Judaism/Islam/Daoism

Covenant

A sacred agreement between God and the people, outlining mutual commitments and responsibilities, central to Jewish faith.

Kosher

Refers to food that is prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. Means “proper”

Messiah

In Judaism, the Messiah is a future savior and leader who is expected to bring about an era of peace and restore Israel.

Mitzvot

The commandments and good deeds prescribed by Jewish law, which guide moral and religious conduct.

Olam Ha-Ba

The Jewish concept of the ultimate redemption and the coming of the Messiah when the world will be perfected. The world to come.

Sabbath/Shabbat

A day of rest and spiritual enrichment in Judaism, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, commemorating God's day of rest after creation.

Shema

A central declaration of the Jewish faith, affirming the oneness of God, traditionally recited twice daily.

Talmud

The central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of a compendium of teachings, laws, and traditions, which expands on the Torah and includes the Mishnah and Gemara.

Torah

The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, and considered the written law.

Yetzer Ha-Tov

the moral inclination toward good and righteousness in Jewish thought, opposing the Yetzer Ha-Ra.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime, representing one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Jihad

A religious duty in Islam that encompasses both personal and societal struggle, often interpreted as a spiritual or physical effort to uphold and defend the faith. “Just war”

Salat

the ritual prayer in Islam performed five times a day, also known as Salah, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Sawm

The practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, where Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset.

Shaddah

The declaration of faith in Islam, known as the Shahada, proclaiming that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.

Shirk

the sin of associating partners with Allah or polytheism in Islam, considered one of the gravest offenses.

Tawhid

The concept of monotheism in Islam, emphasizing the oneness of Allah and rejecting any form of polytheism.

Unmah

The collective community of Muslims around the world, bound together by their faith and purpose.

Yawm ad-Din

The Day of Judgment in Islam, when all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds.

Zakat

An obligatory form of almsgiving in Islam, serving as a religious tax to support the less fortunate and promote social welfare.

Dao

The fundamental principle in Daoism, representing the ultimate source and ultimate pattern of the universe.

Daodejing

A foundational text of Daoism, attributed to Laozi, that discusses the philosophy of living in harmony with the Dao.

De

The inherent virtue or moral power in Daoism, representing the qualities that align with the Dao and reflect natural order.

Fu

The concept of return or reversal in Daoism, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the importance of harmony.

Pu

The concept of simplicity and unrefined nature in Daoism, representing a state of being in tune with the Dao and free from artificiality.

Qigong

A practice that involves meditation, controlled breathing, and movement to enhance the flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body, promoting health and well-being.

Taichi/taijiquan

A martial art form that combines physical movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and energy flow in harmony with the Dao.

Wu-Wei

The principle of non-action or effortless action in Daoism, emphasizing alignment with the natural flow of the universe.

Xian

An enlightened being or immortal in Daoist tradition who has transcended the physical world and achieved spiritual perfection.

Yin and Yang

The concept of duality in Daoism representing opposite but complementary forces that are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world.