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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Jews and Muslims?

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The main differences between Jews and Muslims lie in their religious beliefs and historical origins. Here are some key differences:

  1. Monotheism: Both Judaism and Islam are monotheistic religions, meaning they believe in one God. However, their beliefs about God's relationship with humanity differ. Jewish belief is that there is only one God, and God has a special relationship with the Jewish people, which they can fulfill by performing mitzvot.
  2. Prophets and Messiah: Jews do not believe in the prophets after the Jewish prophets, including Jesus and Muhammad. Therefore, they do not subscribe to the idea that Jesus was the Messiah and the son of God, nor do they believe in the teachings of Islam.
  3. Historical Origins: Judaism is the oldest of the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). Its founding prophet is Moses, who led the Israelite slaves out of Egypt and received the Torah from God at Mount Sinai. Islam, on the other hand, was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century AD and is based on the teachings of the Quran.
  4. Belief in the Torah: Both Judaism and Islam hold that the Torah is the word of God. However, Muslims find many stories in the Torah contradictory and believe that the Quran is the final and complete revelation of God's word.
  5. Religious Law: Judaism has its own set of religious laws, while Islam has Sharia law, which governs the personal, economic, and political aspects of a Muslim's life.
  6. Political Control: One of the main issues dividing contemporary Jews and Muslims is the widespread Muslim rejection of Jewish political control over certain lands, particularly in the Middle East.
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  • What is the Difference Between Jews and Muslims?
  • Comparative Table: Jews vs Muslims

    • Comparative Table: Jews vs Muslims

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Jews and Muslims:

    Feature Judaism Islam
    Origin Founded by Abraham, with the first patriarch being Judah (c. 1800 B.C.) Founded by Mohammed (570 - 632 A.D.)
    Divisions Several divisions, including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Renewal, and Reconstructionist. Also, ethnic groupings include Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews. Two main groups: Sunni and Shia, with the division occurring due to a dispute as to the legitimate successor of the prophet. There is also a mystical/ascetic movement in Islam known as Sufi.
    Sacred Text Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and other texts like the Talmud and Midrash The Quran, which Muslims believe were recorded verbatim by the last prophet, Mohammed
    Sacred Language Hebrew Arabic
    Holy Day The Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night) Friday prayer
    Holy City Jerusalem Mecca (for Hajj pilgrimage)
    Divine Being Jesus is not considered divine, and the concept of the Trinity is rejected. Jesus is considered a prophet, and God is worshipped as a single, indivisible entity.
    Salvation Salvation is obtained through living a righteous and faithful life, following the commandments and covenants made with God. Salvation is obtained through submission to Allah, following the Five Pillars (Sunni) or Seven Pillars (Shia) of Islam, and other prophetic teachings.
    Food Laws Yes, Jews are required to eat kosher food, and pork is forbidden. Muslims also follow dietary laws, such as not consuming pork.
    Prayer Prayer occurs during religious services held in synagogues. Muslims pray in mosques, with the practice of prostrating themselves on the floor during prayer.

    Both religions share a common belief in the God of Abraham and trace their ancestry back to the ancient Hebrews. They also share a belief in many of the same prophets, as well as the importance of resurrection and an afterlife.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.