# Key Differences Between Islam and Judaism  


## Introduction  

Islam and Judaism are both Abrahamic religions that believe in one God. While they share many similarities in beliefs, ethics, and laws, there are also fundamental differences between them. This article explains the main distinctions between Islam and Judaism in a simple and clear way.  


## 1. Core Beliefs  


### A) Concept of God  

- Islam: Muslims believe in Allah, the One and Only God, who has no partners or equals. The Quran emphasizes that "There is nothing like Him" (Surah Al-Ikhlas).  

- Judaism: Jews also worship one God (Yahweh), but some Jewish texts describe God in human-like terms (such as anger or sadness).  


### B) Prophets  

- Islam: Muslims respect all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH), who is considered the final prophet.  

- Judaism: Jews focus mainly on prophets like Moses (PBUH) and do not accept Muhammad (PBUH) as a prophet.  


### C) Holy Scriptures  

- Islam: The Quran is Islam’s holy book, believed to be God’s direct word. Muslims also recognize the Torah and Bible but believe they have been altered over time.  

- Judaism: The Jewish scripture is the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim). Jews do not accept the Quran as divine.  


### D) Afterlife  

- Islam: Muslims believe in Judgment Day, Heaven, and Hell, where deeds are weighed.  

- Judaism: Judaism focuses more on earthly life, with less emphasis on the afterlife.  


## 2. Religious Practices  


### A) Prayer  

- Islam: Muslims pray five times a day (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha) facing the Kaaba in Mecca.  

- Judaism: Jews pray three times a day (Shacharit, Mincha, Maariv) facing Jerusalem.  


### B) Fasting  

- Islam: Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.  

- Judaism: Jews fast on Yom Kippur and other days, usually from sunset to nightfall.  


### C) Dietary Laws  

- Islam: Halal meat must be slaughtered in God’s name. Pork and alcohol are forbidden.  

- Judaism: Kosher laws require special slaughter (Shechita) and ban pork and non-kosher food mixing (like meat and dairy).  


### D) Modesty (Hijab)  

- Islam: Muslim women cover their hair and body (except face and hands).  

- Judaism: Some Orthodox Jewish women also cover their hair, but rules are less strict.  


## 3. Society & Culture  


### A) Ethnicity & Race  

- Islam: Islam is a universal religion open to all races and ethnicities.  

- Judaism: Judaism is more ethnically centered, with Jews considering themselves the "Chosen People." However, conversion is possible.  


### B) Women’s Role  

- Islam: Women have rights to education, inheritance, and marriage choice, but some cultures impose restrictions.  

- Judaism: Orthodox Judaism traditionally assigns women domestic roles, while Reform Judaism promotes gender equality.  


## 4. View of Other Religions  

- Islam: Muslims respect Abrahamic faiths but see Islam as the final revelation.  

- Judaism: Jews generally do not recognize other religions as divinely ordained.  


## Conclusion  

Islam and Judaism share belief in one God and moral values but differ in theology, laws, and social structure. Islam emphasizes universality and the afterlife, while Judaism focuses on ethnicity and earthly life. Understanding these differences can promote interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.