Comparisons and Contrasts
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism are part of the five major religions in the world that have certain similarities and differences. The major differences and similarities in the Gods they worship, the books and texts they use, their practices and beliefs.
The gods worshiped by each one of these religions in one difference whereby Hinduism believes in Brahman as Supreme Reality manifested in several gods and goddesses who become incarnate within idols, animals among others. Buddhism does not have specific God but strives to live a life like that of the Buddha, being spiritually enlightened resulting to an end of a continuous cycle of life and death. Islamic and Judaism believe in one God Allah and Yahweh respectively.
They differ on belief of life after death where Hinduism believe in reincarnation until gain of enlightenment Buddhism believe in reincarnation but unlike Hinduism there is no surviving soul until gain of enlightenment. Islam believe death of humans results to resurrection of both body and soul followed either by hell or paradise and Judaism do not emphasize on life after death and have beliefs of shadowy life in a world to come.
The differ on their texts for guidance where Hinduism use texts such as Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana, Buddhism use texts like Tripikita and Mahayana sutras. Islamic faithful use texts like Quran and Hadith while Judaism uses Hebrew bible Tanakh as their main text. Their practices differ in that Hinduism performs yoga Buddhism is dedicated to meditation; Islamic attend services on Fridays in Mosques and Judaism carry out circumcision at birth and attend synagogue services on Saturdays
The similarities are that all of these religions have one Supreme Being and texts that they look up to for guidance; all of them focus on an individual’s spiritual efforts where there is punishment for evil and wrong doings. All of these religions also have specific holiday related to them like Hinduism and Islamic have pilgrimages to holy cities and Judaism holidays are related to historical events. All religions belief the afterlife of all people is determined by their present lives, those who live pure lives now will not suffer after their deaths. All religions have certain principles that guide them in their daily lifes like Judaism and Isamic are not allowed to consume pork while Hinduism do not consume animals since they consider them sacred.
The religions are similar as well as different in many ways in relation to their gods, religious books, practices as well as human life.