Abrahamic Religions: A Comparative and Analytical Study of History, Beliefs, Religious Practices, and Sacred Scriptures

ابراہیمی مذاہب: تاریخ، عقائد، مذہبی شعائر اور مقدس کتب کا تقابلی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

The Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—trace their origins to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), forming a shared spiritual heritage that emphasizes monotheism, divine revelation, and moral ethics. Judaism, the oldest, emerged from the covenant with God through Abraham's son Isaac and grandson Jacob (Israel), focusing on the Torah, the Ten Commandments, and the Promised Land. Its followers, the Jews, endured slavery in Egypt, led to freedom by Moses, and established kingdoms under David and Solomon, but faced dispersions and persecutions, shaping a resilient identity centered on law and tradition. Christianity, deriving from Judaism, revolves around Jesus Christ as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies, with the New Testament detailing his life, crucifixion, and resurrection. It spread rapidly through apostles like Paul, emphasizing love, salvation, and the Trinity, evolving into various denominations amid Roman persecution and later dominance. Islam, the youngest, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Arabia, reaffirming Abrahamic monotheism through the Quran, which clarifies that Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian but a true Muslim (submitter to God). Muslims view themselves as the true inheritors of Abraham's legacy, with the Prophet's life exemplifying ethical governance, tolerance, and unity. Despite theological differences—such as Judaism's focus on law, Christianity's on grace, and Islam's on submission—these faiths share ethical principles like justice and charity. However, historical conflicts, including crusades and modern geopolitical tensions, highlight divergences. This analytical introduction explores their interconnected roots, scriptural overlaps, and contemporary relevance, promoting interfaith dialogue for global harmony.