I. ISLAM

A. Basic Facts

• Founder: Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

• Place of Origin: Arabia (Mecca, 7th century CE)

• Sacred Text: Qur’an (Koran)

• Followers: Muslims

• Place of Worship: Mosque

• God: Allah (One God)

• Symbol: Crescent moon and star

• Holy City: Mecca

B. Major Beliefs

• Monotheism: Belief in one God, Allah, who is merciful and compassionate.

• Prophethood: Muhammad is the final prophet following a line that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

• Revelation: God’s words were revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (Jibril).

• Day of Judgment: People will be rewarded or punished after death according to their deeds.

C. The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada (Faith): “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”

2. Salah (Prayer): Muslims pray five times daily facing Mecca.

3. Zakat (Charity): Giving to the poor and needy (2.5% of savings).

4. Sawm (Fasting): Observed during Ramadan to purify the soul.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Journey to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if able.

D. Practices and Festivals

• Ramadan: Month of fasting.

• Eid al-Fitr: Festival marking the end of Ramadan.

• Eid al-Adha: Festival of sacrifice honoring Abraham’s faith.

• Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah): Main congregational worship day.

II. HINDUISM

A. Basic Facts

• No single founder; developed from ancient Indus Valley civilization (around 2500 BCE).

• Sacred Texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata.

• Followers: Hindus

• Place of Worship: Temple (Mandir)

• Deities: Polytheistic belief — main gods include Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer).

• Symbol: Om (Aum)

• Goal: To achieve Moksha (liberation from rebirth)

B. Core Beliefs

• Brahman: Supreme, eternal, formless reality.

• Atman: The soul or true self that is part of Brahman.

• Karma: Law of cause and effect; good actions bring good results.

• Dharma: Duty, righteousness, and moral responsibility.

• Samsara: Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation).

• Moksha: Liberation from samsara; union with Brahman.

C. Practices and Festivals

• Puja: Daily worship at home or temple.

• Yoga & Meditation: Spiritual disciplines for union with the divine.

• Diwali: Festival of Lights celebrating victory of good over evil.

• Holi: Festival of colors marking the arrival of spring.

III. EASTERN RELIGIONS

A. BUDDHISM

• Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), 5th century BCE, India.

• Sacred Texts: Tripitaka (Three Baskets of Wisdom)

• Goal: Achieve Nirvana – freedom from suffering and rebirth.

• Core Teachings:

  1. Four Noble Truths:

     • Life is suffering (Dukkha).

     • Suffering is caused by desire (Tanha).

     • Ending desire ends suffering.

     • Follow the Eightfold Path to end suffering.

  2. Eightfold Path: Right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

• Belief in Karma and Rebirth.

• Major Sects: Theravada (conservative) and Mahayana (liberal).

B. TAOISM (DAOISM)

• Founder: Lao Tzu (6th century BCE)

• Sacred Text: Tao Te Ching

• Key Belief: Live in harmony with the Tao (The Way) — the natural order of the universe.

• Concepts:

  • Yin and Yang: Opposite but complementary forces in balance.

  • Wu Wei: “Action through inaction” or effortless living.

  • Harmony with Nature: Simplicity and inner peace are key virtues.

C. CONFUCIANISM

• Founder: Confucius (K’ung Fu Tzu), 6th century BCE, China.

• Sacred Text: The Analects

• Focus: Ethical conduct and proper social relationships.

• Key Virtues:

  • Ren (Humaneness)

  • Li (Proper conduct and ritual)

  • Yi (Righteousness)

  • Xiao (Filial piety — respect for parents and elders)

• Goal: Create a harmonious society led by virtuous rulers.

D. SHINTOISM

• Origin: Indigenous religion of Japan.

• Sacred Texts: Kojiki and Nihon Shoki

• Beliefs:

  • Worship of Kami — spirits of nature, ancestors, and deities.

  • Emphasis on purity, harmony, and respect for nature.

• Practices:

  • Ritual purification (Misogi)

  • Festivals (Matsuri)

  • Torii gates: Mark entrances to sacred shrines.

• Main Deity: Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess.