THE FIVE MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS

The Five Major World Religions

Throughout history, humans have pondered life's most profound questions: "Where do we come from? What is our purpose? What happens after death?" Religion has developed as a system of beliefs to address these mysteries, guided by faith and the intuition that a higher power or transcendent reality exists. Here's a brief overview of the five major world religions.

HINDUISM
Hinduism, originating in India over 5,000 years ago, is not a single unified religion but a collection of spiritual traditions and practices. Central to Hindu belief is the concept of 'karma', the law of cause and effect, and 'dharma', the duty one must follow based on their role in society. Life is seen as a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as 'samsara' , governed by one's actions. The ultimate goal is to achieve 'moksha' , liberation from samsara, uniting the soul with the universal reality, 'Brahman'.
Hinduism recognizes many gods, all manifestations of Brahman, such as 'Brahma' (the creator), 'Vishnu' (the preserver), and 'Shiva' (the transformer). Key figures include 'Krishna' , an avatar of Vishnu, who taught the importance of fulfilling one's dharma. With a billion followers worldwide, Hinduism is the third-largest religion, primarily concentrated in India but also practiced globally.
JUDAISM
Judaism began around 4,000 years ago in the ancient Near East when God called Abraham and Sarah to migrate to Canaan, promising them land and descendants. This covenant introduced monotheism, the belief in one God, a revolutionary idea at the time. The Jewish faith emphasizes a sacred relationship with God, articulated through laws and teachings, such as the 'Ten Commandments' , given to Moses.
Judaism transformed after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, becoming a religion centered on sacred texts like the 'Tanakh' (Hebrew Bible) and the 'Talmud', a collection of interpretations and discussions. Jewish traditions, such as 'Passover', commemorate historical events, while ceremonies like 'bar and bat mitzvahs' celebrate personal responsibility in faith. Today, there are approximately 14 million Jews worldwide, with major communities in Israel and the United States.


BUDDHISM
Buddhism originated in India about 2,500 years ago with 'Siddhartha Gautama' , a prince who sought to understand and overcome human suffering. Through meditation and self-reflection, he realized that suffering is caused by selfish desires and taught the 'Middle Way' , avoiding extremes of indulgence and deprivation.

Siddhartha, known as the 'Buddha' (the Enlightened One), outlined the 'Eightfold Path', a guide to ethical living, mental focus, and compassion, leading to enlightenment, or 'nirvana'. Unlike many religions, Buddhism places greater emphasis on actions rather than belief in deities. Today, nearly a billion Buddhists practice this faith, primarily in East, Southeast, and South Asia.

CHRISTIANITY
Christianity emerged 2,000 years ago in the land of Judaism. Its central figure, 'Jesus of Nazareth', was believed by followers to be the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Jesus taught love, forgiveness, and justice, challenging societal norms and advocating for the marginalized.

After his crucifixion by the Romans, his resurrection inspired a movement that spread rapidly. Key Christian practices include 'baptism', symbolizing the washing away of sin, and 'Communion', commemorating Jesus's Last Supper. With approximately two billion followers, Christianity is the largest religion in the world, celebrated for its teachings on love and redemption.

ISLAM
Islam, founded 1,400 years ago, began when the prophet 'Muhammad' received revelations from the angel Malaika jibril 'Gabriel'. These messages, recorded in the 'Quran', are considered the word of God (Allah) and emphasize submission to His will.
The faith is built upon the Five Pillars of Islam:
1. Shahada: Declaration of faith in Allah and Muhammad as His prophet.
2. Salat: Praying five times daily facing Mecca.
3. Zakat: Giving a portion of wealth to the poor.
4. Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, required once for those able.
Islam is the second-largest religion, with over 1.5 billion followers worldwide, and it emphasizes charity, discipline, and devotion.

A Shared Quest for Meaning
Though diverse in their teachings, all major religions seek to provide meaning beyond daily life, offering guidance on morality, purpose, and our connection to a greater reality. Each faith invites followers to explore questions of existence, transcend suffering, and connect with something beyond themselves.