yesterday i had a discussion with a jain and he wanted to explain to me similarities between jainism and islam. I told him that since jainism doesnt believe in god as creator it is a atheist religion whereas the central theme of islam is belief in the almighty Allah, discussion on similiarities was futile. He said he wanted to learn about islam( i doubt his intentions to be correct). He asked me some reference materials. Which website should i refer him to ??
Assalaamu Alaikum,
Discussion on similarity is futile thats correct.
Since the first human, Islam is the one true religion, and all others are deviations, there definitely would be traces of the original message, in all deviations . The "innovations" and human additions brings the death of these deviations, The inconsistencies, dietification of humans, idols, makes humans loose belief in creator and loose hope in humanity. We see that happening in christianity, Jew, deviant sects within Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and many more.
The message of Prophet
is here to stay.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"My ummah is an ummah which carries out the commands of Allaah; those who let them down or differ from them do not harm them and they will keep adhering to this path until the Day of Judgement."
Mui'aawiyah and Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"A group of my ummah will continue victoriously adhering to the truth until the Last Hour begins."
Al-Mugheerah ibn Shuï'bah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:
"I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) say: "Some people of my ummah will remain victorious over the people until the decree of Allaah reaches them."
Prophet
said we are all measured based on our intentions and goodness in our actions. Goodness will not outweigh the evil, unless its powered by the straigh path preached by the Messengers of Allah. Islam and Imaan in equal measures, in addition to the will to submit to God, brings peace, harmony and eternal tranquility. Its only Straight path to fulfilling the original Covenant with the creator.
Just for knowledge and awareness, Use it wisely, and not for scoring points, in heated arguments (and abuses). Correct me, if am wrong.
Jainism is - "pantheism. No creator. Universe is eternal, always existed, everthing always existed. The universe is the mix of soul and non-soul At Highest is a person who broke free from Life-death cycle. Rest always go through life-death cycle. The Mahavir is one such highest, according to Jainism. Mahavir is heavenly-human (idol is diety), not founder, but identified as the last of the leaders. Then there is human ,sub-human and hellish human types. The idol worship is different from the idol worship in other religions, as per Jain practitioners. The path to salvation is more closer to buddhism, but even more extreme, as per their doctrines. Salvation of soul is when it frees itself from the consequence of its actions. So actions has to be nullified to free soul and get salvation! Soul is trapped in actions and making actions zero is when salvation is achieved [now this is what i gather from my understanding], thus escaping the life death cycle to become heavenly being. The only purpose of soul is to achieve this heavenly-human, Soul and human again are not created. The diety is worshipped but supposedly not like in hinduism. And about this salvation and Enlightenment the less spoken the more better. That salvation is not possible by all, is the underlying basis. There are sub levels between the human and heavenly-human. Vegan, non-violence ( but for self defence its approved), is presented, but the society has different classes, based on salvation. I think, Interestingly the salvation achieved of a soul is decided by other humans? Anyways, Two modes prescribed:
1. Ascetic mode: For those who want salvation, Salvation is not for all. Is a form of extreme renunciation. Abandon normal life if one needs spiritual bliss, is their take. stuff like covering face so that insect does not enter the mouth, Sweeping the ground in ascetics path, so that ascetic many not trample on a bug in ground(done by the non-ascetic), nudity since an ascetic is moving from actions to zero action.
2. Non-Ascetic mode: Choose whats doable, celibacy after male child, Vegan, Assist the ascetic in salvation pursuit. These are householders. Househodlers dont get salvation. Most would fall under this category
Heavily influenced Buddhism and Hinduism. Jainisms vegetarianism influenced hinduism, as per some research, with documented proofs. The early vedantic religions had duality (creation/creator), non-veganism, sacrifices etc. The current hinduism is an aggregation of doctrines (man-made), thats the general view. As time passed, the practitioners of Buddhism and Hinduism increased Jainism declined. So in a way many in sub-continent converted. Everything that comes with change, including the resistance and reactions were seen in the past society and are well documented
From: Wikipedia and other reliable sources."
Notion of Heaven-being , hell-being, salvation does not align with what Allah says in Quran. Differences begin right at the creator/creation... Hence comparison is out of question. When Umar (R) had Torah in his hand, Prophet
gently pointed out, Quran is better book to read. And Umar(r), saw the wisdom behind it, and obeyed.
Yes you know, a simple rule, we cannot do anything more than take a horse to water. For those who are unprejudiced and seek actionable knowledge, the path becomes easy. Its all about fulfilling the original Covenant, between creator and each of us. May Almighty help each of us... Ameen.
Point to the links in Brother Mabsoots signature? [Or copy them, and send it to him]
Links:
Who Is Allah?
What is a Muslim?
Answer to 7 common question on Islam
Incase you dont want to point him to TTI.
The Brief illustrated guide to islam is a good starting point (Read it before you send it to him)
Hope this helps.
