Hinduism and Islam

Introduction

Hinduism is the oldest of all living religions. It is also known by the names Sanatana-Dharma and Vaidika-Dharma. The meaning of Sanatana-Dharma is eternal religion. Vaidika-Dharma means the religion of the Vedas. The Vedas are the fundamental scriptures of Hinduism. On the other hand, Islam is one of the most popular religions in the world. Muslims believe in the existence of one God, “Allah”, and follow what is instructed to them in the Quran and Hadith.

Discussion

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the purpose of rites and rituals is to overcome weaknesses and develop strength. Hindus practice a variety of rituals and practices. Each ritual and practice has its own importance and influence. Some of the rituals and spiritual practices include meditation, japa i.e. repetition of the Lord's name, Sandhyopasana, and paaraayana i.e. reading of the scriptures.

Another common ritual in Hinduism is to prostrate before elders including parents and teachers. In Hinduism, it is also a ritual to offer food to the Lord. After this, Hindus partake of it as prasaada i.e. a holy gift from the Lord (Knott, 141).

The doctrine of reincarnation in Hinduism is also known as metempsychosis or metensomatosis. According to the doctrine of reincarnation, the soul takes on a body for a definite purpose. Hindus believe that their souls get a different body in different births.

In Hinduism, any action either physical or mental is Karma. According to Karma, virtuous deeds result in fruitful results while evil deeds bear evil results. According to the notion of Samsara in Hinduism, human beings are trapped in an endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This perpetual entails that all actions performed by human beings result in appropriate consequences. The notion of Moshka involves the realization of the complete non-difference of the human soul from God.

The word Polytheism in the West carries the same idea as Hindu Polytheism. However, the understanding of polytheism in West is different from Hindu Polytheism. In the West, Polytheism is the plurality of God. However, in India, polytheism describes that God is supreme, and He manifests Himself in different forms. Thus, when considered rightly, Hindu theology of Polytheism is same as Western monotheism.

The interaction between Hinduism and West exists because of the colonial process as well as western contact with India. The tolerance for diversity in Hinduism has made it an attractive alternative to Western religion. Hinduism has influenced the West indirectly through diverse religious movements like ...