9th Standard, Social, History, Chapter 1
WESTERN RELIGIONS
EXERCISES
I. Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
1. Progenitor of Judaism is David.
2. The founder of Zoroastrianism Zarthustra.
3. The birthplace of Jesus Christ is Bethlehem.
4. Christ was crucified on the hillock of Golgotha.
5. Christianity became the state religion of Rome during the period of Constantine.
6. Muhammed Paigambar was born at Mecca.
7. The Holy book of Islam is Quran.
8. The successors of Muhammed Paigambar are known as Khalifs.
II. Answer the following questions by discussing with your friends.
9. List out the 10 rules of Judaism.
Answer: The 10 rules of Judaism are as follows.
1. Do not have any other God except ‘Yahweh’.
2. Do not worship Idols.
3. Do not disrespect or misuse God’s name.
4. Remember ‘Sabbath’ as the Holy day.
5. Honour your mother and father.
6. Adultery is not acceptable.
7. Do not commit murder.
8. Do not steal.
9. Do not tell lies.
10. Do not be envious.
10. Zoroastrianism is more similar to the vedic rituals and practices. Justify.
Answer: Zoroastrianism (Parsi religion) was founded by Zarthustra in 6 BCE. He was an Iranian Prophet and a religious reformer. So, this religion is also called as Zoroastrianism. Their God is Ahura Mazda. Fasting, Celibate and purity are their practices. Parsi religion is more similar to vedic rituals and practices. For example, their belief good will be victorious over the evil in their conflict and the worship of Sun is also similar. The Holy book ‘Zend Avestha’ contains shlokas called ‘Gatha’. The rituals related to worship is named ‘Yashna’. It can be noted that these words are of Sanskrit origin.
11. Write about life of Jesus Christ.
Answer: The birthplace of Jesus is Bethlehem, 5 kilometres away from Jerusalem in Judea province. He was the only son of the poor couple, Joseph and Mary. Jesus knew Aramic and Semetic languages. At this time, the Jews were awaiting the arrival of a Messiah, who would save them from their problems. John was basically a religious preacher. John declared Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus was 30 years at that time. Jesus started travelling through Israel preaching religious philosophy. Over a period of time, Jews chose Jesus as their religious leader. Jesus had 12 disciples. They are called ‘Apostles’. Peter was the first apostle. Since Jesus began rejecting the religious dogmas, Jewish fundamentalists started opposing him. When Jesus visited Jerusalem, the Jewish soldiers arrested him and handed him over to the Governor of Rome and he ordered crucifixion of Jesus. He was crucified on the hillock of Golgotha by the Roman soldiers.
12. List the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Answer: The teachings of Jesus Christ are as follows.
1. God is one and he is the most merciful. He is the creator of entire creation.
2. Everyone should develop brotherhood feelings about others.
3. Loving the people who are in distress is equal to worshipping God.
4. One should serve others without expecting anything from them.
5. Serving people is equal to the worship of God.
6. If one repents for his mistakes God will forgive him.
7. Love your enemy. Do good to the people who try to harm you.
13. How was Christianity spread?
Answer: After the crucifixion of Jesus, his disciples were tortured. Some of them were crucified. During the time of Emperor Constantine, Christianity was adopted as the State Religion. Subsequently, Christianity spread throughout Europe. Today, Christian Churches are found throughout the world and have a large number of followers. The Bible is their Holy book.
14. Write a note on the life of Muhammed, the Prophet.
Answer: The Prophet Muhammed Paigambar is the founder of Islam Religion. He was born at Mecca in 570. Abdulla and Ameena were his parents. Muhammed was employed to service in a rich widow’s house. Later, he married that widow. They had two sons and four daughters. He used to meditate in a cave of Mount Heera in Mecca. Once, while he was meditating, he heard the voice of an angel. The angel said that Muhammed was the Prophet of Allah (God). Later, Muhammed convinced his family members, relatives and friends that he was truly the Prophet. However, he never referred himself as God, but Prophet of Allah and expressed the Divine truth that he heard. These preachings were compiled by his followers. This is the Holy book of Islam, “Quran”. In the year 622 he travelled from Mecca to Medina. This journey became popular in history as ‘Hijira’. He moved to Mecca again with his followers. After some years, he breathed his lost there in 632.
15. What is ‘Hijra’?
Answer: The orthodox community of Mecca began to oppose the Prophet. Due to this, Muhammed Paigambar could not preach in Mecca any more. In the year 622 he travelled from Mecca to Medina. This journey became popular in history as ‘Hijira’.
16. What are the rules of Islam?
Answer: The rules of Islam are as follows.
Islam follows five important rituals.
1. Kalima – Belief only in Allah. Muhammed is his Prophet.
2. Namaz – Prayer for Allah for five times a day.
3. Roza – Fasting in the month of Ramzan.
4. Zakath – Definite sum of the income should be donated to the poor.
5. Haj – Pilgrimage to Mecca once in lifetime.
III. Activities :
1. Collect more information about various western religions.
IV. Project :
1. Write an essay about the teachings of Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam.
Answer: Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam, while distinct religions, share common roots and exhibit fascinating parallels in their core teachings. These religions, particularly those considered Abrahamic (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), center on the belief in one God and the concept of a divine plan for humanity, often including a final judgment and afterlife. Zoroastrianism, while predating the Abrahamic faiths, introduced concepts like dualism (good vs. evil) and the idea of a messianic figure, which influenced later religious thought.
Judaism, the oldest of these faiths, emphasizes the covenant between God and Abraham, the importance of the Torah (law and teachings), and the belief in a coming Messiah who will usher in an era of peace. Central to Jewish practice is the observance of mitzvot (commandments) and the study of Jewish law and tradition.
Zoroastrianism, originating in ancient Persia, posits a cosmic struggle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu). Its teachings emphasize free will, the importance of choosing good thoughts, words, and deeds, and the ultimate triumph of good. Concepts like heaven, hell, and a final judgment are also present, influencing later religious thought.
Christianity, building upon Jewish tradition, focuses on the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity. The New Testament, including the Gospels and Epistles, forms the core of Christian scripture. Christianity emphasizes faith in Jesus, love for God and others, and the promise of salvation through Christ.
Islam, emerging in the 7th century, centers on the belief in Allah as the one God and Muhammad as his final prophet. The Quran, considered the literal word of God, is the central text. Muslims adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which include faith, prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Like other Abrahamic faiths, Islam also anticipates a final judgment and an afterlife.
While these religions have unique characteristics, their shared heritage and interconnectedness are evident. Zoroastrianism’s influence on the development of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic thought, and the common Abrahamic foundation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, highlights the complex interplay of religious ideas throughout history.
