Differences between Islam and Judaism
Islam vs. Judaism[edit]
Islam and Judaism are two of the world's major monotheistic religions, sharing an Abrahamic origin and numerous theological and legal parallels.[1][2] Both faiths assert a belief in one transcendent God, a lineage of prophets, and divine revelation in the form of sacred scripture.[3][4] Despite these commonalities, significant doctrinal differences exist concerning the nature of God, the identity of prophets, religious law, and the messianic figure.
Adherents of Judaism believe in a single, indivisible God, YHWH, who established a covenant with the ancient Israelites.[2] Jewish belief centers on the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), which they hold was revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai.[4] Islamic theology also professes a strict monotheism, referring to God as Allah.[1][5] Muslims believe the Quran is the final and complete revelation of God, delivered to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. While Islam recognizes the Torah (Tawrat) and the Psalms (Zabur) as divinely inspired, it maintains that the Quran supersedes them.[3]
Both religions share a reverence for many of the same prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and David.[3][2] However, the central prophetic figures differ. In Judaism, Moses is considered the greatest of the prophets.[4] For Muslims, Muhammad is the final prophet in a long line of messengers sent by God.[3]
The figure of Jesus represents a primary point of divergence. In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is venerated as a significant prophet and the Messiah, born of the Virgin Mary, who performed miracles by God's permission. However, Islamic teaching rejects the Christian concept of Jesus's divinity and his status as the Son of God, viewing such beliefs as contradictory to the principle of God's absolute oneness (Tawhid). Mainstream Islamic belief also holds that Jesus was not crucified but was raised to heaven by God. Judaism, in contrast, does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or a prophet. Jewish eschatology posits that the true Messiah's arrival will coincide with events that have not yet occurred, such as the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and an era of global peace.
Religious laws in both faiths also show parallels and distinctions. Jewish dietary laws, known as Kashrut, forbid the consumption of certain foods, such as pork and shellfish, and prohibit the mixing of meat and dairy products. Islamic dietary laws, or Halal, similarly prohibit pork and intoxicants and require a specific method of slaughter (Zabihah).
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Judaism | Islam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Deity | One God, referred to as YHWH or Hashem. | One God, referred to as Allah.[1] |
| Principal Prophet | Moses is regarded as the most significant prophet.[4] | Muhammad is considered the final prophet.[3] |
| Primary Holy Book | The Torah, which comprises the first five books of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). | The Quran. |
| View of Jesus | Not recognized as the Messiah or a prophet. | Honored as a major prophet and the Messiah, but not as divine. |
| Dietary Laws | Kashrut: Prohibits pork, shellfish, and the mixture of meat and dairy. | Halal: Prohibits pork, blood, and alcohol. |
