Arabs
The majority of Arabs are Muslim, with a sizeable minority of Christians. Islam is the official religion of most Arab countries, and it shapes their laws, culture and society. Arabs generally follow the Sunni branch of Islam, although there are also some Shia communities.
Persians
The majority of Persians are Shia Muslims, making them the largest Shia community in the world. Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and it has a strong influence on Persian culture and society. Persians also have a long history of Zoroastrianism, which was the dominant religion in ancient Iran before the rise of Islam.
Kurds
Kurds are a diverse group in terms of religion. While the majority of Kurds are Muslim, there are also significant minorities of Christians, Yazidis and Zoroastrians. Islam is the official religion of Iraqi Kurdistan, but other religions are also tolerated and practiced freely.
Here are some of the key differences in the religions of Arabs, Persians and Kurds:
Religious texts
The main religious texts for Arabs, Persians and Kurds are the Quran, the Bible and the Avesta, respectively. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, and it is believed to be the direct word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Bible is the holy book of Christianity, and it contains the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Avesta is the holy book of Zoroastrianism, and it contains the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster.
Worship practices
Arabs, Persians and Kurds all have their own unique worship practices. Muslims typically pray five times a day facing Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. They also recite the Quran and perform ablution before prayer. Christians typically attend church services on Sundays, where they listen to sermons, sing hymns and take communion. Zoroastrians typically pray at a fire temple, where they offer prayers to the gods.
Religious festivals
Arabs, Persians and Kurds all celebrate a variety of religious festivals. Some of the most important Muslim festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Hajj, Ashura and Mawlid. Some of the most important Christian festivals include Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and Ascension. Some of the most important Zoroastrian festivals include Nowruz, Sadeh and Gahambars.
Overall, while there are some similarities between the religions of Arabs, Persians and Kurds, there are also significant differences in their beliefs, practices and festivals.