Other Important Religions Religion
This page shows u about different Important Religion that are exists in the World
Important Religions
System of faith or worship is called religion. Freedom of religious beliefs is one of the fundamental rights of a man, and according to this principle one can adopt any religion of his own choice, at any time residing anywhere in the world.
There are twelve major religions adopted by the people residing in the various parts of the world. In some countries minority people are also enjoying complete freedom of religious rights.
All the basic information about the major world religions are given in this chapter, so that one can study the teachings of all these religions.
American Statesman Thomas Paine says:
Every religion is good that teaches man to be good .
Bahaism: It was founded in Persia in the middle of 19th century by the Bahaullah and it has spread to several countries. Its scripture is mixture of New Testament and the Holy Quran. There is no priest and no leader. In order to handles its affairs a committee is working in Israel. It is of the same one single truth. The oneness of mankind is the central principle of Baha-ullah's teachings.
Buddhism: Buddhism, India's native religion, originated in the 6th century BC. Its founder Siddhartha Guatama (563 - 483 BC) came to be known as the Buddha (the Enlightened one) was born in a village Lumbinsi, on the India-Nepal border. To commemorate his birthday, Emperor Ashoka built there a huge pillar.
He preached his enlightenments consisting of the principles or right action, right speech, right thinking, right livelihood, right intention, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.
Buddhism teaches that by learning to live a morally perfect life of a person, after succession of births and rebirths, ceases to be reborn and enters what he called Nirvana, a spiritual condition free of all desires, passions and sufferings. The sacred book is the Tripitaka, a collection of Buddha's teachings. Followers pracitse yoga and meditation. It is mainly practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, India and
Japan.
Christianity: It is the biggest universal religion in the world, founded by Jesus, the Christ in the first Christian Century. It is practised mainly, in Europe, North America and South America. The Christians also reside in other continents of the world. It has three main sects, the Roman Catholic, the Protestant and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The
holy book is Bible which consists of Old Testament and New Testament. Most Christians profess belief in the statements of the three creeds-the Apostles,
the Nicene and the Athanasian. Belief in God, the father, who is all good, all wise and all powerful, is the fundamental concept, combine d with the doctrine of Trinity i.e. of the union, of the three persons of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in one Godhead. They say that God redeemed the sins of humans when Jesus Chris was crucified and died on the cross. Muslims do not believe it and say that Jesus Christ was uplifted by God and he is alive in heaven and will descend on earth at the end of the world.
Confucianism: It was founded by Confucius in the 6th Century BC. It is only practised in China and Taiwan. Its followers believe in heaven, ancestor worship and many gods. Beijing is the city
sacred to the followers of this religion. The Analects (Lunyu) and the Wu Ching (fire classics) are the sacred Chinese Writings.
Hinduism: The Hindu religion is based on caste system and other social customs, evolved and inherited through the ages. It has no founder and no set creed. Krishna was a great exponent of Hinduism. His book Bhagvatgita which says: "All paths lead to me and again whosoever offers me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water, with love in his heart, that offering is dear to me. The Vedas, which are among mankind's earliest records of the life and thought which existed over 4000 years ago, expressed man's urge to discover the truth, which lies at the heart of creation, and stressed the importance of acting in accordance with truth, Savita the divine spirit was composed of Shri (beauty) and Savita the divine spirit was
composed of Shri (beauty) and Satya (truth) and Shiva (goodness).
The most important prayer in the Vedas is called Gayatri mantra, addressed to Savita, asking for the higher mental power which leads to enlightenments. Follower believe in a cycle of birth rebirth. Each life is determined by past deeds called Karma (the concept of Karma is also shared by Buddhists). Hindus are born to their religion and there is no conversion.
Jainism (Indian religion) It was founded by Mahavir. It teaches Ahinasa or nonviolence, and that in no case any living creature should be hurt. The followers of Jainism believe that every living creature, whether it is a plant, a bird, or and animal, has life and should be dealt with respect and consideration Nirvana-release from body and mater-may be attained
after nine incarnations. For the Yati (ascetic) 12 years of self denial earn Nirvana. For salvation all must be guided by three gems: right faith, cognition and conduct.
Judaism: It was founded by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) more than 5000 years ago. It is practiced in Israel, USA and Russia. The holy book of Judaism is called Torah (the first five books of the old Testament). It is the book of law, traditions and doctrine; consisting of old Testament and the Talmud. Its outstanding feature is its belief in an
omnipotent god, and in his law, the Torah, given by him to Hazrat Musa (AS). the great text of Judaism, the Shema begins "Hear O' Israel , the Lord our God is one Lord" Jews believe their souls will live for ever.
Sikhism: Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469-153). Its basic principles are the unity of God and the brotherhood of man. It appeared under the influence of Islam and as rebellion against Hindu system. Guru Nanak ensured in his preaching that no community should dominate any other community in any sphere of life. As a teacher and priest his main slogan was: "There is no Hindu, no Muslim; all are simply men, God's own men, with full human rights to develop humanity". His teachings were complied in the 7th century in a book called Adi-Granth by Guru Arjun. Therewere ten uru, the 10th and last Guru, Govind Singh (1666), welded the Sikhs into a military community which adopted the caste practices and polytheistic beliefs typical of Hinduism. He introduced the customs of wearing turbans and never cutting the hari. Each Sikh in the Warrior caste took the name Singh, means lion. Kais, Kachha, Kara, Knaga and Kirpan are five customs of Sikhism.
Taoism: An ancient Chinese philosophy, gradually developed into an organized religion during the reign of Emperor Shun Di of the Eastern Han Dynasty (125-144 ad). It is based on the teachings of Lao-tze who was born in 604 BC. It derives its name form a Chinese word Tao means path or way.
Its believers worship supernatural beings and believe that their particular regimen (including mediation, use of charms and spell, and ascetic practice) can help them attain immortality. It declined steadily from the Ming Dynasty, and survived in Chine till the arrival of communism in 1949. The sacred book of Taoism is called Tao-te-Ching.
ISLAM : Islam is one of the largest religions in the world. It sis an Arabic word means submission to Allah. This name of the religion was announced in Surah 5 verse 3 of the Holy Quran.
It is practised throughout the world and is built on five governerhouse pillars.
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Testimony that there is no God, but Allah and that Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the messenger of Allah.
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Performance of five times prayers in a day.
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Payment of Zakat (poor dues).
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Fasting in Ramadan.
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Pilgrimage for him, he who can afford it.
Faith: To believe in Allah, His angels, His scriptures, His messengers, the Day of Resurrection and God's predestination.
Goodness: To worship Allah as if you see Him, if you do not see Him to believe that he does see you.
The Holy Book: Quran is the Holy Book of Muslims. Literally it means to recite.
