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Lesson 1 – Categorization of Major World Religions

Say: “O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah.” If then they turn back, say ye: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).”

Al Qur’an 3:64

Introduction to Major World Religions

Many people ask what are the major religions of the world; thus, in this lesson, we will discuss the major world religions, and then we will relate it to our religion Islam. We will also categorize the major world religions.

Religion is an Integral Part of Human Existence

Our world has many religions. It is the nature of humans to believe in a greater being and to worship him. Major world religions point to the oneness of God. Some religions spread via prophets where whereas others did not. Even if people don’t follow any religions, they do follow the teaching and the morals taught to them. Religion has a great impact on human lives. All humans need to believe in a superior being for survival. Spirituality and divinity are very important to humans.

Categorization of Major World Religions

Humans all around the world believe in different Gods. There are many religions. We have classified these religions. Major world religions are classified into Semitic and non-Semitic. The non-Semitic religions are further classified. We will go through each of them.

Semitic Religions

The descendants of Shem, who was the son of Prophet Noah (PBUH), are called Semites. Major Semitic religions are Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. These religions had their guidance sent down through prophets. Amongst the major world religions, the Semitic religions have the most followers.

Non-Semitic Religions

They are further classified as Aryan religions and Non-Aryan religions.

Aryan Religions

These religions originated among the Aryans. They are further classified as Vedic and non-Vedic religions.

  • Vedic religions are Hinduism or Brahmism
  • Non Vedic religions are Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Zoroastrianism is also included here, but it is a prophetic religion.

These are non-prophet religions.

Non-Aryan Religions

Non-Aryan religions have no concept of God. They have many diverse origins, such as Confucianism and Taoism are of Chinese origin, while Shintoism is of Japanese origin. They are referred to as ethical systems since they are based on morals and values. These people believe in good living and helping others. They don’t believe in superior beings.

Most Authentic Definition of God in Any Religion

Major world religions are not followed by the people in their true form. People are ignorant about their religion. Thus to analyze religion, we must look into its scriptures.

If we look deeply into each religion, we find they have many similarities, and the concept of monotheism is quite common.

Enroll in our course to know more about major religions of the world from Dr. Zakir Naik.