Hinduism and Islam The Two Main Pre-Colonial Religions of India

Background Information Hinduism  Oldest religion (~5000yrs)  No single founder Islam  Founded by Muhammad (610 CE)  “Islam” means submission to Allah  God chose Muhammad to be his final prophet

Sacred Texts, Main God(s) Hinduism  No single sacred text, Vedas and Upanishads are central  Polytheistic--millions of divinities, but Brahma (creator), Shiva (destroyer), and Vishnu (preserver) are the main ones Islam  Qu’ran is the sacred text  Monotheistic - Allah is the same God as the Christian and Jewish God. Allah cannot be represented via an idol or drawn.

Goal of Life/Duties of Believers Hinduism  Free the soul from its individual existence  Unite soul (Atman) with universal soul (Brahma) Islam  Follow the Five Pillars of Faith 1. “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet” 2. Prayer 5 times a day toward Mecca. 3. Charity (giving alms) 4. Fasting during holy month of Ramadan 5. Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca

Attitude Toward Social Equality Hinduism Caste System – rigid social structure. Islam 1. All worshippers are considered equal 2. Believe all people should follow the Qu’ran 1. Brahmins (scholars, teachers and priests) 2. Warriors & Rulers 3. Merchants 4. Craftsmen Untouchables--outside of caste system

Role of Women Hinduism 1. Obey husband and his family. Property of husband. 2. Widows did not remarry.  Sati – suicide at the funeral Islam 1. Obey husband, take care of children, house. Always taken care of by a man. 2. Had some influence, though excluded from public places. 3. Covered head to toe.

Additional Information Hinduism  Reincarnation is central to belief  Karma determines reincarnation  The cow is sacred, the origin of which is unclear  Never touch food prepared by a Muslim Islam  Welcomed converts, many untouchables converted  Pork may not be eaten  Mosques have no pictures or idols, only Allah’s name  Ruled India for 300 years, 1500s-1800s may come from its role as a provider of milk, fertilizer, and the Hindu belief that all creatures have a soul; Krishna also tended cattle which may be significant

Conflicts Between the Religions  Polytheism vs Monotheism  Diet  Décor of Houses of Worship Hindu Muslim

Hindu Muslim