INTRODUCTION:
There are twelve classical world religions those religions most often included in history of world religion surveys and studies in world religions classes: Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism. Here are overviews of the nine largest of these classical religions.
ISLAM:
Islam means "surrender to the will of Allah," the all-powerful who determines humanity's fate. Good deeds will be rewarded at the Last judgment in paradise, and evil deeds will be punished in hell.
The Five Pillars, or primary duties, of Islam are profession of faith, prayer, to be performed five times a day; misgiving to the poor and the mosque (house of worship); fasting during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan; and pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) at least once in a Muslim's life time, if it is physically and financially possible. The pilgrimage includes homage to the ancient shrine of the Ka'aba, the most sacred site in Islam.
COUNTRIES WITH THE LARGEST MUSLIM POPULATIONS:
1. Indonesia 213 Million
2. India 174 Million
3. Pakistan 160 Million
4. Bangladesh 129 Million
5. Egypt 70.53 Million
6. Turkey 68.96 Million
7. Iran 67.23 Million
8. Nigeria 64.38 Million
9. Ethiopia 37.53 Million
10. Morocco 32.30 Million
IMPORTANT INFORMATION OF ISLAMIC WORLD
Holiest Place
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Khana Kaaba
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Second Holiest place
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Masjid Nabvi
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Largest Islamic Country by area
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Kazakistan
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Largest Islamic country by Population
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Indonesia
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Islamic Countries in Asia
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27
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Islamic Countries in Africa
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23
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Islamic Countries in Europe
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5
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Highest place of Islamic world
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K-2 peak (Pakistan)
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Longest River
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Nile (Egypt)
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Highest Building
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Burj Dubai
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Largest Desert
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Sahara-e-Azam (Africa)
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Largest Bridge
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Izmet (Turkey)
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Longest Ship Canal
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Suez Canal (Egypt)
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First Nuclear Islamic Country
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Pakistan
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Largest Organization
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OIC
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Largest Army of Islamic Country
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Pakistan
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Lowest place of Islamic Country
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Indonesia
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Smallest country by area
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Maldives
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Smallest Country by Population
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Maldives
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Largest Mosque
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Masjid-ul-Haram (Saudi Arabia)
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Largest airport
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Riadh (Saudi Arabia)
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Largest Place
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Shahi Mahal Brunei
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Oldest University
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Kosresh
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CHRISTIANITY:
Christianity is a monotheistic religion founded by the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus, a Jew, was born in about 7 B.C. and assumed his public life probably after his 30th year, in Galilee. The New Testament Gospels describe Jesus as a teacher and miracle worker. he proclaimed the Kingdom of God, a future reality that is at the same time already present. Jesus set the requirements fur participation in the Kingdom of God as a change of heart and repentance for sins, love of God and neighbor, and concern for justice, Circa A.D. 30 he was executed on a cross in Jerusalem, a brutal form of punishment for those considered a political threat to the Roman Empire.
After his death his followers came to believe in him as the Christ the Messiah. The Gospels report his resurrection and how the risen Jesus was witnessed by many of his followers. The apostle paul helped spread the new faith in his missionary travels. historically, Christianity arose out of Judaism and claims that Jesus fulfilled many of the promises of the Hebrew Scripture (often referred to as the Old Testament).
The new religion spread rapidly throughout the Roman empire. In its first two centuries. Christianity, began to take shape as an organization, developing distinctive doctrine, liturgy, and ministry. By the fourth century the Christian church had taken root in countries stretching from Spain in the West to Persia and India in the East. Christians had been subject to persecution by the Roman state, but gained tolerance under Constantine the Great (AD, 313). The church became favored under his successors, and in 380 the emperor Theodosius proclaimed Christianity the state religion. Other religions were suppressed.
Because differences in doctrine threatened to divide the church, a standard Christian creed was formulated by bishops at successive ecumenical councils, the first of which was held in A.D. 325 (Nicaea), Important doctrines were defined concerning the Trinity-in other words, that there is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Constantinople, A.D.381), and the nature of Christ as both divine and human (Chalcedon, A.D. 541). Christians came to accept both Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament as authoritative. The New Testament comprises four Gospels (narratives of Jesus' life), 21 Epistles, The Acts of the Apostles, and Revelation.
Because of differences between Christians of the East and West the unity of the church was broken in 1054. The religious center for the Eastern Orthodox Church was Constantinople, and the Roman Catholic Church defined doctrine and practice for Christians In the West. In 1517 the Reformation began, which ultimately caused a schism in the Western church. Reformers wished to correct certain practices within the Roman church, but they also came to view the Christian faith in a distinctly new way. The major Protestant denominations (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reformed, and Anglican, [Episcopalian] thus came into being. Over the centuries, numerous denominations have broken with these major traditions, resulting in a spectrum of Christian expression. In the 21st century, many Christians hope to regain a sense of unity through dialogue and cooperation among different traditions. The ecumenical movement led to the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948 (Amsterdam), which has since been joined by many denominations.
Through its missionary activity Christianity has spread to most parts of the globe.
JUDAISM:
Judaism is the oldest of the monotheistic faiths. It affirms the existence of one God, Yahweh, who entered into covenant with the descendant of Abraham; God's chosen people. Judaism's holy writings reveal
how God has been present with them throughout their history. These writhings are known as the Torah, specifically the five books of Moses, but most broadly conceived as the Hebrew Scriptures (traditionally called the Old Testament by Christians) and the compilation of oral tradition known as the Talmud (which includes the Mishnah, the oral law).
According to Scripture, the Hebrew patriarch Abraham (20 the century? B.C.) founded the faith that would become known as Judaism. He obeyed the call of God to depart northern Mesopotamia and travel to Canaan. God promised to bless his descendants if they remained faithful in worship. Abraham's line descended through Isaac, then Jacob (also called Israel: his descendants came to be called Israelites). According to Scripture, 12 families that descended from Jacob migrated to Egypt, where they were enslaved. They were led out of bondage (13th century? B.C.) by Moses, who united them in the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrews returned to Canaan after a 40 year sojourn in the desert, conquering from the local peoples the "promised land' that God had provided for them.
The 12 tribes of Israel lived in a covenant association during the period of the judges
(1200?-1000? B.C.), leaders known for wisdom and heroism. Saul first established a monarchy
(r. 1025?-1005? B.C.): his successor , David (r.1005?-965? B.C.), unified the land of Israel and made Jerusalem its religious and political center. under his son, Solomon (r. 968?-928? B.C.), a golden era culminated in the building of a temple, replacing the portable sanctuary in use until that time. Following Solomon's death, the kingdom was split into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Political conflicts resulted in the conquest of Israel by Assyria (721 B.C.) and the defeat of Judah by Babylon (586 B.C.). Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed, and many Judeans were exiled to Babylon.
During the era of the kings, the prophets were active in Israel and Judah. Their writings emphasize faith in Yahweh as God of Israel and of the entire universe, and they warn of the dangers of worshiping other gods. They also cry out for social Justice.
The Judeans were permitted to return in 539 B.C. to Judea, where they were ruled as a Persian province. Though temple and cult were restored in Jerusalem, during the exile a new class of religious leaders had emerged-the scribes. They became rivals to the temple hierarchy and would eventually evolve into the party known as the Pharisees.
Persian rule ended when Alexander the Great conquered Palestine in 332 B.C. After his death, rule of Judea alternated between Egypt and Syria. When the Syrian ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes tried to prevent the practice of Judaism, a revolt was led by the Maccabees (a Jewish family), winning Jewish independence In 128 B.C. The Romans conquered Jerusalem in 63 B.C.
HINDU:
According to Hindu beliefs, Brahman is the principle and source of the universe. This divine intelligence pervades all beings, including the individual soul. Thus the many Hindu deities are manifestations of the one Brahman. Hinduism is based on the concept of reincarnation, in which all living beings, from plants on earth to gods above, are caught in a cosmic cycle of becoming and perishing. Life is determined by the law of karma-one is rebirth and death and entrance into the indescribable state of moksha (liberation).
The practice of Hinduism consists of rites and ceremonies centering on birth, marriage, and death. There are many Hindu temples, which are considered to be dwelling places of the deities and to which people bring offerings. Places of pilgrimage include Benares on the Ganges, the most sacred river in India. Of the many Hindu deities, the most popular are the cults of Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti and their various incarnations. Also important is Brahma, the creator god. Hindus also venerate human saints.
Orthodox Hindu society in India was divided into four major hereditary classes: (1) the Brahmin (Priestly and learned class); (2) the Kshatriya (military, professional, ruling, and governing occupations); (3) the Vaishya (landowners, merchants, and business occupations); and (4) the Sudra (artisans, laborers, and peasants). Below the Sudra was a fifth group, the Untouchables (lowest menial occupations and no social standing). The Indian government banned discrimination against the Untouchables in the constitution of India in 1950. Observance of class and caste distinctions varies throughout India.
In modern times work has been done to reform and revive Hinduism. One of the outstanding reformers was Ramakrishna (1836-1886), who inspired many followers, one of whom founded the Ramakrishna mission. The mission is active both in India and in other countries and is known for its scholarly and humanitarian works.
BUDDHISM:
Buddhism was founded in the fourth or fifth century B.C. in northern India by a man known traditionally as Siddhartha (meaning "he who has reached the goal"") Gautama the son of a warrior prince. Some scholars believe that he lived from 563 to 483 B.C." though his exact life span is uncertain. Troubled by the inevitability of suffering in human life, he left home and a pampered life at the age of 29 to wander as an ascetic, seeking religious insight and a solution to the struggles of human existence. He passed through many trials and practised extreme self-denial. Finally, while meditating under the bodhi tree ("tree of perfect knowledge") he reached enlightenment and taught his followers about his new spiritual understanding. Gautama's teachings differed from the Hindu faith prevalent in India at the time. Whereas in Hinduism the Brahmin caste alone performed religious functions and attained the highest spiritual understanding, Gautama's beliefs were more egalitarian, accessible to all who wished to be enlightened. At the core of his understanding were the Four Noble Truths: (1) all Living beings suffer; (2) the origin of this suffering is desire for material possessions, power, and so on: (3) desire can be overcome; and (4) there is a path that leads to release from desire. This way is called the Noble Eightfold Path: right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right live-livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right ecstasy.
Gautama promoted the concept of anatman (that a person has no actual self) and the idea that existence is characterized by impermanence. This realization helps one let go of desire for transient things. Still, gautama did not recommend extreme self-denial but rather a disciplined life called the Middle Way. Like the Hindus, he believed that existence consisted of reincarnation, a cycle of birth and death. He held that it could be broken only by reaching complete detachment from worldly cares. Then the soul could be released into nirvana (literally "blowing out") an indescribable state of total transcendence. Gautama traveled to preach the dharma (sacred truth) and was recognized as the Buddha (enlightened, one). After his death his followers continued to develop doctrine and practice, which came to center on the Three Jewels; the dharma ( the sacred teachings of Buddhism), the sangha ( the community of followers, which now includes nuns, monks, and laity), and the Buddha. Under the Patronage of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (third century B.C.), Buddhism spread throughout India and to other parts of Asia. Monasteries were established, as well as temples dedicated to Buddha; at shrines his relics were venerated. Though by the fourth century A.D. Buddhist presence in India had dwindled, it flourished in other parts of Asia.
Numerous Buddhist sects have emerged. The oldest, called the Theravada (Way of the Elders) tradition, interprets Buddha as a great sage but not a deity. It emphasizes meditation and ritual practices that help the individual become an arhat, an enlightened being. Its followers emphasize the authority of the earliest Buddhist scriptures, the Tripitaka (Three Baskets), a compilation of sermons, rules for celibates, and doctrine. This sect is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. It is sometimes called the Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) tradition (once considered a pejorative term).
Between the second century B.C. and the second century A.D., the Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) tradition refocused Buddhism to concentrate less on individual attainment of enlightenment and more on concern for humanity. It promotes the ideal of the hodhisattva (enlightened being), who shuns entering nirvana untill all sentient beings can do so as well, willingly remaining in the painful cycle of birth and death to perform works of compassion. Members of this tradition conceive of Buddha as an eternal being to whom prayers can be made; other buddhas are revered as well, adding a polytheistic dimension to the religion. Numerous sects have developed from the Mahayana tradition, Which has been influential In China, Korea, and Japan.
A third broad tradition, variously called Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle), Mantrayana (Vehicle of the Mantra), or Tantric Buddhism, offers a quicker, more demanding way to achieve nirvana. Because of its level of challenge-enabling one to reach enlightenment in one lifetime-it requires the guidance of spiritual leader. It is most prominent in Tibet and Mongolia.
Zen Buddhism encourages individuals to seek the Buddha nature within themselves and to practise a disciplined form of sitting meditation in order to reach satori-spiritual enlightenment.
SIKHISM:
A major religion of India and the fifth-largest faith in the world. Sikhism emerged in the Punjab under the guidance of the Curu Nanak (1469-1539?). This region had been influenced by the Hindu bhakti movement, which promoted both the idea that God comprises one reality alone as well as the Practice of devotional singing and prayer. The Muslim mystical tradition of Sufism, with its emphasis on meditation, also had some prominence there. Drawing on these resources. Nanak forged a new spiritual path.
In his youth, Nanak began to compose hymns. At the age of 29, he had a mystical experience that led him to proclaim "There is no Hindu; there is no Muslim," A strict monotheist, he rejected Hindu polytheism but accepted the Hindu concept of life as a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth; moksha release from this cycle into unity with God, could be achieved only with the help of a guru, or spiritual teacher. Nanak believed that communion with God, could be gained through devotional repetition of the divine name, singing of hymns and praises, and adherence to a demanding ethical code. He rejected idols and the Hindu caste system; it became a custom for Sikhs of all social ranks to take meals together. These beliefs are still central to modern Sikhism.
Nanak was first in a line of ten gurus who shaped and inspired Sikhism. The fifth, Arjun (1563-1606), compiled hymns and other writings by earlier Sikh gurus, as well as medieval hindu and Muslim saints, in the Adi Granth (First Book), an order that combined spiritual devotion, personal discipline, and ideals of military valor. Baptism initiates new members into the Khalsa. The Adi Granth took its final form under the supervision of Gobind Singh, as did the Dasam Granth (Tenth Book), a collection of prayers, poetry, and narrative. After the deaths of his four sons, Gobind Singh declared the line of gurus at an end. The Adi Granth would instead be reverenced, in houses of worship, taking the place of a living guru.
Today, Sikhs worship at gurdwaras (temples), where the Adi granth is the object of devotion. This book is consulted regarding questions of faith and practice. On cerrtain occasions, it is recited in its entirety (requiring more than a day) or carried in procession, offerings may be placed before it. Worshipful singing, meditation, and focus on the divine name remain essential to spiritual life; Some Sikhs undertake pilgrimages to historical gurdwaras, such as the Golden Temple of Amritsar, that are associated with the gurus. Some become disciples of living saints. There is no established Sikh priesthood.
CONFUCIANISM:
Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu), born in the state of Lu (northern China), lived from 551 to 479 B.C. He was a brlliant teacher, viewing education not merely as the accumulation of knowledge but as a means of self-transformation. His legacy was a system of thought emphasizing education, proper behavior, and loyalty. His effect on Chinese culture was immense.
The teaching of Confucius are contained in the Analects, a collection of his sayings as remembered by his students. They were further developed by philosophers such as Mencius (Meng Tse, fl. 400 B.C). Confucianism is little concerned with metaphysical discussion of religion or with spiritual attainments. It instead emphasizes moral conduct and right relationship in the human sphere.
Cultivation of virtue is a central tenet of Confucianism. Two important virtues are jen, a benevolent and humanitarian attitude, and li, maintaining proper relationships and rituals that enhance the life of the individual, the family, and the state. The "five relation." between king and subject, father and son, man and wife, older and younger brother, and friend and friend, are of utmost importance. These relationships are reinforced by participation in rituals, including the formal procedures of court life and religious rituals such as ancestor worship. Confucius revolutionized educational thought in China. He believed that learning was not to be focused only on attaining the skills for a particular profession, but for growth in moral judgment and self-realization. Confucius's standards for the proper conduct of government shaped the statecraft of China for centuries. Hundreds of temples in honor of Confucius testify to his stature as sage and teacher.
Confucianism was far less dominant in 20th-century China at least on a official level. The state cult of Confucius was ended in 1911. Still, Confucian traditions and moral standards are part of the ultural essence of China and other East Asian countries.
SHINTOISM:
Shinto comprises the religious ideas and practices indigenous to Japan. Ancient Shinto focused on the worship of the kami, a host of supernatural beings that could be known throught forms (objects of nature, remarkable people, abstract concepts such as justice) but were ultimately mysterious. Shinto has no formal dogma and no holy writ, though early collections of Japanese religious thought and practice (Kojiki, "Records of Ancient Matters," A.D. 712, and Nihon Shoki. "Chronicles of Japan," A.D. 720) are highly regarded. Shinto has been influenced by Confucianism and by Buddhism Which was introduced in Japan in the 6th century. Syncretic schools (such as Ryobu Shinto) emerged, as did other sects that rejected Buddhism (such as Ise Shinto).
Under the reign of the emperor meiji (1868-1912), Shinto became the official state religion. State Shinto, the "national cult, emphasized the divinity of the emperor, whose succession was traced back to the first emperor. Jimmu (660 B.C.), and beyond him to the sun goddess Amaterasu-o-mi-kami. Sate Shinto was disestablished after World War-II.
Sect Shinto deriving from sects that developed during the 19th and 20th centuries continues to thrive in Japan. Shrines dedicated to particular kami are visited by parishioners for prayer and traditional ceremonies, such as presenting a new born child to the kami. Traditional festivals celebrated at the shrines include purification rites, presentation of food offerings prayer, sacred music and dance, and a feast, No particular day of the week is set aside for prayer. A person may visit a shrine at will, entering through the torii (gateway). It is believed that the kami can respond to prayer and can offer protection and guidance.
A variety of Shinto sects and practices exist today. Ten-rikyo emphasizes faith healing. Folk Shinto is characterized by veneration of roadside shrines and rites related to agriculture. Buddhist priests serve at many Shinto shrines and many families keep a small shrine, or god-shelf, at home. Veneration of ancestors and pilgrimage are also common practices.
TAOISM:
Taoism, one of the major religions of China, is based on ancient philosophical works, primarily the tao Teching, "Classic of Tao and Its Virtue. "Traditionally, this book was thought to be the work of Lao-tzu, a quasi-historical philosopher of the 6th century B.C.: scholars now believe that the book dates from about the 3rd century B.C. The philosopher of the 6th century B.C.: scholars now believe that the book dates from about the 3rd century B.C. The philosopher Chuang Tzu (4th-3rd centuries B.C) also contributed to the seminal ideas of Taoism.
Tao, "the Way." is 'the ultimate reality of the universe, according to Taoism. It is a creative process, and humans can live in harmony with it by clearing the self of obstacles. By cultivating wu-wei, a type of inaction characterized by humility and prudence, a person can participate in the simplicity and spontaneity of Tao. Striving to attain virtue or achievement is counterproductive and unnecessary: Taoism values mystical contemplation and balance. The human being is viewed as a microcosm of the universe, and the Chinese principle of yin-yang, complementary duality, is a model of harmony.
The religious practices of Taoism emerged from these ancient philosophies and from Chinese shamanistic tradition; by the 2nd century A.D. it constituted an organized religion. Longevity and immortality were sought through regulation the energies of the body through breathing exercises, meditation, and use of medicinal plants, talismans and magical formulas. A cult of immortals, including the divinized Lao-tzu, also developed. Influenced by Buddhism, Taoists organized monastic orders. temple worship and forms of divination, including the I ching, were practiced.
Since its beginnings, many sects have arisen within Taoism. All subscribe to the philosophical origins of the religion; some have emphasized faith healing, exorcism, the worship of the immortals, meditation, or alchemy. Buddhism and Confucianism Influenced some sects; some operated as secret societies.
Though the present Chinese government has tried to suppress it, Taoism is still practiced in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It profoundly influenced Chinese art and literature, and Taoist ideas have become popular in the West.
HOLY BOOKS
Name
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Language
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Religion
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Quran
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Arabic
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Islam
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New Testament
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Greek
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Christianity
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Old Testament
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Hebrew
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Judaism
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Tripitaka
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Pali
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Buddhism
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Veda
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Sanskrit
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Hinduism
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Guru Granth
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Gurmakhi
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Sikhism
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Analects
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Chinese
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Confucianism
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Kojiki
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Chinese
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Shinto
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Tao Te Ching
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Chinese
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Taoism
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PLACES OF WORSHIP
Holy People
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Place
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Religion
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Iman
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Mosque
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Islam
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Priests
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Church
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Christianity
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Rabbi
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Synagogue
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Judaism
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Monks
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Pagoda
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Buddhism
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Pujari
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Temple
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Hinduism
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Guru
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Gurdwara
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Sikhism
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Scholars
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Temple
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Confucianism
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Kami
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Jinjo
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Shinto
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Daoshi
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Temple
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Taoism
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Islamyat