Comparative Study Between Islam and Hinduism by Dr. Zakir Naik

PRESENTING ISLAM TO HINDUS

Arabic Recitation (3:64)

I. Introduction

A. Introduction of Hinduism

1. Definition of a Hindu

The word Hindu has geographical significance and was used originally for those people who lived beyond the river Sindhu or the region watered by the river Indus. Some historians say that it was first used by the Persians who came to India through the north western passes of the Himalayas. The word Hindu is no where mentioned in Indian literature or scriptures before the advent of Muslims to India, according to the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics. According to Jawaharlal Nehru in the book Discovery of India on page 74-75, he writes that the earliest reference to the word Hindu can be traced to a tantrik of the 8th Century CE, where it means a people and not a follower of a particular religion. The use of the word Hindu in connection with a particular religion is of late occurrence.
In short Hindu is a geographical definition used for the people living beyond the river Indus or those living in India

2. Definition of Hinduism

a) Hinduism has been derived from the word Hindu. Hinduism was a name given in English language in the Nineteenth Century by the English people to the multiplicity of the beliefs and faith of the people of the Indus land. According to New Encyclopedia Britannica 20:581. The British writers in 1830 gave the word Hinduism to be used as the common name for all the beliefs of the people of India excluding the Muslims and converted Christians.

b) The term Hinduism is misleading because though it suggests the unified system of beliefs and ideas, it is certainly not the case. Hinduism is too broad a phenomenon to be confined to a usual definitions of religions. It does not owe its origin, formation or finalization to any historical person or a prophet since there is no uniformly accepted belief sacraments, rituals and practices in Hinduism, there are no criteria for establishing rules in Hinduism. In short a person who calls himself a Hindu becomes a true practicing Hindu irrespective who he worships and what ever may be his beliefs and practice.

c) According to the Hindu scholars Hinduism is a misnomer and it should be referred a Sanatana Dharma, meaning eternal religion or Vedic Dharma meaning religion of the Veda. According to Swami Vivekananda the followers of this religion is referred as Vedantist.

B. Introduction of Islam

1. Definition of Islam

Islam is an Arabic word which comes from the word ‘Salaam’ which means ‘Peace’. It also means submitting your will to Allah – the Almighty God. In short Islam means peace acquired by submitting your will to Allah (SWT).

2. Definition of a Muslim

A Muslim is a person who submits his will to Allah – the Almighty God.

3. Misconception about Islam

Many people have a misconception that Islam is a new religion which came into existence 1400 years ago and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the founder of the religion of Islam. Infact Islam is there since time immemorial, since man set foot on the earth. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is not the founder of the religion of Islam but he is the last and final messenger of Islam.

II. Pillars of Faith (Imaan) – Pillars of Hinduism

Pillars of Faith in Hinduism are not defined. As mentioned earlier that Hinduism does not have a set of unified or codified beliefs. Neither does it have any fixed pillars or principles which are obligatory for its followers to practice. A Hindu has a freedom to practice

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Dr. Zakir Naik

Dr. Zakir Naik, President of the Islamic Research Foundation, Mumbai- India, is a dynamic international orator on Islam and Comparative Religion. He is the main driving spirit, Alhamdulillah, behind the Islamic Research Foundation getting worldwide acclaim for the proper presentation, understanding and clarification of Islam, as well as for removing misconceptions about Islam.

10 thoughts on “Comparative Study Between Islam and Hinduism by Dr. Zakir Naik”

  1. a sincere thanks to Dr. Zakir Naik and hes team for doing such a great work,highly appreciated.
    i being a media student had a debate as a part of syllabus (over Islamic movement)
    where they said it is founded by prophet Muhammad(phuh)
    this page helped me to clear the misconception and give them a proff.
    Dr. Zaik Naik you are a great inspiration.

    Reply
  2. I appreciate the effort of this website to promulgate the true ideology of Islam.I request all the gone astray followers of other religions of the world to join Islam and confirm their place in heaven which is full of eternal pleasures and comforts.

    Reply
  3. assalamu alikum Dr zakir Naik ,is a great personality who is doing wonderful job which our muslim brothers are lagging behind.
    May Allah bless u my brother.

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  4. Comparative religion points from Hinduism and Christianity with respect to Islam.

    (1) Prohibition of Alcohol:- Manu Smriti: 9:235, 11:55; Rig Veda: 8:2:12, 8:21:14; //BIBLE: Proverbs: 20:1, 23:31; Ephesians: 5:18.

    (2) Prohibition of Pork:- //BIBLE: Leviticus 11:7-8; Deuteronomy 14:8.

    (3) Prohibition of Usury (Interest on Money/Loan/Credit):- Manu Smriti: 11:62, 8:152; //BIBLE: Leviticus 25:36-37; Ezekiel 18:13, 22:12; Psalms 15:5.

    (4) Permission for Non-Vegetarian Food:- Ramayana: 2:20:29; Manu Smriti: 5:30, 39; Mahabharata: 13:88.

    (5) Veil/Head Scarf:- Rig Veda: 8:33:19; //BIBLE: 1st Corinthians 11:5.

    (6) Oneness of God & Prohibition of Idol Worship:- VEDA: Yajur Veda 32:3, 40:8-9; Rig Veda 1:164:46, 6:45:16; UPANISHAD: Khandogya: 6:2:1, Shwetashvatara 6:9, 4:20; GEETA: 7:20, 10:3; BRAHMA SUTRA; //BIBLE: Leviticus 26:1; Exodus 20:4.

    (7) Prophet Muhammad’s Description:- Bhavishya Purana: Prati Sarag: Parv III: Khand 3: Aday 3: Shloka 5-8, 10-27; Samveda: Book II: Hymn 6: Verse 8; //BIBLE: Deuteronomy 18:18; John 14:16.

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  5. Dr.Zakir Naik is a great personality with a huge knowledge.Let us pray for his long life with good health in order to continue his work of spreading islam.

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  6. Aslam o Alakum
    Dr. Zakir Naik is the only scholar in the world who has religious, historical as well as scientific knowledge to describe the whole history of any religion of the world. Alla give him more more more more life and health even i pray to ALLAH give him my whole life. it is my cordial wish. AAmin.

    Talib Hussain, Pakistan

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