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The Hindu and Muslim Religions
Are bugs our relatives? How many wives can I marry? In the western society these questions may seem a little odd. Living in the western culture, our lives, beliefs, and religious laws are different than those of other regions. In all reality, there are many religions that one may or may not be knowledgeable about. Two major religions in the world are Hinduism and Islam. Through different avenues, Hindus and Islam followers can be compared and contrasted in three different ways: life-styles, beliefs, and customs.
The history of Hinduism consists of how it began, its population, and its establishments over the years. First, its history can be revealed by how Hinduism began. Dean C. Halverson, World Religions Specialist for International Students, in his book, World Religions, talks about how Hinduism can be traced back to 1500 B.C. in what is now India. It began as just a religion that worshipped lots of goRAB and that was very ritualistic. At first, the simple head of the household could perform the rituals; however, they became increasingly complex as the centuries passed. Consequently, it became necessary to create a priestly class and to train those priests to perform the rituals correctly. During this time, the Vedas were written to give the priests instructions as how to perform the rituals (Halverson 87-88). Dean C. Halverson quotes:
According to Hindu tradition, Ishvarn became known to humanity
through Trimurti (literally, “three manifestations”) of Brohman.
Those manifestations include Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the
Preserver), and Siva (the Destroyer). Each of the three deities
has at least one devi, or divine spouse... Ishvara became
personified even further through the ten mythical incarnations
of Vishnu, called avatars. The forms of these incarnations
include that of animals (for example, a fish, tortoise, and
boar) and of persons (for example, Rama, Krishna, Buddha)...
Beyond the principle deities of the Trimrti and the avatars,
it is estimated that there are 330 million other goRAB in
Hinduism...Even after the UpanisheRAB were written, the Hindu
concept of God continued to develop. It developed in the
direction of God being personal. (87-88)
Nirguna Brahman became sagura Brahman, which is Brahman “with attributes.” This personified form of Brahman is also called Ishvara (88). Rituals were emphasized so much that the priests became the sole connection by which the Hindus could approach and please the goRAB. The priests were gaining an increasing amount of power and control over the lives of the people because of their position as mediators with the goRAB. Finally the people revolted in 600 B.C. The Hindu religion changed to a form that put more emphasis on the importance of internal meditation, instead of external rituals (88). Second, its history is revealed by its population. Halverson quotes, “It is estimated that adherents to Hindus make up around 13% of the world’s population...The vast majority of Hindus-some 700 million-live in India, where they account for 82% of the population” (87). Patrick Johnstone, author of Operation World quotes, “Hindus also comprise a significant portion of the population in seven other countries: Bangladesh (11%), Bhutan (25%), Fiji (41%), Mauritius (50%), Nepal (89%), Sri Lanka (15%), Surinam (27%), and Trinidad (25%)” (qtd. in Halverson 87) . Halverson states that Hinduism is the state religion only in Nepal and that North America contains over one million Hindus (87). Lastly, in a recent article called “How to Become a Hindu: Historical Background”, written by the Himalayan Academy, one sees the history of Hinduism by its establishments. The first Hindu Church of America was established in the West by Saiva Siddhanta Church. It’s been around for forty years (1). “How to Become a Hindu: Historical Background” also states:
Having received his own namakarana samskara from his Sat Guru,
Siva Yogaswami, in Sri Lanka in 1947, and having taught the
principles of saivite Hinduism in America for some thirty
years, Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (church founder)
realized that the time was ripe in 1977 to bring his sincere,
self-declared Hindu devotees formally into the religion. (1)
The book called The Compact Guide to World Religions, written by a World Religions Specialist for International Students, mentions, “In the course of history, Hinduism has spawned three other religious movements that have since become World religions: Jaiinism, Buddhism, and Sikhism” (Halverson 88). That is the summation of the Hindu’s history.
The Islamic history consists of Muhammad, the Muslim sects, and its population. First, the Islamic history is revealed by the life of Muhammad. Encyclopedia Americana, referring to Muslims, who are the Islam followers, conveys that Muhammad began preaching around 610 A.D. Progress was slow at first because rich powerful citizens didn’t like his preaching. Meccans even plotted to kill him. A group of people helped Muhammad after he fled to Medina (then called Yathrib) in 622. This emigration is known to the Muslims as Hegira. Muslim calendars are dated from this year. In 630, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca and occupied the city. Muhammad and his followers destroyed all the idols in the shrine, the Kaaba, and turned the area around into a mosque or Muslim house of worship. Meccans then accepted Islam and acknowledged Muhammad as a prophet, leading to Meccacnd Medina becoming the sacred cities of Islam (1). Halverson, in his World Religions book, states:
Muhammad is said to have doubted initially the origin of these
new revelations. He thought perhaps he had been possessed
by jinn, or demons. His wife Khadigah, however, reassured
him that his visions were of divine origin, and she encouraged
him to teach that which had been revealed to him. (104)
That is not a widely known fact. Encyclopedia Americana, talking about Islam, gives us this factual:
The spread of Islam throughout the Middle East and North Africa
began with conquests launched from Mecca and Medina. After
Muhammad died in A.D.622, Abu Bakr was elected caliph, the
Muslim leader. He and his successors encouraged the jihad
(holy war). Within a hundred years, they built an empire
that stretched from northern Spain to India. The rapid spread
of Islam engulfed the Persian Sassanid Empire and much of the
Christian Byzantine Empire. The Muslims threat ended in Western
Europe until Charles Martel defeated them at the Battle of
Poiters, also called the Battle of Tours, in 732. In
subsequent waves of expansion, Islam spread into central Asia,
India, and Indonesia. (1)
Next, the Muslim sects reveal the Islamic history. Ahamd H. Sakr, Ph. D., in his recent article called “Intro to Islam”, talks about how the Muslim religion is called Islam and that the root of Islam is Silm and Salam which means peace (1). In the 600’s, the Muslim world split into the Sunni and the Shiah. Most Muslims believe that Muslim leadership after the death of Muhammad passed to caliphs elected from Muhammad’s tribe. These Muslims are called Sunnites. The Shiites believe that leadership was restricted to descendants of Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law. Shiites live scattered throughout Asia and Africa and, more recently, in Europe and America (“Islam” 3). Lastly, the Muslim population reveals its history. The book World Religions gives us this factual, “Islam makes up around 20% of the world’s population. It is the second largest religion in the world, trailing only Christianity” (Halverson 103). Muslims are spread in North Africa, the Middle East, South-Central Asia, and Indonesia. Islam began in Saudi Arabia, but non-Arab Muslims now outnuraber Arab Muslims by almost 3 to 1. Indonesia has 166 million (88%), Pakistan-111 million (97%), Bangladesh-97 million (85%), and India-93 million (11%) Muslims in their countries” (Halverson 103). Both the Hindus and Muslims have a history that dates back considerably far, and that also reveals a great deal about their culture.
The live-styles of Hindus and Muslims are unique and can be diverse. First, lets look at the Hindu life. Concerning the issue of the Hindu life, Halverson quotes:
...family is very close. The actions of one meraber of the family
affect the rest of the family. Mahendra Singhal, a Hindu who came
to Christ, wrote, ‘My dilemma [with respect to his conversion]
had another dimension. My acceptance of Jesus Christ would make
my parents lose respect and position in the community. My
brothers and sisters would suffer disgrace. Even though I was
working away from home in a different environment, I was not
really free to make my own decisions.’. (95)
As one can see, the Hindus have very strong family ties. Encyclopedia America, also states about Hindus:
Although Hindus believe and do many apparently contradictory
things-contradictory not merely from one Hindu to the next,
but also within the daily religious life of a single Hindu-each
individual perceives an orderly pattern that gives form and
meaning to his or her own life. (109)
Peter Brierley, author of World Atlas of Christians, through his research and studies reveals that in 1995 the life expectancy at birth was averaged to be 60-69 years in Asia and USSR which contains around 800,000 Hindus (Brierley, Wraight 56, 57).
Next, lets examine the Muslim life through prayer, fasting, and other lifestyles they have. The Shahoda is a creed in which Muslims make a verbal commitment and pledge that there is only One God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God (“How to. . . A Summary” 2). This is similar to Hindus in the way that they believe in a one, all pervasive Supreme Being. Muslims are required to pray five times daily, which is called Salat. They fast, abstinence from food, liquiRAB and intercourse between married couples, from dawn to sunset the whole months of Ramadan. Zakat, a purifying tax, is an annual payment that Muslims use to distribute to the poor or other beneficiaries. Muslims are required to take a pilgrimage to Makka at least once in their life time if means are available. Hindus, also believe in the value of pilgrimages and they take a pilgrimage at least once a year for karma of holy persons, temples, and places, near or far (“How to. . . A Summary” 2). Muslims pray daily at dawn, at noon, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at nightfall. A crier or muezzin announces prayer time from the minaret or mosque tower. Muslims ceremonially wash their faces, hanRAB, and feet just before prayer. During their Friday noon prayer mosque, the prayer leader faces Mecca. The men stand behind him, and the women stand behind the men (“Islam” 2). According to Encyclopedia Americana concerning Muslims, it quotes, “Prayers consist of reciting passages from the Koran and other phrases of God. They include such movements as bowing from the hips and kneeling with the face to the ground. Friday prayers are preceded by a sermon” (2). A Mosque or Masjid is an Muslim place of worship. The world contains three holy places of worship such as the Mosque of Kaaka in Makkah, the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and the Masjid Aqsa, adjacent to the Done of the Rock in Jerusalem. Muslims can pray anywhere, but preferably in a congregation (Sakr 3). Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D., gives us more insight to the Muslims holy day:
The holy day of Muslims is Friday. It is considered to be
sacred and the Day of Judgment will take place on Friday.
Muslims join together shortly after noon on Friday for the
Friday congregational prayer in a Mosque. A leader (Iman)
give a sermon (Khutba) and leaRAB the congregational prayer. (3)
Next, lets find out what Ramadan is all about. Ramadan is the ninth month of the year. Travelers, the sick, nursing mothers, and soldiers on the march are the excused, but they make up missed days. A three day festival called the Breaking of the Fast (Little Bairam) is celebrated afterward (“Islam” 2). In “Fasting leaRAB to feasting during Ramadan”, a recent article in the Tulsa World, it talks about how, following Muhammad’s example, Muslims eat many dates when they break their fast after sunset to help the digestive system and provide fiber. For their drink, they make a syrup out of apricot paste and mix it with water (D10). So, one can see that Ramadan is one of the Islam traditions of fasting, feasting, and celebrating. According to Mahmoud M. Ayoub, author of the article “The Islamic Tradition”, Muslim men can marry two, three, or four orphan girls after they are old enough to provide a home and family for them (Koran 4:3). Marriage to more than one wife is acceptable by the Koran (484). Also, similar to the Hindus, in 1995 the life expectancy at birth was averaged to be 60-69 years in Asia and USSR which contains around 900,000 Muslims (Brierley and Wraight 57, 67). It is evident to see that Muslims have a greater deal of everyday-life practices than the Hindu religion and that both religions have unique and diverse life-styles.
Hindus and Muslims have many beliefs and some that can be compared and contrasted. First, Hindus believe that society’s problem is ignorance and that the solution is liberation from illusion and ignorance (Halverson 92). This view varies from the Muslims, because they believe that all humans are good by nature and that sin is rejecting the right guidance (Halverson 107-108). Hindus strive to detach themselves from the separated ego and they seek to be aware of one’s unity with the divine through self effort. They believe that if they do this, they’ll finally merge into Oneness-the individual disappears (Halverson 92) . “Hindus believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the world’s most ancient scripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God’s word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion which has neither beginning nor end” (“How to. . .A Summary” 1). Muslims also have a book called the Koran that they follow for everyday guidance (Ayoub 484) .On the topic of Hinduism, Encyclopedia America quotes:
The ultimate canonical authority for all Hindus is the Vedas.
The oldest of the four Vedas is the Rig-Veda, which was
composed in an ancient form of the Sanskrit language (q.v.)
in northwest India. This text, probably composed between
1300 and 1000 B.C. and consisting of 1028 hymns to a pantheon
of goRAB, has been memorized syllable by syllable and preserved
orally to the present day. (109)
To the Hindus, this Vedas is similar to the Muslim’s Koran. In the recent article “How to Become a Hindu: A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe”, it mentions:
Hindus believe in a one, all pervasive Supreme Being who is
both immanent and transcendent, both: Creator and Unmanifest
Reality. Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless
cycles of creation preservation and dissolution. Hindus
believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each
individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, worRAB and
deeRAB. (1)
According to Halverson, “The purpose of Vishnu’s incarnation was ‘for destruction of evil-doers’ (qtd in Bhagavad-Gita 4:8; Edgerton, 23)” (98). However, reincarnation still has more to it. Halverson also states, “The law of karma, which makes morality like a law of nature, does not allow for the possibility of forgiveness. Its consequences are inevitable and inescapable” (90). “How to Become a Hindu: A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe” enlightens by stating:
Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlRAB and
that temple worship, rituals, sacraments, as well as personal
devotion create a communion with these divas and GoRAB. Hindus
believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many
births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha,
spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth,
is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of
this destiny. Hindus believe that a spiritually awakened
master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent
Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification,
pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation. Hindus believe that
all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore
practice ahimsa, ‘non injury’. Hindus believe that no
particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above
all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of
God’s Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and
understanding. (1)
Next, lets examine the Muslim beliefs. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the very last Prophet of God to mankind. They believe he was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. Muhammad was born in 570 C.E.(Common Era) in Makkah, Arabia, and was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was forty years of age. His revelation is called Koran, while the message is called Islam. Muslims believe Muhammad is the summation of all the prophets and messengers before him, and that he was sent to religious people to tell them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. Muhammad took adulteration out of the previous messages and supposedly completed the Message of God for all humanity. He would explain, interpret, and live the teaching of the Koran. Muslims believe God is one and they reject the idea of the trinity. They believe people are equal and that God made us different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so he could test who is going to be better than others. It depenRAB on piety and righteousness. Muslims also believe that God sent prophets throughout history all with the same message, but it was people who misunderstood them (Sakr 1/2). Hindus’ view on other religions is a little different. Like mentioned earlier, they believe that no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others (“How to. . . A Summary” 1). Muslims believe in angels and Judgment Day. Muslims believe people are born without sin, but only after they reach puberty and commit sins are they charged for their mistakes. However, they believe true repentance will bring forgiveness. Also, they believe Islam is a complete way of life. State and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. Hence, economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems are part of the teachings of Islam (Sakr 1-2). Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph. D. says:
The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeRAB and approvals
of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet’s sayings and deeRAB are
called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writing of followers of
Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the
life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples
of daily living for Muslims. (2)
Muslims don’t believe Jesus died on the cross, instead, he ascended to heaven, and Judas died in His place on the cross. They don’t believe God would allow such an honored prophet to be crucified, because that would be disrespectful. They also believe that the Bible was corrupted. In addition, they believe that to be saved, one’s good deeRAB must outweigh one’s bad deeRAB. Salvation is based on human effort. Also, to call Jesus the Son of God is blasphemy, because Jesus was just a prophet. Lastly, Muslims believe that all humans are good by nature and that sin is rejecting the right guidance, but it can be forgiven through repentance and that no atonement is necessary (Halverson 107/108). Those are the beliefs of the Hindus and Muslims.
The customs of the Hindus and Muslims are different in many ways, but have a few similarities. Foremost, young Hindus are taught to worship daily in the family shrine room through rituals, disciplines, chants, yogas, and religious study. They are taught to wear traditional dress, bringing forth love of the Divine and preparing the mind for serene meditation. Hindus worship Shiva, Vishnu, or the Goddess. They also worship hundreRAB of other deities. Hindus revere Brahmans and cows and they can’t eat meat. When it is sun-down, most Hindus chant the gayatri hymn to the sun (“Hinduism” 1). First, there was Nirguna Brahman (“without attributes”), then, Saguna Braahman (“with attributes”), also called Ishvara in the development of Brahman. Next, there was Brahman (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), Siva (the Destroyer) and then lastly, the ten mythical incarnations (avatars) in the development of Brahman (Halverson 89). Hindus observe the many sacraments which mark and santify their passages through life. They celebrate the rites of birth, name-giving, head-shaving, first feeding, ear-piercing, first learning, coming of age, marriage and death (“How to. . . A Summary” 1/2). In “How to Become a Hindu: A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe”, it mentions that Ustava means “holy day” in the Hindu language. Young Hindus are taught to take part in the festivals and holy days in the home and temple. They’re taught to be happy through communion with God at celebrations. Usttava includes fasting and attending the temple on Monday or Friday and on other holy days (1/2). Like the Hindus, Muslims also have a holy day on Friday (Sakr, 3).
Secondly, Muslims have diverse customs. Encyclopedia Americana, concerning Islam, explains the Muslim’s customs through this statement:
The mosque, or Muslim house of worship, is the most important
building for Muslims. Mosque come from the Aravic masjid,
which means a place of kneeling. A typical mosque has a
lectern for the Koran. Most mosques have at least one
minaret from which the muezzin chants the call to prayer.
A court and water fountain are generally provided for the
ceremonial washing before prayer. The mosque is often
decorated with colorful arabesque and Koranic verses...
Islam does not have an organized priesthood. Any virtuous
and able Muslims can lead prayers in most mosques. However,
it is usually the Imam, a person chosen for piety or
scholarship, who handles the services of the mosque. (2)
In addition to understanding the physical description of the mosque, more is revealed to us about the Muslim’s goRAB of the past in this statement by Halverson, “The Ka’bah is a cubical structure that, at the same time of Muhammad, contained 360 deities. Each Arabian tribe had hand-picked its own deity and came to Meca each year to pay homage to its god” (104) . About the present Muslim god, Allah, Sakr explains, “Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The Last, and others” (1). Dean C. Helverson quotes, “Allah loves not those who do wrong”, and ”Allah desires to afflict them for their sins”, and “The God of the Qur’an loves not the prodigals’” (110). The Qur’an is the same thing as the Koran. Both spellings are used in the Islamic religion. Encyclopedia America, regarding Islam, enlightens us by stating:
Held during the first ten days of the last month of the
lunar year, the rite requires that the pilgrims enter into
a state of purity in which they wear only a seamless white
garment, abstain from shedding blood and cutting hair or
nails, and avoid all forms of vulgarity. (267)
Muslims are also very big on taking pilgrimages. In 1977 the total nuraber of Muslims who make the pilgrimage was close to two million (“Islam” 267). Concerning the Islamic pilgrimages and festivals, Encyclopedia Americana mentions:
The most important ceremonies include walking seven times
around the Kaaba and kissing the sacred Black Stone in
it’s wall...The pilgrimage is concluded with the Festival
of Sacrifice, when the Muslims sacrifice a sheep, goat,
or camel, and usually give the meat to the poor. This is
the Muslims’ Great Festival, while Little Bairam is the
Lesser Festival. Muslims celebrate both of these festivals
by visiting, wearing new clothes, and by exchanging gifts.
So, as one can see, the customs of the Hindus and Muslims are very diverse, but have a few reserablances.
One can definitely find similarities and differences in the life-styles, beliefs, and customs of the Hindu and Islam religions. One can see many similarities in the way that both Hindus and Muslims believe that there is one Supreme Being, both believe in taking pilgrimages, both have a holy day on Friday, both have a holy book for guidance, both have the same life expectancy rate, and neither the Hindus nor Islamic religions have an organized priesthood. One can also see obvious differences in the two religions. Muslims have more everyday-life practices than the Hindus. Hindus believe that society’s problem is ignorance, while Muslims believe that humans just reject the right guidance and that that’s why society is the way it is today. Hindus believe that humans cannot be forgiven of their sins, while Muslims believe that through repentance, humans can. Lastly, Hindus believe that no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation, while Muslims believe that their religion is the true way and that other religions just misunderstood God’s messages.
It is safe to say that the Hindu and Muslim cultures differ much from the common western culture. So, now that we have become more knowledgeable about the Hindu and Muslim religions, we can come to the conclusion that, yes, bugs are our relatives, and we can marry as many wives as we want.
Are bugs our relatives? How many wives can I marry? In the western society these questions may seem a little odd. Living in the western culture, our lives, beliefs, and religious laws are different than those of other regions. In all reality, there are many religions that one may or may not be knowledgeable about. Two major religions in the world are Hinduism and Islam. Through different avenues, Hindus and Islam followers can be compared and contrasted in three different ways: life-styles, beliefs, and customs.
The history of Hinduism consists of how it began, its population, and its establishments over the years. First, its history can be revealed by how Hinduism began. Dean C. Halverson, World Religions Specialist for International Students, in his book, World Religions, talks about how Hinduism can be traced back to 1500 B.C. in what is now India. It began as just a religion that worshipped lots of goRAB and that was very ritualistic. At first, the simple head of the household could perform the rituals; however, they became increasingly complex as the centuries passed. Consequently, it became necessary to create a priestly class and to train those priests to perform the rituals correctly. During this time, the Vedas were written to give the priests instructions as how to perform the rituals (Halverson 87-88). Dean C. Halverson quotes:
According to Hindu tradition, Ishvarn became known to humanity
through Trimurti (literally, “three manifestations”) of Brohman.
Those manifestations include Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the
Preserver), and Siva (the Destroyer). Each of the three deities
has at least one devi, or divine spouse... Ishvara became
personified even further through the ten mythical incarnations
of Vishnu, called avatars. The forms of these incarnations
include that of animals (for example, a fish, tortoise, and
boar) and of persons (for example, Rama, Krishna, Buddha)...
Beyond the principle deities of the Trimrti and the avatars,
it is estimated that there are 330 million other goRAB in
Hinduism...Even after the UpanisheRAB were written, the Hindu
concept of God continued to develop. It developed in the
direction of God being personal. (87-88)
Nirguna Brahman became sagura Brahman, which is Brahman “with attributes.” This personified form of Brahman is also called Ishvara (88). Rituals were emphasized so much that the priests became the sole connection by which the Hindus could approach and please the goRAB. The priests were gaining an increasing amount of power and control over the lives of the people because of their position as mediators with the goRAB. Finally the people revolted in 600 B.C. The Hindu religion changed to a form that put more emphasis on the importance of internal meditation, instead of external rituals (88). Second, its history is revealed by its population. Halverson quotes, “It is estimated that adherents to Hindus make up around 13% of the world’s population...The vast majority of Hindus-some 700 million-live in India, where they account for 82% of the population” (87). Patrick Johnstone, author of Operation World quotes, “Hindus also comprise a significant portion of the population in seven other countries: Bangladesh (11%), Bhutan (25%), Fiji (41%), Mauritius (50%), Nepal (89%), Sri Lanka (15%), Surinam (27%), and Trinidad (25%)” (qtd. in Halverson 87) . Halverson states that Hinduism is the state religion only in Nepal and that North America contains over one million Hindus (87). Lastly, in a recent article called “How to Become a Hindu: Historical Background”, written by the Himalayan Academy, one sees the history of Hinduism by its establishments. The first Hindu Church of America was established in the West by Saiva Siddhanta Church. It’s been around for forty years (1). “How to Become a Hindu: Historical Background” also states:
Having received his own namakarana samskara from his Sat Guru,
Siva Yogaswami, in Sri Lanka in 1947, and having taught the
principles of saivite Hinduism in America for some thirty
years, Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (church founder)
realized that the time was ripe in 1977 to bring his sincere,
self-declared Hindu devotees formally into the religion. (1)
The book called The Compact Guide to World Religions, written by a World Religions Specialist for International Students, mentions, “In the course of history, Hinduism has spawned three other religious movements that have since become World religions: Jaiinism, Buddhism, and Sikhism” (Halverson 88). That is the summation of the Hindu’s history.
The Islamic history consists of Muhammad, the Muslim sects, and its population. First, the Islamic history is revealed by the life of Muhammad. Encyclopedia Americana, referring to Muslims, who are the Islam followers, conveys that Muhammad began preaching around 610 A.D. Progress was slow at first because rich powerful citizens didn’t like his preaching. Meccans even plotted to kill him. A group of people helped Muhammad after he fled to Medina (then called Yathrib) in 622. This emigration is known to the Muslims as Hegira. Muslim calendars are dated from this year. In 630, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca and occupied the city. Muhammad and his followers destroyed all the idols in the shrine, the Kaaba, and turned the area around into a mosque or Muslim house of worship. Meccans then accepted Islam and acknowledged Muhammad as a prophet, leading to Meccacnd Medina becoming the sacred cities of Islam (1). Halverson, in his World Religions book, states:
Muhammad is said to have doubted initially the origin of these
new revelations. He thought perhaps he had been possessed
by jinn, or demons. His wife Khadigah, however, reassured
him that his visions were of divine origin, and she encouraged
him to teach that which had been revealed to him. (104)
That is not a widely known fact. Encyclopedia Americana, talking about Islam, gives us this factual:
The spread of Islam throughout the Middle East and North Africa
began with conquests launched from Mecca and Medina. After
Muhammad died in A.D.622, Abu Bakr was elected caliph, the
Muslim leader. He and his successors encouraged the jihad
(holy war). Within a hundred years, they built an empire
that stretched from northern Spain to India. The rapid spread
of Islam engulfed the Persian Sassanid Empire and much of the
Christian Byzantine Empire. The Muslims threat ended in Western
Europe until Charles Martel defeated them at the Battle of
Poiters, also called the Battle of Tours, in 732. In
subsequent waves of expansion, Islam spread into central Asia,
India, and Indonesia. (1)
Next, the Muslim sects reveal the Islamic history. Ahamd H. Sakr, Ph. D., in his recent article called “Intro to Islam”, talks about how the Muslim religion is called Islam and that the root of Islam is Silm and Salam which means peace (1). In the 600’s, the Muslim world split into the Sunni and the Shiah. Most Muslims believe that Muslim leadership after the death of Muhammad passed to caliphs elected from Muhammad’s tribe. These Muslims are called Sunnites. The Shiites believe that leadership was restricted to descendants of Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law. Shiites live scattered throughout Asia and Africa and, more recently, in Europe and America (“Islam” 3). Lastly, the Muslim population reveals its history. The book World Religions gives us this factual, “Islam makes up around 20% of the world’s population. It is the second largest religion in the world, trailing only Christianity” (Halverson 103). Muslims are spread in North Africa, the Middle East, South-Central Asia, and Indonesia. Islam began in Saudi Arabia, but non-Arab Muslims now outnuraber Arab Muslims by almost 3 to 1. Indonesia has 166 million (88%), Pakistan-111 million (97%), Bangladesh-97 million (85%), and India-93 million (11%) Muslims in their countries” (Halverson 103). Both the Hindus and Muslims have a history that dates back considerably far, and that also reveals a great deal about their culture.
The live-styles of Hindus and Muslims are unique and can be diverse. First, lets look at the Hindu life. Concerning the issue of the Hindu life, Halverson quotes:
...family is very close. The actions of one meraber of the family
affect the rest of the family. Mahendra Singhal, a Hindu who came
to Christ, wrote, ‘My dilemma [with respect to his conversion]
had another dimension. My acceptance of Jesus Christ would make
my parents lose respect and position in the community. My
brothers and sisters would suffer disgrace. Even though I was
working away from home in a different environment, I was not
really free to make my own decisions.’. (95)
As one can see, the Hindus have very strong family ties. Encyclopedia America, also states about Hindus:
Although Hindus believe and do many apparently contradictory
things-contradictory not merely from one Hindu to the next,
but also within the daily religious life of a single Hindu-each
individual perceives an orderly pattern that gives form and
meaning to his or her own life. (109)
Peter Brierley, author of World Atlas of Christians, through his research and studies reveals that in 1995 the life expectancy at birth was averaged to be 60-69 years in Asia and USSR which contains around 800,000 Hindus (Brierley, Wraight 56, 57).
Next, lets examine the Muslim life through prayer, fasting, and other lifestyles they have. The Shahoda is a creed in which Muslims make a verbal commitment and pledge that there is only One God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God (“How to. . . A Summary” 2). This is similar to Hindus in the way that they believe in a one, all pervasive Supreme Being. Muslims are required to pray five times daily, which is called Salat. They fast, abstinence from food, liquiRAB and intercourse between married couples, from dawn to sunset the whole months of Ramadan. Zakat, a purifying tax, is an annual payment that Muslims use to distribute to the poor or other beneficiaries. Muslims are required to take a pilgrimage to Makka at least once in their life time if means are available. Hindus, also believe in the value of pilgrimages and they take a pilgrimage at least once a year for karma of holy persons, temples, and places, near or far (“How to. . . A Summary” 2). Muslims pray daily at dawn, at noon, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at nightfall. A crier or muezzin announces prayer time from the minaret or mosque tower. Muslims ceremonially wash their faces, hanRAB, and feet just before prayer. During their Friday noon prayer mosque, the prayer leader faces Mecca. The men stand behind him, and the women stand behind the men (“Islam” 2). According to Encyclopedia Americana concerning Muslims, it quotes, “Prayers consist of reciting passages from the Koran and other phrases of God. They include such movements as bowing from the hips and kneeling with the face to the ground. Friday prayers are preceded by a sermon” (2). A Mosque or Masjid is an Muslim place of worship. The world contains three holy places of worship such as the Mosque of Kaaka in Makkah, the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and the Masjid Aqsa, adjacent to the Done of the Rock in Jerusalem. Muslims can pray anywhere, but preferably in a congregation (Sakr 3). Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D., gives us more insight to the Muslims holy day:
The holy day of Muslims is Friday. It is considered to be
sacred and the Day of Judgment will take place on Friday.
Muslims join together shortly after noon on Friday for the
Friday congregational prayer in a Mosque. A leader (Iman)
give a sermon (Khutba) and leaRAB the congregational prayer. (3)
Next, lets find out what Ramadan is all about. Ramadan is the ninth month of the year. Travelers, the sick, nursing mothers, and soldiers on the march are the excused, but they make up missed days. A three day festival called the Breaking of the Fast (Little Bairam) is celebrated afterward (“Islam” 2). In “Fasting leaRAB to feasting during Ramadan”, a recent article in the Tulsa World, it talks about how, following Muhammad’s example, Muslims eat many dates when they break their fast after sunset to help the digestive system and provide fiber. For their drink, they make a syrup out of apricot paste and mix it with water (D10). So, one can see that Ramadan is one of the Islam traditions of fasting, feasting, and celebrating. According to Mahmoud M. Ayoub, author of the article “The Islamic Tradition”, Muslim men can marry two, three, or four orphan girls after they are old enough to provide a home and family for them (Koran 4:3). Marriage to more than one wife is acceptable by the Koran (484). Also, similar to the Hindus, in 1995 the life expectancy at birth was averaged to be 60-69 years in Asia and USSR which contains around 900,000 Muslims (Brierley and Wraight 57, 67). It is evident to see that Muslims have a greater deal of everyday-life practices than the Hindu religion and that both religions have unique and diverse life-styles.
Hindus and Muslims have many beliefs and some that can be compared and contrasted. First, Hindus believe that society’s problem is ignorance and that the solution is liberation from illusion and ignorance (Halverson 92). This view varies from the Muslims, because they believe that all humans are good by nature and that sin is rejecting the right guidance (Halverson 107-108). Hindus strive to detach themselves from the separated ego and they seek to be aware of one’s unity with the divine through self effort. They believe that if they do this, they’ll finally merge into Oneness-the individual disappears (Halverson 92) . “Hindus believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the world’s most ancient scripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God’s word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion which has neither beginning nor end” (“How to. . .A Summary” 1). Muslims also have a book called the Koran that they follow for everyday guidance (Ayoub 484) .On the topic of Hinduism, Encyclopedia America quotes:
The ultimate canonical authority for all Hindus is the Vedas.
The oldest of the four Vedas is the Rig-Veda, which was
composed in an ancient form of the Sanskrit language (q.v.)
in northwest India. This text, probably composed between
1300 and 1000 B.C. and consisting of 1028 hymns to a pantheon
of goRAB, has been memorized syllable by syllable and preserved
orally to the present day. (109)
To the Hindus, this Vedas is similar to the Muslim’s Koran. In the recent article “How to Become a Hindu: A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe”, it mentions:
Hindus believe in a one, all pervasive Supreme Being who is
both immanent and transcendent, both: Creator and Unmanifest
Reality. Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless
cycles of creation preservation and dissolution. Hindus
believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each
individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, worRAB and
deeRAB. (1)
According to Halverson, “The purpose of Vishnu’s incarnation was ‘for destruction of evil-doers’ (qtd in Bhagavad-Gita 4:8; Edgerton, 23)” (98). However, reincarnation still has more to it. Halverson also states, “The law of karma, which makes morality like a law of nature, does not allow for the possibility of forgiveness. Its consequences are inevitable and inescapable” (90). “How to Become a Hindu: A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe” enlightens by stating:
Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlRAB and
that temple worship, rituals, sacraments, as well as personal
devotion create a communion with these divas and GoRAB. Hindus
believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many
births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha,
spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth,
is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of
this destiny. Hindus believe that a spiritually awakened
master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent
Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification,
pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation. Hindus believe that
all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore
practice ahimsa, ‘non injury’. Hindus believe that no
particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above
all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of
God’s Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and
understanding. (1)
Next, lets examine the Muslim beliefs. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the very last Prophet of God to mankind. They believe he was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. Muhammad was born in 570 C.E.(Common Era) in Makkah, Arabia, and was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was forty years of age. His revelation is called Koran, while the message is called Islam. Muslims believe Muhammad is the summation of all the prophets and messengers before him, and that he was sent to religious people to tell them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. Muhammad took adulteration out of the previous messages and supposedly completed the Message of God for all humanity. He would explain, interpret, and live the teaching of the Koran. Muslims believe God is one and they reject the idea of the trinity. They believe people are equal and that God made us different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so he could test who is going to be better than others. It depenRAB on piety and righteousness. Muslims also believe that God sent prophets throughout history all with the same message, but it was people who misunderstood them (Sakr 1/2). Hindus’ view on other religions is a little different. Like mentioned earlier, they believe that no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others (“How to. . . A Summary” 1). Muslims believe in angels and Judgment Day. Muslims believe people are born without sin, but only after they reach puberty and commit sins are they charged for their mistakes. However, they believe true repentance will bring forgiveness. Also, they believe Islam is a complete way of life. State and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. Hence, economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems are part of the teachings of Islam (Sakr 1-2). Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph. D. says:
The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeRAB and approvals
of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet’s sayings and deeRAB are
called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writing of followers of
Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the
life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples
of daily living for Muslims. (2)
Muslims don’t believe Jesus died on the cross, instead, he ascended to heaven, and Judas died in His place on the cross. They don’t believe God would allow such an honored prophet to be crucified, because that would be disrespectful. They also believe that the Bible was corrupted. In addition, they believe that to be saved, one’s good deeRAB must outweigh one’s bad deeRAB. Salvation is based on human effort. Also, to call Jesus the Son of God is blasphemy, because Jesus was just a prophet. Lastly, Muslims believe that all humans are good by nature and that sin is rejecting the right guidance, but it can be forgiven through repentance and that no atonement is necessary (Halverson 107/108). Those are the beliefs of the Hindus and Muslims.
The customs of the Hindus and Muslims are different in many ways, but have a few similarities. Foremost, young Hindus are taught to worship daily in the family shrine room through rituals, disciplines, chants, yogas, and religious study. They are taught to wear traditional dress, bringing forth love of the Divine and preparing the mind for serene meditation. Hindus worship Shiva, Vishnu, or the Goddess. They also worship hundreRAB of other deities. Hindus revere Brahmans and cows and they can’t eat meat. When it is sun-down, most Hindus chant the gayatri hymn to the sun (“Hinduism” 1). First, there was Nirguna Brahman (“without attributes”), then, Saguna Braahman (“with attributes”), also called Ishvara in the development of Brahman. Next, there was Brahman (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), Siva (the Destroyer) and then lastly, the ten mythical incarnations (avatars) in the development of Brahman (Halverson 89). Hindus observe the many sacraments which mark and santify their passages through life. They celebrate the rites of birth, name-giving, head-shaving, first feeding, ear-piercing, first learning, coming of age, marriage and death (“How to. . . A Summary” 1/2). In “How to Become a Hindu: A Summary of What Most Hindus Believe”, it mentions that Ustava means “holy day” in the Hindu language. Young Hindus are taught to take part in the festivals and holy days in the home and temple. They’re taught to be happy through communion with God at celebrations. Usttava includes fasting and attending the temple on Monday or Friday and on other holy days (1/2). Like the Hindus, Muslims also have a holy day on Friday (Sakr, 3).
Secondly, Muslims have diverse customs. Encyclopedia Americana, concerning Islam, explains the Muslim’s customs through this statement:
The mosque, or Muslim house of worship, is the most important
building for Muslims. Mosque come from the Aravic masjid,
which means a place of kneeling. A typical mosque has a
lectern for the Koran. Most mosques have at least one
minaret from which the muezzin chants the call to prayer.
A court and water fountain are generally provided for the
ceremonial washing before prayer. The mosque is often
decorated with colorful arabesque and Koranic verses...
Islam does not have an organized priesthood. Any virtuous
and able Muslims can lead prayers in most mosques. However,
it is usually the Imam, a person chosen for piety or
scholarship, who handles the services of the mosque. (2)
In addition to understanding the physical description of the mosque, more is revealed to us about the Muslim’s goRAB of the past in this statement by Halverson, “The Ka’bah is a cubical structure that, at the same time of Muhammad, contained 360 deities. Each Arabian tribe had hand-picked its own deity and came to Meca each year to pay homage to its god” (104) . About the present Muslim god, Allah, Sakr explains, “Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The Last, and others” (1). Dean C. Helverson quotes, “Allah loves not those who do wrong”, and ”Allah desires to afflict them for their sins”, and “The God of the Qur’an loves not the prodigals’” (110). The Qur’an is the same thing as the Koran. Both spellings are used in the Islamic religion. Encyclopedia America, regarding Islam, enlightens us by stating:
Held during the first ten days of the last month of the
lunar year, the rite requires that the pilgrims enter into
a state of purity in which they wear only a seamless white
garment, abstain from shedding blood and cutting hair or
nails, and avoid all forms of vulgarity. (267)
Muslims are also very big on taking pilgrimages. In 1977 the total nuraber of Muslims who make the pilgrimage was close to two million (“Islam” 267). Concerning the Islamic pilgrimages and festivals, Encyclopedia Americana mentions:
The most important ceremonies include walking seven times
around the Kaaba and kissing the sacred Black Stone in
it’s wall...The pilgrimage is concluded with the Festival
of Sacrifice, when the Muslims sacrifice a sheep, goat,
or camel, and usually give the meat to the poor. This is
the Muslims’ Great Festival, while Little Bairam is the
Lesser Festival. Muslims celebrate both of these festivals
by visiting, wearing new clothes, and by exchanging gifts.
So, as one can see, the customs of the Hindus and Muslims are very diverse, but have a few reserablances.
One can definitely find similarities and differences in the life-styles, beliefs, and customs of the Hindu and Islam religions. One can see many similarities in the way that both Hindus and Muslims believe that there is one Supreme Being, both believe in taking pilgrimages, both have a holy day on Friday, both have a holy book for guidance, both have the same life expectancy rate, and neither the Hindus nor Islamic religions have an organized priesthood. One can also see obvious differences in the two religions. Muslims have more everyday-life practices than the Hindus. Hindus believe that society’s problem is ignorance, while Muslims believe that humans just reject the right guidance and that that’s why society is the way it is today. Hindus believe that humans cannot be forgiven of their sins, while Muslims believe that through repentance, humans can. Lastly, Hindus believe that no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation, while Muslims believe that their religion is the true way and that other religions just misunderstood God’s messages.
It is safe to say that the Hindu and Muslim cultures differ much from the common western culture. So, now that we have become more knowledgeable about the Hindu and Muslim religions, we can come to the conclusion that, yes, bugs are our relatives, and we can marry as many wives as we want.