Comparing Islam, Christianity And Judaism

Although distinctive religions, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity share several aspects and concepts, while differing in many principles and beliefs. Centered around revelations of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam was founded thousands of years ago. According to Mary Fisher, author of Living Religions, followers of Islam are commonly referred to as Muslims (Fisher, 2008 p. 381). Very similar to the structures of both Christianity and Judaism, Islam is a monotheistic religion, where worshipers believe in a single God, commonly referred to as Allah, according to Mary Fisher (Fisher, 2008 p. 386). In fact, many Muslims recognize some of the prophets from Judaism and Christianity, such as Moses and Jesus, as messengers of God, according to Mary Fisher

238). In comparison to both Islam and Christianity, rituals, traditions, and holidays are relatively heavy within the structure of Judaism. For example, special days and rituals under Judaism may affect the everyday lives of followers (Fisher, 2008 p. 280). Simply put, followers of Judaism celebrate life. Nonetheless, Judaism does not incorporate an official creed, allowing the views of followers to vary, unlike Islam, where right beliefs are important. Interestingly, unlike both Christianity and Islam, sacred Jewish texts do not elaborate into details of the afterlife, according to Mary Fisher (Fisher, 2008 p. 274). Also, similar to Islam, Judaism heavily promotes the concept of daily prayer. Under Judaism, many followers adhere to Halakah, or a collective set of Jewish laws, which governs religious life, and in some cases, even daily life, according to Mary Fisher (Fisher, 2008 p. 274). Many religions foresee a heroic, saving figure, where followers of Judaism believe the Messiah to fit such a role (Fisher, 2008 p. 251). Overall, the ultimate goal of Judaism encompasses celebration, good ethics, love, and good morals in order to become aligned with

298). Although divided into denominations, such as Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, common practices under Christianity include prayer, studying and reading scriptures, such as the Bible, and Sunday worship. Similar to both Islam and Judaism, Christianity promotes a single God, according to Mary Fisher (Fisher, 2008 p. 295). Similar to the structure of Judaism, holidays and celebrations play a large role in the structure of Christianity. Where followers of Judaism believe in the Messiah as a heroic, saving figure, most Christians believe in the second coming of Christ as a concept of heroism, peace, and saving, according to Mary Fisher (Fisher, 2008 p. 313). Unlike Judaism, many followers of Christianity view their religion as a true faith, where followers of Judaism do not adhere to a strict creed (Fisher, 2008 p. 347). Also, Islam and Judaism deny the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a focal aspect of the structure of Christianity. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal of Christianity is centered around love and obedience to God, in preparation for judgment following