Religions Of Southwest Asia Judaism Christianity Islam

Similarities Judaism, Christianity, and Islam ALL: –have their origins in the Middle East –are monotheistic –originated from the teachings of Abraham –regard Jerusalem as a sacred city

Judaism -began in Israel: oldest of the 3 monotheistic religions; founded over 3500 years ago -Abraham was prophet: had 2 sons -Jews trace their lineage through Isaac -Arabs trace their lineage through Ishmael

-Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac at Mt. Moriah, Jerusalem -Jewish temple built on this site but later destroyed -The Western Wall is all that is left of the temple – sacred to Jews The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem Judaism

Jewish  Israel is home for much of the Jewish population in Southwest Asia.  Many of the people who live in Israel today were born there.  However, the ancestors of these people moved to Israel from many other countries, often from other Southwest Asian countries.  Much of this migration happened during the 20th century, after the formation of Israel in 1948.

Jewish  Jewish people differ in their religious beliefs, though most practice some form of Judaism.  For example, some Jews believe that Jewish people who convert to another religion should not be considered Jewish any more.  The “Law of Return” in Israel says that a Jew from any other country can automatically have citizenship in Israel.  Sometimes Jews who no longer practice Judaism have been denied the Law of Return. Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city

Christianity Based on the teachings of Jesus Jesus is Son of God, the Messiah Originated in present-day Israel in 29 AD Developed from Judaism

Christianity Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament are sacred texts Jerusalem is sacred: location where Jesus taught and was crucified Easter Procession

Islam Originated in Mecca, Saudi ArabiaOriginated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia Mohammed received revelations from angel Gabriel which were later written in the Qur’anMohammed received revelations from angel Gabriel which were later written in the Qur’an Muslims believe that Islam is the continuation and completion of Judaism and ChristianityMuslims believe that Islam is the continuation and completion of Judaism and Christianity Mt. Hira, where Mohammed received his first revelation

Abraham, Jesus, and Mohammed are all considered prophets of IslamAbraham, Jesus, and Mohammed are all considered prophets of Islam Large portions of Jewish scriptures and New Testament are included in Qur’anLarge portions of Jewish scriptures and New Testament are included in Qur’an Islam

Islam Mohammed is regarded as the last and most important prophetMohammed is regarded as the last and most important prophet Dome of the Rock: mosque built on site of former Jewish templeDome of the Rock: mosque built on site of former Jewish temple

Literacy and Development Education is free in many countries in Southwest Asia. Many students are required to attend school through high school. Many students also live so far from the schools that getting to school is difficult. The literacy rates for people over 15 years of age are…

Literacy Rates  Afghanistan = 28% (m 43%, f 13%)  Egypt = 71.4% (m 83%, f 59%)  Iran = 77% (m 84%, f 70 %)  Iraq = 74% (m 84%, f 64%)  Kuwait = 93% (m 94%, f 91%)  Saudi Arabia = 78% (m 85%, f 71%)  Yemen = 50% (m 71%, f 30%)  Pakistan = 50% (m 63%, f 36%)  Israel = 97% (m 99%, f 96%)  U.S.A. = 99% (m 99%, f 99%)  Norway = 100% (m 100%, f 100%) Source: CIA World Fact Book, 2010

Literacy and Development  The literacy rates in Israel are higher than in other Southwest Asian countries.  In all of these countries, more men tend to be able to read and write than women.  This is especially true in Syria, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.  Overall, in some countries women’s education is not valued as much as men’s education.

Literacy and Development  Women receive a different education than men in some areas.  Literacy has a large impact on a country’s development.  For example, an increase in the literacy rate often leads to an increase in individual rights, societal self-determination (democracy).  Literacy rates also have an impact on a country’s economy. Iranian woman, where education for women is common, protests a 2009 election

Men and Women The public display of intimacy between men and women is considered offensive.The public display of intimacy between men and women is considered offensive. This code also applies to husbands and wivesThis code also applies to husbands and wives The maintenance of family honor is one of the highest values.The maintenance of family honor is one of the highest values. In Middle Eastern cultures, promiscuous behavior can be more damaging to family honor.In Middle Eastern cultures, promiscuous behavior can be more damaging to family honor. Most Middle Easterners still prefer arranged marriage. The family always plays a major role in the decision of any member to wed.Most Middle Easterners still prefer arranged marriage. The family always plays a major role in the decision of any member to wed.

Dress Codes Men have a more relaxed dress code: the body must be covered from knee to waist. Women are required to cover all of their bodies except hands and face. The rationale given for these rules is that men and women are not to be viewed as sexual objects.

Rights of Women in Saudi Arabia Able to attend universities (separated from men) Work in female only occupations Can keep their own name when married Property protected Cannot drive Must wear hajib Can only marry a Muslim Can only divorce if granted by the man or approved by court Cannot talk to men outside their family Gained right to vote in 2004