What is Islam's view of Hinduism?
It depends on which part of Hinduism you mean, since it's a very diverse tradition. Islam respects Hindus as people and shares many values with them, such as devotion, charity and family. But Islam's central belief is worshipping One God alone, so Muslims see the worship of many deities and images as different from, and incompatible with, Islamic belief.
What the Quran says (and doesn't say)
The Quran doesn't mention Hinduism by name. It does teach that God sent guidance to every people on earth: "there was no nation but that there had passed within it a warner" (Quran 35:24), and that some messengers are not named in the Quran (Quran 4:164).
Because of this, some Muslim writers have suggested that ancient Indian sages might have received true guidance that later changed over time. But this is only speculation: Muslims can't confirm that any specific figure was a prophet without clear evidence. See Do I have to believe in all the prophets to become Muslim?
Where Islam and Hinduism differ
- God: Islam teaches tawhid, the absolute Oneness of God with no partners, images or incarnations. Many Hindus worship several deities or images, though some Hindu philosophies speak of one ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Life after death: Islam teaches one life, then resurrection and judgment. Hinduism generally teaches reincarnation and karma across many lives.
- Scripture: Muslims follow the Quran as God's final word. Hindus have the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and more.
Because of these differences, scholars agree Hindus aren't counted among the People of the Book, so the rules on marriage and meat that apply to Jews and Christians don't apply here.
Respect is required
Disagreeing about belief never permits insulting someone's faith:
Muslims are also told to be just and kind to anyone who doesn't fight them over religion (Quran 60:8). Hindu friends, coworkers and family deserve warmth and honesty. See Can I keep my non-Muslim friends after becoming Muslim?
A long history of curiosity
Muslims and Hindus have lived side by side in South Asia for more than a thousand years. In the 11th century, the scholar al-Biruni learned Sanskrit and wrote a detailed, respectful study of Indian religion and science. Classical jurists also discussed the legal status of Hindus: the Hanafi and Maliki schools granted them protected status like the People of the Book, while Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars were more restrictive.
Some practices with Hindu roots, like yoga, raise questions for Muslims today. See Is yoga haram?
- The Quran doesn't name Hinduism, but says every nation received a warner.
- Islam differs from Hinduism on God, the afterlife and scripture.
- Hindus aren't People of the Book in Islamic law.
- Muslims must never insult Hindu beliefs and should treat Hindus kindly.
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