Foundational Beliefs of Religions Around The World

In this section of the blog, we will delve into the core beliefs of popular religions from all corners of the globe. These beliefs form the foundation of these religions and have shaped the lives and practices of billions of people throughout history. We will take a closer look at the teachings and principles of various faiths, and explore the commonalities and differences between them. Through this exploration, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse beliefs that exist in our world.

Islam

Islam is one of the world's major monotheistic religions, founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Qur'an. Here are the foundational beliefs and practices of Islam:

Five Pillars of Islam: These are the five basic acts of worship that are central to a Muslim's faith and practice:
- Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, bearing witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salat (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers at prescribed times: dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night.
- Zakat (Almsgiving): Giving to those in need, typically a set percentage of one's savings.
- Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if one is physically and financially able.
Belief in One God (Tawhid): Islam emphasizes monotheism, the belief in one indivisible God (Allah in Arabic).
Prophets and Messengers: Muslims believe in a series of prophets sent by God to guide humanity. While Adam is considered the first prophet, Muhammad is believed to be the last. Other prophets include Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus.
Holy Scriptures: While the Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam, Muslims also believe in other scriptures sent by God, including the Torah (given to Moses), the Psalms (given to David), the Gospel (given to Jesus), and others. However, they believe that these earlier scriptures have been altered over time and only the Qur'an remains in its original form.
Belief in Angels: Angels are considered to be messengers of God. The Archangel Gabriel, for instance, delivered the revelations of the Qur'an to Muhammad.
Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in a final Day of Judgment when all souls will be resurrected and judged by God. Actions in life determine one's fate in the hereafter.
Qadr (Divine Preordainments): Muslims believe in the divine will and decree of God. Everything that happens is believed to be by the will of God.
Life after Death: Islam teaches the existence of an afterlife. Those who do good deeds and lead a righteous life will be rewarded in Paradise, while those who do wrong will be punished in Hell.
Moral and Ethical Guidelines: Islam provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for personal behavior, social justice, family relations, and more. This includes concepts like honesty, respect for parents, kindness to neighbors, and prohibitions against lying, stealing, and murder.
Jurisprudence (Sharia): Islamic law, or Sharia, is derived from both the Qur'an and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). It covers various aspects of daily life, including religious, moral, and social matters.
Community (Ummah): The global Muslim community is referred to as the Ummah. Muslims are encouraged to work for its betterment and unity.

Islam is a diverse religion with various cultural practices and interpretations, often influenced by regional traditions. The aforementioned foundations are general, and while they are universally recognized, specific practices and beliefs might vary among different Muslim communities and sects.

Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination known for its distinct beliefs and practices. Here are the foundational beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses:

Name of God: They believe in the use of God's name, Jehovah, which is a transliteration of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) found in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Bible: Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) is the inspired, infallible word of God. They use their translation called the "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures" (NWT).
Jesus Christ: They believe Jesus is God's first creation and the "only-begotten Son." He is not considered equal to God or part of a Trinity. Before coming to Earth, Jesus was known as the Archangel Michael.
Kingdom of God: Central to their beliefs is the coming Kingdom of God, with Jesus as its King. They believe Jesus has been ruling in heaven since 1914 and will soon establish a global earthly paradise.
Salvation: Salvation is by faith, but it must be accompanied by works. This includes regular participation in evangelism, which is why Jehovah's Witnesses are known for door-to-door preaching.
No Hell: They do not believe in a fiery hell where the wicked are tormented. Instead, those who are not part of the saved will simply cease to exist (annihilationism).
144,000 Anointed Ones: They believe that 144,000 people will be resurrected to live with Christ in heaven and rule over the earth. The rest of the righteous will live forever on a paradise Earth.
Blood Transfusions: Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their refusal to accept blood transfusions, based on biblical passages that prohibit the consumption of blood.
No Celebration of Holidays: They do not celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or other traditional Christian holidays, believing these have pagan origins or do not align with biblical teachings.
Neutral in Political Matters: Jehovah's Witnesses maintain neutrality in political matters and do not participate in military service, saluting flags, or voting in political elections.
End Times: They have a distinct set of beliefs regarding the end times, including the belief that we are currently living in the "last days."
Organizational Structure: The religion is organized under the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Decisions and teachings are disseminated by a Governing Body. Members are expected to adhere closely to the teachings and policies set by this body.
Disfellowshipping: Members who do not adhere to the teachings or who engage in actions deemed sinful without repentance can be "disfellowshipped," which involves shunning by the community and even family members.

It's worth noting that the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses set them apart from mainstream Christian denominations, leading to varied perceptions and reactions from other religious groups. Like any religion, understanding the Jehovah's Witnesses in depth requires a thorough exploration beyond this foundational overview.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the LDS Church or Mormon Church was founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith. Its foundational beliefs and practices are based on modern scriptures in addition to the Bible. Here's an outline of the foundations of the religion:

Restoration: Mormons believe that their church is a restoration of the original church Jesus Christ established on Earth. They believe that, over time, the original Christian church was altered and its teachings corrupted, leading to a great apostasy. God, through Joseph Smith, restored the true church in the early 19th century.

Scriptures: In addition to the Bible (both Old and New Testaments), Mormons consider several other texts as scripture:

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ – This text tells the story of ancient inhabitants of the Americas and their dealings with God. It's considered a companion to the Bible.
Doctrine and Covenants: Revelations given to Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets, mostly pertaining to the organization and doctrine of the Church.
Pearl of Great Price: A collection of translations, revelations, and writings of Joseph Smith.
Living Prophets: Mormons believe in the concept of continuing revelation. The Church is led by a living prophet, who is considered the only person authorized to receive revelations for the entire Church. This prophet, along with twelve apostles, guides the Church's teachings and practices.

Plan of Salvation: This plan outlines the purpose of life, the role of Jesus Christ, and the journey of every soul from pre-mortal existence to mortality and then into the eternities. It encompasses beliefs about the nature of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, and exaltation.

Ordinances: Sacred rites and ceremonies such as baptism, confirmation, the endowment, and celestial marriage (temple marriage). These are considered essential for salvation and exaltation.

Moral Code: Mormons adhere to a code of health known as the "Word of Wisdom" which prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. They also adhere to the law of chastity, which prohibits sexual relations outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

Temples: Latter-day Saints consider temples to be the house of God on earth, a place where special ordinances like eternal marriage and proxy baptisms for the dead are performed.

Missionary Work: Members of the LDS Church are encouraged to share the gospel, and young men and women often serve full-time missions around the world.

Tithing: Members are encouraged to donate 10% of their income to the Church to support its operations, including building temples, and churches, and carrying out worldwide humanitarian efforts.

The Eternal Family: Family relationships are considered sacred and can be eternal through certain temple ordinances. Families are central to the plan of salvation.

It's important to note that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its teachings have evolved over time, with new revelations and declarations made by its leaders. Additionally, while the above provides an overview, the Church has a rich tapestry of teachings, history, and practices that would require deeper exploration for a comprehensive understanding.