HISTORY OF ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS IN MIDDLE EASTERN CIVILIZATION
Abstract
This study examines the historical traces of the Abrahamic religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the context of Middle Eastern civilization through a qualitative approach using literature study and historical-descriptive analysis. The focus of the study includes the origins of the three religions, the development of their teachings and institutions, and the accompanying social, cultural, and political influences. The results of the study indicate that all three religions are rooted in the same monotheistic teachings, inherited from the central figure of the Prophet Abraham. Despite having similar theological sources, each religion developed in a different historical and socio-political context, giving rise to distinctive characters of teachings, legal systems, and religious traditions. The interaction between religion and political power has shaped the social, legal, and cultural structures of Middle Eastern society, both in the form of cooperation and conflict. This study also found that conflicts often considered religious conflicts are essentially more influenced by political factors, power, and social interests. In the modern context, globalization and interfaith dialogue are important factors in building interfaith understanding. This study is expected to enrich academic insight into the relationship between religion, history, and civilization, as well as serve as an analytical basis for understanding religious dynamics in the contemporary era
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