Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible

Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible

Comparative Analysis of the Obligatory Prayer (Ṣalāt) in Islam and Judaism

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Alireza Kavand 1
Sayed Mohammad Esmaeili 2
1 Associate Professor, Tehran Faculty of Quranic Studies, Holy Quran University of Sciences and Education. Tehran, IRAN.
2 Assistant Professor of the Qom Faculty of Quranic Studies, Holy Quran University of Sciences and Education, Qom, IRAN.
10.22034/qb.2025.2072230.1054
Abstract
Prayer (Ṣalāt) is one of the pillars of Islam. This research aims to introduce prayer in Judaism and Islam, compare them, and articulate the similarities and differences. A descriptive-inductive method was employed, examining the Torah texts related to the features of prayer in Judaism. Furthermore, contemporary practices of prayer among Jews were collected and compared with the features of prayer in Islam. The findings show that prayer in Judaism does not derive its legitimacy from the Holy Scriptures but has undergone changes over time and remains subject to further modification. Also, the form of prayer in Judaism differs from that in Islam; Islam's prayer includes standing (Qīyām), bowing (Rukūʻ), prostration (Sujūd), ritual purity (Ṭahārah), and a direction of prayer (Qiblah), while Judaism has no fixed form. Although bowing is more common among Jews, it is entirely optional, and a condition like ritual purity before prayer, which is essential in Islam, does not exist in Judaism.
Keywords
Prayer
Judaism
Ruku. Sujud
Holy Quran
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Journal of Interreligious Studies on the Quran and the Bible
Volume 2, Issue 1 - Serial Number 3
October 2025
Pages 31-64