20.1 Similarities Between Islam and Judaism

Islam and Judaism are often closer to each other in religious structure than many people realize. Both are Abrahamic religions. Both strongly emphasize the absolute oneness of God. Both connect faith with daily obedience, community life, religious law, and moral responsibility.

One of the most important similarities is strict monotheism. Judaism teaches that there is one God, and Islam teaches the same. In Judaism, this belief is expressed in the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” In Islam, this is expressed through tawhid, the belief that God is absolutely one, unique, and incomparable. Neither Judaism nor Islam accepts the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and both traditions strongly reject worshiping anyone or anything besides God.

Both religions also trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham. In Judaism, Abraham is the father of the covenant people of Israel. The Jewish covenant line continues through Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes of Israel. In Islam, Abraham is also deeply honored as a prophet and a model of pure monotheism. Islam especially emphasizes Abraham’s rejection of idolatry and his submission to God. Muslims also connect Abraham and Ishmael to the sacred history of Mecca and the Kaaba.

Another major similarity is that both religions are law-centered traditions. Judaism has halakhah, or Jewish law, and Islam has Sharia, or Islamic law. These legal traditions are not identical, but they serve a similar purpose: they guide believers in how to live faithfully before God. In both Judaism and Islam, religion is not limited to private belief or occasional worship. It shapes daily life, including prayer, food, charity, family life, business ethics, modesty, religious holidays, and community responsibilities.

Dietary laws are one clear example. Judaism has kosher laws, and Islam has halal laws. Both traditions forbid pork, regulate which animals may be eaten, and connect food practices to obedience to God. The details differ, but the basic idea is similar: even ordinary activities like eating can become part of religious faithfulness.

Judaism and Islam also share a strong emphasis on prophets and revelation. Both traditions believe that God has communicated with humanity through chosen messengers. Islam honors many figures who are also central in the Hebrew Bible, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Solomon. Moses is especially important in both traditions. In Judaism, Moses is the great prophet who received the Torah. In Islam, Moses is also one of the most frequently mentioned and highly honored prophets.

Both religions also strongly reject idolatry. In Judaism, this is seen in the commandments against worshiping other gods and making idols. In Islam, this is connected to the sin of shirk, or associating partners with God. For both Jews and Muslims, worship belongs to God alone. This is not a minor issue; it is central to how both traditions understand faithfulness.

Finally, both Judaism and Islam place a strong emphasis on community identity. Both religions create communities shaped by shared worship, shared law, shared history, and shared moral obligations. Faith is not only about what an individual believes internally. It is also about belonging to a people or community that lives under God’s authority.

Because of these similarities, Islam and Judaism often resemble each other in religious practice. Both are deeply monotheistic. Both reject idolatry. Both connect worship with law and daily life. Both honor Abraham, Moses, prophecy, scripture, and moral accountability before God.

However, these similarities do not mean the two religions teach the same thing. In section 20.2, we will look at some of the differences between Islam and Judaism.