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Hinduism vs. Islam Hinduism believes in the worship of God in every conceivable way, both as a supreme formless and universal self and also as individual gods and goddesses. Hinduism is also referred to a popular term today known as Santana Dharma which translates to “eternal religion”. Islam believes in one and only God who has 99 names, but is most popularly referred by the name Allah. Islam is based on the sayings of the Almighty Allah that have been conveyed to us through the many Prophets, Muhammad being the last one. Hinduism is based upon the teachings of God in the form of His incarnations and manifestations, the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita. Islam is extremely rigid in its approach towards other religions. Hinduism is more a group of religions that share some common beliefs and traditions and is not in favor or against a particular belief or religion. Islam believes in rescuing people from eternal damnation through their conversion to Islam, where as Hinduism believes in letting the Individual choose his path according to his inner convictions and scale of evolution. Hinduism and Islam differ on a number of issues, which are too many to get into here. However, one fundamental difference which needs to be mentioned is that Hinduism is the oldest living major religions of the world, while Islam is the youngest. It is debatable whether Islam would encourage pursuit of knowledge through scientific rationalism and free enquiry that would disturb or challenge the belief structure of an age old society. In Islam free enquiry scientific pursuit are possible, but as long as they do not question the foundations of the religion or the way of life of the believers.
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