Global Cultures Unit 6 Israel - Religious Significance

Unit 6: Israel - Religious Significance The Importance of Israel: ● Israel is a small country in Southwest Asia ● Located near Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia ● It’s capital is Jerusalem ● Though it is small, it is a very important place ○ Lots of significance to many religions ● Jerusalem is considered the holiest place in the world ● Especially important to the three abrahamic faiths ● The three Abrahamic Faiths: Judaism, Islam, Christianity Islam: ● Jerusalem is home to many prophets, and prophets are very important in Islam ● Significant part of the Prophet Muhammad’s story ● He visited it during his night journey before being taken to the heavens ● The first Quibla (place they turn to while praying) ● Home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque ● Israel’s population is 17.8% Muslim Judaism: ● Israel was God's promise land to Abraham in the Torah ● Judaism identity was shaped by Israel ● Most of the population there ● Temple of Jerusalem- destroyed, rebuilt, destroyed- Western Wall Christianity: ● Jesus was crucified and resurrected there ● Church of Holy Sepulchre in Israel ● 2% of Israel's population ● Similarities and differences: ● All three faiths practice monotheism- only worshipping one god ● Jerusalem plays a significant role in each faith ● All can be traced back to Abraham, the father of Abrahamic religions The Dome of Rock: ● A shrine located in Jerusalem ● Built in the late 7th century C.E ● The oldest Muslim monument that still exists today ● The shrine was built over a rock that was sacred to Muslims and Jews, though the shrine is a part of Islam. ● Traditionally, in Islam, it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven from that site. ● In Judaism, it is believed that Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, at this site. ● The original intention of the structure is unknown, as it is not a mosque.