The Abrahamic Faiths: A Comparison

How do Judaism, Christianity, and Islam differ?

 JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM
God One god One god One god
Central Prophet Moses Jesus Christ Muhammad
Qur'an (God's
Torah, Prophets,
revelation to
Writings and the
Bible (Old and New Muhammad) and
Scripture Talmud (oral
Testaments) Hadith
tradition and
(Mohammed's
commentary)
sayings)
Peace is always 'Just war' can be
War should be
preferable, but war fought as a last
fought only in self-
War in self-defense is resort; tradition of
defense, within
considered non-violent
strict limits.
obligatory. resistance.
Sunni-Shiite schism
based on
Modern movements Many theological
disagreement over
include Reform, divisions and
Mohammed's
Conservative, schisms: Roman
Divisions successors; broad
Modern Orthodox Catholic, Eastern
debate over Islam's
and Orthodox, numerous
role in modern
Reconstructionist. Protestant churches.
society; little
theological debate.
Return to "pure"
Ultra-Orthodox Debate over literal Islam; rejection of
Jews reject the meaning of the secular culture;
Fundamentalism secular world and Bible; efforts to efforts to bring
live in strict bring religion into religion into daily
communities. daily life. life and create an
Islamic state.
Holy City Jerusalem Jerusalem Mecca
Highly respected as
A historical figure; the second-last
Jesus The Son of God.
not the Messiah. prophet before
Mohammed.
Catholics and
No hierarchy;
No hierarchy; Orthodox have
prayers are led by
rabbis are extensive hierarchy;
Hierarchy imams (teachers)
considered some Protestant
who have studied
teachers. branches have
the Qur'an.
almost none.
Images and statues
Images and statues allowed in some Images and statues
Idols & Images
forbidden. denominations, but forbidden.
not worshiped.
Zakat: 2.5 percent
Tzedakah: 10 Tithe: 10 percent of
Charity of total wealth each
percent of income. income.
year.
Conversion Da'wa: Muslims
No proselytizing;
considered should share their
Jews must turn
important in most knowledge of Islam
away would-be
Proselytizing traditions; Catholic without trying to
converts three
and Protestant convert. Only God
times to ensure
churches have can bring someone
their commitment.
missionaries. to Islam.
Men and women
Men and women
are generally
are equal in the
Men and women treated the same in
eyes of God;
worship together. the Koran, although
traditional Judaism
Some Protestant women are
Women prescribes different
churches ordain oppressed in many
roles for men and
women as priests. Muslim cultures
women. Orthodox
More... today. Men and
men and women
women worship
worship separately.
separately.