Semitic Religions Research Articles

Unveiling Divinity: A Comparative Quest Into The Perception Of God In Islam And Semitic Religions

The quest to understand the perception of God across different religions has been a central theme in human civilization. This comparative study delves into the essence of divinity as perceived in Islam and Semitic religions, exploring the foundational beliefs and philosophical underpinnings that shape the understanding of the Supreme Divine Authority. Drawing from insights gleaned from renowned historian Arnold Toynbee's monumental work on the history of religion, this study underscores the significance of religion in unraveling the mysteries of existence. Despite attempts by non-religious ideologies like Marxism and Freudianism to undermine organized religion, the enduring presence of faith systems underscores the intrinsic role of religion in human existence. Through an examination of key scriptures, including the Glorious Qur'an, this study elucidates the commonalities and divergences in the perception of God, emphasizing the universal call to worship a singular, omnipotent deity. Moreover, it highlights the innate human inclination towards belief in the Creator, positing that acceptance of divinity requires no precondition, while disbelief necessitates conditioned skepticism. Ultimately, this study offers profound insights into the universal quest for understanding the divine, transcending cultural and religious boundaries to illuminate the timeless truths underlying human spirituality.

سامی ادیان میں تصوف کے تصورات اور تجربات کا تقابلی جائزہ

Spiritual experiences and the attainment of enlightment had been a favorite subject and spiritual need of humanities since day first. This article examines the experiences and core beliefs of mysticism in semitic religions in narrative and analytical style. Man goes to great lengths to gain power and success in social affairs, but the other side of the picture is that, arrangements for the peace of the soul in could not attain by aristocratic life style. It is fact that history is not unfimiliar with the experience and statements of sufism. A group of people striving for spiritual perfection has its special position in the history of religions. The characteristics of semistic religions is their rightful claim, that is, ALLAH gave these religion a unique from other religions. Then, in his last book the Holy Quran, he mentioned the habits, beliefs, religious and spiritual experiences and faith of these religions in detail compared to other religions. This research will present a comparative analysis of mystic experience, status, styles, aims of austerity, and tradition of spiritual experiences in semitic religions. Hence, the similarities and differences.

Kisah Penyembelihan Putra Ibrahim Dalam Al-Qur’an dan Al-Kitab (Analisis Intertekstualis Julia Kristeva)

The story of the slaughter of Abraham's son is one of the historical narratives in Semitic religions, including the Bible and Al-Qur'an. Although these narratives have similarities in both scriptures, there are also significant differences in the interpretation and emphasis of these stories. This article aims to conduct a comparative study of the story of the sacrifice of the son of Abraham in the Bible and the Koran using Julia Kristeva's intertextuality analysis with the aim of understanding the differences and similarities that exist in content, theological messages and implications in the two religions. The research method used is literature study. In this analysis, we will pay attention to differences in chronology, the characters involved, as well as the moral and theological messages expressed in the two versions of the story. The results of this study reveal significant differences in several aspects of the story of the slaughter of Abraham's son between the Koran and the Bible. One of the main differences lies in the identity of the son to be slaughtered. In the Qur'an, the son to be slaughtered is not explicitly named, while in the Bible, the son is referred to as Isaac. Apart from that, the theological emphasis and messages that appear in the two narratives also have striking differences. This study provides deeper insight into the differences and similarities in the story of the slaughter of Abraham's son in the Qur'an and the Bible. As a result of the analysis using intertextuality, it can be seen that the relationship between the narrative of this story in the Bible and the Qur'an is transformation, modification, demystification and parallel.

اسلام اور عیسائیت کے تصور نکاح کا تقابلی جائزہ

Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, usually between a man and a woman. It is a social ceremony that is continued in every religion of the world, in every region and in every nation, because it is related to the survival and continuity of life, which if left, the human race will be cut off. Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God. In Islam, marriage holds great value and importance. Islam and Christianity, both Semitic religions, have some commonalities regarding the concept of marriage. In both Islam and Christianity, the importance of marriage is emphasized, some relationships are forbidden for marriage and there are severe punishments for those who marry with mahrams. In both religions, certain conditions of marriage are necessary to fulfil. In both religions, the husband is declared as the ruler and administrator, and it is ordered to treat their wives with love, compassion and gentleness. We found some differences regarding marriage affairs. Unlike Islam, celibacy is permitted and encouraged in Christianity. Islam allows a man to have up to four wives at the same time while Christianity allows only one marriage. In Islam, there is a clear concept of haqq-e-mahr, while in Christianity there is no such concept. This article presents a comparative study of the concept of marriage in Islam and Christianity.

"Hinduism's Path to Global Peace: Insights from Ancient Texts and Ethical Commandments

God has made different religions to suit different aspirations, times and countries...one can reach God if one follows any of the paths with wholehearted devotion- Ramakrishna, A Hindu mystic Peace has been a long-cherished dream since times immemorial, however, its significance and scope in the cutting edge world has expanded many-overlap. The word Peace having no settled upon single definition has been clarified by a few, as quietness or calm, independence from unsettling influence or struggle, nonappearance or suspension of war, a condition of security or request, and a compromise after difficulty, and so on. It could anyway be best comprehended and increased in value by the nonattendance of the antonyms like war, strife, agitation, savagery, psychological warfare, devastation and so on Religion is integral to the presence of pretty much every general public and has been characterized as "a bunch of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of life and the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency”. All major religions of Humanity have consistently endorsed calm and urged people for universal brotherhood. Though Ahimsa or peacefulness shapes a cardinal standard of practically all Aryan religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism; the Semitic religions; the Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that share the essential ideas of Monotheism, Prophets and Life after death; depict harmony and compromise among intra and inter-religious groups as carrying great rewards in the hereafter. Religions normally join a code of morals that worry about the conduct of the individual, yet men don’t always live up to the standards they profess.This paper tries to analyze the quintessential uniqueness and new insights of peace in sacred texts of the world’s oldest religion-- Hinduism, its ethical commandments for peace and war as well as the ways and means of achieving this goal

INTERPRETASI NURCHOLISH MADJID ATAS AYAT-AYAT AL-QUR’AN TENTANG PLURALISME AGAMA

This research aims to reveal the concept of religious pluralism expressed by Nurcholish Madjid in his renewal ideas and Nurcholish Madjid's interpretation of the verses of the Qur’an about religious pluralism is like. This research is library research is research that makes books that discuss the themes studied as a source of data in research. The object to be studied in this research is Nurcholish Madjid. The results of this study indicate that religious pluralism in the idea of Nurcholish Madjid is a plurality of paths leading to one truth, namely the truth of God. This is based on his belief that the One Truth is only God, so only God cannot be more than one, while the path to God as the One Truth certainly varies, according to human ability to obtain and reason information from the procedures to God. Nurcholish Madjid, interprets religious pluralism from two contexts, namely, First, the Indonesian context and modernity. Second, the context of the meaning of the word al-Islām "an attitude of surrender to God" as a meeting point of semitic religions.

Promoting Interreligious Understanding: Strategies, Challenges, and a Path Forward

With almost all nations now having multireligious civilizations, the world of today may be a very diverse and challenging place to live. Multireligious societies are now even more feasible thanks to increasing mobility and shorter travel times. Although other parts of the world may be experiencing this for the first time, India has always been a multiethnic, multireligious, and multicultural country. Although it has struggled between religions throughout its history despite this diversity, it occasionally seems as though it lacks interreligious understanding. But we have always worked to foster and advance a mutually respectful knowledge of the various religions that people worship. This has frequently been accomplished through hosting interreligious discussions or by authoring scholarly studies on the areas where different religions have similarities. The reason “Interreligious Understanding” is preferred lexicographically over the currently popular nomenclature of “Interfaith” is because “Interfaith” has a definite orientalism undertone. There is always a chance to disregard other world faiths because, in its precise definition, it largely refers to Semitic religions. We must go over the idea’s unmistakable oriental imitative phase in order to begin a discussion that is more substantial and pertinent to India’s multireligious community.

The Hero that Kills his Writer

This paper initiates with stating the causes of the phenomenon of suicide. Unlike in Semitic religions, in America tends to be regarded as a psychological or sociological phenomenon. However, some suicidologists have asserted that the mere act of suicide provides sources of pleasure and therefore of motivation. Examples of atypical suicide are stated through ‘the largest suicide in a community’. Then the position of literature towards suicide .Then, International novels about the suicide of the heroes.such as Anna Karenina, Mrs. Dalloway, Veronica decides to die, Beware of pity. After that, the paper states some of famous writers and their suicide such as Kurt Vonnegut, Jack London, Hunter S. Thompson, Sylvia Plath, Raymond Chandler, David Foster Wallace. The bulk of this article ink has been shed on the’ The Hero that kills his writer’ taking Ernest Hemingway as a vivid example. Avoiding the temptation to fill up the paper with theoretical arguments on the various causes of the suicide of a person, even with the presence of common factors, the aim of the paper is to initiate a debate on the concerns regarding the death of literature writers and their characters. Examples of some prominent writers who committed suicide and how death haunted them in whatever they wrote. The conclusion shows the author’s point of view towards the suicide of the writers and opens a window to a further debate by asking rhetorical questions.

Significance of Spiders in Science and Religion: An Overview

Spider and its silk have been a subject of great intrigue for the scientific community. The wide variety of applications of silk has catapulted it to the centre stage of research in biopolymers. However, this interest in spiders is not merely limited to the scientific world. This tiny arthropod has been revered as a deity among various ancient civilizations of the world. In mythology and folklore, the spider is often depicted in association with the deity of fertility and prosperity, thus it is held in great respect. Although the spider is no longer worshipped, it is still regarded with great respect. Islam and Judaism credit the tiny arachnid with saving the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and King David respectively. Moreover, the reference to spiders also occurs in the Holy Scriptures of Semitic religions. The spider and its web are used as a reference by God to convey guidance and warning. The central theme lies in the fragility of spider webs. The non-believers often rely on worldly allies and resources against God; however, their example is that of a fragile spider web that is easily blown away.

Prophets and people of the Semitic religion in English translated Quran: Corpus and CDA over western power dominance

The Quran is the oldest scripture revealed by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), and its originality has been preserved to this day, as evidenced by the language it employs—Arabic. It has become a popular reference for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, especially since the 9/11 tragedy. Not surprisingly, its native text, Arabic, is now widely available in translated versions, with English-translated Quran being the most frequent. The current study intends to investigate the meta-religious text concerning Prophets and the people mentioned in the Quran. The primary data of this study were obtained from the English-translated Quran by Talal Itani and analyzed with qualitative analysis software, NVivo 12 Plus, using the text search and query feature. Following that, discourse analysis was used to examine the text, social cognition, and sociocultural context. The results indicate that Moses ranked first in the Prophets category with 135 references, while the other prophets had a varied distribution: Abraham had 72, Jesus had 25, and Muhammad had 12 references. People of Israel were the most frequently discovered words with 42 mentions, followed by Jew, Christian, and Muslim. This research reveals surprising discursive evidence showing Muhammad and Muslims were the lowest of all categories. This means that the Quran is a revelation that is aimed not only for Muslims but also for all humanities, particularly the other Semitic religions: Christianity and Judaism.

سامی ادیان میں بدکاری کی سزا ؤں کا تقابلی مطالعہ

Maintaining law and order is one of the primary functions of a political set up and government’s all over the world, since times immemorial, have done this by introducing a system of reward and punishment. Religions have been instrumental in providing the ethical grounds for formulation as well as enforcement of this system of reward and punishment. These notions of reward and punishment help promote harmony and peaceful coexistence. Societal harmony and peace can only be ensured if the same has already been established at the family level since the family is the very basic and primary structural unit of any society. The family originates with a man and woman agreeing to live as husband and wife for procreation and conjugal bliss. Almost the Semitic religions emphasise the need to regulate this conjugal relationship according to the parameters of justice, love, mutual respect, and adherence to the religious code that recognizes and regulates this relationship between two individuals. Faithfulness and Fair play in a sexual relationship have been categorically highlighted as inviolable canons of conduct by all the religions, especially the three Semitic religions, i.e., Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Sustainable peace in a society is dependent upon strict conformity with these religious guidelines of sexual conduct. Adherents to these canons of conduct have been promised worldly and heavenly bliss and the transgressors of limits have been warned of horrible consequences in this worldly existence as well as in the life of the hereafter. Through this dissertation, the researcher aims at conducting a comparative analysis of worldly punishments meted out to adulterers in these three Semitic religions to prove that there has been a consistent continuity in all the three Semitic faiths so far as dealing with this phenomenon of adultery is concerned.

Parental Parental Involvement and Professional Trends & Practices in Higher Education: An Islamic Module for Internship Progressiveness

Education is the most important phase in human life. It begins from teaching of parents to tutors and then institutions to society. Parents are the fore-most; oldest and ever-remaining character in learning and developmental process and modern research admitted that they have a very crucial role in human development. Capitalist behaviour camouflaged this crucial role to conceal the mistakes and emotional deficiency of educational management. Administration put a board “No parents beyond this point” to stop communication of parents with children and teachers. They invaded many practices in educational administrative circle to snub the parents so that they can draw more financial benefits in the name of modern and quality education. Modern researches and worthy teaching of Semitic religions are bluntly saying that involvement of parents is very productive and effective in not only general learning process but also in professional development.
 Parents, especially in Eastern countries, are sufficiently unaware with the practices of their involvement in Professional Development Process (PDP) of their children specifically in Higher education. Researches in Education developed many modules of parental involvement in educational spheres like Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Home School Project (HSP), Second Educators (SEs), Home Visiting Scheme (HVS), Home University Agreement (HUA) and Parents-Student Internship Project (P-SIP). This article discussed critically and annalistically the importance of P-SIP and its module to convey the wholesome picture of parental involvement in learning process for professional development in higher education. Resultantly, any institution can adopt this module to implement it into its system for a productive learning output.

Concept of Social Reform, In the Light of Semitic Religions

Social reform is a combination of two beautiful words. As soon as this beautiful and charming combination of two words is founded to be read, written, and spoken, then in the windows of our minds and brains all the evils in the society which have poised the society begin to circulate who have poised the society. From moral degradation to lack of moral values, adulteration, lying, looting, fraud, lust of wealth, bribery, betrayal, slander, gossip, backbitting, jealousy, cruelty, misguidance, vengeance, extremism , hatred, obstinacy, alcoholism, immorality, vindictiveness, extremist ideas, social and societal disorder, economic and social unrest, these are all social evils that have become a menace to our society. Allah almighty sent the Holy Prophets to remove this scourge of the society and to guide and reform the people living in the society . Give books and various shariahs to some of the Prophets so that these social evils spread in the society can be corrected. There is also greatest need of man which cannot be denied.

امام مہدی سے متعلق احادیث کی مختلف تشریحات: پیر مہر علی شاہ کے نقطۂ نظر کا مطالعہ: Different Annotations of Hadīths Regarding Imām Mehdī: A Study of Pīr Meher Alī Shah’s Views

Naturally, man is ever anxious to know its future. Semitic religions provide evidences regarding the governance of a justice person near the end of this world close to the end of time. Islam, being the youngest Dīn, also provides evidences through its divine book, Al-Quran, and sayings of the Last Prophet Muhammad(ﷺ)۔ Muslim scholars put a considerable focus on Quranic and Hadith teaching in the perspective of Imam Mehdi, the last justice ruler. A non-Muslim minority in Pakistan made explanations of these Hadiths according to their fabricated proclivities to develop wrong inclinations among Muslims. Pīr Meher Alī Shāh did a remarkable and government record work on the Hadith regarding Imam Mehdi and rebuttal of wrong interpretations but academic research on his work is rare so there is need to elaborate the work for future educational and scholastic benefits. The article provides a critical explanation on views of Pīr Syed Meher Alī Shah regarding Hadiths about Imām Mehdī.

Word Made Book A Semantic and Historical Study of the Supra-Rationality of the Qur'ān as Transmitted in the Medium of Revelation within the Metaphysical Sociology of Arabia

This article argues that the Qur'ān seeks to place its modality of revelation within the oracle of Arabia and recognizes it as a valid “form” of revelation. It inducts its medium of revelation within the familiar apparatus of the pagan divination institution by tapping into the realm of supra-rationality while, simultaneously, making a radical shift at the doctrinal level. The Qur'ānic oracle speaks for one universal God as opposed to a tribal deity, pantheon of gods, or an anthropomorphized divinity that partakes of humanity. The article seeks to work with the core Islamic concept of revelation in dialogue with the notion of the Word of God in a semantic slash historical context. The inquiry glances at the historical presentation of what Islam warrants as a rationale of revelation by maintaining a propositional and qualitative distinction from the pagan oracle. It projects the dialectics of quality versus quantity and principle versus form rather than undertaking a complete break with the existing metaphysical and epistemological cosmos. Such a claim of external guidance, from the above, as laid by all three Semitic religions is, inherently, based upon, and rooted within the source of a higher realm attributed to the divinity. Islam’s hierarchy of being and non-being revolves around an essential Being, the one true God, as a theological necessity, whereas all contingency, the creation including mankind, is granted existence in the sanctuary of the divine will that takes place through God’s grace. The will of God, Logos, defines the relationship between the necessity and the contingency in the self-consciousness of the Qur'ān.

IS THE SEMITIC CHARACTER OF HAGAR AN EXAMPLE OF A SURROGATE MOTHER? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SEMITIC RELIGIONS AND SCIENCE

Purpose of the study: This paper explores the religious perspective on marriage, captive girls, and the status of slave girls and their children in Semitic religions, examining the legitimacy of concubine's children compared to surrogate mothers. Methodology: The scientific techniques of in vitro fertilization (IVF) will be examined to elucidate both gestational and traditional surrogacy methods. Main Findings: The findings suggest that while Semitic religions validate the status of concubines' children as legitimate heirs, the comparison between concubines and surrogate mothers is limited due to religious debates over the legitimacy of surrogacy and the technological advancements involved, highlighting distinct roles and dynamics within religious frameworks. Applications of the study: The application of this research could provide insights into the historical and religious perspectives on surrogate motherhood, informing discussions on the intersection of religion, culture, and reproductive technologies. Novelty/Originality of the study: The novelty of this research lies in its interdisciplinary exploration, comparing the portrayal of Hagar within Semitic religions to contemporary perspectives on surrogate motherhood, bridging religious studies and scientific inquiry.

Gerakan Fajar Nusantara (GAFATAR) dan Agama Semitik: Antara Toleransi Agama dan Sinkretisme Agama

After the fall of Orde Baru, various religious sects emerged as if they were endless. Not only radical groups but also conservative groups and even splinter groups. These schools are present by offering solutions to various problems faced by society, from the economy to spiritual needs. Al-Qiyadah Al-Islamiyah, which was founded by Ahmad Mushaddeq, for example, is present in a society that is thirsty for spiritual needs. Gerakan Fajar Nusantara (Gafatar), which is a metamorphosis of the Millah Abraham (Komar) Community, is here to offer solutions to the problems of conflict between religious adherents that seem never to be finished in Indonesia. This New Religious Movement offers a new concept regarding the relations between Semitic religions. This movement considers that the differences between Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) are only biological, not theological. This view is the concept of hyper-tolerance, which is the tolerance that crosses the boundaries that differentiate the respective Semitic religions. This view is one of the reasons for the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to issue a heretical fatwa against Gafatar. The concept of tolerance that is relevant to building harmony between religious communities in Indonesia is the Agree in Disagreement offered by A. Mukti Ali, which is to believe that religion is the best religion without needing to blame other religions. This concept is in line with the values contained in Surah Al-Kafirun, namely allowing other parties to carry out their rituals of worship without the need to be confused with different religious teachings.Keywords: New Religious Movement, Gerakan Fajar Nusantara, Agree in Disagreement.

The Issue of Human Cloning: A Review in Semitic Religions’ Context

Human cloning has emerged as a new and innovative technology in the reproductive and therapeutic science in the recent past. So far it has not been practiced over human beings but owing to its huge potential and possible scope, it has attracted the attention of not only the masses (particularly the infertile couples and LGBTQs etc) but the other stakeholders including the religious scholars from worlds’ prominent religions have given their views on this technology in order to guide their followers. This paper examines and reviews the religious points of view on human cloning. For this purpose, three Semitic religions in the world i-e Judaism, Christianity, and Islām have been examined. As far as Islam is concerned, this portion has been divided into two broad sections elaborating the Shī‘ah and Sunnī schools’ opinions. Being an innovative topic, the religious teachings do not address it directly hence the injunctions related to the reproduction are most relevant to it. Three Semitic religions have been examined from the perspective of admissibility or non-admissibility of human cloning, the rationale behind the verdict on human cloning and the possible solutions to the issues and problems faced by the followers in the case of acceptance or rejection of this biomedical technology. Most of the religions emphasize over adaptability of the natural mode of reproduction only, where male and female genders contribute to the reproductive cycle. The Semitic religions reject the reproductive cloning generally. The religious experts need to conduct more focused and updated research before coming to any conclusion about the permissibility or non-permissibility of this technique.

Dietary Laws about Animals in Semitic Religions: An Analytical Study

سامی ادیان میں جانوروں کی حلت و حرمت کےمتعلق احکامات کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ
 Dietary rules and regulations may govern particular phases of the human life cycle and may also be associated with special events. Dietary Laws are grounded into the religious thought, and anyone expects logical clarifications for the continuation and determination of these rules in light of the respective religious tradition. The Semitic religions: orthodox Jews, Christians and Muslims have undoubtedly directed their adherents about the foodstuff “meat” with particular terms and conditions. This study attempts to define the similarities and differences between Halal and Kashrut (Kosher) in the light of their religion's commandments. The study confined to the Holy Scriptures. A comparative approach has been applied to these dietary practices. Moreover, it was found that Halal constitutes a different dietary law (Shariah) than Kashrut and vice versa. Even though similarities are found but it does not permit for the statutes to be usually supposed as reflection of each other. This analytical work will provide theoretical orientation; make reference to relevant theoretical and empirical literature for adequate clarification and comprehension where needed. To avoid pointless details, only the verse number mentioned in footnotes and extracted commands are just mentioned in the article. Qualitative research methodology has been adopted about the dietary laws about animals in Semitic Religions.

E-5 The Role of Women in Semitic Religion

The Importance of women in all religions is conformed. But the historically women did not have rights in inheritance, vote, and equality. Now, women have their equal role like the two tires of the car. Women can play equal role in progress of the society. It is observed that women can do effectively the certain tasks if they are properly given a chance. No progress can be made without the help of women in the society. Women can teach and govern, women can make soft wares, and can cook and women can fly aero planes and can run firms. Women are always been an important pillar of the society since day first. Women are mothers and can nurture the children effectively. Women are wives and can make the men master or slave by their work and dedication. Women have been very critical at the time of peace as well as at the time of war. In wars women played very important role to help men artistically and made reasons for the triumphs. In all the religions women did not have basic rights before Islam. Some religions restrict women and their rights. Semitic religion gives right to women with in sphere. Women are degraded in this religion and the given rights are not sufficient. So called rights for the women are just to show off not foe the well fare of the women. In the light of Semitic religion, now, we discuss about different religions and what they have done for the rights of women. In these lines we are going to discuss the role of women in Semitic religions, so firstly: we will discuss the role of women in Judaism, secondly: in Christianity and thirdly: in Islam.