The Middle East is the birthplace of three major monotheistic world religions.

JudaismChristianityIslam

Judaism is the oldest surviving monotheistic religion, arising in the eastern Mediterranean about 4,000 years ago. Abraham is traditionally considered to be the first Jew and to have made a covenant with G-d in Canaan (known as Palestine and Israel).

Jews believe in one god and his prophets, with special respect for Moses as the prophet to whom G-d gave the law. Jewish law is embodied in the Torah.

Some traditional holidays are Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukah and Passover.

Christianity developed out of the monotheistic tradition of Judaism; Jesus, its founder. It began in the city of Judea.

The followers of Jesus wrote about his life and teachings, which is in the New Testament of the Bible, called the Gospels.

Some Christians celebrate Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, and Lent.

Most people in the Middle East are Muslims.

Many governments in the Middle East follow Islamic principles.

Muhammad founded the religion in Mecca, Arabia in 622 A.D. The teachings of Muhammad are written in the Koran/Quran.

Muslims observe traditions such as Ramadan, Mawlid Al Rasul, and Isra’ Mi’raj.