Islam vs. Sanatan

Attribute	Islam	Sanatan
Founder	Prophet Muhammad	No single founder
Holy Book	Quran	Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
Place of Worship	Mosque	Temple
God(s)	One God (Allah)	Multiple Gods and Goddesses
Belief in Afterlife	Yes	Yes

Beliefs

Islam is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God, Allah. Followers of Islam, known as Muslims, believe in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Quran. They also follow the Five Pillars of Islam, which include faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Sanatan, on the other hand, is a term used to describe the traditional religious practices of the Indian subcontinent. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, including the worship of multiple deities, rituals, and spiritual practices.

Scriptures

In Islam, the Quran is considered the holy book and is believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims also refer to the Hadith, which are collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet. In Sanatan, there are a variety of scriptures depending on the specific tradition or sect. Some of the major texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Puranas. These texts contain teachings, stories, and philosophical insights that guide the beliefs and practices of followers.

Practices

Islamic practices are centered around the Five Pillars, which are essential duties that all Muslims are expected to fulfill. These include daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving to charity, professing faith in Allah, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime. In Sanatan, practices vary widely depending on the specific tradition or sect. Some common practices include daily prayers, meditation, yoga, rituals, and ceremonies to honor various deities.

Concept of God

In Islam, God is believed to be transcendent, omnipotent, and merciful. Allah is seen as the creator of the universe and the ultimate judge of all actions. Muslims believe in the oneness of God and reject the idea of multiple deities. In Sanatan, the concept of God is more diverse, with different traditions worshiping various deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, and others. Some sects believe in a supreme God who manifests in different forms, while others worship specific deities as the ultimate reality.

Afterlife

In Islam, the concept of the afterlife is central to the belief system. Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment, where all individuals will be held accountable for their actions in this life. Those who have lived righteous lives will be rewarded with paradise, while those who have committed sins will face punishment in hell. In Sanatan, beliefs about the afterlife vary depending on the tradition. Some believe in reincarnation, where the soul is reborn into a new body based on past actions, while others believe in liberation from the cycle of birth and death through spiritual realization.

Community and Society

Islam places a strong emphasis on community and social justice. Muslims are encouraged to care for the less fortunate, show compassion to others, and uphold the principles of justice and equality. The concept of ummah, or the global Muslim community, is central to Islamic teachings. In Sanatan, community and society are also important, with a focus on family, community rituals, and social responsibilities. The caste system, which has been a part of traditional Hindu society, has influenced social structures and relationships within Sanatan communities.

Conclusion

While Islam and Sanatan share some similarities in their emphasis on spiritual practices, community, and social responsibilities, they also have significant differences in their beliefs, scriptures, and concepts of God and the afterlife. Islam is a monotheistic religion with a focus on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the worship of one God, while Sanatan encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices related to the worship of multiple deities. Both traditions have rich histories and diverse practices that continue to shape the lives of their followers today.