Judaism both have a center or important core to their religion. The Five Pillars of Islam is just that to the Muslim life. The Five Pillars are repetition of the creed, daily prayer, giving to charity or the needy, fasting during Ramadan, and a pilgrimage to Mecca. The Jewish has a similar simple set of rules which are called the Ten Commandments or the Decalogue which are have no other Gods other than Him, do not worship false idols, don’t take the Lords name in vain, keep holy the Sabbath, honor your father and mother, do not kill, do not commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie and be happy with what you have.
Despite their many differences, the core of each religion have similar teachings. Both religions teach their followers to live honest and good lives although each does it in its own distinct and different manner.
I must say reading your blog was a delight. It is well written, informative and easy to read. You were able to gab my attention and keep me quite interest to the very end of your blog. I like the fact that you choose specific core areas of both religions (the Quran vs Bible, commandment vs Pillars etc.) to compare and were able to bring out all the similarities of both. Because you gave a brief history of both religions I was able to understand a little about each of the two religions with ease. Even with the pictures you implemented, you were able to show the visual of your point and that was a great compliment to your topic. The Map however, I think was unnecessary for me, because I didn’t get the purpose and I didn’t see the connection with the topic. I really enjoy reading your post, you did a awesome great job.
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