There are several similarities between Islam and Judaism.

1. Concept of God in Islam:                                            

The creator speaks about himself and the oneness of

God at several places in the Qur'an and the Bible,

We have to come to the common terms which is

mentioned in the Bible and the Holy Qur’an.

 

For example,  Qur’an says in

Surah Ikhlas Ch.112 V.1-4 (“say He is Allah one and only, Allah the absolute and eternal, He begets not, nor is He begotten, there is nothing like him”)

Judaism is one of the important Semitic religions. Its followers are known as Jews and they believe in the prophetic mission of Prophet Moses (pbuh).

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Concept of God in Judaism:                                           

The following verse from the book of Deuteronomy contains an exhortation from Moses (pbuh):

1. "Shama Israelu Adonai Ila Hayno Adna Ikhad" It is a Hebrew quotation which means: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" [The Bible, Deuteronomy 6:4]

 

•   following verses are from the Book of Isaiah:

(ii)"I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour."  [The Bible, Isaiah 43:11]
(iii) "I am Lord, and there is none else There is no God besides me." [The Bible, Isaiah 45: 5]

(iv) "I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me."[The Bible, Isaiah 46:9]

(v) Judaism condemns idol worship in the following verses:

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God." [The Bible, Exodus 20:3-5]

 

(iv) A similar message is repeated in the book of Deuteronomy:

"Thou shalt have none other gods before me."

"Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that in the earth beneath, or that is in the water beneath the earth."

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God." [The Bible, Deuteronomy 5:7-9]

In Judaism too, we find the same thread of monotheism that is seen in Islam and other religions.

 

2. Belief in Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him

Although it is a well-known fact that Jews don't follow the preaching of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. If you read the Bible, Muhammad peace be upon him was prophesized in the Old Testament in the Book of Deuteronomy Ch.18 V.18-19 (“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I commend him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.”) Some translations say, I will take revenge anyone who does not follow this messenger to come, Almighty God will take revenge from these people. So, according to Book of Deuteronomy, Jews must have to believe in Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

A similar message is given in the Qur'an in Surah Al Ahzaab Ch.33 V.40 (“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing.”) Since Muhammad peace be upon him was the last and final messenger of God. He was not sent only for the Arabs, he was sent to everyone as a mercy to the world. It’s also mention in,  Surah Al-Ambiya Ch.21 V.107 (“We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.”) Surah Sabaa Ch. 34 V.28 (“We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.”) So, Muhammad peace be upon him was the last and final messenger sent by God for the whole of humanity.

3. Jesus Christ peace be upon him was sent as a messenger of God to the people of Israel. It’s mentioned in the Qur'an as well as in the Bible.

Although Jesus Christ (pbuh) was sent as a messenger of God, you will notice that Jews don't believe in Jesus Christ (pbuh). This message is given in the Bible Gospel of Matthew Ch.10 V.5-6 Jesus Christ tells: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.” He further says in Gospel of Matthew Ch. 15 V.24 (“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”). So, Jesus peace be upon him was sent only for the Jews. 

According to the Qur'an, there are about 71 verses in the Quran that refer to Prophet Jesus (pbuh). Some verses from Chapter 3, verses 44 to 60 explain that Jesus Christ (pbuh) was sent as a messenger of God. "O Muhammad, these are the “unseen” things, We are revealing to you: you were not present there when the priests of the Temple were casting lots by throwing their quills to decide which of them should be the guardian of Mary: 43 nor were you with them when they were arguing about it." Quran 3:44

4. Eating  Pork is Haraam or forbidden in Islam and Judaism.

 

5. Alcohol is prohibited in Islam and Judaism.

 

6. Only Halal or Kosher food is allowed in Islam and Judaism.

The Hebrew word kosher means "fit." The kosher laws define the foods that are fit for consumption for a Jew.

The kosher laws were commanded by God to the Children of Israel in the Sinai desert. Moses taught them to the people and wrote the basics of these laws in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14; the details and particulars were handed down through the generations and eventually written down in the Mishnah and Talmud. To these were added various ordinances enacted through the generations by the rabbinical authorities as "safeguards" for the biblical laws.

Similarly, Islam recommends Halal food only.

 

7. Circumcision is mandatory in Islam and Judaism.

 

8. Prayers

Judaism

• Three times daily

• Mostly communal with many prayers stated in the plural

• Personal prayers encouraged throughout the day

• Blessings for multiple reasons (i.e. safe trip, food, new clothes, etc.) throughout the day

 

Islam

• Five times daily

• Communal prayers preferred

• Personal prayers encouraged throughout the day

9. Charity

In Judaism charity is a mitzvah (commandment). Similarly charity is mandatory in Islam, in fact, it is the fourth pillar of Islam called Zakat.

 

10. Role of Women

Both Islam and Judaism, women are equal but not the same as men.

11. Divorce

In both religions Islam and Judaism, divorce is acceptable (although not desirable).

12. Abortion

Both religions have the same concept about abortion. It is acceptable if the mother’s life is in danger.

13. Homosexuality

The act of homosexuality is not acceptable in both religions. In fact, it is considered as one of the biggest sin. 

14. Concept of Original Sin

In Islam, there is no concept of original sin, nor vicarious atonement. All humans are born sinless, but human weakness leads to sin. Judaism rejects the doctrine of original sin. Atonement for sins committed is made through seeking forgiveness from God in prayer and repentance. In addition, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is set aside specially for this purpose.

 

15. Salvation

According to Islam, salvation can be achieved through good deeds, thus personal righteousness must outweigh personal sin (Quran 23:101-103). Similarly, in Judaism, it can be through good deeds, prayers and the grace of God. There is no parallel to the Christian view of substitutionary atonement.

 

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16. Hijab                                                                  

 

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Genesis 24:65 ("So she took her veil and covered herself")
Genesis 38:14 ("And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself").

Here are some religions that order women to cover their head and body, for instance, Catholic Nuns, Orthodox Christian Nuns, Orthodox Jews, and Muslims, etc.

 

17. Interest (Trade/Finance)

Islamic and Jewish laws strictly forbid in getting involved in any kind of interest whether it is taken or given in terms of trade, in terms of any kind of business or in terms of any loans and insurance, etc. In addition, interest is not allowed in any kind of financial or bank dealing at all. It is totally Haram in Islam and Judaism.