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Hinduism

4 Vedas and Dharma

1. Mantra- mythical connection to the gods; searching for the truth in terms we can understand.

~>Hindu mantra connects believers to gods

2. Brahmana-theological commentary; based around building knowledge within which humans, gods, and rituals are connected.

4. Upanishads-Discussion of truths and our existence

3. Aranyaka-text and dangerous rituals (?)

Dharma- 4 levels of Dharma depending on caste, all with different functions and social roles.

-daily hygienic and dietary ayurvedic rules to maintain purity

-Governs lifestyle, but does not dictate like laws set by gods

Diversity

Originally less tolerance to different ideas, but modern Hinduism is incredibly tolerant

Building blocks

Rooted more in building a discursive relationship with gods and nature together, not just faith.

Discipline in living a life of balance

Language-Translatable from Sanskrit to regional languages

Identity- : Shared territory and history of both glory and oppression

Islam

Qur’an and Shari’a

1. Profession of faith in one God- states God’s omnipotence, still allowing free will to a point

~>Relies on the connection of humans to God, and doesn’t promote demeaning Allah for humans to understand.

~>No theological dialogue in Qur’an, which would assume that the Qur’an is fallible, like humanity, instead of divine.

2. Ritual prayer-Focus on purity, Allah’s premier position, liturgical repetition

~>Both are secretive to outsiders

3. Giving alms-Rich give to poor; Even the poor play their role by receiving money to fulfill this.

4. Fasting (Ramadan)- also for purity of heart and body

5. Hajj-no parallel in Hindu

Shari’a- Lifestyle dictated by God’s determination of good and evil

Distinct interpretations of Islam, divided into distinct sects

Faith in Allah

Living a life of discipline according to Allah’s rules

Qur’an not translatable, but believers in the Diaspora use their own interpretations

Identity- Ritually linked with the Qur’an, through revelation. Believers form a community across national borders.