Comparison between Islam & Buddhism - Report Example

Religion and Theology  2, October Comparison between Islam & Buddhism Religion defines the purpose of one’s existence in this world. In order to research about the practicality of any Religion and Theology, it is important to look at the root concepts which form the basis for the religion. This, in turn, defines the group of people that are under observation. Religion can be defined in numerous ways, depending on the person attempting to give an explanation. Once religion has been defined, this justification is at the choice of the people whether to accept it or outright deny it. The definition of religion is known to have its own benefits and disadvantages. However, theory approaches the topic of religion in a slightly different manner. According to theories, religion can be broadly defined in three dimensions: 1. The function of religion: What purpose does the religion fulfill in one’s life? 2. Role of religion in the life of individuals: How do people look upon the religion and how important it is in one’s life? 3. The nature and origin of religion: How the religion came into existence? These are the fundamental questions that need to be answered in order to decipher a true religion for oneself. If a person is unaware about the reason for choosing a specific religion, its impact on his/her everyday life, and about the birthplace and history of that religion, one can not wholeheartedly follow that religion. Ambiguity will not allow the person to be satisfied with his/her religion. There are five Religions currently thriving in the world. These include: 1. Islam. 2. Christianity. 3. Judaism. 4. Buddhism. 5. Hinduism. These are considered as “world religions” due to their extensive following and influence on the society. Islam and Buddhism, which will be discussed in this paper hereafter, are the two most common religions of the world. There are some similarities as well as differences between the two religions. A detailed analysis of these similarities and differences are as follows. Islam is a monotheistic religion. The meaning of “Islam” is “Total Submission to Allah”, and the adherents of Islam are called “Muslims”- who submits himself/herself to Allah. Allah, for Muslims, is the Supreme Most Deity who Controls the World and Everything in it. It is an integral part of Islam that Allah is One, Singular, with no possible competitors or matchers. The outlines of Islam are articulated by the “Quran”- Sacred Scripture – which is considered to be the direct word of Allah. Muslims believe that Muhammad (S.A.W) was the Last Prophet of Allah. Muslims also believe that the purpose of their existence is solely to worship Allah. The religious concepts and practices of Islam are based on the Five Pillars of Islam, which are considered as the foundations of Islam. These include obligatory acts of worship like Shahada (declaration), Salah (5 times daily prayers), Zakat (alms-giving), Sawm (Fasting in the month of Ramadan) and Hajj (Sacred Pilgrimage to Makkah). Islam is particularly popular in the areas of Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Indian sub-continent. However, the presence of Muslims is not restricted to these areas. Muslims are found everywhere in the World, with a distinctive majority in these areas. On the other hand, Buddhism is a pantheistic religion, encompassing numerous beliefs and practices. The adherents of Buddhism are called “Buddhists”. Buddhism has its roots in the teachings of “Siddhartha Gautama”, commonly known as “Buddha” (the awakened one). Siddhartha Gautama was born, raised and taught in the North Eastern Indian Sub-continent during the sixth century BC. Buddhism, in contrast with Islam, is more popular within Asia. As with Islam, Buddhism rests on three foundations known as the Three Jewels: The Buddha (the awakened one), The Dharma (the teachings) and The Sangha (the community). Buddhists do not possess any holy book that plays a central role in their religion. However, “Tripitaka” is the most important Scripture used by various Buddhist sects to describe their various cannons of Scriptures. Buddhists as a whole are divided in two major branches of Buddhism; the Theravada (the school of Elder) and the Mahayana (the great vehicle). The differences between Islam and Buddhism are plenty; often coming in direct contradiction with each other. The Buddhists did not believe in the existence of God till the later Doctrines introduced this concept, whereas the Muslims believe in One Allah, the Supreme Authority, and this belief forms the basis of Islam. Moreover, the Buddhists believe that salvation – inner peace – determines the course of actions one employs. On the contrary, Islam teaches that if one wishes to reside an eternity in heaven and want to avoid hellfire, one must believe in the Oneness of Allah, Obey Him and follow all His messages and commandments. There is no other way to gain admission in the Heaven because “Salvation” in Islam is referred to as the ultimate entrance in heaven. Furthermore, Buddhism does not emphasize on the distinctions between Good and Bad. In contrast, Islam explicitly states that Allah is the only source for all Good and Evil that befalls everyone. Islam does not recognize any Supreme Being except Allah, and therefore attributes Him for everything that happens in the universe and beyond. Also, Buddhists believe in “Karma” – a variation of the eternal life concept, but the followers of Islam believe that the eternal life – life hereafter – depends on one’s actions in the present material life. If a person follows the path shown by the fundamentals of Islam with full devotion, he/she is said to have achieved success in both worlds. Additionally, while the Muslims give importance to SALAH, a prescribed liturgy performed five times a day in Masjid (mosque) facing the Ka’aba (Allah’s house) situated in Mecca, the Buddhists believe in Meditation for the cleansing of mind. Hence the modes of worship for both religions differ. Buddhism places direct emphasis on “THE FORTH NOBLE TRUTH” (a guideline that elaborates how to exercise control on one’s desires), which talks about how restraints can be accomplished through “THE EIGHTFOLD PATH” (the treatment to cure the heart of all desires). On the other hand, Islam offers ways to either curb or satisfy one’s desires. Hence conflict is observed. Moreover, the Islamic beliefs acknowledge the existence of Allah as a Supernatural being with Unlimited Powers, but in Buddhism, a Buddhist believes to initially exist in Human form and is able to attain Nirvana (paradise or heaven) through Meditation (Yahya). Also, difference is observed with respect to incentives for avoiding sins. For a Buddhist, harming other beings puts a negative impact on one’s Karma. But for a Muslim, it is more than just concerns for Karma. This is because Allah has guaranteed justice for all by punishing bad deeds and rewarding the good ones on the Day of Judgment. Hence, we find a clearly threatening incentive for Muslims to prevent themselves from committing Evils. Another aspect of Buddhism and Islam that differentiates them is the way they depict abstinence from specific kinds of foods. Meat and Fish are not preferably consumed by either of the Buddhist groups. Some Buddhists avoid consuming Onion, Garlic and Leek, as they believe these to belong to the group of five pungent spices considered to incite one’s sexual desires and increase anger spasms. Buddhism does not outline any specific dietary laws for its followers (Hirota). However, Buddhists dietary restrictions are very different from those of Judaism and Islam which are considered as Abrahamic religions. Buddhism does not draw lines for differentiating between the permitted and the forbidden foods. Therefore extreme diversity of Buddha practices can be observed. The Buddha usually advises his followers to avoid ten kinds of meat for their self-respect and protection: the meats of Humans, Elephants, Lions, Dogs, Snakes, Tigers, Boars and Hyenas. Tibetan Buddhists never consume fishes and fowls. If we relate Buddhism to a Vegetarian religion, it wouldn’t be wrong because in Buddhism the first instinct proposed in their teachings and literature is “Do Not Harm” anyone. For this reason, many Buddhists choose to be vegetarians instead of carnivores. Hence a relationship exists between Vegetarianism and Buddhism (Noa). If we talk about Islam’s Faith on Food according to the Islamic Law, there is a clear concept of permitted and forbidden foods commonly referred to as “Halal” and “Haram”. This distinction is derived from the principles of the Quran. According to these principles, the ingredients that are forbidden in Islam are: Pork, Lard and any porcine substance. Pig is rendered as an entirely Haram animal for human consumption in any form. Gelatin from an animal that wasn’t slaughtered in a Halal manner. Meats that aren’t slaughtered in the prescribed Islamic way. Blood. Any eatable containing alcohol including all toxic substances and hazardous drinks. Any organic Human substance or part. Some non-Halal additives (E-numbers like substances because many E-number substances contain unlisted Haram ingredients). The benefits attached with the Muslim diet in terms of health merely qualify the wisdom of Allah’s Word and shed light on Allah’s Benevolence. For a Muslim, it is taught since childhood that one should recite the name of Allah before eating, and thank Allah after finishing. It is preferable in Islam to eat by right hand. Also, eating in company is considered better than eating alone. Muslims are required to take the name of Allah on all animals while slaughtering them. Table manners include eating when one is hungry, and when one does eat, one shouldn’t eat in excess. In Islam, feeding a hungry, dying person or animal is seen as a noble act through which one is exempted from the hellfire. Highly recommended ingredients in Islam include pure Meat, Chicken, Fish, Milk, Olive Oil and Honey. Moreover, their medical benefits have now been proven scientifically. All types of Fruits and Vegetables (grown naturally without genetic modification) are recommended for consumption in Islam (Katme). The concept of Fasting in Buddhism, specifically in Mahayana Buddhism, focuses on the birth, the enlightenment and death of Buddha. These are considered as three common festivals in which feasting takes place. In Theravada Buddhism, all three days are unified into a single holiday called Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday). Buddhist monks fast on the days of the new moon and full moon each lunar month. They also avoid eating any solid food after noon. This is done as a mean of attaining purification. In Islam, the Feast days (dates vary according to the lunar calendar) include Eid-ul-Fitar (after finishing the fasting month of Ramadan), Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice as an act of obedience to Allah) and Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)). Fasting in Islam is considered as an opportunity to earn the approval of Allah, to wipe out previous sins and to understand the sufferings of the poor. It is the fourth ritual observance in the Five Pillars of Islam. “Ramadan” is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink and sex from before the break of dawn until sunset. Muslims are also encouraged to fast on numerous occasions like 6 days during the month of Shawwal (the month after Ramadan), on the 10th day of Muharram (the first month of Islamic calendar) and on the 9th day of Zul Hijjah (the month of Hajj-pilgrimage). In Buddhism, marriage is considered as a secular affair, and it is not considered a religious ritual. Buddhists are expected to follow the civil laws regarding marriage laid out by their respective governments of their times. The Ceremony itself is civil; many Buddhists obtain the blessing from monks at the local temple after the marriage is completed. Buddhism does not encourage nor discourage the occurrence of marriage. Even Gautama Buddha never spoke in favor of or condemnation of marriage, but instead pointed out some difficulties and worries that people would have to face when they take on the responsibility of marriage (Appraiser Central). In Islam, marriage is a Sacred Contract between a Man and a Woman to live as Husband and Wife. It has to be an open declaration in front of at least two witnesses; it cannot be secretive and requires mutual consent. The Arabic word for Marriage in Islam is “Nikah”. The Quran asserts that Nikah (Marriage) is the only legitimate way to satisfy’s one’s sexual desire. Polygamy (having multiple wives), though permitted in Islam, is subjected to certain conditions and the basic requirement for polygamy is that the husband treats all wives equally. Islam recognizes the value of sex and companionship and advocates marriage as the foundation for families. Islam does not believe in celibacy, but in Buddhism, sexual misconduct is prevalent due to their views about marriage as mentioned above. According to Buddhism, irresponsible sexual behavior can become the cause of one’s downfall in many aspects of life. If one wants to experience sex, he must do so without exercising violence or by using any unfair means like force, threat or fear. Buddhism advocates that a person must respect and obey the law of the country, if the laws are made for common good. An important aspect of Buddhism is that the Buddha didn’t impose any religious laws or commandments. In Buddhism, the roles of women are also different from their roles in Islam. The Buddha is known to have refused his stepmother’s entrance into the order, and was reported as saying that their admittance would only “Shorten the Life of Buddhism”. On the contrary, in Islam, according to Quran (the Holy book of Muslim), it is stated that the Man and Woman both are equal in the eyes of Allah and their responsibilities are equally divided. Islam and Buddhism have been split into many ways and sects by difference of perceptions and thinking of their followers. As the religions grow older and its followership increases, different schools of thought start appearing with some practices being altered. The concept of Universe in Buddhism is that the universe is separate from God and has been created by Him. In comparison, Islam also holds a creationist theology. The Universe is the creation of Allah, hence is separate from Him. Buddhism believes in Humanity and love for all beings. Similarly, the most important aspect of Islam is Humanity. Buddhism opposes the evils of caste and creed and asserts the equality of all beings. Islam also stresses on the equality of individuals, thereby, abhorring the system of caste and creed. The main similarity between them all is the process of attaining the ultimate goal - How to control on our Desires. Islam doesn’t allow the person to surrender themselves to lust and desires. On the other hand, to remove the sufferings and miseries of fellow humans is the main purpose of Buddhism religion. In Buddhism, Buddhists call it “THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTH”: 1. There is Suffering and Misery in life. 2. The cause of this Suffering and Misery is Desire. 3. Suffering and Misery can be removed by removing the desire. 4. Desire can be removed by following the Eightfold Path. One major drawback of Buddhism religion is that in their attempts to satiate desires or to imitate to attract attention, they don’t realize how deceived they are. Buddhism alienates them from all the beauty and esthetical values and leads its followers into a realm of darkness and gloom (Yahya). Some people think that to follow the path of Islam is “restrictive”. Islam, however, was revealed as a balanced way of living. Allah created all the humans with what is called “A Fitrah” (A natural state/Desire). Islam recognizes that within this Fitrah, there are motivations that influence a person’s role on earth. Without some form of control and limit, all of these legitimate motives could prove to be very dangerous. Islam is the perfect control for the Fitrah. It provides divine method to elevate man above animals and the rest of creations. Islam provides a limit for the worldly pleasure which we require, and continuously reminds us of the life in the hereafter. The inclination and desires of the Fitrah are not to become the objective in life; rather they are to be taken in a stabilized manner. The way to deal with desires is real and Allah has given us the detailed description of a leveled approach. This leveled approach gives mankind the perfectly balanced pleasure in this worldly life. Human lacks perfect knowledge as well as perfect wisdom. No matter how hard we try, we will never attain the perfect way of life by our own thinking and interpretations. This is the reason why Allah, being the Most Wise, sent Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to show us this practical and organized way of life. Allah, being perfect in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has set certain limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind and therefore do not need changing: “These are the limit (set) by Allah, so do not approach them” (Surah-al-Baqarah 2:1871) “There are limits (set) by Allah, so do not transgress them” (Surah-al-Baqarah 2:229) It is indeed an important element of what a Muslim should be to put Allah’s Will before your own will, even if it means letting go of the things you love. Although, at this point, we can say that Buddhism are superstitious and misguided as some of the aspects depict pure falsehood, but at the same time, we cannot ignore that it contains some positive moral Principles. Buddhist Scriptures warn people against stealing and encourages them to be helpful to one another and cleanse themselves of selfishness and worldly ambitions. Buddhism closely resembles the monotheistic faith of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in a way. It too believes in the End of Times and one ultimate survivor of Humanity. To sum it all, Buddhism differs from Islam in numerous ways, but also contains similarities which are characteristic of Islam. If the two religions are brought together, they will most probably result in conflicts and clashes, however, as Islam is projected as a religion of peace, the conflict may not be very pronounced. It is very difficult for the two religions to reach common grounds of mutual agreement. But this problem is not restrained to Buddhism and Islam only; such conflicts have a possibility of occurring between all religions of the world. There are no common rulings regarding which religion is right and which isn’t. Elderly influence and egoistic approach hinders adequate argumentation in this regard. As all religions define the purpose of one’s existence, it is naturally uncomfortable to receive a blow on one’s very reason of existence. Even if one realizes his/her mistake in assuming their religion to be right when some other religion seems to be true, fear of losing one’s aims and being shunned as an outcast keeps him/her from accepting the new faith. These compulsions, even though detrimental for self, can rarely be fought unless they are rebelled against. Works Cited Yahya, Haroon. “Buddhism and Materialist Western Culture”. Islam and Buddhism.n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www.harunyahya.com/buddhism04.php Noa, A. “Difference between Islam and Buddhism”. Differencebetween.net 19 May. 2011. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-islam-and-buddhism/ Katme, Majid. “Faith and Food Fact Files – Islam”. Faithandfood.com. n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www.faithandfood.com/Islam.php Hirota, Megumi. “Faith and Food Fact Files – Buddhism”. Faithandfood.com. n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www.faithandfood.com/buddhism.php Dhamananda, Sri. “A Happy Married Life; A Buddhist Perspective”. Access to Insight.org. 5 June. 2010. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/dhammananda/marriage.html#ch4 Appraiser Central. “Compare Buddhism and Islam”. Appraisercentral.com. n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2011.http://www.appraisercentral.com/research/Compare%20Buddhism%20And%20Islam.htm Surah – al –Baqarah from The Quran. Ed. Allah (S.W.T.). Print. Read More