Judaism
Judaism originated in the Middle East and is the oldest of the three Abrahamic religions. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, going back over 3,000 years. Judaism emphasises both an internal spiritual life and external observance of Jewish law. This includes praising and worshiping God, engaging in prayer, studying the Torah and following the mitzvot, or commandments of the Torah.
Judaism is composed of numerous denominations, including Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. Reform Judaism, practised in the US and elsewhere, is the most liberal, where many of the laws, customs and rituals are adapted to modern life. Conservative Judaism, on the other hand, is generally viewed as a middle ground between Reform and Orthodox Judaism. And finally, Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional of the three, generally adhering strictly to Jewish law.
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century Arabia. The term “Islam” is an Arabic word that refers to submission to the will of God. The primary source of teachings for Muslims is the Quran, though many also draw upon the hadiths (the teachings, deeds, and sayings) of the prophet Muhammad.
The core beliefs of Islam include monotheism, and belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, acceptance of the divine origin of the Quran and the conviction that Allah intends the religion to form a community dedicated to his will. Muslims also believe in angels, in the Day of Judgment, and that God’s mercy is unlimited, regardless of their sin.
Similarities and Differences
Despite their disparate historical foundations, Judaism and Islam share a number of similarities. For instance, both faiths revere Abraham and his Covenant with God. They also share a number of dietary laws and moral teachings, and are in agreement on prohibition of alcohol and gambling. Above all, both religions believe in one God and the principles of justice, mercy and compassion.
On the other hand, there are also a number of differences between the two religions. Islam is much more inclusive than Judaism in its approach to non-Muslim minorities, while Judaism is more focused on a closely-knit group of followers. In terms of practices, Judaism places a greater emphasis on ritual observance, while Islam relies more on personal effort and petitioning God for guidance.
Influence on Modern Life
Judaism and Islam have had a tremendous influence on modern life, particularly in terms of shared values, social customs and moral teachings. While the two faiths may disagree on some matters of theology, they are in agreement on a number of important ethical principles, including the rights of minorities, the sanctity of life and the importance of justice.
In addition, both religions have profoundly shaped the world’s political and social systems. Islam has been an important factor in the formation of the modern Middle East, while Judaism has represented a force of intellectual and moral leadership in the West.
Role of Women
The role of women in Judaism and Islam has been the subject of much debate and analysis. In Islam, women are seen as equal to men in terms of religious obligations and responsibilities. However, certain women-specific rights, such as the right to education, economic autonomy and freedom of movement, were largely absent from traditional Islamic societies.
In Judaism, women have a unique set of religious duties, including rites of passage, ritual purity, ritual prayer, and preparation of religious artifacts. Jewish law also recognizes a woman’s right to divorce, assuming certain conditions are met. This is in contrast to Islamic law, which confers this right to men only.
Worship
Judaism and Islam’s approach to worship is also distinct. In Judaism, worship has a structured and formalized content, including prayers, blessings, and the singing of God’s praises. This worship is conducted within the synagogue, where community members gather to worship. In Islam, prayers are usually performed in private, though due to the prevalence of large mosque complexes, communal prayer is also commonplace.
Both faiths also recognise pilgrimage as a spiritual exercise. In Judaism, three annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem are mandated – the Passover, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. In Islam, the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is required for practising Muslims.
Marriage and Divorce
Judaism and Islam approach marriage and divorce in fundamentally different ways. In Judaism, marriage is a contract between a husband and wife under the auspices of a religious court and thereby a legal instrument. This means that a contract can be drawn up in compliance with Jewish law that governs the couple’s rights and obligations. In contrast, marriage in Islam is viewed as a contract between the couple, while the authority to dissolve the marriage is vested in the state.
With regards to divorce, Islamic law requires a judicial decree while Jewish law allows a husband and wife to divorce by mutual consent. In either religion, however, divorce has serious social consequences, and is strongly discouraged.
Religious Extremism
Religious extremism and terrorism have become an increasingly dangerous phenomenon in recent years. Unfortunately, both religions have been targeted by religious fanatics and terrorists seeking to advance their own political or religious agendas.
The vast majority of people following either faith, however, reject extremism and violence, opting instead for a peaceful and tolerant approach to their faith, aiming to build bridges and dialogues with members of other religions. This continues to be the hope and aspiration of both Judaism and Islam.
Morality, Right and Wrong
Judaism and Islam offer moral codes of conduct based on religious scripture, which serve to guide their followers in making right and wrong decisions. The core beliefs of each faith emphasize a central, unconditional value for all human beings regardless of their faith or culture, requiring that their followers treat each other with respect and dignity.
Judaism may place more emphasis on following the
