Abrahamic Religions

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively known as the "Abrahamic religions" because they trace their spiritual heritage to the patriarch Abraham. This shared ancestry provides insight into the interconnectedness of these three faiths. Biblical scholar Levenson (2012) writes, “The figure of Abraham represents not only the founding patriarch of the Israelites but also the prototype of faithful response to God”.

Christianity emerged from Judaism, with followers of Jesus of Nazareth viewing him as the fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecies. Early Christians, predominantly Jewish, adhered to Jewish laws while believing that Jesus was the Messiah who would bring salvation to humanity. Scholar Sanders (1977) explains, “Christianity arose from the Jewish tradition, and understanding Judaism is essential to understanding the origins of Christianity”. The New Testament frequently references Hebrew Scriptures, linking Jesus’ life and teachings to Jewish prophecies.

Islam acknowledges both Judaism and Christianity as preceding faiths. The Quran references central figures from both traditions, including Moses and Jesus. Muslims regard Muhammad as the final prophet, who came to restore and complete the message of God revealed earlier to Jews and Christians. Scholar Rippin (1988) states, “Islam views itself as the culmination of the prophetic tradition that began with figures like Abraham and continued through Moses and Jesus”.