1. Unit 8 - SW Asia and N Africa
Religions in SW Asia
Unit 8 - SW Asia and N Africa

3. Three of the major world religions began in Southwest Asia

4. Judaism Judaism is the religion of the Jews
It began in Palestine about 3,000 years ago.

5. Judaism
Jews were the first to believe in a single God (monotheism)

6. Judaism
The rules of behavior and the history of their people are written in their holy book the Torah.
The Old Testament of the Christian Bible and the Torah include the same books and writings.

7. Judaism
Jews believe that a Messiah will come to the earth and save their people

8. Christianity
Christianity developed from Judaism

9. Christianity
Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, believed to be the Son of God and the Messiah.

10. Christianity
The New Testament of the Christian Bible contains the teachings and accounts of Jesus’ followers.

11. Islam Islam has the same roots as Judaism and Christianity.
All three religions go back to the God of Abraham

12. Islam
Islam is based on teachings of Muhammad, believed to be a prophet of God

13. Islam
Muslims believe that Jesus was also a prophet of God, but not the Son of God

14. Muslim
A Muslim is a person who follows Islam

15. Koran The Qur’an (Koran) is Islam’s sacred book of writings.
Muhammad’s words are written here.

16. Mosque
A mosque is an Islamic place of worship.

17. Islam - Two Branches
There are two major branches of Islam: Sunni (85%), and Shiite (15%).
There is a lot of conflict between these two branches.

18. Fundamentalism
There is a small group of Muslim fundamentalists that have traditional beliefs about behavior and appearance.
They believe in family unity, male dominance over women and children, and no outside (non-religious) influences.

19. the Five Pillars
Muslims follow religious duties, called the Five Pillars.

20. Faith
Faith in God and in Mohammed as the messenger of God

21. Prayer
Prayer five times each day, facing Mecca (the holiest city of Islam)

22. Charity
Charity - giving money to the less fortunate

23. Fasting
Fasting - not eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.

24. Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage (hajj) a journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime