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.