What distinguishes Judaism from Islam? Introduction Judaism and Islam are two monotheistic religions that trace their roots back to figures in the ancient Near East. While both highly emphasize the oneness of God and share certain historical and cultural elements, they diverge in perspective, religious practice, scriptural texts, and foundational interpretations of the covenant established through Abraham. The following entry provides a comprehensive overview of the main distinctions between Judaism and Islam, drawing from their historical lineages, sacred texts, theological tenets, and practices. 1. Historical Foundations and Development Judaism’s beginnings can be traced to the patriarch Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) and later formalized through Moses and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1–17). Over centuries, Israel’s historical narrative involved wandering in the wilderness, establishment in the Promised Land, exile, and return. The Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) were preserved, and their central figures—patriarchs, prophets, and kings—form the basis of Jewish identity and faith. Islam arose in the 7th century AD with the teachings of the prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula. Muslims believe Muhammad received revelations that became the Qur’an. Islamic tradition sees its faith community as continuing in the line of Abraham through Ishmael (while Judaism traces through Isaac) and views many biblical characters (e.g., Abraham, Moses, and David) as prophets preceding Muhammad. However, the Qur’an and the hadiths (reports about Muhammad’s words and deeds) form the central reference for Islamic faith rather than the Hebrew Scriptures. 2. Lineage and Covenant According to Genesis 17:18–21, Abraham’s wife Sarah bore Isaac, who received the covenant promise. Judaism views this covenant—the relationship between God and the descendants of Isaac and Jacob—as central, signifying Israel’s unique role in God’s plan. Islam regards Abraham’s other son, Ishmael (born to Hagar), as a significant patriarch. While the Qur’an acknowledges Isaac’s importance, it emphasizes Abraham’s connection to Ishmael and sees the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Kaaba) as tracing to Abraham’s worship at that location. This means that Islam links its spiritual ancestry to Abraham but through a different branch of the family lineage than that upheld by Judaism. 3. Scripture and Sacred Writings Judaism’s primary sacred text is the Tanakh, composed of the Torah (Pentateuch), the Prophets, and the Writings. Subsequent interpretive traditions include the Mishnah, Talmud, and a wide array of rabbinical commentaries. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered mid–20th century at Qumran), have provided evidence for the reliability and antiquity of the Hebrew texts, corroborating established scriptural readings. Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an, is believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad. Secondary literature known as the hadith collections provide instructions for Islamic living and expanded details about Muhammad’s life. While Judaism focuses on extensive rabbinic commentary and law codes that have developed over millennia, Islam relies on the Qur’an’s directives supplemented by hadith interpretations within varying schools of Islamic jurisprudence. 4. Belief in One God Both Judaism and Islam share the conviction of monotheism—that there is only one God who created the universe. However, Judaism typically refers to God using names such as Yahweh (transliterated from the Hebrew Tetragrammaton) or simply HaShem (“the Name”), a way of reverence. Islam invokes Allah (Arabic for “the God”) in worship and prayer. Though both faiths uphold a single, supreme Creator, they diverge on specific attributes, revelations, and formulated doctrines about how God has acted throughout history. Judaism’s identity as a chosen people rests on the concept of covenant. Islam’s identity as an ummah (community) centers on total submission to Allah, with Muhammad as His final messenger. 5. Religious Law and Practice Judaism’s religious law, known as Halakha, is derived from the Torah and expanded upon by Talmudic and rabbinic discussions. Practices include observance of the Sabbath, dietary laws (kashrut), circumcision on the eighth day, and observance of festivals such as Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Rabbinic tradition has meticulously documented these practices over centuries. Islam’s religious law, Sharia, is drawn principally from the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the actions and traditions of Muhammad), elaborated through Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). Major obligations in Islam include the Five Pillars: the profession of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). These pillars form the core structure of Islamic life and identity. 6. Prophethood and Key Religious Figures Judaism recognizes the biblical patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and numerous prophets (e.g., Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah). However, it does not accept Muhammad as a prophet or the Qur’an as an extension of God’s revelation. The Messiah, within most branches of Judaism, is expected to be a human deliverer who will restore Israel and establish worldwide peace. Islam considers Muhammad as the final prophet. It also views Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as prophets who preceded him. However, Islamic teaching denies Jesus’ divine sonship, even as it esteems Him as a revered messenger and miracle-worker. This departure from Jewish traditions and the Hebrew Scriptures renders Muhammad’s role unique in that Islamic belief regards him as completing the line of prophecy. 7. Worship and Religious Community In Judaism, worship originally centered on the Temple in Jerusalem, with sacrifices and festivals commemorated as integral forms of devotion. After the destruction of the Second Temple (AD 70), synagogue worship, prayer, and the study of Scripture became focal points. The Jewish community gathers for corporate prayer on the Sabbath and holy days, guided by ordained rabbis or recognized teachers. In Islam, worship is centered on the local mosque, where the five daily prayers are conducted. Friday congregational prayer (Jumu’ah) includes a sermon by an imam, and various community observances are tied to the Islamic lunar calendar. The central place of worship, for those who can undertake the journey, is Mecca, underscoring Islam’s universal religious fellowship. 8. Eschatological Views Judaism has diverse views of the afterlife, often focusing more on righteous living and fulfillment of God’s commands. The Hebrew Scriptures include references to Sheol (e.g., Psalm 16:10), and later Jewish writings contain concepts of Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come) and resurrection. Many Jewish teachings emphasize the national restoration of Israel in the messianic age rather than detailed portrayals of personal eternal destinies. Islam provides specific teachings on the afterlife, featuring Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam). Muslims believe that on the last day, the dead will be raised and judged by Allah based on their trust in Him and adherence to Islamic tenets. This eschatological vision remains central to personal comportment and motivation in Islamic life. 9. Modern Expressions and Variations Judaism consists of various branches—Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and others—differing in their adherence to traditional law, cultural integration, and approach to critical scholarship of Scripture. Despite these distinctions, the sense of shared heritage and covenant remains a unifying factor. Islam also includes several major denominations, most notably Sunni and Shia, along with various sub-sects and cultural practices around the world. Both major streams hold to the primacy of the Qur’an and the example of Muhammad, though they differ on questions of authority and succession following Muhammad’s death. 10. Points of Contrast in Perspective on Revelation Judaism’s scriptural framework rests within the Hebrew Scriptures and the prophetic tradition that culminates in expectations of a Messiah or messianic age. As a result, it does not recognize other texts, including the Qur’an, as authoritative revelations from the same God. Centuries of examination of the Torah’s transmission have reinforced within Judaism—and in broader theological scholarship—the significance of the Hebrew manuscripts, exemplified by the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls reflecting words almost identical to later Masoretic traditions. Islam teaches that the Qur’an is God’s final and most perfect revelation, superseding previous revelations in the Torah and the Gospel (the latter referenced in the Qur’an as the Injil). The example and sayings of Muhammad in the hadith further clarify or define Islamic practice. This view sets Islam on a different trajectory from Judaism’s reliance on the Torah and subsequent commentaries. Conclusion Despite Judaism and Islam sharing a belief in one God and venerating common historical figures like Abraham and Moses, they diverge in lineage, covenant, scriptural texts, forms of worship, legal traditions, and their understanding of continuing revelation through prophets. Judaism’s identity is anchored in the covenant through Isaac, the Torah, and the rich body of rabbinic literature, while Islam views the covenant primarily through Ishmael and the revelations given to Muhammad in the Qur’an, elaborated in hadith. These distinctions mold their respective religious identities, cultural expressions, and theological perspectives—each faith maintaining unique claims about God’s interaction with humanity and the authoritative sources that guide belief and practice. |
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