How Hinduism Differs From Abrahamic Religions?

Firstly, it will help to have a brief idea about what the Abrahamic religions are. These religions, all of which came into existence in the Middle- East, revere Prophet Abraham as a primary figure of their faiths. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are the major Abrahamic religions.

Hinduism differs from these religions in many ways, and this is not only surprising but there is a lot of ignorance about the same. Organized religion encourages group activity along with a congregation of fellow believers. Abrahamic religions allow for a large congregation of worshipers to pray together. Hinduism is based on the concept of seeking personal or individual darshan of the divine which is why the Garbagriha or inner Sanctorum of huge temples where the Vigraha of Bhagwan or Devi is present allows for only a few numbers to see the Vigraha at one time.

Firstly, Hinduism has never been an organized religion. Organized religion has several features and these include an official doctrine or faith – which is a set of beliefs, a bureaucratic leadership structure, and a code of behavior including all the rules and customs to follow. Hinduism is about worshipping God to seek darshan or realization of the aatmikta with various approaches.

Religion is a collection of varied philosophies, customs, beliefs, and rites & rituals, to name a few. Along with that, there are several other differences between Hinduism and Abrahamic religions. This article is going to elaborate upon the most important of the corresponding aspects.

•  When all present-day religions of the World, including the Abrahamic faiths, are viewed, it is seen that Hinduism is the oldest. More than a religion, it can be called “a way of life.” Strictly speaking, “Sanatana Dharma” is the most appropriate term to describe “Hinduism.”

• Dharma means that which sustains and is based on the root word from Sanskrit which means earth. So dharma is that which sustains continuous happiness or joy for everyone. Knowing dharma, abiding or living by following the dharma, and educating others about dharma is the goal of Sanathana Dharma or Hinduism. Religion is based on faith – faith is translated as unquestionable belief, which all the fellow members of the religion agree on. Those following a certain religion are expected to follow certain rules that are framed.

• Hinduism is essentially a monotheistic religion, but Hindu monotheism differs from that of Abrahamic religions in a big way. Hinduism states that the one Supreme Brahman (God) can manifest in numerous forms and incarnate in human form, as and when needed. There are multiple approaches to connect with the aatma of Paramatma (Bhagwan or God) in Hindus – based on the nature of the person it is expected the person will follow a suitable path.

• The Avataar or divine form of Paramatma does not hold anger against people for not following specific religious injunctions of one Avataar or Bhagwaan. Neither do the Avataar or a specific Bhagwan disown the followers of other Avataar / Bhagwaan or punish them for following the other Bhagwan.

• Likewise, there is no single person in history who can be called the founder of Hinduism. In the past, there were many great sages, seers, philosophers, social reformers, and divine incarnations. Hindus accord equal respect to all of them, and an individual is free to follow any path of their choice. On the other hand, all Abrahamic religions have a single founder, one sacred book, and a limited set of rules and beliefs applicable to all adherents.

• Hinduism strongly declares that divinity is latent in all human beings, and every person has the potential to become a prophet/ seer. It is up to the individual to cultivate and connect with the divine within themselves.

• In Hinduism, people are encouraged to question and inquire about divine aspects. Subsequently, only if they are convinced can a given set of beliefs/ philosophy be followed; there is no coercion. You don’t have to mandatorily stick to some rules or guidelines, just because all of those are described in scripture.

• There are many darshanas or viewpoints to follow to reach divinity. Some of them are logical and tend to be agnostics and atheists are accommodated under ‘Sanatana Dharma.” Such flexibility is unimaginable when we consider Abrahamic religions.

• The concepts of rebirth and karma (actions) are extremely significant in Hinduism. Religion states that actions in the present birth greatly determine the circumstances of subsequent birth. Additionally, as per Hinduism; the ultimate objective of an individual is to get redeemed from the cycle of “Birth- death-rebirth.” Here, religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism argue that you get just a single life and that there isn’t any reincarnation. These religions add that, for all deeds; individuals will receive punishment/ reward only on the day of judgment.

• One important feature of all Bharatiya religions is respect for divinity and place of worship. Even if they don’t understand or follow – they respect anything divine or place of worship.

As can be seen above, there are quite some differences between Hinduism and Abrahamic religions. However, there is respect for the divine and acceptance of multiple Gods. Only adharma is not supported by those following Hinduism.

Read our Dharma Related Articles including Samanya Dharma, Apad Dharma, Vishesha Dharma and Sanathan Dharma.