Hinduism and Islam



Hinduism and Islam

Introduction

All religions are man's attempts to know the truth of God. The true and full communion with God can only be through its direct effect. Religion is the set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas and practices that define the relationship of humans with the sacred or the divine. A particular religion is defined by elements specific to a community of believers: dogmas, sacred books, rites, rituals, sacraments, moral requirements, prohibitions, organization, etc. Most religions have evolved from a revelation based on the exemplary story of a people, a prophet or a wise man who taught an ideal life. In this paper we are going to evaluate two religions; Hinduism and Islam.

Question # 1

Hinduism and Islam are very old religions yet very poorly know.

Founders

Hinduism: no one in particular

Islam: a man who has had a revelation Muhammad (P.B.U.H)

Design of God

Hinduism: "Cosmic Self", while the large, impersonal: it is not a god itself, add to it a multitude of deities.

Islam: Allah, God Almighty and single, well beyond its creation, rewarding its loyal but does not enter into a relationship with them.

World Design

Hinduism: Universe created by Brahman. 

Islam: Universe created by Allah.

Design of Man

Hinduism: Being no particular value but part of a greater whole. It is likely to lose all sense of identity to blend in with the "cosmic self."

Islam: Creature of Allah, called total submission to Allah, is doomed to hell or to heaven (according to the will of Allah).

Design of Paradise

Hinduism: Nirvana, eternal bliss when the individual no longer exists but was merged into the "cosmic self."

Islam: The Paradise, a place of pleasures.

Design of Salvation

Hinduism: Expected: by doing enough good Karmas never to reincarnate and merge finally into the "cosmic self."

Islam: Expected: by works (compliance with the 5 pillars of Islam: profession of faith, prayer, alms, Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca). But Allah will decide who will be saved, according to his will.

Tenets of Islam

The double testimony, Shahada, there is no other god but God and Muhammad

The obligatory prayer, Salat, five times a day and need to be purified by the ablution before performing (Najeebabadi, 2001).

The tax, Zakkat, used to alleviate the needs of the most disadvantaged works of religion, aid tariqa

Tenets of Hinduism

The basis of Hindu philosophy is the doctrine of the three purposes of human life: dharma, artha and kama (Michaels, 2004).

There are many paths ...