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Religion in the Middle East

+Judaism

We know about Hebrews comes from laws/ requirements of Judaism

Five books= Torah, most sacred text

Hebrew Bible is called the Old Testament in Christian Bible

Abraham God told Abraham to leave Mesopotamia & polytheism

Made covenant to new home in Promised Land

Grandson Jacob had 12 sons = 12 tribes (Twelve Tribes of Israel)

Abraham, son & grandson are patriarchs or ancestral “fathers”

+Judaism

Moses God told him to lead Israelites out of Egypt

Exodus major event in Jewish history, celebrating Passover( special meal called seder)

The Ten Commandments only one God exists, self-control, justice

+Teachings of Judaism

Most important belief is that only one God exists monotheism

Being Just= Treating other people with kindness and fairness

Being Righteous= doing what is right and proper EVEN when others do not

Mosaic Law governs how Jews pray and when they worship

Torah, Prophets and Writings all have recordings of sacred texts

+Islam

Islam means “achieving peace through submission to God”

Muslims began to follow Muhammad

Qur’an sacred text of Islam

Muslims believe that only in original Arabic language know meaning and beauty of text

Five Pillars of Islam behaviors and obligations that are common to Muslims

Mosque name of the building Muslims worship

+Five Pillars of Islam

1- Profession of Faith

2- Performance of five daily prayers (always face Mecca)

3- Giving to charity or poor

4- Required to fast

5- Visit Mecca

+Guidelines for Behavior

Muslims not allowed to eat pork or drink alcohol

Wash themselves before praying

Prohibits murder, lying, and stealing

jihad ”struggle for faith”, defend the Muslim community