The Origins of Islam

Essential Question: What is the origin of Islam, and what are the similarities and differences between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?

The Prophet Abraham

• Abrahamic religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity (all Monotheistic)

• Patriarch (father) of the Jews and Arabs.• Born in Babylonia (present day

Iraq)/nomadic.• Islam recognizes Abraham as “a prophet, a

man of truth.”• His message “Peaceful submission to God.”

The Story of Abraham

A n ces to r o f th e Je w s

Isa acS eco nd S on

S a raF irs t W ife

A n ces to r o f th e A ra bs

Ish m a e lF irs t S on

H a g arS e co n d W ife

A b rah amP ro ph e t

Prophet Abraham and Mecca

• Abraham ordered by God to leave Hagar and Ishmael in the desert.

• Believed that God would not abandon them.

• They found the Miracle Spring of ZamZam in Mecca.

• “The Place of the Drinking Cup.”

Abraham and the Ka’aba

• A shrine built to worship the One true God.

• Place of pilgrimage for millions of Muslims: Hajj

The Common Roots of Three Modern Religions

Islam Judaism Christianity

Ancestors: Abraham

Ishmael

Muhammad

Abraham

Isaac

(Jesus)

Abraham

Isaac

Jesus

Population today: Approximately 1.5 Billion

Approximately

14 Million

Approximately,

2.1 Billion

Holy Book: Qur’an The Torah The Bible

Symbols:

Monotheistic/

Polytheistic

Allah

Monotheistic

God / Yahweh

Monotheistic

God

Monotheistic