In this world, there are many religions. Of those religions there are thousands of sects, each of them believing something true to their being and true to their very existence. In this essay, I will be comparing and contrasting two of the five major religions of our world, Islamic and Hinduism. First, lets look into the similarities between the two religions.
To start with some major fundamental basics, both the Islamic and Hinduism traditions have connections with a sacred text of their own sort. For persons of Islamic traditions that book in called the Qur’an, which includes 114 chapters (suras). They are written passages telling the stories of Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and Mary among others. It also shares stories of Muhammad’s actions. This text does not include any specific human laws, unlike other Abrahamic religions (455).
Similarly, in Hinduism most followers agree, the sacred text, the Vedas, play a major role in their religious belief system. The Vedas are separated into four parts: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharra Veda. These were written by the holy men of the past and acknowledge what one must know to become fully immersed in Hinduism (80).
As the sacred texts are important to both religions, so are the festivals and traditions throughout the year. For Islam, these festivities follow the lunar calendar. As our texts points out, two of the main and well-known traditions within Islam are Ramadan (an important time of fasting) (447) and the Hajj (important pilgrimage to Mecca) (448). In Hinduism the festivities also follow the lunar calendar. Holi (spring celebration), Divali (cleansing of the houses), and Durga Puja (celebration of the goddess Durga) a...
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...ed. For males this happens around seven or eight years of age and at puberty for woman (453). Hinduism has no such requirements of its people.
Obviously, these religions are complex in many aspects. Even though Hinduism and Islam do have many similarities, they also have several differences as well. I feel it is important to remember these practices are learned and practiced throughout lifetimes; they cannot be simply summarized, especially when so many people have different views and opinions over religions matters. Overall, they are two of our world’s largest religions currently, so in respect for others, it is nice to see their differences and how religious paths intertwine.
Works Cited
Molloy, Michael. "73-121; 436-499." Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition, Challenge, and Change. Boston: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2008. N. pag. Print.