Hinduism and Judaism -Similarities

[waraich66]

Similarities Between Hindu and Jewish Traditions
BY: SUN STAFF






May 15, CANADA (SUN) — Following is an excerpt from the report produced by the first Hindu-Jewish Leadership Summit, held last year in New Delhi. The Summit was an initiative of the World Council of Religious Leaders, in partnership with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha. In this exchange, HH Mahamandaleswar Sri Swami Gurusharananandaji Karsni Peeth of Mathur offers an overview of the Vedic tradition, which is followed by a response from Mr. Oded Weiner, Director General of the Rabbinate of Israel.




Similarities between Our Traditions

His Holiness Mahamandaleswar Sri Swami Gurusharananandaji Karsni Peeth, Mathura



Shalom to acharyas, and revered guests. I shall speak on similarities in our traditions. Both our traditions have given birth to many other religions: Hinduism has given birth to Buddhism and Jainism, and, similarly Judaism is the mother of Christianity and Islam.


We have both experienced the persecution of intolerant rulers. We also have been subject to the holocaust during colonial times.


Both our religions are revealed. Hinduism does not have a beginning. It was never started. Dharma was always there. The Vedas are not books, they are revealed facts by Rishis: Rsayastu mantradrstarah, not mantra-kartarah. Rishis are the seers of the mantras, not its authors. Vedas are revealed. Similarly Moses did not create the Holy Books. They were revealed. God is the source of both the Jewish and Hindu traditions. Moses did not create the religion. Similarly in our tradition we say even Rama or Krsna didn’t create the religion. We have four Vedas, you have five Holy Books. We have smritis, you have midrash.


Both of us remove shoes at the temple. We take a ritual bath before special rites. The outer purity is needed to cultivate inner purity.


You keep Kosher, we have what is called “achara”--both refer to strict codes about internal and external purity. We are pure in our food habits. We do not mix certain types of food, or eat old food. We purify ourselves before going to the temple. During the menstrual period, both Jewish and Hindu women abstain from worship.


We have lunar calendars in both traditions. The number of years in our calendar is the same. For marriages and other auspicious events, we see different days. Both perform marriages under canopies. Some of the rites are similar.


We also have corresponding festivals. In the Jewish tradition, you have Yom Kippur, and we have Navaratri; we fast and pray and do special prayers at the time. The festivals of Purim and Holi, coming in the springtime, signify triumph of good over evil are in both traditions. When we do a blessing, we use rice as the symbol of fertility. Both, Hindus and Jews, do penance and fasting. In the past, it is said that Jews used to rub ash on the body to purify themselves. We have two important rivers: Jordan and Ganga.


Finally, the essence of both traditions is “Atmanah pratikulani paresham na samacharet,” do not do unto others what you do not want to have done to you. Om.




Response Mr. Oded Weiner Director General of the Rabbinate of Israel


The Revered Swami has made a number of pertinent points about the similarities between our traditions, which are very exciting to hear. I want to reiterate that Moses and Abraham did not found our religion; they were only agents of the divine. With regard to purity, you will be familiar with the Jewish tradition of purification called the Mikvah, and there are many Jews who use this ablution daily for purification.


It is also our custom to throw rice on the bride and groom in the expectation that they will be fecund and productive. There is even a custom of putting ashes on the forehead of the groom to remember the destruction of the temple, and to pray for its reconstruction.


Therefore, it is not surprising that there is little difference between the words “Hodim,” Hindus, and Yehodim, Jews. The words are nearly identical, separated just by the letter “yod,” the “y”. This is significant in itself because the “yod” is the tiniest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. These two letters, “yod” and “he,” spell God in the Hebrew language. It is all really quite profound.



http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/05-08/editorials2960.htm

 

[waraich66]

Finally, the essence of both traditions is “Atmanah pratikulani paresham na samacharet,” do not do unto others what you do not want to have done to you. Om.
Essence of both tradition is good but why both Israel and India doing opposite to their tradition in Gaza and Kashmir ?

 

[Vinod2070]

I can speak for India. We have had a rough history, been invaded for a thousand years or more from the Western frontiers. A history that we can't forget in hurry.

All that barbarity, genocides, the Zazias, the "tirthyatra mehsul" to be paid to visit our own pilgrimage places in our country, the millions of murders committed, the forced conversions of millions of our brothers, the rapes, the slavery that was inflicted on our people, the Jauhars by thousands of our brave Rajput women to save their honor from the foreign barbarians, the destruction of thousands of our worship places by the intolerant invading nomads.

We are not about to surrender to the same terrorism now!

 

[Prodigy17]

I can speak for India. We have had a rough history, been invaded for a thousand years or more from the Western frontiers. A history that we can't forget in hurry.

All that barbarity, genocides, the Zazias, the "tirthyatra mehsul" to be paid to visit our own pilgrimage places in our country, the millions of murders committed, the forced conversions of millions of our brothers, the rapes, the slavery that was inflicted on our people, the Jauhars by thousands of our brave Rajput women to save their honor from the foreign barbarians, the destruction of thousands of our worship places by the intolerant invading nomads.

We are not about to surrender to the same terrorism now!

Can you throw some light for the information of our esteemed members as to why did you surrender to these barbarian invaders without fail each time despite having greater numbers, weapons and everything. While supposedly ancient india had weapons like Brahma astra and the scientist who could fly well before someone thought of superman in the west, hindustan was subjugated with ease by each invading "horde"??????????? Any views from the victims on this????????

 

[Vinod2070]

You did that before us. Each and every time!

We did not surrender our faith at least!

 

[waraich66]

I can speak for India. We have had a rough history, been invaded for a thousand years or more from the Western frontiers. A history that we can't forget in hurry.

All that barbarity, genocides, the Zazias, the "tirthyatra mehsul" to be paid to visit our own pilgrimage places in our country, the millions of murders committed, the forced conversions of millions of our brothers, the rapes, the slavery that was inflicted on our people, the Jauhars by thousands of our brave Rajput women to save their honor from the foreign barbarians, the destruction of thousands of our worship places by the intolerant invading nomads.

We are not about to surrender to the same terrorism now!

These invaders came not to destroy your culture and tradition and religion or for women , but because of furtile land and gold of india.

Most of hindu converted to other religion because of caste system and discrimination and injustice in hindu society.

 

[Vinod2070]

Let me just give a small example out of the countless.

Execution



Gurdwara Sis Ganj; Where Guru Tegh Bahadur was Martyred

The Delhi Emperor, Aurangzeb cherished the ambition of converting India into a land of Islam. This philosophy was also pleaded by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi (1569–1624), leader of the Naqashbandi School, to counter the liberal policies of Akbar's reign.

The Emperor's experiment was first carried out in Kashmir. The viceroy of Kashmir, Iftikar Khan (1671–1675) carried out the policy vigorously and set about converting non-Muslims by force.

A group of Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur and asked for help. They, on the advice of the Guru, told the Mughal authorities that they would willingly embrace Islam if their Guru, Tegh Bahadur, did the same[citation needed].

Orders of the arrest of the Guru were issued by Aurangzeb, who was in present day North West Frontier Province of Pakistan subduing Pushtun rebellion. The Guru was arrested at a place called Malikhpur near Anandpur after he had departed from Anandpur for Delhi. Before departing he nominated his son, Gobind Rai (Guru Gobind Singh) as the next Sikh Guru.

He was arrested, along with some of his followers, by Nur Muhammad Khan of the Rupnagar police post at the village Malikhpur Rangharan, in Ghanaula Parganah, and sent to Sirhind the following day. The Faujdar (Governor) of Sirhind, Dilawar Khan, ordered him to be detained in Bassi Pathana and reported the news to Delhi. His arrest was made in July 1675 and he was kept in custody for over three months. He was then cast in an iron cage and taken to Delhi in November 1675.

The Guru was put in chains and ordered to be tortured until he would accept Islam. When he could not be persuaded to abandon his faith to save himself from persecution, he was asked to perform some miracles to prove his divinity. On his refusal, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded in public at Chandni Chowk on November 11, 1675. Guru Ji is also known as " Hind Di Chadar" ie to save hinduism , Guru Ji gave his life

Guru Tegh Bahadur - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[WilliamGlick]

Historically Christian and Muslim faiths have their roots in Judaism,
so at their core concepts about the soul, creation and God are all the same.


I would like to address certain linguistic and philosophical similarities common to both Jews and Hindus, which may open up a broader discussion.

1. Names of God,
a. The most holy of all names of God for a Jew is KNA or KANA, Rabbi's have slapped my face when I have said this name out loud.

This is considered to be the most intimate name for God in the Old Testament. Where it is translated, "I am a jealous God, have no other gods before you", the literal Hebrew translation is, "My name is EL KNA, have no other gods before you."

This name expands to KRE ShTN as Rabbi Aryeh Kapln,in Meditation and the Kabbalah explains
"On Monday, you must intertwine the associated name "KRE ShTN""

b, From a Vedic (Hindu) view point, Kana is also an affectionate name of Krishna, The pronunciation used above "KRE ShTN" is very similar to the way south Indians pronounce Krishna.

2. Abraham and Brahma: Very few know that there are two Abrahams in Jewish philosophy
a. There is a description of how the universe was in chaos until Abraham appeared. It is said, "Over the whole, there hovered Tohu (chaos) and as long as Tohu dominated,the whole world was not in being or existence. When did that key open the gates and make the world fruitful?
It was when Abraham appeared." [Genesis II 4] As explained in the introduction to the Zohar The Soncino Press LTD--London New York

There is also this reference one needs to ponder It is said, "Angels are supposed to have no back and four faces, so always to be able to behold God."
[Talmud, cf. Ezek i. 6]

b. In the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, there is a long description of how Brahma created the planets, stars etc. It is well known that the Brahma of this universe has 4 heads.

3. DEMIGODS AND ANGELS have the same function in both trations.
a. The Midrash teaches, "There is no blade of grass that does not have a constellation (Mazal) over it, telling it to grow." [Sefer Yetzirah 4.6]

"As commentaries explain, 'God's providence works through the angels, but the angels, in turn, work through the stars and planets. As some authorities put it, the angels are, in a sense, like souls to the stars. Thus, for example, some sources speak of the stars as having intelligence, but the commentaries note that this is actually speaking of the angels that are associated with them.'" [Sefer Yetrzirah 4.6]

b. The Vedic conception is that there are many specially empowered demigods who help manage the affairs of the universe including the planets of our solar system.
The controlling demigods, although not eternal them selves, function within various posts that exist as long as the universe exists. For example, one of the principle demigods is Lord Indra. Indra is the name of the post, but the particular demigod who occupies that post during a given period has his own personal name. Just like President of the United States is a post, but there have been many presidents throughout history.

4. Durga in the Bible?
a. "He summoned to issue from the side of Darkness a kind of female moon, which rules over the night, and is associated with Adonai, the Lord of all the earth. In his days, the moon was magnified and reached her fullness. A thousand mountains rose before her, and she blew them away with a puff. A thousand mighty rivers flowed before her, and she swallowed them at a draught. Her nails reached out in a thousand and seventy directions and her hands in twenty-four thousand, so that nothing could escape her. Thousands of bucklers clung to her hair. From between her feet went forth a youth who stretched from one end of the world to the other with sixty clubs of fire..." [Zohar]

b. The Vedas describe the ghastly form of Goddess Kali, another name for the Goddess Durga. There is a reference of Goddess Kali in the Srimad-Bhagavatam in the history of Jada Bharata, when she manifested herself to protect him. It is stated, "Intolerant of the offenses committed, the infuriated goddess Kali flashed her eyes and displayed her fierce, curved teeth. Her reddish eyes glowed, and she displayed her fearsome features. She assumed a frightening body, as if she were prepared to destroy the entire creation. Leaping violently from the altar, she
immediately decapitated all the rogues and thieves with the very sword with which they had intended to kill Jada Bharata. She then began to drink the hot blood that flowed from the necks of the beheaded rogues and thieves, as if this blood were liquor.

5. (BRAHMAN) EFFULGENCE
a. "The Most Recondite is beyond cognition, but reveals of Himself a tenuous and veiled brightness shining only along a narrow path which extends from Him, and this is the brightness that irradiates all. This is the starting point of all esoteric mysteries, itself being unknowable." [Zohar IV 146b]

b. The Absolute Truth is expressed as Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavän." [Srimad Bhagavatam.1.2.11] Brahman refers to the impersonal all-pervasive spirit.

That is the same as the brahmajyoti, the effulgence of the Lord.

6. METATRON AND MAHA-VISHNU
a. It is said that a personality named Metatron cooperates with God to teach the young. While God devotes the last three hours of the day to this work, Metatron is in charge during the remainder of the day. (A.Z. 3b) [Everyman's Talmud, II, III] Regarding the revolving sword or flaming sword that revolves, it is said "the manner in which the sword rotates depends on the readiness of the individual attempting to enter. If he is worthy, it becomes the mirror through which he perceives, while if he is not worthy, he is burned out and cut off by the fire of this sword. The one who oversees the sword, preventing the unworthy from entering, is the angel Metatron." [Meditation and Kabbalah p 80 Chapter 4, Teachings of Rabbi Abraham Abulafia]
"Metatron is therefore not a proper name at all but a designation for the whole category of celestial powers performing a mission."
[Origins of the Kabbalah, III, 6]

b. In the creative process,it is from Maha-Vishnu that all of the universes emanate, Sudarshan Cakra (flaming sword that revolves) controlled by Visnu similarly punishes and grants liberation. "Without illumination,nothing can be seen, especially in this material world.

The illumination in this world emanates from the effulgence of Sudarshan, the original vision of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The illuminating principles of the sun, the moon and fire emanate from Sudarshan.
Similarly, illumination by knowledge also comes from Sudarshan." [Srimad Bhag. 9.5.7, Purport]
Also there is a series of Visnu expansions each with a chakra.

7. THE LORD IN THE HEART
a. When the soul is about to descend to this world, it first goes down to the terrestrial Garden of Eden and sees there the glory of the souls of the righteous, and then goes down to Gehinnom and sees the wicked who cry "Woe, woe", and find no compassion. That holy form (God) stands by him until he emerges into the world, after which it keeps him company and grows up with him." [The Zohar 43b] [KI TAZRIA (LEVITICUS)]

b. In the Bhagavad-gita "Yet in this body there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul, Paramatma." [Bg. 13.23]

8. GURU AND RABBI
a. In Judaism, knowledge is also passed from the rabbi to his students, but not everyone is qualified to become a student. "As a matter of law, the sages state that these mysteries 'cannot even be taught to a single individual, unless he is wise enough to understand with his own knowledge.' Even in such a case, the complete tradition was only given over to the head of the group, and he would then only instruct those whom he saw fit. Only individuals
possessing the highest qualities of scholarship and piety would be admitted to the circle of initiates." [Introduction to the Bahir, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan]

It is also stated that "One who reaches the highest level cannot reveal it to anyone. All he can do is give over the keys, so that the enlightened individual
can open the gates which are sealed to exclude the unworthy."
[Meditation and Kabbalah, p 79]


b. In Vedic culture, although a guru would speak to whoever wanted to learn the Vedic science, he was traditionally very selective whom he would initiate as his disciple. He would only accept those persons who qualified themselves by humble submission and service. Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita, "Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master, inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."


9. VEDIC AND JEWISH CALENDARS
a. The current Hebrew year is 5767. In this calendar, the year in which Adam was created is counted as year one. If we then count the Biblical genealogies from the time of Adam, we find that over 5,000 years have elapsed since the time he was formed. However, the Kabbalists clearly say that other human beings existed before Adam, and this is even supported in scripture [Drush Or HaChaim] The fifth cycle was the one that brought life, and this took
place around two and a half billion years ago. Around 974 generations before Adam, or some 25,000 years ago, man developed all of the physical and mental capabilities that we possess today...but he still lacked the divine soul that would make him a spiritual being. God then created Adam, the first true human being with a soul, 'and He blew in his nostrils a soul of life'. [Genesis 2.7] [Sefer Yetzirah 4.15]

b. The Vedic calendar states that Kali-yuga lasts 432,000 years, out of which we have passed about 5,000 years.


10.The Ecstasy of Chanting The Names Of God
a. People who have dedicated their lives to the service of God may at times feel unlimited joy or ecstasy while engaged in prayer. It is said, "Permute the letters back and forth, and in this manner, you will reach the first level. As a result of the activity and your concentration on the letters, your mind will become bound to them. The hairs on your head will stand on end and tremble. Your lifeblood is in your heart, and regarding this it is written,
"the blood is the soul" [Deuteronomy 12:23]. It is likewise written, "The blood in the soul will atone" [Leviticus 17:11]. This blood within you will begin to vibrate because of the permutations that loosen it. Your entire body will then begin to tremble, and all your limbs will be seized with shuddering. You will experience the terror of God and will be enveloped with fear of Him. You will then feel as if an additional spirit is within you, arousing you and
strengthening you, passing through your entire body and giving you leisure. It will seem as you have been anointed with perfumed oil, from head to foot. You will rejoice and have great pleasure. You will experience ecstasy and trembling--ecstasy for the soul, and trembling for the body.
[Meditation and Kabbalah, Treasury of the Hidden Eden p85-86]

b. The stage of bhava, love of God, is manifested by eight transcendental symptoms, namely inertness, perspiration, standing of hairs on end, failing in the voice, trembling, paleness of the body, tears in the eyes, and finally trance. [Srimad Bhag. 2:3:24 Purport]

11. GOD'S BEAUTY
a.The Jewish scriptures describe a vision of God. "His head is a treasure of fine gold. His locks are hanging, black like the raven." In both Talmudic and Kabbalistic traditions, one of the interpretations is that it relates to a vision of God; "when He is visualized in battle, He is seen as a young man with black hair." [Sefer Yetzirah Ch 6.1]

b.The Vedas refer to the form of the Lord. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is stated, "the Lord is super excellently beautiful on account of His open and merciful smile and His sidelong glance upon His devotees. His black hair is curly, and His garments, waving in the wind, appear like flying saffron pollen from lotus flowers. His glittering earrings, shining helmet, bangles, garland, ankle bells, waist belt and various other bodily ornaments
combine with the conch shell, disc, club, and lotus flower to increase the natural beauty of the Kaustubha pearl on His chest." [Srimad Bhag. 2.24.47-48]

 

[notsuperstitious]

Can you throw some light for the information of our esteemed members as to why did you surrender to these barbarian invaders without fail each time despite having greater numbers, weapons and everything. While supposedly ancient india had weapons like Brahma astra and the scientist who could fly well before someone thought of superman in the west, hindustan was subjugated with ease by each invading "horde"??????????? Any views from the victims on this????????

not each and every time, for example alexander the great

it U who surrendered each and every time, there are parts of india that were subjugated for a relatively short time only, they fought Aurangzeb spent the last 25 yrs of his life in maharashtra and died there but was unable to defeat the marathas, infact marathas were in delhi in no time after his death so we survived, our culture, faith, literature, dance forms survived

so if most conversions were out of the caste system, then most pakistanis are offsprings of low caste hindus? i don't think any pakistanis i know will entertain the idea.

Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his life to save kashmiri pundits from forceful conversion. u seem to have forgotten history.

 

[Awesome]

Historically Christian and Muslim faiths have their roots in Judaism,
so at their core concepts about the soul, creation and God are all the same.


I would like to address certain linguistic and philosophical similarities common to both Jews and Hindus, which may open up a broader discussion.

1. Names of God,
a. The most holy of all names of God for a Jew is KNA or KANA, Rabbi's have slapped my face when I have said this name out loud.

This is considered to be the most intimate name for God in the Old Testament. Where it is translated, "I am a jealous God, have no other gods before you", the literal Hebrew translation is, "My name is EL KNA, have no other gods before you."

This name expands to KRE ShTN as Rabbi Aryeh Kapln,in Meditation and the Kabbalah explains
"On Monday, you must intertwine the associated name "KRE ShTN""

b, From a Vedic (Hindu) view point, Kana is also an affectionate name of Krishna, The pronunciation used above "KRE ShTN" is very similar to the way south Indians pronounce Krishna.

A desperate overstretch...

I've never heard of KANA though. I know Jahweh and Elohim.

2. Abraham and Brahma: Very few know that there are two Abrahams in Jewish philosophy
a. There is a description of how the universe was in chaos until Abraham appeared. It is said, "Over the whole, there hovered Tohu (chaos) and as long as Tohu dominated,the whole world was not in being or existence. When did that key open the gates and make the world fruitful?
It was when Abraham appeared." [Genesis II 4] As explained in the introduction to the Zohar The Soncino Press LTD--London New York

There is also this reference one needs to ponder It is said, "Angels are supposed to have no back and four faces, so always to be able to behold God."
[Talmud, cf. Ezek i. 6]

b. In the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, there is a long description of how Brahma created the planets, stars etc. It is well known that the Brahma of this universe has 4 heads.

Again totally unheard of concepts, probably bits n pieces taken from here n there and made a whole new story.

3. DEMIGODS AND ANGELS have the same function in both trations.
a. The Midrash teaches, "There is no blade of grass that does not have a constellation (Mazal) over it, telling it to grow." [Sefer Yetzirah 4.6]

"As commentaries explain, 'God's providence works through the angels, but the angels, in turn, work through the stars and planets. As some authorities put it, the angels are, in a sense, like souls to the stars. Thus, for example, some sources speak of the stars as having intelligence, but the commentaries note that this is actually speaking of the angels that are associated with them.'" [Sefer Yetrzirah 4.6]

b. The Vedic conception is that there are many specially empowered demigods who help manage the affairs of the universe including the planets of our solar system.
The controlling demigods, although not eternal them selves, function within various posts that exist as long as the universe exists. For example, one of the principle demigods is Lord Indra. Indra is the name of the post, but the particular demigod who occupies that post during a given period has his own personal name. Just like President of the United States is a post, but there have been many presidents throughout history.

I always thought this too, not one Angels but perhaps even Prophets too. Who knows may be Raam was a simple human man, a Prophet carrying a message. Over the centuries and millenniums the simple caveman Hindu made him into a demigod by using their imagination. After all we learn from archaeology that the ancient people treated anything that fascinated, scared or anything that was inexplicable as God.

But where it might be true, there's no direct evidence showing for it.

This whole article was an overstretch, a desperate attempt to make a connection.

 

[WilliamGlick]

"This whole article was an overstretch, a desperate attempt to make a connection."

My Dear Bother

I have spoken with 100's of Rabbis and Jewish scholars, none have been able to defeat these points. In fact last year the Chief Rabbi of Israel went to India and signed a statement that Jews and Hindus were worshiping the same God.

Here is a review of my research.

Florida International University

To Whom It May Concern:

I have read with great interest Bill Glick's manuscript, The Rabbi and I and I find it a thoughtful, provocative piece of work.
As someone who has worked in the general area of Indo-Judaic studies for a number of years, I find much new material in the manuscript, Glick has culled Judaic mystical literature and found striking parallels in Hinduism, Gaudiya Vaishnavism in particular.

I commend his manuscript as a thoughtful exploration of a tantalizing theme.

Sincerely,
Nathan Katz
Professor and Chair
Department of Religious Studies
University Park, Miami, Florida 33199

 

[qsaark]

Historically Christian and Muslim faiths have their roots in Judaism.

No, historically Muslim faith has its roots in the religion of Ibrahim.

Allah says in surah Al-e-Imran:

65. O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Ibrahim (Abraham), while the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense?

67. Ibrahim (Abraham) was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism - to worship none but Allah Alone) and he was not of Al-Mushrikun.

68. Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim (Abraham) are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad ) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers.

95. Say (O Muhammad ): "Allah has spoken the truth; follow the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism, i.e. he used to worship Allah Alone), and he was not of Al-Mushrikun."

97. In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns).

Allah says in Surah Ibrahim:

35. And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) (Abraham) said: "O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.

Allah says in Surah Baqrah:

2:127. And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, (Abraham prayed): Our Lord! Accept from us (this duty). Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower.

There are many other places in Quran where Allah has talked about Ibrahim. Above ayat confirm though that Islam has its roots in the religion of Ibrahim. Judaism and christanity also have their roots in the religion of Ibrahim, but it is not correct to say that Islam has its 'roots' in the two religions. If we read the Quran closely, it is clear that Allah is separating the Judaism and Christanity from the religion of Ibrahim and interestingly on the basis of 'worship none but Allah Alone'. This also suggests that at the time, Quran was being revealed, the Jews and Christians were not worshiping 'only Allah' i.e. they were not true monothestic religions (Al-e-Imran 65 & 67) . Hence, Islam can't have its roots in non-monotheistic religions.

 

[WilliamGlick]

The followers of each religion claim so many things, ours is best, ours is last, etc etc etc.
I am very happy to worship anywhere I am also happy to let you and your children live in peace.

When we die God will judge.

Each of us has many defects and imperfect knowledge and we are subject to illusion.
Can we not have peace based on this simple equation,
One God with many names and equality based on the soul.

Muslim Hindu Christian Jewish Peace Plan
By William Glick


The desire to bring peace to the world is most likely the inner
mood of most of us today. To-do that we need to come to a
common understanding of religious terminology and beliefs.

For example most of us have no idea that the name Allah comes
from the Hebrew letter Alef, our A, in the English alphabet.
This simple point contains enough information for every
Christian, Jew and Hindu to accept Allah as a name of God.

I will explain further, in the "Old Testament" which Jewish
people call the 5 books of Moses, God explains that He is the
beginning to the end. This same idea is expressed in the New
Testament. Revelation 22:13, I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. This
English usage of Alpha is based on the Hebrew Alef. Also in
the Hindu (Vedic) scripture, Bagavad Gita, Krishna says "of
letters I am A."

Has God sent so many messengers each with a different
message? Is He sitting in the Garden of Eden laughing at us?
I think not! We have twisted His message based on our own
material desire, creating our own Hell on Earth.

The objection we find from our Muslim brothers today comes
from the desire to bring the world back to God and His ways.
We find this mood in our Jewish-Christian tradition also.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of
knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

This lack of discipline, this foolish rush of insane
materialism is what every deeply religious person objects to,
no matter which faith he or she is coming from. We can take
good example from our Amish brothers and Hindu (Vedic) sages.

An error of modern society and religion is to identify the
body as the self. The Bhagavad-Gita clearly explains that we
should see and accept the spiritual essence (the soul) of
each living being as spiritually equal. There it is said,
"The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with
equal vision a learned and gentle Brahman, a cow, an
elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcast]."
[Bagavad Gita 5.18]

How does the learned sage see every living entity with equal
vision? He sees the spirit soul within the heart of each of
God's creations. He understands that although living forms
may appear different, those appearances are only the external
coverings of the soul, and that spiritually we are all equal.

A careful analysis shows that all problems result from our
first mistake of identifying the body as the self. If we
identify ourselves by race, religion and ethnic group we will
then suffer or enjoy the results of that identity, but the
fact is we are spiritually equal and the bodily identity that
we accept is both temporary and insignificant compared to our
eternal spiritual identity. We suffer due to birth, disease,
old age and death; we need not identify with the body, which
is being afflicted by these difficulties.

If everyone understood and acted on the level of the soul
rather than the body, the world's problems would practically
cease. Understanding the difference between matter and
spirit, and that God is the controller of all things, is the
essence of knowledge.

It is natural that when we become overwhelmed by
difficulties, we become aware of our dependence on God.
Unfortunately, due to our deep attachment to materialism, we
are drawn to perceive religion in much the same manner, as we
perceive ordinary social activities. That is, we become
attached to identifying with the external or social side of
religion, while we forget its essence-loving service to God.

Our modern use of the word religion, expresses an external
alterable faith, while the Sanskrit word dharma, implies an
internal or essential eternal relationship with God. Our
religion or faith can change but the soul's relationship with
God is eternal. For example, I may claim that I am a
Christian today, but I may adopt the practices of a Hindu or
of a Jew tomorrow. However, whatever faith you my follow, the
essence of that faith is loving service to God.

We must understand that our Muslim brothers and sisters who
have come to understand the true message of Allah accept all
of us as children of God based on this verse from the Koran.
2.62: Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and
the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah
and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward
from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall
they grieve.

We should also understand that as a nation, nay as a human
race if we do not come to follow God's laws and develop our
love for Him and His creation, our future is all too clear.

For Our Lord says: Isaiah 46: I make known the end from the
beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say:
My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

Thank You and God's Blessings
William Glick
equalitybasedonthesoul dot com

 

[waraich66]

We must understand that our Muslim brothers and sisters who
have come to understand the true message of Allah accept all
of us as children of God based on this verse from the Koran.
2.62: Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and
the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah
and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward
from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall
they grieve.

Correct translation is

[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

No doubt All Jewish , the christian and muslims believe on God but they have to follow is shariah of last prophet Muhammad PBUH to receive their recompense from GOD

 

[WilliamGlick]

You said
"No doubt All Jewish , the Christian and Muslims believe on God but they have to follow is shariah of last prophet Muhammad PBUH to receive their recompense from GOD"

So will you kill me if I do not accept Muhammad as the last prophet?

I do accept Muhammad, but I do not believe that Allah will not send other prophets. He has to! Look at the infighting in each religion. We can't even agree with what he said such a few short years ago.

So called religious leaders have no quam killing each others women and children, over who is right.

Each religion has their own line of teachers "prophets"

My personal realization is that when one makes advancement within a spiritual tradition he or she will come to understand that there is One God and equality is based on the soul.

When we reach that stage we understand that the spiritual message of each prophet is the same, only presented according to time and circumstance.

We men of this age have proven our selves incapable of proper action.

So called followers of each tradition killing each other Jew against Jew, Christian and Christian, Muslim against Muslim, etc etc etc..

What to speak of the millions and millions killed in so called Holy wars against each other.

Those who insist that their path is the only way and who go as far as to kill, are on a very low level of spiritual understanding.

I would suggest that we leave the killing to God.

One God and equality is based on the soul.