Study Guide and Text Supplement: Hinduism and Islam

Hinduism and Islam have some similarities. Both Hinduism and Islam hold that an Ultimate Reality lies beyond the ability of humans to know. In Hinduism the Ultimate Reality is known as Brahman, in Islam Allah. Both Hinduism and Islam place sacred texts at the center of their traditions. The Vedas form the core teachings of Hinduism and the Koran serves as the central authority in Islam.

Hinduism and Islam also have some major differences. Hinduism accepts a caste system while Islam rejects it. At the top of the Hindu caste system is the priestly or Brahmin caste. By contrast, Islam eliminates all castes including the priestly class. All males are priests in Islam.

Hinduism does not seek converts; Islam, on the other hand, actively seeks converts.

While Hinduism has no founder, Mohammed is regarded as the founder of Islam. Hinduism belongs to the Sanatana Dharma (“eternal religion”) tradition, Islam to the Abrahamic tradition.

Hinduism accepts reincarnation but most Islamic groups do not. In popular Hindu belief, one comes back in a higher caste in the next reincarnation if one has lived well in the present incarnation. If a person has lived badly, however, he or she is reincarnated in a lower caste or even as an animal. Islam holds a doctrine of salvation after death similar in many ways to some Christian doctrines of salvation.