Middle East
The cradle of Abrahamic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all emerged here.
Sub-topics
The oldest Abrahamic religion, ~2000 BCE in Canaan. Covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. Torah as foundational text. Monotheism, ethical law, and peoplehood.
Ancient Israelite religion, ~6th century BCE. Accepts only the Torah (Pentateuch), worships on Mount Gerizim. Fewer than 1000 adherents remain today.
Founded ~33 CE in Roman Judea by followers of Jesus of Nazareth. World's largest religion (~2.4 billion). Central beliefs: incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and salvation through grace.
Founded by Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, Arabia. Submission to the will of God (Allah). Five Pillars: shahada, prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage. ~1.9 billion adherents worldwide.
Founded by Baha'u'llah in 1863, Persia. Emerged from Shia Islam via the Bab movement. Progressive revelation — all major religions are stages of one unfolding truth. Unity of humanity.
Founded 1017 CE in Fatimid Egypt. Esoteric offshoot of Ismaili Islam blending Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Zoroastrian elements. Closed community — no conversion in or out. ~1 million in Lebanon, Syria, Israel.
Ancient Gnostic religion, 1st-2nd century CE Mesopotamia. Reveres John the Baptist, rejects Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Ritual water baptism (masbuta) central to worship.