Views on Hinduism!

[Charzhino]

Hinduism is the oldest of all the religions and thus the, most pure, authentic and best of all the religions of the world.

1. Islam is the oldest religion

Hinduism is not the oldest of all the religions. It is Islam which is the first and the oldest of all religions. People have a misconception that Islam is 1400 years old and that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the founder of this religion. Islam existed since time immemorial, ever since man first set foot on this earth. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was not the founder of Islam. He was the last and final Messenger of Almighty God.

Circular reasoning, by referring to the scripture to prove a point. Hinduism scripture says that Manu was the first man, propergator of mankind. Therefore because it says it in Vedic scripture, it must be true. Historically, archeologically and scientifically, Hinduism is the oldest active religion today, there is no debate about it.

2. The oldest religion need not be the purest and the most authentic religion

A religion cannot be claimed to be most pure and authentic, only on the criterion that it is the oldest. It is similar to a person saying that the water he has kept in an open glass, in his house, outside the refrigerator, for three months is purer than the water which has just been collected in a clean glass, immediately after it has been purified.

3. The latest religion need not be the purest and the most authentic religion

On the other hand a religion cannot be claimed to be the purest or authentic, only on the criterion that the religion is new or the latest. A bottle of distilled water which is sealed, packed and kept in the refrigerator for three months is much purer than a bottle of water freshly collected from the sea.

This is true, but its a big coincedence that Hinduism has remained since its inception almost 5000+ years ago and still has the 3rd largest following today. Added to the fact that it doesn't actively seek converts such as Christianity and Islam do, with the numerous historical invasions of India in attempt to destory the relics, culture and ultimatley to stray the adherants away from their native religion, Id say that's quite remarkable. Why else would a religion that apparently seems so pagan, in similarity to the ancient Egyptian, greek, norse, viking and roman religions which are now extinct, still be around? Added to the support in the scripture which says the Santana Dharma is eternal and will never fade, just supports it futhur ( yes an example of circular reasoning, but since you like to use it..)

4. For religion to be pure and authentic, it should not have interpolations, changes and revisions in its scriptures revealed from God

For any religion to be pure and authentic, its scriptures should not contain any interpolation, addition, deletion or revision. Moreover the religion’s source of inspiration and direction should be Almighty God. The Qur’an is the only religious scripture on the face of the earth which has been maintained it its original form. All the other religious scriptures, of all the other religions have interpolations, additions, deletions or revisions. The Qur’an has been in the memory of a multitude of people, intact in its original form ever since its revelation, and now there are hundreds of thousands of people who have preserved it in their memory. Moreover, if you compare the copies made by Caliph Uthman from the original Qur’an which is yet present in the museum in Tashkent and in Koptaki museum in Turkey, they are the same as the ones we possess today.

Allah (swt) promises in the Qur’an, in Surah Al Hijr, chapter 15 verse 9

"We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)."

The highest scripture in Hinduism is the Vedas and they have not been altered. If you claim all other religious scripture have changed except the Quran, then bring your proof.

5. The oldest religion need not be best religion

A religion cannot be claimed to be the best religion only on the criterion that it is the oldest. It is similar to a person saying, that my 19th century car is better than a Toyota car manufactured in 1998, because it is older. He would be considered to be a fool to say that his 19th century car which required a rod to be turned in circles to start it, is better than a key-start 1998 Toyota car, just because it is older.

If your arguing that Islam is the oldest, then all these points will affect Islam as well as Hinduism, so why make them?

7. A religion is best, if it has the solutions to the problems of mankind

For a religion to be considered the best, it should have the solution to all the problems of mankind. It should be the religion of truth, and should be applicable to all ages. Islam is the only religion which has the solution to all the problems of mankind. e.g. the problem of alcoholism, surplus women, rape and molestation, robbery, racism, casteism, etc.

Islam is the religion of truth, and its laws and solutions are applicable to all the ages. The Qur’an is the only religious book on the face of the earth, which has maintained its purity and authenticity proving itself to be the word of God in all the ages. i.e. previously, when it was the age of miracles, literature and poetry and in present times when it is the age of science and technology. Moreover, Islam is not a man-made religion, but a religion revealed and inspired by Almighty God. It is the only religion acceptable in His Sight.

Subjective truth you mean. Many people do not agree with the punishments and treatment of certian individuals in Islam. All other religions have laws and solutions to the problems of mankind not just Islam. Hinduism is said to have all the solutions, except that it doesnt go round executing people who leave the religion for the crime of freedom of choice.

 

[Perseveranze]

This is true, but its a big coincedence that Hinduism has remained since its inception almost 5000+ years ago and still has the 3rd largest following today.

Peace,

Most who are located in India. Islam in particular has followers from all nations, the majority aren't even Arabs.

Added to the fact that it doesn't actively seek converts such as Christianity and Islam do

Yet in Islam today, people all convert by choice, when they had that same choice to convert to Hinduism, maybe there's a good reason for this too?

 

[Predator]

Hinduism scripture says that Manu was the first man, propergator of mankind. Therefore because it says it in Vedic scripture, it must be true. Historically, archeologically and scientifically, Hinduism is the oldest active religion today, there is no debate about it.

Both Quran and Bible of Jews and Christians say that the Adam was the first man . Thus Adam was the first man , there is no debate about it. You've been beaten 3 to 1

Added to the fact that it doesn't actively seek converts such as Christianity and [COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]Islam[/COLOR][/COLOR]

Which just shows how your religion doesnt care about guiding the people of the world to the right path. Its a racial religion as you need be born a brahmin to be a brahmin

BTW , I have seen your profile on the board earlier , you were a Sikh

What made you change it to Hindu ? You wanted to prove that your religion is the right one ,lol

 

[Charzhino]

Peace,

Most who are located in India. Islam in particular has followers from all nations, the majority aren't even Arabs.

1) Early Islamic conquests of central/middle eastern asia
2) Hinduism doesnt actively proselytize, hence the geographical discrepency between the 2 religions

Yet in Islam today, people all convert by choice, when they had that same choice to convert to Hinduism, maybe there's a good reason for this too?

Islam performs dawah all over the world with many schemes being funded for this purpose only. Therefore people are more exposed to it (more than ever now due to the whole islam/media) than Hinduism which takes a timid approach in comparison. Also, I do admire the way Islam has spawned many great english speakers that they can relate very easily to the western world. I can only hope in the future more Hindus follow this quality as there are very few at the moment.

 

[Charzhino]

Both Quran and Bible of Jews and Christians say that the Adam was the first man . Thus Adam was the first man , there is no debate about it. You've been beaten 3 to 1

I cannot believe you cannot see your own fallacious reasoning here. If thats the case, Hinduism was the first religion to state Manu was the first man, before Judasim, Christianity or Islam, so youve been ''beaten'', even though I do not advocate this type of reasoning.

 

[Charzhino]

Which just shows how your religion doesnt care about guiding the people of the world to the right path. Its a racial religion as you need be born a brahmin to be a brahmin

BTW , I have seen your profile on the board earlier , you were a Sikh

What made you change it to Hindu ? You wanted to prove that your religion is the right one ,lol

You dont need to be born a brahmin, or any other caste as everyone is equal because they can reach the Supreme Being.

My father is sikh and my mum hindu. I initially grew up as a Sikh, but after investigation I realised that Sikhism is a part of the Sanatan Dharma.

 

[Predator]

If your arguing that Islam is the oldest, then all these points will affect Islam as well as Hinduism, so why make them?

Where did i say that Islam is the right religion because it is oldest one. Its you who is claiming hinduism is the oldest and the right religion

Many people do not agree with the punishments and treatment of certian individuals in Islam.

We Muslims dont agree with injustice to victims

All other religions have laws and solutions to the problems of mankind not just Islam.


Hinduism is said to have all the solutions, except that it doesnt go round executing people who leave the religion for the crime of freedom of choice

Show me the "solutions" ,when you have none

 

[GuestFellow]

Both Quran and Bible of Jews and Christians say that the Adam was the first man . Thus Adam was the first man , there is no debate about it. You've been beaten 3 to 1

LOL.

Early Islamic conquests of central/middle eastern asia

And?

 

[Perseveranze]

Islam performs dawah all over the world with many schemes being funded for this purpose only. Therefore people are more exposed to it (more than ever now due to the whole islam/media) than Hinduism which takes a timid approach in comparison. Also, I do admire the way Islam has spawned many great english speakers that they can relate very easily to the western world. I can only hope in the future more Hindus follow this quality as there are very few at the moment.

What is Hinduisms most important basic beliefs that they all agree upon? Like in Christianity, from my undestanding they all agree that Jesus(pbuh) died for their sins and is the son of God. In Islam, we believe there is One God without partners, the messengers, the holy book as a guidance, the angels/jins and the final day. All Muslims agree on this.

What about Hinduism?

1) Early Islamic conquests of central/middle eastern asia 2) Hinduism doesnt actively proselytize, hence the geographical discrepency between the 2 religions

3. Indonesia/China/Malaysia and many other countries where Muslim armies never set foot. Just a few tradesmen with knowledge is all it took.

Since Muslims believe Islam is the truth, we are encouraged to give Dawah and spread the message of truth.

And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants. (3:20)

Is this not the case in Hinduism?

 

[Charzhino]

Where did i say that Islam is the right religion because it is oldest one. Its you who is claiming hinduism is the oldest and the right religion

I wasnt claiming that because its the oldest it is right, just stating a reason why an older religion has more support than a newer one in terms of the factors I gave.

We Muslims dont agree with injustice to victims

Many people would argue that the different consquences of action are an injustice, but lets not get into that on this particular thread.

Show me the "solutions" ,when you have none

manusmirti is an example text

 

[Predator]

Many people do not agree with the punishments and treatment of certian individuals in Islam. All other religions have laws and solutions to the problems of mankind not just Islam. Hinduism is said to have all the solutions, except that it doesnt go round executing people who leave the religion for the crime of freedom of choice.

1. Allah is most Merciful

The Qur’an says several times that Allah is the most Merciful. In fact all the 114 Surahs i.e. chapters of the Glorious Qur’an except for Surah Taubah chapter 9, begin with the beautiful formula, Bismillah-hir-Rahman-nir-Rahim, which means, "In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful".

2. Allah is Forgiving

The Glorious Qur’an mentions in several verses including Surah Nisa, chapter 4 verse 25 and Surah Maidah, chapter 5 verse 74:

"And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

3. Allah gives severe punishment to the deserving

Allah besides being Merciful and Forgiving is also strict in giving punishment to the deserving. The Qur’an mentions in several verses that Allah will give severe punishment to the unbelievers and rejecters of faith. He will give punishment to all those who disobey Him. Several verses of the Qur’an describe the various types of severe punishment that Allah will give in hell to all those who disobey.

"Those who reject our Signs, we shall soon cast into the Fire; as often as their skins

Are roasted through, we shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise". [Al-Qur’an 4:56]

4. Allah is Just

The question is, whether Allah is forgiving or revengeful? An important point to be noted is that Allah besides being Merciful and Forgiving, He also has to give severe punishment to the deserving wicked or evil people, because He is also Just. The Qur’an mentions in Surah Nisa: "Allah is never unjust in the least degree". [Al-Qur’an 4:40]

It is further mentioned in Surah Al-Ambiya:

"We shall set up scales of justice for the day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, we will bring it (to account): and enough are we to take account".
[Al-Qur’an 21:47]

5. Example: Teacher forgives a student who copies in the examination

If during an examination, a student copies and the teacher who supervises in the examination catches the student red-handed, the teacher says that he is very merciful and kind and forgives him and allows him to continue copying. Those students who have worked hard for the examination will not call the teacher merciful and kind but will call him unjust. This merciful act of the teacher will encourage the other students to also copy. If all the teachers are merciful and kind and allow the students to copy then no student will ever study for examinations and all will pass with flying colours by copying. The theoretical results of the examinations will be excellent in which all the students will pass with first class and distinction but practically these students will be a failure in life. The whole purpose of the examination would be defeated.

6. This Life is a Test for the Hereafter

The life in this world is a test for the Hereafter. The Qur’an says in Surah Al Mulk: "He who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving".
[Al-Qur’an 67:2]

7. If Allah forgives all and punishes none, who will obey him?

If Allah (swt) forgives each and every human being and punishes no one, then why should the human beings obey the command of Allah (swt)? I do agree that no one will go to hell, but this world would become hell to live in. If all human beings are going to go to heaven then what is the purpose and use of the human beings to come to this world, this life cannot be called a test for the hereafter.

8. Allah only forgives if a person repents

Allah (swt) only forgives if a person repents. The Qur’an says in Surah Al-Zumar, chapter 39 verse 53-55:

"Say: ‘O my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

"Turn ye to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (will), before the penalty comes on you - after that ye shall not be helped."

"And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the penalty comes on you - of a sudden, while ye perceive not!"
[Al-Qur’an 39:53-55]

There are four criteria for repentance: First, agree that the act is wrong. Secondly, stop it immediately. Thirdly, never do it again in future. And lastly, compensate for the loss if caused to anyone.

 

[Charzhino]

What is Hinduisms most important basic beliefs that they all agree upon? Like in Christianity, from my undestanding they all agree that Jesus(pbuh) died for their sins and is the son of God. In Islam, we believe there is One God without partners, the messengers, the holy book as a guidance, the angels/jins and the final day. All Muslims agree on this.

What about Hinduism?

Hinduism is an umbrella term for many sects/school of thoughts. However what combines them is mostly the authority of the Vedas. Other views may differ, the 2 main schools of thought are Adviata Vedenta (non-dual) and Dviata (dualsitic)

3. Indonesia/China/Malaysia and many other countries where Muslim armies never set foot. Just a few tradesmen with knowledge is all it took.

Since Muslims believe Islam is the truth, we are encouraged to give Dawah and spread the message of truth.

And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants. (3:20)

Is this not the case in Hinduism?

Hindus are encouraged to gain knowledge and share it, but not to the same extent as Islam where it is a duty.

 

[Perseveranze]

Hindus are encouraged to gain knowledge and share it, but not to the same extent as Islam where it is a duty.

Peace,

Well, I don't know much about hinduism, I mean do you have a reason to spread the religion? Islam, amongst many things, is suppose to be a warning to mankind; a warning of the final hour (the day of judgement), where everyone will be risen to meet their Creator and will be judged based on what they did in this life. So with this understanding and knowledge, we wouldn't want to know the truth and conceal it. Muhammad(pbuh), tried hard to tell people of the truth that he knew, in various hadiths it reports how he used to cry for people of other faiths that didn't believe him (a show of care for mankind).

But lets just say you were in his position, would you not try and do what you can to tell people of the truth, of something this big? SO you have to understand the Islamic point of view in regards to Daw'ah, it's not to make the religion of Islam the biggest or have the most followers, it's to warn people and notify them of the truth, whether they accept or reject it is upto them.

Does Hindiusm not have such a major reason to spread like Islam does?

 

[GuestFellow]

Hindus are encouraged to gain knowledge and share it, but not to the same extent as Islam where it is a duty.

Muslims spread Islam through lectures and books. So we share knowledge as well.

How come it is not a duty in Hinduism?

manusmirti is an example text

Please post it.

 

[Charzhino]

Peace,

Well, I don't know much about hinduism, I mean do you have a reason to spread the religion? Islam, amongst many things, is suppose to be a warning to mankind; a warning of the final hour (the day of judgement), where everyone will be risen to meet their Creator and will be judged based on what they did in this life. So with this understanding and knowledge, we wouldn't want to know the truth and conceal it. Muhammad(pbuh), tried hard to tell people of the truth that he knew, in various hadiths it reports how he used to cry for people of other faiths that didn't believe him (a show of care for mankind).

But lets just say you were in his position, would you not try and do what you can to tell people of the truth, of something this big? SO you have to understand the Islamic point of view in regards to Daw'ah, it's not to make the religion of Islam the biggest or have the most followers, it's to warn people and notify them of the truth, whether they accept or reject it is upto them.

Does Hindiusm not have such a major reason to spread like Islam does?

Its an interesting question, I think the issue lies on the prospective afterlifes of each religion. In Islam you only get one chance, so if you mess up theres no going back so the urgency is there if you will. Hell is eternal punishment. In Hinduism, since the laws of karma and rebirth are applied this isnt the case. Hindus believe all life lessons have to be learnt before you can reach ''heaven'' and this simply isnt possible in just one short lifetime. The primary and most important teaching is upholding justice or dharma, even at the expense of worshipping God. Therfore people have different goals/tasks/duties in their lifes, not one strict purpose in which no other chance will be granted.

 

[Perseveranze]

Hinduism is said to have all the solutions, except that it doesnt go round executing people who leave the religion for the crime of freedom of choice

I am sure Hindu's do this aswell, and Christians and people of other faiths. Does your religion teach this, because I am certain mine doesn't.

....

There has been a great controversy in India in the past few years about the enforcement of anti-conversion laws by several Indian states which were made specifically to prevent people from leaving Hinduism and converting to other faiths,[34] even though freedom of religion in India is supposed to be a fundamental right guaranteed by the country's constitution.
Indian Christians have alleged that "radical Hindu groups" in Orissa, India have forced Christian converts from Hinduism to "revert"[35] to Hinduism. These "religious riots" were largely between two tribal groups in Orissa, one of which was predominantly Hindu and another predominantly Christian, over the assassination of a Hindu leader named Swami Lakshmanananda by Christian MaoistsNaxalite).[36] In the aftermath of the violence, American Christian evangelical groups have claimed that Hindu groups are "forcibly reverting" Christians converts from Hinduism back to Hinduism.[35] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forced_conversion#cite_note-36

 

[GuestFellow]

Hindus believe all life lessons have to be learnt before you can reach ''heaven'' and this simply isnt possible in just one short lifetime.

So eventually will everyone reach heaven according to Hinduism?

Why is it not possible to learn all the life lessons in one lifetime?

What are these life lessons?

 

[powerofdharma]

Muslims spread Islam through lectures and books. So we share knowledge as well.

How come it is not a duty in Hinduism?



Please post it.

The Five Duties of a Hindu
1

Live a life of virtue. Hindu scriptures, Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, offer clear instructions for a life of virtue. Dharma, righteous duty, include practicing Ahimsa (non-injury), respect and performing your duties without attachment to results, but to offer each duty to God.

2

Make a pilgrimage (Tirthayãtrã). Routinely visit sacred Hindu places. Such places may be temples, Hindu masters, India and other sites of pilgrimage. Pilgrimages free you from daily routine and focus your whole being on the sacred.

3

Observe holy days or Hindu festivals (Utsava). Festivals are celebrated in the home and at temples. Engage in fasts to purify your body and spirit.

4

Participate in the sacraments (Samskãras). Hindu scriptures define the sacraments, which guide you through your life events. Sacraments purify and bless you with truthfulness and a generous spirit.

5

Observe Sarva Brahmã (God in all). In every activity, with every being, strive to honor God in all reality. This is a form of Bhakti, or devotion, that is liberating.

 

[powerofdharma]

So eventually will everyone reach heaven according to Hinduism?

Why is it not possible to learn all the life lessons in one lifetime?

What are these life lessons?

In Hinduism, there is nothing like heaven. It is actually moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is the Jeevathma (our soul) - Paramathma (God) - Aikyam (Joining). So basically our soul merges with the God.

Karma(Righteous deeds) , Gyan(knowledge) and Bhakti(Pure devotion) are the ways of attainting moksha. It also includes giving up of arrogance, lust, pride, false ego and greed.

Hinduism also includes something greater than moksha or greater than god!
While impersonalists want to become one with God, devotees can attain the position of being greater than God. In the intimacy of pure love, they can tell God what do to, and He loves to hear it.

 

[powerofdharma]

So eventually will everyone reach heaven according to Hinduism?

Why is it not possible to learn all the life lessons in one lifetime?

What are these life lessons?

It is possible to attain moksha in one life time depending on your deeds. And many people have done it..