Final Exam - Comparative Religion

The correct answer is true because all Muslims are indeed unified in their fundamental beliefs of Islam, including the belief in one God, the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh), and the belief in one Quran. On the other hand, Christians are divided in their fundamental beliefs, such as the concept of the Trinity and differing interpretations of who Jesus was and the authority of the Bible. Therefore, the statement accurately reflects the distinction between the unity of Muslims and the division among Christians in their fundamental beliefs.

Catholics believe in the authority of the Pope. The Pope is considered the successor of Saint Peter and the head of the Roman Catholic Church. He is believed to have the power to interpret scripture, make doctrinal decisions, and guide the church. This belief in the authority of the Pope is a distinctive characteristic of Catholicism and sets it apart from other sects of Christianity.

Christianity is the correct answer because it is the largest religion in the world in terms of followers. It has approximately 2.3 billion adherents worldwide, making it the most widely practiced religion globally. Islam follows closely with around 1.9 billion followers, while Hinduism has around 1.2 billion adherents. Atheism, on the other hand, is not a religion but rather the absence of belief in a god or gods, so it is not accurate to compare it in terms of followers.

Muslim women have the right to inherit, gain education, keep their maiden name, and keep their earned wealth. However, the right to wear what she wants and how she wants it may be restricted in certain cultural or societal contexts, where there may be dress codes or expectations imposed on women.

Studying comparative religion has several benefits. One benefit is that it helps us effectively convey the message of Islam by understanding the ideologies of others. This is exemplified by the stories of Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who were able to convey their message in the context of the beliefs of their respective audiences. Additionally, comparing Islam with other ideologies allows us to appreciate the beauty and guidance of Islam. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

The statement is true because Protestants, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox have different versions of the Bible. Each denomination has its own specific canon, which includes different books and translations of the Bible. For example, the Protestant Bible includes 66 books, while the Catholic Bible includes additional books known as the Deuterocanonical books. The Eastern Orthodox Bible also includes these additional books, along with some variations in translation. Therefore, it is accurate to say that each denomination has a different version of the Bible.

Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their practice of going door to door to spread their message. They believe it is their duty to share their beliefs and teachings with others in order to save souls and bring people closer to God. This method of evangelism is a distinctive characteristic of Jehovah's Witnesses and sets them apart from other sects in Christianity.

This statement is false. Both Sunnis and Shias have the same Quran with the same number of Suras. The Quran consists of 114 Suras and is the same for all Muslims regardless of their sect.

The Talmud is a central text in Judaism, consisting of rabbinic teachings and interpretations of Jewish law. It is considered a sacred book by Jews and serves as a guide for religious and ethical practices. Therefore, the correct answer is Jews.

When doing dawah to Jews, it is best to avoid discussing the politics of Israel & Palestine. This is because the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a sensitive and contentious issue, and bringing it up during dawah may lead to arguments and disagreements that can hinder the effectiveness of the conversation. It is important to focus on topics that can build bridges of understanding and promote a positive dialogue, such as the concept of Tauheed (monotheism), Prophet Muhammad's prophecies in the Bible, Islamic solutions to societal problems, and the preservation of the Quran.

All of the above. In various religious traditions, it is expected for certain women to cover their hair. In Judaism, married women cover their hair as a sign of modesty. In Christianity, women are encouraged to cover their hair when praying. Catholic nuns also cover their hair as part of their religious habit. In Islam, Muslim women are required to cover their hair in front of non-mahrams (men who are not close relatives). Therefore, all of these groups are supposed to cover their hair according to their respective religious practices.

Paul is the correct answer because he wrote the majority of the booklets of the New Testament. Paul, also known as the Apostle Paul or Saint Paul, was an early Christian missionary and writer. He wrote many letters, or epistles, to various Christian communities, which are now included in the New Testament. Paul's writings, such as the letters to the Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, are significant in shaping Christian theology and providing guidance to early believers. His contributions to the New Testament make him the author of the majority of its booklets.

Christians believe in the concept of the Holy Trinity, which states that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This means that although there are three persons, they are all united as one God. Therefore, the correct answer is "Three persons in one god."

Christians and Jews do not both believe in the old testament and the new testament. While Christians believe in both the old and new testaments, Jews only believe in the old testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh. Therefore, the statement is false.

Hinduism does not have a specific founder like other religions. It is an ancient religion that evolved over thousands of years, with its roots in the Indus Valley civilization. Hinduism is a complex and diverse religion that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions. It is characterized by its emphasis on dharma (moral and ethical duties), karma (action and consequences), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). The absence of a single founder allows for flexibility and diversity within Hinduism, as it has been shaped and influenced by various sages, philosophers, and religious leaders throughout history.

The question asks which book of the New Testament was written by Jesus Christ. However, according to historical and scholarly consensus, none of the books in the New Testament were written by Jesus himself. The New Testament consists of writings by various authors, including the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which are believed to have been written by disciples or followers of Jesus. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above."

Moses is considered the greatest prophet according to the Jews because he is believed to have received the Ten Commandments directly from God and led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He is also credited with writing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Torah. Moses is highly revered for his leadership, his role in delivering the divine laws, and his guidance of the Jewish people during their journey to the Promised Land. His significance and impact on Jewish history and religious teachings make him the greatest prophet in Jewish tradition.

The statement is incorrect. The first four booklets of the New Testament are actually called the Gospels, not the Torah. The Torah refers to the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

When doing dawah to a Christian, it is important not to bring up the topic of ridiculing the Trinity. This is because the Trinity is a fundamental belief in Christianity, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three distinct persons in one God. Ridiculing this belief may be seen as disrespectful and offensive to Christians, hindering the effectiveness of the dawah effort. It is important to approach interfaith dialogue with respect and understanding, focusing on commonalities and finding ways to bridge gaps in beliefs.

According to Hinduism, the belief is that after death, individuals are reborn or reincarnated based on their actions in their previous life. If someone has performed bad deeds, they will be reborn as a lower species as a form of punishment or purification. This concept of reincarnation is a fundamental belief in Hinduism and is a way for individuals to continue their spiritual journey towards ultimate liberation or moksha.

Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in the concept of Trinity. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and a separate entity from God the Father, rejecting the idea that they are part of a unified Godhead. This belief sets them apart from other sects of Christianity such as Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox, who all adhere to the concept of the Trinity, which states that God is three persons in one: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.

The correct answer is proclaiming Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead. In Christianity, salvation is believed to come through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. By proclaiming Jesus as Lord and acknowledging his resurrection, believers demonstrate their trust and acceptance of his sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. This belief is considered essential for salvation in Christianity.

Protestants is the correct answer because it is the largest Christian sect in the USA. They make up the majority of Christians in the country, with various denominations such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian. Protestants originated from the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when they broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. They emphasize the authority of the Bible, salvation through faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers.

Verses 33.59 and 24.31 of the Quran mention the concept of modest clothing for Muslim sisters. In verse 33.59, it is stated that women should draw their outer garments around themselves when they go out in order to be recognized as believers and to be protected from harassment. In verse 24.31, women are instructed to lower their gaze, guard their modesty, and not display their beauty except what is apparent. These verses emphasize the importance of modesty in clothing for Muslim women.

In Surah As-Saff, verse 61 of the Quran, Jesus (pbuh) is reported to have prophesied about the coming of a Prophet after him whose name shall be Ahmed. This verse is often interpreted as a reference to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as "Ahmed" is one of his names. Therefore, the correct answer is 61.6.

The correct answer is Bhagwat Gita. The Bhagwat Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a conversation between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. In the Bhagwat Gita, Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom and guidance to Arjuna, addressing topics such as duty, righteousness, and the nature of the self. The teachings of Krishna in the Bhagwat Gita are highly regarded and have had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

All of the mentioned religious groups, Muslims, Orthodox Jews, and Eastern Orthodox Christians, practice separation between genders during prayer services. This practice is rooted in their respective religious traditions and beliefs. It is a way to maintain modesty and focus during worship, as well as to adhere to specific religious laws and customs. While the degree and specifics of gender separation may vary among these groups, the underlying principle remains the same.

The correct order to proceed with when explaining the given topics is: Oneness of Allah, Prophets and Messengers, sinless babies, benefits of embracing Islam, and paradise. This order allows for a logical flow of information, starting with the concept of the Oneness of Allah, which is fundamental in Islam. Then, the discussion can move on to the role of Prophets and Messengers in conveying Allah's message. Sinless babies can be discussed next, highlighting the concept of innocence in Islam. Benefits of embracing Islam can then be explained, followed by the concept of paradise as a reward for believers.

According to the Bible, the followers of Jesus were not named "Christian" by Jesus himself, the disciples of Jesus, or Paul. The name "Christian" was actually given to the followers of Jesus by people who were idol worshippers.

Surah 16, verse 125 of the Quran mentions the importance of inviting people to the path of Allah using wisdom (hikmah). This verse emphasizes the need to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue when conveying the message of Islam to others. It encourages Muslims to use wisdom, knowledge, and good manners to effectively communicate the teachings of Allah and invite others towards the path of righteousness.