Hinduism and Islam: differences and similarities

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Introduction

Hinduism

To be a Hindu is to be born a Hindu, and then to follow a certain way of life. The word "Hindu" comes from "Hind", the old Persian word for India, and Hinduism simply means the religion of the people of India. With no founder and no creed, it has evolved over time. Hinduism has many gods, yet, for some Hindus, there is an impersonal "Absolute" behind them all, called Brahman, creator of the universe. Brahman "unfolds" into the Trimurti, the holy trinity made up of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the great preserver, and Shiva the destroyer but also the re-creator.

Islam

Islam is a religion of submission. Its followers, Muslims, are "those who commit themselves in surrender to the will of Allah" (Allah is the Arabic word for God). The word "Islam" itself means "commitment" or "surrender". Muslims see their faith as God's final revelation, which meets all the spiritual and religious needs of humanity.

History

Hinduism/Islam

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, but no one knows how this religion was established or when it began but is thought that it started around 400 A.D. This religion is related to the Vedic religion. The Islamic religion began almost 1400 (622 A.D.) years ago in what is now Saudi Arabia, when the Prophet Muhammad received revelations from God. The revelations were written down in a holy book called the Qur'an, and Muhammad's followers and successors soon spread the world of Islam beyond Arabia. To Muslims - the followers of Islam - their religion became a way of life, forming and guiding their entire culture and society.

Attitude towards other religions

Hinduism is not a religion, but a set of beliefs and practices. It is not a religion like Christianity or Islam...