Ancient Religions: Islam, Judaism, And Christianity

A Religion is a structured spiritual practice with a formal organization supporting it with rules and purposes, sacred texts, sacred place, claimed origins, rituals and practices, and a spiritual leadership structure. Religions, particularly Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, are very similar because of their shared ancestral roots, sacred text, holy people, and theological beliefs. All three religions trace their ancestry back to Abraham (Hebrew, Ibrahim). Abraham is considered a great patriarch because of his preaching monotheism, which at the time was unheard of. Monotheism is the belief of one God. God established a covenant by making three promises to Abraham through his promised son. The promises were countless descendants/nation, land, and a universal blessing. Abraham sired two sons through his wife Sarah (Hebrew, Sarh) and his wife’s slave Hagar (Hebrew, Hajar). Hagar bore Abraham’s first son, Ishmael. Isaac was the first-born son of Sarah, and was considered the promised son from God. Jealously between Sarah and Hagar eventually induced Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. In Genesis 21: 11-18, after Abraham sent them away, Hagar grieved in the desert and prayed to God. God showed mercy and promised Hagar that Ishmael would obtain his own nation since he is also the son of Abraham. Islam believes Abraham’s covenant was passed through Ishmael instead of Isaac. Ishmael fathered twelve sons – Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. Their descendants formed the twelve tribes of Israel becoming known as Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites are the privileged ancestry line of Islam including some of its revered prophets. Muhammad, Islam’s last utmost prophet, refused any genealogy past his 21st ancestor. Arabic Muslims believe, in general, he was a descendant was Ishmael through his second son Kedar. Kedar’s tribe was called Qaidar and they controlled the geographic area from Persian Gulf to Sinai Peninsula. Judaism and Christianity believe Abraham’s covenant was passed through Isaac. Isaac fathered two sons – Esau and Jacob. Jacob received a covenant from God and his name was changed …show more content…
The first five books revealed by God thru Moses or Musa and the book of Psalms by King David (a descendant from Judah tribe) are in all three religions sacred text. The first five books are – Genesis (Hebrew, Bereshit), Exodus (Hebrew, Shemot), Leviticus (Hebrew, Vayikra), Numbers (Hebrew, Bamidbar), Deuteronomy (Hebrew, D’varim). Genesis is the creation story that all three Abrahamic religions share. Each religion may emphasize on different parts of the Pentateuch, Islam particularly believe the scripture has been corrupted over the eras. They do not follow all rules and teachings unless God repeated it to Muhammad being …show more content…
Human beings are required to abide by God’s teachings revealed through relegation, certain values and ethical principles. Abraham is a great example of a faithful follower exemplified obedience and submission to God. God revealed further teachings to his prophets. The Torah/Pentateuch/Tawrat, to Musa/Moses and Psalms/Zahur to David/Dawud are examples. God guides human beings through the holy spirit. The only way humans can maintain relationship with God is doing daily prayer and attending religious services. While each Abrahamic religion has different religious services, the greeting phrase to others “shalom aleikhem/peace be with you/as-salāmu ʿalaykum.” Salvation can be obtained through faith and God’s divine grace. On the Day of Judgement, Humans will be accountable for their