How do I respond to “How is Hinduism and Islam similar?”

Hinduism and Islam share some similarities as both are religious traditions with millions of followers worldwide. Both religions emphasize the importance of faith and belief in a higher power, and also emphasize moral values and ethical behavior.

Detailed response to a query

Hinduism and Islam, two major religions in the world, have distinct beliefs and practices, yet they also share certain similarities. While Hinduism is considered one of the oldest religions, Islam emerged in the 7th century CE. Let’s explore the similarities between these two religious traditions:

1. Belief in a Higher Power: Both Hinduism and Islam emphasize the importance of faith and belief in a higher power. Hindus believe in Brahman, the ultimate reality or divine force that permeates everything. Similarly, Muslims believe in Allah, the one supreme being who is worshipped as the creator and sustainer of the universe.

Quote: “The essential unity of all religions is not just a theory but a practical necessity. We are on this earth at practically the same time and we are together during practically the whole day. We must live together like brothers and sisters.” – Swami Vivekananda

1. Ethical Behavior: Both religions place a strong emphasis on moral values and ethical behavior. Hindus follow the concept of dharma, which refers to duty, righteousness, and moral obligations. Similarly, Islam promotes adherence to a set of ethical principles outlined in the Quran, such as honesty, justice, compassion, and respect for others.

2. Rituals and Practices: Hinduism and Islam have distinctive rituals and practices, although certain similarities can be found. Both religions have regular prayer practices. Hindus engage in puja or worship ceremonies involving offerings, chanting, and meditation, while Muslims perform Salah or formal prayers five times a day. Additionally, both traditions observe fasting periods. Hindus fast during Navratri, while Muslims fast during Ramadan.

3. Concept of Afterlife: Both religions share a belief in the concept of an afterlife. Hindus believe in reincarnation, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, based on the accumulated karma of an individual. Islam, on the other hand, teaches the belief in life after death, where one’s actions on Earth will be judged, leading to either paradise or hell.

4. Influence on Art and Architecture: Hinduism and Islam have had significant influence on art and architecture throughout history. Hindu temples are known for their intricate carvings, vibrant paintings, and sculptures portraying various deities. Similarly, Islamic architecture is renowned for its exquisite mosques and palaces featuring decorative patterns, calligraphy, and domes.

Table: A brief comparison table highlighting key aspects of Hinduism and Islam:

Aspect | Hinduism | Islam

Supreme Being | Brahman | Allah

Holy Scripture | Vedas, Upanishads | Quran

Practices | Yoga, Meditation | Salah, Hajj

Afterlife | Reincarnation | Paradise or Hell

Major Festivals | Diwali, Holi | Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha

Remember that while these similarities exist, it is crucial to acknowledge the distinct beliefs, practices, and histories of Hinduism and Islam. Embracing the diversity of religions promotes mutual understanding and fosters respect for different faith traditions.

Watch a video on the subject

This video explores the surprising similarities between Islam and Hinduism. Both religions believe in God as the Supreme Being and emphasize the importance of reciting names or mantras to connect with the Divine. They also have similarities in the concepts of angels or divine beings, prophets or avatars, and the importance of moral responsibilities and virtues. Hinduism’s tolerance and Islam’s respect for other religions are also highlighted. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to share their thoughts and comments on these similarities.

See more answers I found

Both believe in the existence of an entirety supreme power, either called Brahman or Allah. Brahman is a metaphysical concept that is the single binding unity behind the diversity in all that exists in the universe. Allah is the Arabic word for God in Abrahamic religions.

Surely you will be interested

How is Islam and Hinduism similar and different from each other?
Islam believes in unity of God and rejects idol worship while image or idol worship is the main tenet of Hinduism. But the fact that both Islam and Hinduism are based on divine revelation and in essence both worship the Supreme Being is generally ignored.

Likewise, What religion is most similar to Hinduism? Buddhism. Buddhism and Hinduism have common origins in the Ganges culture of northern India during the "second urbanisation" around 500 BCE. They have shared parallel beliefs that have existed side by side, but also pronounced differences.

Thereof, How did Hinduism and Islam influence each other? Islam gave the concept of the "Unity of God" to India and mainly the Hindus. Many scholars often regard it as the gift of Islam to India. The Hindu and Islam reformers influenced the Bhakti move�ment to a large extent wherein they addressed fundamental equality of all religions.

In respect to this, Do Hindus believe in the same God as Muslims? In reply to that: While the majority of Hindus (61%) and Jains (54%) say there is “only one God with many manifestations,” most Muslims (66%), Christians (68%) and Sikhs (57%) say there is “only one God.” Meanwhile, fully one-third of Buddhists do not believe in God at all.