The Similarities & Differences in Buddhism & Islam
Buddhism and Islam are two of the largest religions in the world. Although most people only think of the differences between these two major religions, some similarities unite them as well. Finding the similarities between religions is often a way for tolerant people to emphasize why religion should not be a cause for conflict and war. The differences are simply part of what makes each faith unique and suited to those who follow its doctrine.
Other People Are Reading
-
Humanity
-
At the heart of both Buddhism and Islam is a deep and abiding respect for humanity. People who follow either religion are taught to cherish life. Love for the people throughout the world in all possible forms is important to followers of these two creeds. This respect for humanity and a love of life is something found at the heart of most major religions throughout history, even when phrased or approached in different ways.
Moderation
-
Both Buddhism and Islam have doctrines that promote moderation in life. Both religions express the sentiment that living to the extremes of too much sensual pleasure or too much pain and withholding of pleasure is not healthy. Instead, both religions advise that traveling in the middle is the way for a healthy and happy human to live. In Buddhism, this is expressed as the "Middle Path." In Islam, the Qu'ran describes a "Middle Nation" whose members should seek moderation.
-
A Book
-
Within Islam, the concept of a holy text for believers to interpret and follow closely is very important, as it is in Christianity or Judaism. In Islam, the Qu'ran is the holy book. This book is believed by Muslims to hold the word of God as presented to the prophet, Muhammad. In Buddhism, there is no central book followed at the center of the faith. Instead, Buddhists rely on a series of books and writings compiled from and based on the teachings of the Buddha.
God and the Devil
-
In most branches of Buddhism, the devil and God are not figures who are as important as they are in Islam. Good and evil in Buddhism are more clearly defined within the individual than by external figures. In Islam on the other hand, Allah is God and all that is good. Islam also accepts the presence of Satan as the tempter and father of lies who seeks to entrap humanity with his evil.
-
References
- Buddhist Tourism: Buddhism & Islam
- Lankaweb: Strong Similarities Between Buddhism and Islam; A.F. Dawood
- The Berzin Archives: Some Common Features of Islam and Buddhism: A Conversation With Snjezana Akpinar and Alex Berzin; 2003
- Om Sakthi: The Major World Religions
- The Muslim-Christian Debate: Six Muslim Beliefs (Iman) and a Christian's Response; Jay Smith; 1995
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
