Clay Metz

Journal #3

Journal #3

As this semester has come to a close, I’ve learned more in this class about society than I

ever have. I have learned how significant the ties between religions and their faiths are to the

world as we know it and all cultures. This class touched on many different religions, faiths, and

cultures, but it concentrated on Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Before taking this course, I

didn’t know much about Judaism and Islam, but surprisingly I found out a lot about my own

religion, Christianity. I’d say the religion of which I knew about least was Islam. I learned that if

you are of Islamic faith, you must make the pilgrimage to Hajj at least once in your lifetime. The

Quran speaks about Hajj in this passage, “And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if

you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not

shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever

among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom

of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs

'umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of

sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three

days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days].

This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know

that Allah is severe in penalty”. I also didn’t know much about Judaism at first either. I learned

that Passover was the most significant holiday as it is a celebration of God freeing the Israelites
from Egyptian slavery. This holiday is celebrated with fasting and matzo bread, as well as a huge

feast at the end of passover.

My own religion, Christianity is surprisingly similar to both of these religions. Islam,

Judaism, and Christianity all follow the words of the Old Testament, they all recognize Abraham

as an extremely significant character, and they all believe jesus existed, but in different ways.

Christianity differs from these two religions due to Christians not having to wear any type of

religious head covering in any circumstances. Muslims wear head-coverings known as Hijabs,

and Jews wear Yamacas.

After taking this course, I can now say my understanding for these three religions among

others, has expanded vastly. I now have put any pre-existing stereotypes aside and have the

utmost respect for these religions and their ways and teachings. This has been an eye opening

course and I am very thankful to have taken it.