Comparing Islam and Jainism - Essay Example

Comparing two or more religions from your personal point of view Introduction It would not be a mistake to suggest that religion plays an important role in life of a person. Indeed, this significant social institution can be traced back up to the very emergence of the society. However, it must be noted that despite the fact that the religions in general might share several common features, the differences between them are able to shape the spiritual life of a person in completely different ways. That is why it would not be a mistake to suggest that religions that can be found in the world are different and, therefore, can be compared. Of course, one would not be correct, suggesting that one religion is better than another one; nevertheless, it might be the case that one of them might suit a particular person or a particular nation better. Comparison of Islam and Jainism Relation to the reality If one takes a close look at Islam, one can not help noticing that it is a religion that has a rather detailed explanation for various aspects of the reality. Furthermore, it contains a set of norms that were later developed into a legal system (Peters, 2014, p. 263). What is more important is that other than showing a person an effective way to develop one’s soul, it helps people to deal with realistic problems. For example in the Quran there are the so called Sword verses that set guidelines for the Muslims when they fight to protect their faith: this part of the sacred text encourages people to fight, but also show mercy when needed. In addition to that, Islam contains many provisions about daily life which significantly improve it. Contrary to that, Jainism is a religion that is primarily occupied with abstract concepts. Of course, it provides those who follow this path of spiritual development with helpful guidelines; however, the true believers often neglect the world with its realistic issues and try to focus on their personal development (Smith, 2012, p. 219). Thus, both Islam and Jainism present their explanation of the structure of the Universe; however, the former does not pay much attention to it, putting emphasis on issues that the believers might face on a daily basis while the latter has a quite develop cosmological system. This can hardly be called a disadvantage of Jainism; nevertheless, it shows that the doctrine is more concerned with abstract notions rather then everyday ones. Indeed, this religion encourages people to think more about spiritual values and contrasts them with material ones. Religion as a foundation of the society The differences between Islam and Jainism are easily visible when it comes to projecting the each teaching on the social environment. As it has already been mentioned, the sacred text of Islam contains provision for spiritual development as well as for other areas of social life. That is why the Prophet is known to be not only as a spiritual leader, but also as a military leader and a successful politician. Furthermore, if one takes a look at the history of the contemporary Arabic countries, one will be able to see that the majority of them were once united into a great Muslim empire which should be seen as a direct consequence of application of Islam to the social life (Fromherz, 2010, p. 83). In other words, this religion is capable of contributing to the emergence of big and prosperous societies that are based on its religious system. On the other hand, Jainism should be perceived as a religion that is primarily practiced independent. In spite of the fact that there are religious communities of the followers of this religion, there has never been a state that was founded by them. In other this, these people are not interested in shaping the social environment in any way: they are able to integrate in any environment without needing to opposite others (Jain, 2009, p. 299). That is why it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that if this religion is projected onto the social environment, the latter would not be changed as the former does not contain any specific provisions about social life as it is more focused on the personal development of a person. Interaction with other people and faiths Speaking of Islam, one might argue that it encourages it followers to inspire other people by their personal example. This means that Muslims are sure that the message that was send by the Prophet comes directly from God. That is why other people who do not follow it are nor right when it comes to their spiritual life. Nevertheless, Islam will never make other change their religion. It is a peaceful spiritual tradition that urges people to wage jihad (the holy war) against their sins on the daily basis. As a result, a Muslim would interact with other people politely, not giving one his or her own positions. For example, considering the holiness of the Quran, a Muslim will be certain that it is the direct word of God, therefore, other religious texts can hardly be compared to it as they were written by mortals. As for Jainism and the way it would prescribe it followers to interact with other people, one might recall the second principle of it, namely non-absolutism. According to it, it is particularly important to take into account the opinions of other people. This means that a follower of Jainism, just like a follower of Islam, will be glad to hear one’s opponent’s ideas. However, while the latter would be glad to express the view of Islam, the former might want to refrain for argument, suggesting that it will not bring any positive impact. This approach is closely linked to the first principle of Jainism, namely nonviolence. This means that a collision of views should be avoided so that it would not cause any troubles when considering the relationships between people. The religion of choice If I were introduced to all religions in the world and had an opportunity to choose which one suits me the best, I would choose Islam. There are several reasons to that. First of all, I like the fact that this religion urges a person to develop a personal relationship with God through submission and appreciation of the world. This means that I will be able to develop a better understanding of the role that I play in the Universe. Secondly, Islam is a quite realistic religion: it anticipates the problems that the believers will face on their ways to spiritual perfects and provides them with adequate solutions. In other words, being a believer of Islam will allow me to improve my spiritual life and my social life as well. Finally, Islam contains provisions about the social environment and if one takes a look at the life of the Muslim countries, one can not dismiss the fact that they are prospering. That is why this religion is beneficial not only for one’s souls, but for one’s society as well. Conclusion Having examined all the points that were noted in the paragraphs above, one is able to come to the following conclusion: there are many religions in the world and they all are different. If one compares Islam and Jainism, one will be able to see that they put emphasis on different points: the former is more community oriented religion, while the latter is more person oriented one. In addition to that, they tend to be preoccupied with issues that are of different nature: the former one is more realistic, while the latter one is more abstract. I were able to choose any religion, I would choose Islam. References Fromherz, A. (2010). The Almohads the rise of an Islamic empire. London: I.B. Tauris ;. Jain, A. (2009). Faith & philosophy of Jainism. Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. Peters, R. (2014). The Ashgate research companion to Islamic law. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing. Smith, J. (2012). Personal Development Planning - What You Need to Know Definitions, Best Practices, Benefits and Practical Solutions. Dayboro: Emereo Publishing. Read More