This meant that individuals were 'elected' for salvation by God, and this view of human salvation is called either the 'doctrine of the elect' or the doctrine of living saints' (www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/CALVIN.HTM)." John the Baptist was a prophet who "preached a message of repentance to the people of Jerusalem. He converted many, and prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. He baptized Christ, after which he stepped away and told his disciples to follow Jesus (www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj02.htm)."

Islam

Three terms in Islam that should be explored are Quraysh, Hijra, and Saum. Quraysh is "the ancient Bedouin tribe near Mecca to which Muhammad belonged. At one time camel drivers and caravan guides, they became, after acquiring custody of the Kaaba, one of the most powerful tribes in central Arabia and the chief family of Mecca. They were at first bitter opponents of Muhammad but became his devoted followers when Muhammad retained the Kaaba, a source of pilgrim revenue, as a sanctuary of Islam (unknown, Columbia)."

Hijra means migration, and is the term that "refers to Muhammad's journey from Makka to Madina in 622 CE. The Hijra is taken as the beginning of the Muslim calendar (www.strath.ac.uk/Departments/SocialStudies/RE/Database/Glossaries)."

Saum is the "fasting undertaken during the month of Ramadan; it is the fourth of the Five Pillars...

For 29-30 days, between sunrise and sunset, no food or drink, sexual relations, or comforts such as chewing gum or cigarettes are allowed. Muslims believe that saum helps them develop self-control, increase their spiritual stringy, have some understanding for those who suffer, and increase their sense of belonging to one community (unknown, Hutchinson)."
Conclusion

Every religion has its own terms and influences. By exploring some of these terms, one can gain a better understanding of the various religions throughout the world.

Works Cited

Hijra. (accessed 25 May 2005). www.strath.ac.uk/Departments/SocialStudies/RE/Database/Glossaries).

John Calvin. (accessed 25 May 2005). www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/CALVIN.HTM).

John the Baptist. (accessed 25 May 2005). www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj02.htm).

Samuel Holdheim. (accessed 25 May 2005). www.knowallabout.com).

Unknown. "Halachah." The Hutchinson Encyclopedia. (2003): 22 September.

Unknown. "Hanukah History and Traditions." The Family Room. (2000): 05 December.

Unknown. "Kuraish." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. (2005): 24 February.

Unknown. "Pentecost." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. (2005): 24 February.

Unknown. "Saum." The Hutchinson Encyclopedia. (2003): 22 September.