A Comparative Study of Doctrinal Concepts in Hinduism and Islam

ہندو مت اور اسلام میں اعتقادی تصورات کا تقابلی مطالعہ

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the fundamental doctrinal frameworks of Hinduism and Islam, focusing on their respective conceptions of God, cosmology, human nature, and salvation. The research aims to explore how these two major religious traditions articulate their theological foundations and how these beliefs shape their broader intellectual and spiritual worldviews. At the core of this comparison lies the concept of God, which serves as the central axis of religious thought. Islam is grounded in a strict monotheistic paradigm (Tawḥīd), emphasizing the absolute oneness, transcendence, and uniqueness of Allah, who is both personal and actively engaged with creation. In contrast, Hinduism presents a more complex and multilayered understanding of divinity, ranging from the abstract, impersonal concept of Brahman to the personal manifestations of Ishvara and the diverse pantheon of deities. The study further examines how these theological differences influence religious practices and spiritual experiences. Islamic worship reflects a unified, direct relationship between men and a singular, transcendent God, while Hindu practices often involve symbolic and ritual engagement with multiple forms of the divine. Additionally, the research highlights parallels and divergences between Islamic notions of divine attributes and certain philosophical strands within Hindu thought, such as Advaita Vedanta. By integrating classical theological discourse with modern comparative religious studies, this study demonstrates that while both traditions seek to explain ultimate reality, they do so through fundamentally different epistemological and metaphysical frameworks. This comparative approach contributes to a deeper understanding of interfaith dialogue and religious philosophy.