Overview of Sacred Texts and Beliefs in Major Religions

Tanakh

The first 5 books of the Tanakh is called the Torah.

The Quran

Has 114 chapters, 6000 verses, 6666 ayats and Quran means 'recitation'.

Tawhid

The concept of the oneness of Allah and predestination in Islam.

Risalah

The belief in the Angels of Allah, books of Allah, and Messengers of Allah.

Akhirah

The belief in life after death and the day of judgement in Islam.

The Vedas

Sacred scriptures of Hinduism written in Sanskrit.

The Tripitaka

Comprises the teachings of Buddha, collectively known as dharma.

Moksha

Liberation from rebirth and union with your soul and Brahman in the ultimate reality.

Samsara

Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by karma.

Karma

Law of cause and effect, where one's actions determine their future consequences.

Dharma

Moral duty and righteousness that guide your ethical behaviour.

Atman

Individual's soul or true self which is considered divine.

Rigg Veda

One of the sacred texts in Hinduism.

Bimah

A stand/podium where the Torah is placed.

Yad

A pointer used to touch the Torah instead of hands.

S1 Discipline Basket (Vinaya pitaka)

The basket of guidance containing rules for the community of Buddhist believers.

S2 The Sutras

Held as the most important of the 3 baskets, a written collection of Buddha's teachings.

S3 Abhidhamma Pitaka/ Philosophical Basket

Contains theories and descriptions of the nature of time, workings of the human mind, and state of matter.

Bat Mitzvah

Jewish rite of passage for girls.

Muhammad SAW returns to Mecca

An important event in January 630 CE when Muhammad restored the Kaaba.

Hinduism Vedic Period

The period focused on prayers, elements of nature, and animal sacrifices.

Hindu Caste System

Originally aimed to ensure an appropriate amount of weavers, potters, and soldiers to maintain order.

Sunni Muslims

Disagree with the idea that a leader had to be a descendant of Muhammad SAW.

Shia Muslims

Believe in succession based on blood relatives to Muhammad SAW.

Orthodox Jews

Followers that strictly follow the teachings of Judaism.

Reform Jews

Followers that reform Judaism to fit modern society.

Kangha

A symbol often mistaken as one of the Five Ks of Sikhism but is not.

Middle Path in Buddhism

A practice that avoids extreme self-indulgence and extreme selflessness, striving for balance.

Guru Nanak

The founder of Sikhism.

Yom Kippur

Also known as the Day of Atonement.

Holi

The name of the Hindu festival of colours.

Samsara in Hinduism & Buddhism

Belief that the soul is reborn into another body after death.

Cults and Authentic Religion

Yes, cults sometimes incorporate elements of authentic religion.