RELIGIONS

Islam

• Islam originated in the 7th century with the prophet Muhammad in Mecca, now Saudi Arabia.
• Muslims believe Muhammad was the last prophet, chosen to share God's message about one God, Allah.
• Muhammad started teaching in Mecca and moved to Medina, establishing the first Muslim community in 622 AD, the start of the Islamic calendar.
• God's messages to Muhammad are written in the Quran, the Muslim holy book.
• The Five Pillars of Islam demonstrate how Muslims practice their faith.
• Followers of Islam are called Muslims, and the religion has over a billion followers worldwide.
• Islam splits into two main branches: Sunni and Shia Muslims.
• Islam originated in Mecca, Arabia, and has spread to many regions globally.
• "Bismillah" is often said before praying.
• Adam (AS) was created from clay.
• Miraj occurred in the Islamic month of Rajab.
• Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal.
• Hajj is celebrated in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.

Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada: Declaration of faith – "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
• Salat: Pray five times a day.
• Zakat: Give to those in need, usually 2.5% of savings.
• Sawm: Fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if able.

Key Figures and Concepts in Islam

• Allah: The name Muslims use for God.
• Angel Gabriel (Jibril): Delivered messages from God to Muhammad.
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, where Muslims pray at the Kaaba.
• Ramadan: Holy month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.
• Mosque: A building where Muslims pray and meet.
• Tawhid: Belief in the oneness of Allah.
• Prophethood: Muhammad is the last prophet, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

Background History of Islam

• Islam began in the 7th century in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia.
• Prophet Muhammad founded Islam, receiving messages from Allah (God) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel), which were written in the Quran.
• Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca, known for his honesty and kindness.
• At 40, he received revelations from Allah.
• People in Mecca rejected his message, so he and his followers moved to Medina in 622 CE, called the Hijra, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
• Islam spread across Arabia, becoming a major religion by Muhammad’s death in 632 CE.

The Spread of Islam After Muhammad

• After Muhammad's death, the religion spread rapidly beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
• Muslim armies conquered vast territories, including parts of the Byzantine and Persian Empires.
• By the 8th century, Islam had spread to regions like North Africa, Spain, Central Asia, and parts of India and China.

Judaism

• Judaism started thousands of years ago with stories about God.
• It is a religion that believes in one God.
• It focuses on living according to laws and traditions.

Core Concepts of Judaism

• Judaism is one of the oldest religions, with roots going back thousands of years.
• Jews believe in one God, who created the world and the universe.
• Jews see themselves as a special people, chosen by God.
• Jewish people believe that God made a covenant with Abraham, and later, with Moses, promising that they would be a special people and give them land.
• The Torah contains the laws and teachings of God, like the Ten Commandments.
• Jewish people learn and follow their traditions.
• Jewish people have special days and festivals that they celebrate, like Shabbat (Sabbath) which is a day of rest and worship, and other holidays like Passover and Hanukkah.
• Jews gather together to worship in synagogues.

Key Beliefs of Judaism

• Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions (belief in one God).
• It began over 4,000 years ago in the Middle East, with the Hebrew people, and the founder is believed to be Abraham.
• One God (Yahweh) created the world and guides His people.
• The Covenant is a special agreement between God and the Jewish people.
• The Torah is the holy book that contains God’s laws and teachings.
• Following God’s commandments includes the Ten Commandments, which teach moral behavior.
• Messiah: The belief that one day, a savior will come to bring peace.

Sacred Texts in Judaism

• The Torah is the main Jewish holy book and is part of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).
• The Talmud explains Jewish laws and traditions.

Worship and Practices in Judaism

• Jews worship in synagogues, led by rabbis.
• Their holy day is Shabbat (Sabbath), from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Important Jewish Festivals

• Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year
• Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement
• Hanukkah: Festival of Lights
• Passover: Celebrates freedom from slavery in Egypt

The Spread of Judaism

• Judaism began in the land of Israel.
• Jews spread to different parts of the world due to migration and historical events like the Diaspora.
• Today, Judaism has about 15 million followers, mainly in Israel, the U.S., and Europe.

Hinduism

• Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, dating back over 4,000 years.
• It began in India along the Indus River Valley.
• Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no single founder.
• It developed over time through different traditions, texts, and teachings.

Key Beliefs of Hinduism

• Brahman: A supreme spiritual force that exists in everything.
• Reincarnation: After death, the soul is reborn in a new body.
• Karma: Actions affect future lives.
• Dharma: The duty or moral responsibility one must follow.
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, reaching a state of peace and unity with Brahman.

Sacred Texts in Hinduism

• Hinduism has many holy books.
• The Vedas: Ancient hymns and prayers.
• The Upanishads: Teachings about the soul and universe.
• The Bhagavad Gita: A story about duty and devotion.

Gods and Worship in Hinduism

• Hindus believe in many gods and goddesses.
• These gods and goddesses represent different aspects of Brahman.
• Brahma is the creator
• Vishnu is the protector
• Shiva is the destroyer
• Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth
• Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom
• Hindus worship in temples and at home, performing rituals like puja (prayer) and celebrating festivals such as Diwali (festival of lights) and Holi (festival of colors).

Spread of Hinduism

• Hinduism began in India and is still mostly practiced there.
• Today, it is the third-largest religion in the world, with over 1 billion followers.

Christianity

• Christianity began over 2,000 years ago in the Middle East.
• It is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
• Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah (savior).
• It developed from Judaism, as Jesus was born into a Jewish family.

Life of Jesus Christ

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem (around 4 BCE) and grew up in Nazareth.
• He preached about love, kindness, and faith in God.
• He performed miracles and gathered followers, known as disciples.
• Some religious leaders and the Roman government saw him as a threat.
• Jesus was crucified but rose from the dead after three days (Resurrection).

Key Beliefs of Christianity

• One God Who exists as the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit (Trinity).
• Jesus Christ is the Messiah - The Son of God who died for humanity’s sins.
• The Bible contains the Old Testament and the New Testament.
• Belief that faith in Jesus leads to eternal life in heaven
• Love and forgiveness are pivotal values.

Worship and Practices in Christianity

• Christians worship in churches, led by priests or pastors.
• Their day of worship is Sunday.
• Christmas: Celebrates Jesus’ birth.
• Easter: Celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.
• Good Friday: Remembers Jesus' crucifixion.

Spread of Christianity

• Christianity spread rapidly after Jesus' death, especially through Saint Paul’s teachings.
• Over time, it became the world’s largest religion, with over 2 billion followers today.
• Major branches include: Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodox Christianity