MORALITY OF HINDUISM AND ISLAM

Morality of Hinduism and Islam
Islam derives its name from the word “salam” which means peace or surrender. So literally, Islam means the perfect peace out of total surrender to Allah (God). The Prophet Muhammad dedicated the remainder of his life to spreading a message of monotheism in a polytheistic world. In 622, he fled north to the city of Medina to escape growing persecution. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Eight years later, Muhammad returned to Mecca with an army and conquered the city for Islam. By Muhammad's death, 50 years later, the entire Arabian Peninsula had come under Muslim control.
Ethical injunctions of Islam:
1. Abstention from alcohol, pork, and gambling
2. Obligations (Five Pillars)
- obligation to profess the faith
- obligation to pray
- obligation to give alms
- obligation to fast
- obligation to do pilgrimage to Mecca
Hinduism
It is the world's oldest religion, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. It is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.The broad term "Hinduism" encompasses a wide variety of traditions, which are closely related and share common themes but do not constitute a unified set of beliefs or practices. Hinduism is not a homogeneous, organized system. Many Hindus are devoted followers of Shiva or Vishnu, whom they regard as the only true God, while others look inward to the divine Self (atman). But most recognize the existence of Brahman, the unifying principle and Supreme Reality behind all that is.The Atman is in the state of suffering, because of its attachments to the senses or to the pleasures of the flesh. This makes Atman a slave of Maya (Illusion).Upanishads is teaching to relinquish the Atman from Maya for its unification with the Universal essence (Brahman). The Atman are ignorant of their enslavement to Maya, and Hindus believe in Samsara (reincarnation) for the purpose of purification. It must be noted that Hindus believe that a righteous life is necessary towards Atman’s union with the Brahman.

The moral injunction of Hinduism lies right in the heart of the teachings in the Upanishads. As a whole, Upanishads teach that the individual soul (Atman) on earth is in the state of suffering because of its attachment to the senses or to the pleasure of the flesh.
Meaning of 'Upanishad'
The term 'Upanishad' literally means, "sitting down near" or "sitting close to", and implies listening closely to the mystic doctrines of a guru or a spiritual teacher, who has cognized the fundamental truths of the universe. It points to a period in time when groups of pupils sat near the teacher and learned from him the secret teachings in the quietude of forest 'ashrams' or hermitages. In another sense of the term, 'Upanishad' means 'Brahma-knowledge' by which ignorance is annihilated. Some other possible meanings of the compound word 'Upanishad' are "placing side by side" (equivalence or correlation), a "near approach" (to the Absolute Being), "secret wisdom" or even "sitting near the enlightened".
Similarities between Hinduism and Islam
1. Both religions believe that God gave man free will so that he could be responsible for his actions. That God is kind enough to let us choose our path and be responsible for it.
2. Both religions believe that God has the power to execute and enforce his will. It’s mentioned in both the Quran and the Gita that God is the Supreme Being and has complete power over the universe, guiding it according to his/her vision.
3. Both Islam and Hinduism accept that God loves everyone equally and that he hears prayers. This is a mark of a personal god, one who cares about the universe he created.
4. Both religions believe in the responsibility of each individual towards others; charity, righteousness, forgiveness, compassion, are considered to be important qualities to develop.
5. Both religions believe that remembering and reciting names of God and mantras creates an inner connection to the divine. This is why prayer is done 2-4 times a day in Islam, and why Hindus are encouraged to keep the mind connected to spirituality throughout the day.
6. Both religions advocate non-violence. Both Hinduism and Islam believe killing is a sin unless it’s absolutely necessary.
7. Islam and Hinduism teach that each individual should be free to make their own beliefs, choosing whatever spiritual path works for them.