Because I am the representative of Buddhism, I will prefer to have a dialogue over the Buddhism and Islam. Beside some dissimilarity, which are not of much importance for the purpose of co-existence, I find some important similarities between Islam and Buddhism in history and in present in different countries of the eastern region and also in Indian subcontinent as are under:
Buddhism does not believe in idol worship; Islam also does not believe in idol worship.
Both religions believe in equality irrespective of religion, caste, sex, race and colour. Both religions believe in equality before law and equal opportunities for all.
Both religions do not believe in untouchability with the men. Is there a religion in India which loves animals but propagates hate among people on basis of caste so much so touching or looking at them is sin?
Both religions do not believe in using force upon other people to enter their religion or belief. Both Lord Buddha and Prophet Muhammad taught his followers not to use force for this purpose. History says some Muslim rulers converted people by force, but it is not the teaching of Islam, it is their individual view and has no relation with religion.
In India Muslims and Buddhists both are from backward poor and exploited section of the society.
In Buddhism much importance has been given for “Dan” and regarded respectable, just as “Zakat” is very important tenet of Islam.
Buddhism is a religion of “Sheel” i.e. morality. They are “Panchsheel”.
(i) No-violence (Ahimsa). It teaches there should not be use of force without reason, as such Islam also believes in such type of non-violence.
(ii) Prohibition of theft.
(iii) Prohibition of telling lie.
(iv) Prohibition of sexual abuse.
(v) Prohibition of any type of intoxication.
These teachings are very similar to Islam. In fact, in some cases, Islam imposes heavy punishment for the contravention of moral rule.
In Islam, there is provision for ‘Haj’. Namaz should be performed collectively as such Buddhists also perform “Dhamma Charcha” (religious discussion) collectively on every “Poornima”.
Buddhism believes in global brotherhood, which is wider in sense, as such Islam also believes in brotherhood. But some people say that their brotherhood is limited to their religion only. If it is so it should be made wider to include every human being.
Both religions teach “Karuna” (Love) with all human being.
With concern about the problems of globalization and global warming becoming increasingly widespread, the importance of what His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama calls “universal responsibility” is becoming increasingly evident. Sustainable development, and even survival, depends on nations, cultures, religions, and individual persons taking shared responsibility to try to solve these universal problems.
By discovering and affirming shared basic human values – such as that all of us are interconnected members of all communities, not only the Buddhist and Muslims – we can pool resources and focus our efforts on trying to solve pressing issues of global concern.
Buddhism does not believe in idol worship; Islam also does not believe in idol worship.
Both religions believe in equality irrespective of religion, caste, sex, race and colour. Both religions believe in equality before law and equal opportunities for all.
Both religions do not believe in untouchability with the men. Is there a religion in India which loves animals but propagates hate among people on basis of caste so much so touching or looking at them is sin?
Both religions do not believe in using force upon other people to enter their religion or belief. Both Lord Buddha and Prophet Muhammad taught his followers not to use force for this purpose. History says some Muslim rulers converted people by force, but it is not the teaching of Islam, it is their individual view and has no relation with religion.
In India Muslims and Buddhists both are from backward poor and exploited section of the society.
In Buddhism much importance has been given for “Dan” and regarded respectable, just as “Zakat” is very important tenet of Islam.
Buddhism is a religion of “Sheel” i.e. morality. They are “Panchsheel”.
(i) No-violence (Ahimsa). It teaches there should not be use of force without reason, as such Islam also believes in such type of non-violence.
(ii) Prohibition of theft.
(iii) Prohibition of telling lie.
(iv) Prohibition of sexual abuse.
(v) Prohibition of any type of intoxication.
These teachings are very similar to Islam. In fact, in some cases, Islam imposes heavy punishment for the contravention of moral rule.
In Islam, there is provision for ‘Haj’. Namaz should be performed collectively as such Buddhists also perform “Dhamma Charcha” (religious discussion) collectively on every “Poornima”.
Buddhism believes in global brotherhood, which is wider in sense, as such Islam also believes in brotherhood. But some people say that their brotherhood is limited to their religion only. If it is so it should be made wider to include every human being.
Both religions teach “Karuna” (Love) with all human being.
With concern about the problems of globalization and global warming becoming increasingly widespread, the importance of what His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama calls “universal responsibility” is becoming increasingly evident. Sustainable development, and even survival, depends on nations, cultures, religions, and individual persons taking shared responsibility to try to solve these universal problems.
By discovering and affirming shared basic human values – such as that all of us are interconnected members of all communities, not only the Buddhist and Muslims – we can pool resources and focus our efforts on trying to solve pressing issues of global concern.
Tek Chand Rahul, State President, Bhartiya Baudh Mahasabha, Rajasthan.
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