1. Middle East Religions
Three religions were founded in the Middle East. 1. Islam 2. Judaism 3. Christianity

2. Islam

3. Islam The major religion in the Middle East.
Founded by Muhammad. He had a revelation that he was named a prophet by Allah, or God.
Qur’an (Koran) = Holy book of Islam (provides a set of rules to guide behavior.)
Followers are called Muslims
Monotheistic – Muslims believe in one god, Allah
Allah = God

4. ISLAM
Mecca : Holy City in Saudi Arabia. Muslims try to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Hajj: An annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and a religious duty for Muslims that should be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims.
Muslims pray 5 times a day and face Mecca while they pray.
Mosque: Where Muslims gather to pray (church)
Common Holidays: Ramadan, Eid
5 Pillars

5. 5 Pillars – major beliefs
Proclaim belief in one God (Allah).
Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca.
Charity: share wealth with the poor.
Fasting: No food or drink (sunrise to sunset) during month of Ramadan.
Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca once during lifetime.

6. Judaism
The most ancient of the 3 major Middle Eastern religions. Judaism is a monotheistic religion; its followers worship one god. The followers are known as Jews or Hebrews.

7. Beginnings of Judaism Fonder: Abraham
Covenant: a binding agreement. The Jewish people believe this covenant was made between God and Moses establishing God as the ruler of Heaven & Earth. This also made the Jew’s the chosen people of the Earth.

8. Beliefs Holy Book – The Torah
Ten Commandment – religious and moral laws believed to be given to the Hebrew people by God
Name of god – Yahweh
Place of worship –Synagogue
Symbol – Star of David
Common Holidays – Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah

9. Christianity Monotheistic worship 1 God
The followers are known as Christians. They follow the teachings of Jesus
Common holidays: Christmas & Easter

10. Beginnings of Christianity
Founder: Jesus Christ
Messiah: one anointed by God. The Jewish prophets predicted that a messiah would deliver the Jews from foreign rule and restore the kingdom of Israel.
Parables – Jesus used parables, short stories with simple moral lessons to teach people to be kind to one another.

11. Beliefs Trinity, resurrection, Ten Commandments, Jesus & parables
Holy Book: The Holy Bible
Place of Worship: Church
Symbol: Cross
Martyrs – people who suffer or die for their beliefs.