1.
Almsgiving

* Note: This Field Guide generalizes the substantial diversity among the Abrahamic faiths. *

Christianity: Almsgiving in Christianity is also often called tithing. Christians received the practice of giving alms from Judaism, Christ, and the Apostolic teachings in the New Testament. In Christianity, tithing is an implicit duty for the followers of Christ (not obligatory) and often a private matter (Matt. 6:2-4). The Christian tradition of giving 10% is found within the Old Testament (Lev. 27:20, Num. 18:26). In the New Testament, Christians are called to give generously, but 10% is often considered a good starting point. Christ teaches that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Almsgiving in Christianity is regarded as a personal sacrifice, giving back to God what God has generously given, showing gratitude and trust that God will provide generously to His Church and those in need.

Islam: The Islamic almsgiving (zakat) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the religion’s core principles. Zakat is an obligatory act of worship, giving to Allah (or giving back to Allah for what he has provided) to show submission and trust that Allah will continue to provide. Zakat works to both to purify one’s money and soul. Zakat in Islam is not simply giving money to the poor, but a giving of 2.5% of liquid assets. Zakat functions as a religious tax system for religious officials (ummah religious leaders or local masjids) to distribute appropriately. 

 Judaism: The Judaic almsgiving (tzedakah) is deeply associated with justice and a righteous person’s actions. Tzedakah can manifest through different means, such as not harvesting the edge of crop fields so the poor can collect, doing acts of service, and giving financially to the poor. Generally, in almsgiving, one is expected to give 10-20% in charity (e.g., financially, crop yield, food).

2.
Creeds

Christianity: Christianity is considered a creedal faith. One of the earliest creeds is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, depicted through the writing of St. Paul. Nevertheless, the early Church created other notable creeds, such as the Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, Chalcedonian Creed, and Athanasian Creed. These creeds are statements of belief and serve as boundary markers of Christian orthodoxy. 

Islam: The Islamic creed, the Shahada, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Shahada is used as the entrance rite into Islam because it is a personal proclamation of belief: “I bear witness that there is no Lord but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Muslims recite the Shahada daily during the Salah (ritual prayer). It is also whispered into a child’s ear upon birth and also upon one’s death.

Judaism: Judaism’s creed is the Shema, found in the Hebrew Bible: “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God; the LORD is one” (Deut. 6:4). The Shema is the central statement of faith in Judaism, affirming monotheism; it is affirmed daily in morning and evening prayer and at the death of Jews.

3.
Ritual Fasting

Christianity: Christians disagree on whether fasting is an obligatory practice (see Matt. 6:16, 9:15). Christian fasting is often a denial of a good thing that God gives (usually food) and aligning one’s desires to Christ. Through abstinence, one can grow in their understanding and experience of God as their ultimate sustainer. Historically, Christians practiced obligatory fasting during the period of Lent (the forty days before Christ’s resurrection). More recently, the obligatory days of fasting are Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) and Good Friday (the day of Christ’s crucifixion). Some Christians also practice personal fasting as a spiritual discipline throughout the year.

Islam: Fasting in Islam, or Sawm, is an obligatory practice seen during the holy month of Ramadan (the ninth month in the Lunar Calendar). It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The thirty-day fast involves no food, drink, or sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk and abstaining from other things that are considered worldly (e.g., smoking).  Muslims fast during Ramadan to commemorate when the Prophet Muhammed received his first revelation of the Qur’an. It is rooted in the concept of taqwa (personal piety or God consciousness). Fasting serves as a practical reminder that Allah is the provider of everything and helps Muslims ultimately to become closer to Allah.

Judaism: Fasting in Judaism, or Ta’anit, is practiced throughout the year and involves six different fast days. Judaism has two major fast days (Yom Kippur and Tisha b’Av) and four minor fast days (Fast of Esther, Fast of Gedaliah, Tenth Tevet, and Seventeenth of Tammuz). Jews fast for different reasons: mourning (Tisha b’Av), celebration (Fast of Esther), and forgiveness (Yom Kippur). Fasting in Judaism includes abstaining from food, drink, smoking, sexual relations, and other practices considered worldly. For Jews, fasting is to remember the past community, to mourn, and to hope for mercy from God.

4.
Day of Worship

Christianity: Christians gather together for weekly worship on Sunday. This tradition can be traced back to the second century. Some suggest that the Sunday sabbath was instituted by the Apostles in the New Testament (see Acts 20). Early Christians declared Sunday as the sabbath because that was the day that Jesus rose from the dead (John 20:1). Hence, to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, Christians all over the world gather together in local congregations to worship and celebrate the resurrection of Christ every Sunday. Christmas and Easter are also celebrated annually. However, Easter is only on a Sunday, so the date is not fixed. 

Islam: Friday is the weekly day of worship in Islam. Praying at the mosque holds many vital merits in Islam, particularly the Jumu’ah prayer, which takes place around mid-day each Friday. Fridays are known for forgiveness, blessings, and unity within the ummah (Muslim community). Friday is particularly special for Muslims because it is considered the day of Adams’s creation, Adam’s exit from paradise, and the day of the impending Judgement (Sahih Bukhari 2:13:8, Sahih Muslims 4:1857).

Judaism: The Sabbath is the weekly holy day in Judaism, which is Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. Judaism has a high view of the Sabbath, as God made it holy (Gen. 2:2-3), and through the Ten Commandments, God has asked them to keep it holy as a sign of their participation in the covenant with God (Exod. 20:8-11). Additionally, the Sabbath has many rules that Jews must follow, like no financial transactions, writing, smoking, using a telephone, or doing any physical labor. 

5.
Forms of Worship

Christianity: Christians come together in worship through liturgical services every Sunday. Some of these liturgies are found in ancient traditions, while others are more modern. While there are subtle differences in denominations, Christian worship services typically include singing worship songs, giving alms, Bible readings, a sermon, prayers, fellowship, and celebration of the Eucharist (a.k.a. Communion or Lord’s Supper). 

Islam: When Muslims assemble on Fridays for communal worship and prayer, they follow a liturgical form of worship consisting of wudu (ritual washing), the call to prayer, recitation from the Qur’an, the Khutbah (sermon), and the Jumu’ah prayer followed by giving alms and Du’a’ (personal prayers). There are slight differences found among the various sects of Islam, but they generally follow this form. 

Judaism: Jews assemble on the Sabbath in the evening and morning. The Jewish morning Sabbath service (Shacharit) consists of a blessing, singing of Psalms, the Shema, the Amidah (standing prayer/blessings), the Torah Service, and closing prayers. During Torah Service (the focal point), the Torah (books of Moses) is taken out of an ark and processed among the congregation. Then, the Torah is unwrapped and read by congregants who are called up to read. Afterward, the scroll is wrapped, lifted, processed, and placed back into the ark. Finally, there is a sermon.

6.
Ritual Meals

Christianity: Christianity emphasizes meals, as seen in the Gospel accounts of Jesus dining with people, (especially with His disciples at the Last Supper). Christians often start meals with a prayer, thanking God for providing and blessing the food. Nevertheless, the most significant meal for Christians is the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion). Communion consists of bread and wine that is consecrated to be the body and blood of Christ or a symbol of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (depending on the denomination). Christians do not have food laws, for Christ has made all food clean (Mark 7:19). Many Christians will often gather for a communal meal following worship as a time of fellowship. 

Islam: Muslims begin by consuming Halal foods, adhering to Islamic law. Before eating or drinking, Muslims say Bismillah (in the name of Allah) as a blessing over it. Likewise, after the meals, Muslims say Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) as thankful praise for Allah’s provision. During Ramadan, meals have additional meaning, with the Suhoor (before daybreak) and Iftar (breaking the fast meal). Suhoor gives one strength throughout the day to worship Allah, and Iftar is the mercy you receive after fasting for Allah. Breaking the fast together is often seen as a means of unifying the Muslim community.

Judaism: Meals and food have enormous significance in Judaism, starting with Jews keeping Kosher food laws. Before eating, Jewish rituals include washing their hands (Yadayim) and praying a blessing over the food before and after the meals are done. Judaism has many feast days that carry their traditions and rituals. One of the most well-known is Passover, celebrated with the Passover Seder (some Christians also keep this tradition). This meal commemorates the night of the Passover in Egypt when the Israelites were freed from captivity and the Lord’s provision of food in the desert. 

7.
Prayer

Christianity: Prayer is central to Christianity and is the means by which one’s heart is attuned towards God to talk, listen, fellowship, and abide with God. Christians pray spontaneously and liturgically, both in personal and communal settings. Christians are commanded to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) (at all times), though Christians historically have made specific times throughout the day when one shall pray (e.g., before dawn, dawn, midday, dusk, bedtime). Some traditional prayers are learned and repeated, the most popular being The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13).

Islam: Prayer in Islam could be considered the primary worshipful act (like the Christians view the Eucharist). It is the most solemn act of remembering and obeying Allah’s commands. Islamic prayer consists of Salah (five obligatory daily prayers in Arabic towards Mecca, also one of the Five Pillars of Islam), Du’a’ (personal prayer), Jumu’ah (Friday prayers in the mosque), Dhikr (repetitive liturgy) in some traditions such as Sufism. Prayer can be a means of receiving Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. 

Judaism: Prayer is a mitsvah (a command of Adonai) in Judaism. It is a means of communication and reaching out to God that can happen spontaneously or liturgically and be personal or communal. In the Siddur ( a Jewish prayer book), there are three Jewish prayer times throughout the day: Shacharit (morning prayer), Minchah (afternoon prayer), and Maarvi (evening prayer). 

8.
Reading Holy Texts

Christianity: The Holy Bible is foundational to Christianity because it is the inspired and infallible word of God, which is authoritative for all believers. The text includes the Old and New Testaments. Christians hold the Bible in the highest regard, reading and teaching from it in worship services as well as using it in daily personal devotions. Every Christian is encouraged to read and apply the Bible to their lives as the ultimate authority for Godly living. 

Islam: Muslims view the Holy Qur’an as the exact words of Allah given through the Prophet Muhammad via the Angel Gabriel. They hold the Qur’an dear to their hearts and have certain rituals that illustrate its meaning (e.g., placing it on the highest shelf). The Qur’an is recited publicly every Friday during the Jumu’ah service, and Muslims are encouraged to read it in its entirety, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Often, Muslims have the audio recitation of the Qur’an playing in their vehicles or street shops, too. Some, known as Hafiz, have memorized the entire book. Muslims also believe that Allah inspired the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospels, but there is disagreement regarding the reliability of these texts.

Judaism: The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) is central to Judaism. It includes the Torah (books of Moses), the prophets, and the writings. The Torah is the most important. Jewish literature compares it to water, emphasizing its vital role in nourishing the mind and spirit (Babylonian Talmud, Bava Kama 82a). The Torah is kept in the ark in the synagogue as it is considered the law of God. Jews read the Torah during public worship on the Sabbath and use it for personal devotion daily or on specific days. The study of the Torah replaced the ritual sacrifice after the destruction of the temple.

9.
Ritual Sacrifice

Christianity: Sacrifice is at the core of Christianity. The Sacrifice of the only Son of God, on a cross, provides atonement for the sins of the world. His sacrifice defeats evil and death, exhibiting God’s power over all things. Additionally, Christians participate in the fruits of Christ’s sacrifice by participating with the gifts of God (Christ’s body and blood) through the celebration of the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion). The call for Christians now is to follow Christ’s example by giving themselves as a living sacrifice and participating with and in Christ’s divine work of reconciling the world to God.

Islam: Sacrifice is fundamental to Islam, but it is not sacrifice that Allah requires but rather a contrite and pious heart (Q 22:37). The sacrifice of Abraham’s son is critical in Islam, for his obedience to Allah illustrates to Muslims a perfect example of submission and piety (taqwa) towards Allah (Q 37:100-113). Muslims remember and commemorate this sacrifice with their feast called Eid-al-Adha, where they sacrifice an animal in remembrance of Allah’s provision of ransoming Abraham’s son (Q 37:107). They eat the sacrifice as a family, friends, and give the rest to the poor.

Judaism: Historically, Judaism has the most significant sacrificial system among the three Abrahamic faiths. From the creation of the Tabernacle through the destruction of the second temple by the Romans in 70 A.D., Judaism taught that sacrifice to God was a means of worship, purification, and atonement for sin. Following the temple’s destruction, rabbinic Judaism replaced the sacrificial system with the study of the Torah. 

10.
Ritual Washing

Christianity: Christianity emphasizes ritual washing, primarily through the rite of baptism. This ritual washing symbolizes outwardly the inward reality of formal entry into the body of Christ, purification from sin, and unification with Christ in his death and resurrection. Some Christian traditions use holy water to remember and renew their baptismal vows by dipping their fingers in the baptismal font upon entering a church and making the sign of the cross. Some renew their vows through communal sprinkling (e.g., during the Easter Virgil). 

Islam: Ritual washings, consisting of wudu (ritual washing) and ghusl (ritual bathing), are tremendously important in Islam, particularly if a person is defiled. Wudu is washing particular body parts (Q 5:6) before any prayer time (e.g., Salat, du’a’); however, it is also done before sleep, reading/touching the Qur’an, and after any defiling actions, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Ghusl is a washing (Q 4:6) of the entire body, which is done to get a “full absolution”¹ (recommended for converts). Ghusl is done primarily due to janabah (major defilement), consisting of contact with or actions involving bodily discharge (e.g., sexual intercourse, childbirth, and menstrual flow); however, out of piety, some perform ghusl before the Hajj too.

Judaism: Judaism has two formal forms of ritual washing: Tevilah and Yadayim. Tevilah is a complete immersion of the body in a Mikveh (a pool) to remove Tumah (impurity) (e.g., bodily discharge, sexual intercourse, certain animals, and touching a corpse) and sin from oneself. Yadayim is a ritual handwashing to remove impurities before eating (food and drink) and touching holy objects, such as the Torah (Mishnah Yadayim Chapter 3).

Works Cited

[1] “What Necessitates Wudu’ and Ghusl,” www.iium.edu.my (International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), n.d.), https://www.iium.edu.my/deed/lawbase/risalah_maliki/book02.html#:~:text=You%20have%20to%20do%20ghusl.

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