Religions and denominations
۱۰۰ مطلب
Swaminarayan Saint (स्वामिनारायण सम्प्रदाय)Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism with an extensive network of temples and educational institutions; its subsidiary organizations split off in later periods. Bhakti to Swaminarayan and religious ethics are prominent; the relationship between God, soul, and avatar is specifically explained in the schools of this tradition.Mahayana Buddhism (महायान · 大乘)An umbrella for schools of Buddhism that embrace the ideal of Bodhisattva and a broad collection of Mahayana sutras; this family includes the Zen, Pure Land, and East Asian traditions. Compassion and bodhicitta, emptiness, and liberation of all beings are important in Mahayana schools; philosophical interpretation is diverse.Buddhism (बौद्ध धर्म · 佛教)Buddhism is a set of liberation-oriented traditions that began with the teachings of Gautama Buddha and spread throughout Asia and then the world; Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana are the major divisions. The Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, impermanence, and liberation from suffering are central to many schools; the interpretation of nirvana and philosophical teachings vary among branches.Brahmo Samaj (ব্রাহ্ম সমাজ)A reformist movement in India that combined monotheism, modern education, and social reform, drawing on Hindu traditions and interfaith dialogue. Emphasis on one God and criticism of idolatry are prominent in the formation of this movement; branch groups have different theologies.Vaishnavism (वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय)One of the great traditions of Hinduism, centered on Vishnu and his manifestations, especially Rama and Krishna; has numerous philosophical and communal schools. Bhakti, or devotion to Vishnu, is fundamental in many branches; the relationship between God and the world is explained differently in Vaishnavite schools.Smarta (स्मार्त सम्प्रदाय)An approach in Hinduism that accepts the worship of multiple divine forms within the framework of the unity of Brahman; a ritual pantheism is recognized in some communities. The philosophy of Advaita Vedanta is influential in a number of Smarta traditions; identity and ritual vary between families and schools.Shaktism (शाक्त सम्प्रदाय)A movement in Hinduism that places Shakti, the divine feminine force, at the center of theology and worship; Durga, Kali, and local goddesses are prominent. The goddess can be understood as the ultimate reality, the mother of the world, or the dynamic force of creation; philosophical and tantric interpretations vary.Shaivism (शैव सम्प्रदाय)A major tradition in Hinduism centered on Shiva; Kashmir Shaivism, Shiva Siddhanta, and Tamil traditions are among the recognized currents. Shiva is the supreme God in some schools, and in others, a symbol of consciousness or ultimate reality; ritual and philosophy are not uniform.Arya Samaj (आर्य समाज)A reformist movement in Hinduism that sought a return to the Vedas, education, and social reform, and spread throughout India and diaspora communities. The oneness of God, the authority of the Vedas, and opposition to some later traditions are among the well-known teachings; the Arya Samaj's interpretation of the texts has its own distinctive style.Islam Zaidi (الزيدية)A Shiite tradition that dates back to Zayd ibn Ali and has had a profound presence in Yemeni history; its doctrine of Imamate and jurisprudential approach differ from Twelverism and Ismailism. Justice, monotheism, and Imamate are important alongside the Quran and Zaydi jurisprudence; the theological schools within it are also diverse.Sufism / Islamic mysticism (التصوف)Spiritual traditions and orders within Islam with an emphasis on purification, knowledge, and remembrance of God; Sufism can be present in both Sunni and Shiite societies and is not a separate, homogeneous branch. Benevolence, divine love, remembrance, and spiritual education are common themes; mystical language and the position of the sheikh differ within orders.Ismaili Islam (الإسماعيلية)A branch of Shiism that took a distinct path in the issue of the succession of the Imam after Ja'far al-Sadiq; Nizari and Tayyibi are historical branches. Living Imamate and esoteric interpretation are important in a number of Ismaili traditions; structure and doctrine depend on the branch.Hinduism (सनातन धर्म · हिन्दू धर्म)Hinduism is an umbrella name for the diverse religious traditions of South Asia; the Vedas, Upanishads, epics, Puranas, and regional rituals play a role in its history. Dharma, karma, rebirth, and liberation are important in many schools; theology ranges from monotheism to polytheism and non-theistic approaches.Ahmadiyya (الجماعة الإسلامية الأحمدية)A movement that emerged from the Indian Muslim milieu of the late 19th century with today's transnational institutions; its interpretation of the founder's position is a matter of serious dispute with many Muslims. The Quran and Islamic worship are central; the Ahmadiyya understanding of Mahdism and prophethood and the position of Ghulam Ahmad differ from the views of many Muslim schools.Twelver Shia (الشيعة الاثنا عشرية)The largest branch of Shiism, which believes in twelve Imams from Ali to Muhammad al-Mahdi and includes the occultation of the twelfth Imam in its theology. Imamate, justice, monotheism, and the Quran are central themes; the place of authority and ijtihad is important in contemporary societies.Sunni Islam (أهل السنة والجماعة)The largest branch of Islam, with numerous jurisprudential and theological traditions; the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools of jurisprudence are among the best known. The Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah are the primary sources; interpretation of hadith, jurisprudence, and theology varies among Sunni schools, and there is no centralized, global religious leadership.Shia Islam (التشيّع)A branch of Islam that emphasizes the issue of Imamate and the place of the Prophet's family in religious narrative; it includes the Twelver, Ismaili, Zaydi, and other traditions. Monotheism and the Quran are accompanied by various teachings about Imamate and religious authority; the interpretation and institutions of each branch differ.Ibadi Islam (الإباضية)An independent tradition in Islam with a significant history in Oman and North African societies; the Ibadis consider themselves a distinct branch from the common Sunni and Shia categories. The Quran, tradition, and Ibadi jurisprudential heritage are the basis of their religious practice; their historical and theological narratives have their own distinctive characteristics.Humanistic Judaism (Humanistic Judaism)An approach to Jewish life that emphasizes Jewish identity, history, culture, and ethics without requiring theistic belief. Human autonomy, Jewish culture, solidarity, and social ethics are important; congregations vary in religion and level of religiosity.Reform Judaism (Reform Judaism · یهودیت لیبرال)A movement in Judaism that sought to rethink and interpret the historical tradition in response to modern changes, and then spread to Europe and North America. The ethics of the prophets, social justice, and the possibility of new interpretations of tradition are emphasized; the degree of ritual adherence and theological formulation varies among congregations.Reconstructionist Judaism (Reconstructionist Judaism)A modern movement that understands Judaism as a civilization in flux and examines community, culture, language, and ritual alongside religious belief. Jewish community and the responsible re-creation of tradition are at the center of attention; theological interpretation and ritual can be individual or communal.Karaite Judaism (קראות · Qara’im)A Jewish tradition that emphasizes the direct authority of the Hebrew Scriptures, as distinguished from rabbinical interpretation in the place of the Talmud; its communities developed in the Middle East and elsewhere. The study and interpretation of the Hebrew text is centered in the Karaite community; the tradition has varied both historically and within its communities.Hasidic Judaism (חסידות · Hasidut)A movement within Orthodox Judaism emphasizing prayer, religious joy, mysticism, and the leadership of rabbinical lineages; there are many Hasidic congregations with distinct traditions. The presence of God in daily life, intention in worship, and the importance of the rabbi-congregation relationship are common themes; teachings are not uniform across lineages.Conservative Judaism/Masoretic (Masorti Judaism · יהדות מסורתית)A movement in Rabbinic Judaism that pursues a connection with Halakha and tradition, along with historical interpretation and gradual evolution; the name Masoretic is common in many countries. It combines continuity of tradition, historical research, and responsiveness to new circumstances; ritual decisions are shaped within the movement's institutions.Orthodox Judaism (יהדות אורתודוקסית)A stream of Rabbinic Judaism that maintains a binding connection to the written and oral Torah and halakha; within it, there are also distinct Haredi, Modern Orthodox, and congregational traditions. Adherence to halakha, Torah study, and congregational life are prominent; the style of interpretation and the degree of engagement with contemporary society vary between groups.