1. Religions of the Middle East
There are three major religions which have all developed in the Middle East.
Christianity, Judaism, Islam
All three share common characteristics with one another. One is that they all share a common birthplace – the Middle East. Two, all three are monotheistic, or the believe in one God.

2. Islam Followers of Islam call God – ALLAH.
Muhammad was the founder of Islam and was born in MECCA is 570 A.D. When he was 40 years old, an angel named Gabriel appeared to him and told him to be God’s prophet. In 622 A.D., Muhammad was forced to flee Mecca and go to Medina because people weren’t accepting his teachings.

3. Islam
Today, there are two types of Muslims, the SUNNIS who are the largest and follow traditional teachings and the SHIAS, who follow partial teachings of MUHAMMAD.
Sunnis think that the Caliph should be the most qualified person to lead Islam.
Shias think that the Caliph should be a descendant of blood relative of Muhammad.

4. Mecca is a very important city to the Islamic faith because the Prophet Muhammad was born here in A.D In 622 A.D., Muhammad fled Mecca for Medina because his teachings were not being accepted in Mecca. Once in Medina, Muhammad’s message of peace in the Islamic faith gained the faith more Muslim followers.

5. 5 Pillars of Islam 1- They must declare their faith to Muhammad/Allah.
2- They must pray five times a day facing Mecca.
3- They must give money to the poor (Alms)
4- During Ramadan, they must fast.
5- Attempt a pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetimes (Hajj).

6. The Great Mosque, Mecca The Ka’ba, Mecca
Muslims have to walk around this shrine 7 times during their pilgrimage to Mecca. They must kiss & touch it as they walk.

7. Judaism Judaism is the world’s OLDEST religion from the Middle East.
Followers of Judaism are Jews. They are located all over the world, but have a home in Israel. Jews are monotheistic (one God).
The Jewish religious text is the TORAH which is the first five books of the Bible.
The founder of Judaism is Abraham.

8. Judaism
According to the Torah, Abraham was called by God to enter a covenant or agreement.
Jews have their Sabbath on Saturdays.
Jews are still looking for a Messiah to deliver their people. Jews believe that the Messiah will be a human being, a descendant of King David.

9. Judaism
The Jewish Sabbath is from Friday night until dark on Saturday night.
When Jews reach the age of 13 for boys and 12 for girls, they go through a rite of passage called BAT/BAR MITZVAH
The major Jewish holiday is HANUKAH

10. Menorah

11. Wailing /Western Wall
Believed to be the last standing wall of King Solomon’s temple to God.
The Western wall of the temple “which would never be destroyed.”
Jewish law states that when they pray the Silent Prayer, they should face Jerusalem and the Western Wall.
To pray at the wall is beneficial because the gate to Heaven is near the wall.

12. Basic Facts Called Jews (sometimes called Hebrew) 14 million worldwide
12th largest religion
Mainly in Europe, Israel, & United States
Clergy are called Rabbis
House of worship is called a synagogue.
Follow the 10 Commandments

13. Star of David

14. Christianity Christianity grew out of Judaism.
Old Testament to New Testament.
Christians believe their Messiah has come – Jesus Christ.
Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus through the Bible.
The Bible is a collection of 66 smaller books written by different people. The New Testament includes the life and death of Jesus, his works and miracles.
Follows the 10 Commandments

15. Christianity
Christianity is the world’s largest religion and includes several denominations. The two largest denominations are Catholic and Protestant.
2 billion followers from all over the world.
Main day of worship is Sunday.