Hinduism versus Islam: Hinduism and Islam Compared

By www. hinduwebsite.com

Hinduism and Islam

Worship

Hinduism believes in the worship of God in every conceivable way, both as a supreme formless and universal self and also as individual gods and goddesses. Islam believes in one and only God who has 99 names, but is most popularly referred by the name Allah. Islam is based on the sayings of the Almighty Allah that have been conveyed to us through the many Prophets, Muhhammad (P.B.U.H) being the last one. Hinduism is based upon the teachings of God in the form of His incarnations and manifestations, the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad gita.

Tolerance

Islam is extremely rigid in its approach towards other religions. Hinduism is more a group of religions that share some common beliefs and traditions and is not in favor or against a particular belief or religion. Islam believes in rescuing people from eternal damnation through their conversion to Islam, where as Hinduism believes in letting the Individual choose his path according to his inner convictions and scale of evolution. Hinduism and Islam differ on a number of issues, which are too many to be enumerated here. However one fundamental difference which needs to be mentioned is that Hinduism is the oldest living major religions of the world, while Islam is the youngest. 

Scientific pursuit

It is debatable whether Islam would encourage pursuit of knowledge through scientific rationalism and free enquiry that would disturb or challenge the belief structure of an age old society. In Islam free enquiry scientific pursuit are possible, but so long as they do not question the foundations of the religion or the way of life of the believers. Hinduism has no issues with scientific pursuit so long as it is in harmony with the spiritual aims of the world and the Creation.

Confrontations

Islam and Hinduism confronted each other in the subcontinent and the worst sufferers in this confrontation were the medieval Indians who were mostly Hindus. The confrontation between Islam and Hinduism continues in the Indian subcontinent even after a thousand years till today. The present day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are babies of this unending saga of mutual hatred and unprecedented animosity. 

The place of medieval cannons is now taken over by laser guided nuclear missiles and people who are proud owners of these high-tech toys are hardly aware of their destructive nature. Ignorance rules their minds and hatred fills their hearts. Basic issues confronting these countries such as poverty and education remain unanswered. The survival of all the countries in this region today precariously hangs in balance. One mistake on any ones part and the world would see the waters of Indian ocean swamping the valleys of the Himalayas and inundating the steppes of Central Russia. Would religions destroy this world eventually? Yes, when not individuals but a whole region becomes insane and obsessed with suicide. Let us hope the answer is "NO". 

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