This article outlines the history and differences of the Arab religions. It also examines the different communities of Christians and Jews. It concludes by assessing the importance of anthropological sensibility when interpreting Arabic texts. It also discusses the methods of historical as well as anthropological research. It is designed to encourage appreciation of the diversity and religious beliefs of Arabs.
Islam
Islam is the largest religion in the Arab World. The history of Islam dates back to the 7th century and it was established in Arabia and Syria. The religion is similar to its Christian and Jewish predecessors, and has roots in pre-Islamic Arab poetry. Prophet Muhammad promoted the Arab past, glorifying its history in his writings and revitalizing the language spoken by the Arabs. One verse in the Koran, where Allah is called the eternal language, lisan arab, even has a reference to Allah.
Assyrian religions
The Assyrian religion, which is based upon Christianity, is closely linked to Easter, one the most important Christian festivals. The Assyrian Church of the East and other churches based in the Near East use the Gregorian calendar, although many Assyrians still observe the Julian calendar. Assyrians refrain from eating meat and any animal products during Lent.
Christian communities in Lebanon
Lebanon's Christian community comprises four denominations: the Orthodox Church, Maronite Catholic Church, Armenian Apostolic Church, and Greek Orthodox Church. The largest denomination is the Maronite Church, which is fully in communion with the Catholic Church. The Orthodox church is, however, the second largest. It has approximately one-third population. In Lebanon, Christians are well represented in parliament, holding a total of 64 seats. Maronites hold 34 of the 64 seats, while the Eastern Orthodox Church (or Eastern Apostolic Church) each holds approximately five. In addition, the Protestant Church holds one seat.
Jews
The Pew Research Center recently conducted a national survey of Israelis about their religious affiliation. It included 5,601 Jewish-Arab respondents, who were all residents of Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Survey respondents who are not religiously affiliated were also included.
Dualists
While dualists in the arab religions don't necessarily believe in one God, they do believe that there is a divine being. According to dualists, the soul is not indestructible, but rather a metaphysical substance that interacts with the physical body. In medieval heresy, the Devil was considered a fallen angel who created the human body. Bogomils Dualism and qualified Dualism are examples of this approach.
Sabians
The Sabians were an ancient historical Arab religion. They existed before the Prophet Muhammad and read the Zabur. Around 639 AD, they came under Islamic rule. They are classified as a protected religion, but were subjugated to Islam by the pact of Umar.