My Journey: Seeing Common Ground Between Islam and Judaism

As someone who was born Jewish and later embraced Shia Islam, I've always been drawn to exploring how these two faiths connect. While I no longer follow modern Judaism-seeing it as a changed form of what the prophets taught-I still study it out of interest. Islam and Judaism definitely have their differences, but they share a lot too, alhamdulillah. Here are some thoughts: ● Tawheed: Both Muslims and Jews believe in the oneness of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala. He is one, without partners, children, or equals-the all-powerful Creator. As the Torah says, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one." This strict monotheism is why both reject ideas like those in Christianity. ● Halal and Kosher: The dietary rules are pretty similar: no pork, shellfish, or blood, and specific ways to slaughter animals. Jewish tradition can be even stricter, like avoiding mixing meat and dairy or waiting hours between them. One big difference? Judaism permits alcohol, while Islam clearly forbids it. ● The Prophets: We both revere prophets like Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Dawud, alayhim as-salam. However, Judaism doesn’t recognize Isa or our Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa alihi wasalam. Their view of prophets also differs-they see them as human and capable of mistakes, which isn’t our belief in Islam. ● Modesty and Family: Both faiths emphasize modesty for men and women, with clear roles in marriage and family life. Mixing freely isn’t allowed, and there are guidelines for interactions. In some Jewish communities, women cover their hair, similar to hijab, and dress modestly, avoiding things like pants. Marriage and family are highly valued in both. ● Fasting: Fasting is important in both, like Ramadan for us and Yom Kippur for Jews. It’s about drawing closer to Allah and self-reflection, with no eating or drinking during the fast. ● Circumcision: Baby boys are circumcised in both traditions, following the covenant of Ibrahim, alayhi as-salam. In Judaism, it’s done on the eighth day with a big ceremony-kind of like a celebration. ● Prayer and Purity: Religious Jews pray three times daily, similar to our salah. They don’t have wudu or ghusl, but they use a mikveh (a ritual bath) for certain occasions, like after a woman’s period or conversion. Cleanliness is stressed in both. ● Afterlife and Judgment: We agree there’s an afterlife where Allah rewards the good and punishes the wicked. Judaism is less detailed about it, focusing more on awaiting a messiah-who’ll bring peace and justice, much like our beliefs about Imam Mahdi, ajjal allahu ta'ala farajah, and the return of Isa, alayhi as-salam. ● Al-Quds: Both consider Al-Quds (Jerusalem) a holy city. Historically, Jews saw it as a place of pilgrimage, and they prayed toward it, just as Muslims first did. Given the situation in Palestine, some Muslims might unfairly judge all Jews because of Zionism. It’s sad, because Zionism is a political ideology, not true Judaism. Jews, like all people, deserve respect and da’wah. In the Prophet’s time, sallallahu alayhi wa alihi wasalam, many Jews embraced Islam, showing it’s possible for anyone to find the truth. Practicing Jews, who follow their laws seriously, often have a strong foundation that could lead them to Islam inshaAllah. Their commitment to obedience mirrors our own striving to follow sharia. May Allah guide us all to what’s right and unite the ummah in truth.