Fatwa ID: 09342
Answered by Muftiyah Maryam Badshah
Question:
Assalamu ‘Alykum ww,
I’m currently going through a hard time as I’ve been going through a rollercoaster with my Imaan. I was wondering if you could give me a detailed answer refuting Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. I have constantly debunked how these faiths are not correct but I constantly feel like I am fooling myself or I’m understanding things wrong. I believe in Islam being a true religion especially with it’s justice, mercy and the preserving of the Qur’aan Majid and all the truths and facts in it but Shaytaan is really trying to get the best out of me. With regards to Hinduism, though they believe in many gods they believe that these multiple gods are different attributes of their supreme therefore I do not understand why people call it idol worshipping?? I’ll be grateful if you could give me a detailed answer regarding these refutations.
Please keep me in your duaas that Allah SWT gives me ithbaat in my deen and makes me die with imaan. Ameen.
Wassalam.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
Assalaamu ‘alaykum,
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allāh, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is begotten. And there is none comparable unto Him.” Surah Al-Ikhlaas [1]
In regards to your last question regarding Hinduism and one of their belief systems regarding one god with several “manifestations” of its attributes. Whilst this may seem innocuous and simply a representation of the traits of their god, in reality these “manifestations” and the actions of the worshipers of Hinduism clearly show they are considered separate beings of worship (deities) towards which prayers are made. These “manifestations” are not harmonious traits, but rather contradicting and conflicting entities with their own personalities, mythology and even lineages. These “manifestations” are depicted in drawings and statues which are worshiped directly, and it is through these entities that they pray to their supreme god. This is a definition of Shirk warned against in many places of the Qur’an:[2]
“The revelation of the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] is from Allāh, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book, [O Muḥammad], in truth. So worship Allāh, [being] sincere to Him in religion. Unquestionably, for Allāh is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], “We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allāh in position.” Indeed, Allāh will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allāh does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.” Surah az-Zumar (39:1-3)
“They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allāh, and [also] the Messiah, the son of Maryam. And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him. They want to extinguish the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allāh dislike it.” Surah at-Towbah (9:31-3)
“So who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allāh or denies His signs? Indeed, the criminals will not succeed. And they worship other than Allāh that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, “These are our intercessors with Allāh.” Say, “Do you inform Allāh of something He does not know in the heavens or on the earth?” Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.” Surah Yunus (10:17-8)
“And [We sent] Ibraheem, when he said to his people, “Worship Allāh and fear Him. That is best for you, if you should know. You only worship, besides Allāh, idols, and you produce a falsehood. Indeed, those you worship besides Allāh do not possess for you [the power of] provision. So seek from Allāh provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned.”” Surah al-’Ankabut (29:16-7) [3]
To place something or someone on equal level with Allah ﷻ, or claim it to possess the divine attributes of Allah ﷻ is major Shirk, and polytheism falls into this category. Shirk is a term that refers to associating partners with Allah ﷻ through one’s words or deeds. As it pertains to a person’s belief in Islam and is a denial of the Oneness of Allah ﷻ, it is a major sin that results in kufr (disbelief). In Islam, we do not personify the attributes of Allah ﷻ, and neither do we pray to these attributes individually. We may mention individual names of Allah ﷻ in our prayers and du’as, but this is done as a reminder and reassurance to ourselves of the qualities and might of Allah ﷻ. One should also keep in mind that it is also forbidden to make a depiction of Allah ﷻ, and it is also severely reprehensible to invent stories regarding Him, which is what occurs with these stories of Hindu deity manifestations.[4]
“And it was already revealed to you and to those before you that if you should associate [anything] with Allāh, your work would surely become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers.” Surah Az-Zumar (39:65) [5]
It should also be noted that technically, Hinduism is not a single religion. It is in fact a term used for the collection of separate polytheistic (and often contradictory) belief systems found in the region of India. This is why there is no consensus amongst those who consider themselves “Hindus” as to their religious principles, philosophy, rules or even the existence and concept of god/s. Buddhism functions closer to a theory of existence and philosophy or a ”way of living”, rather than a religion in the conventional sense, as most sects do not believe in a creator even though they perform “religious” rituals. As for Sikhism, it is well known to be a man-made religion resulting from the attempt at combining Islam and Hinduism. Sikhism is both monotheistic and panentheistic, similar to certain sects of Hinduism. All three of these belief systems have their origins in the Indian subcontinent.[6]
“… when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back… That I might do righteousness in that which I left behind.” No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.” Surah Al-Mu’minoon (23:99-100)
“And they swear by Allāh their strongest oaths [that] Allāh will not resurrect one who dies. But yes – [it is] a true promise [binding] upon Him, but most of the people do not know.” Surah an-Nahl (16:38) [7]
The concept of reincarnation is present in both Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism. This concept can easily be refuted due to its futility and moral dubiousness. What purpose does reincarnation serve when one can neither remember the wrongs one committed that resulted in being forced to live again, nor what good they did that resulted in their improved state? If an individual cannot remember their rights and wrongs, the purpose of reincarnation loses its justification. This simple consideration reveals the futility and illogical nature of such beliefs. And in light of Islam, the concept of reincarnation also results in the rejection of the hereafter, and true accountability for one’s own actions, as an individual is being punished or rewarded for things they cannot recall.
“Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?” So exalted is Allāh, the Sovereign, the Truth; there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. And whoever invokes besides Allāh another deity for which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.” Surah Al-Mu’minoon (23:115-7) [8]
A conflict of deen occurs due to a lack of knowledge regarding both Islam and the religion in question, as well as working off assumptions on religion as a whole. Unfortunately you have not stated the cause of your confusion or conflict in understanding, and as this is not the best medium by which one can refute several religions at once in detail it makes fully addressing your question difficult. I advise you to discuss any issues you are facing with an Islamic scholar knowledgeable in comparative religion or an Islamic counsellor. Try to get into contact with those who have reverted to Islam from these beliefs or are involved in dawah, as well as seek out reliable resources and platforms where your conflict in understanding can be addressed.
“And if there comes to you from Shaytan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allāh. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” Surah Fussilat (41:36) [9]
Some people from amongst the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ came to him and said: “Verily we perceive in our minds that which every one of us considers it too grave to express.” He ﷺ said: “Do you really perceive it?” They said: “Yes.” Upon this he remarked: “That is the faith manifest.” (Muslim) [10]
Only Allah ﷻ knows best.
Written by Muftiyah Maryam Badshah
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
References:
[1]
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Qur’an (112:1-4)
[2]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
Ma’āriful-Qur’ān (39:3) (Vol.7, pg.545-6, Maktaba-e-Darul-’Uloom, Karachi)
Ma’āriful-Qur’ān (9:31-3) (Vol.4, pg.367-9, Maktaba-e-Darul-’Uloom, Karachi)
[3]
نزِيلُ الْكِتَابِ مِنَ اللَّهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ فَاعْبُدِ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّينَ أَلَا لِلَّهِ الدِّينُ الْخَالِصُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَا إِلَى اللَّهِ زُلْفَىٰ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي مَا هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي مَنْ هُوَ كَاذِبٌ كَفَّارٌ
Qur’an (39:1-3)
اتَّخَذُوا أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَانَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَالْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا إِلَٰهًا وَاحِدًا ۖ لَّا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ سُبْحَانَهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يُطْفِئُوا نُورَ اللَّهِ بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَيَأْبَى اللَّهُ إِلَّا أَن يُتِمَّ نُورَهُ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ
Qur’an (9:31-3)
فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمْ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ هَٰؤُلَاءِ شُفَعَاؤُنَا عِندَ اللَّهِ ۚ قُلْ أَتُنَبِّئُونَ اللَّهَ بِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
Qur’an (10:17-8)
وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاتَّقُوهُ ۖ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَوْثَانًا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًا فَابْتَغُوا عِندَ اللَّهِ الرِّزْقَ وَاعْبُدُوهُ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ ۖ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
Qur’an (29:16-7)
[4]
الْمُرْتَدُّ عُرْفًا هُوَ الرَّاجِعُ عَنْ دِينِ الْإِسْلَامِ كَذَا فِي النَّهْرِ الْفَائِقِ وَرُكْنُ الرِّدَّةِ إجْرَاءُ كَلِمَةِ الْكُفْرِ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ بَعْدَ وُجُودِ الْإِيمَانِ وَشَرَائِطُ صِحَّتِهَا الْعَقْلُ
Al-Fatāwa al-Hindiyyah (Vol.2, pg.253, Dār Al-Fiqr)
…قَوْلُهُ وَلَا خِلَافَ فِي تَخْلِيدِهِ فِي النَّارِ) فَالْخِلَافُ إنَّمَا هُوَ فِي أَحْكَامِ الدُّنْيَا فَقَطْ بَحْرٌ لِأَنَّ الْعَفْوَ عَنْ الْكُفْرِ دُخُولُ الْجَنَّةِ مَعَ الشِّرْكِ خِلَافُ حُكْمِ الشَّرْعِ وَالْعَقْلِ…
Raddul Muhtār (Vol.4, pg.257, Dār Al-Fiqr)
أَنَّ مَنْ تَكَلَّمَ بِكَلِمَةٍ لِلْكُفْرِ هَازِلًا أَوْ لَاعِبًا كَفَرَ عِنْدَ الْكُلِّ وَلَا اعْتِبَارَ بِاعْتِقَادِهِ كَمَا صَرَّحَ بِهِ فِي الْخَانِيَّةِ وَمَنْ تَكَلَّمَ بِهَا مُخْطِئًا أَوْ مُكْرَهًا لَا يَكْفُرُ عِنْدَ الْكُلِّ، وَمَنْ تَكَلَّمَ بِهَا عَامِدًا عَالِمًا كَفَرَ عِنْدَ الْكُلِّ
Raddul Muhtār (Vol.4, pg.224, Dār Al-Fiqr)
Ma’āriful-Qur’ān (Vol.1, pg.633-5 and Vol.8, pg.533-4 & 914-7, Maktaba-e-Darul-’Uloom, Karachi)
[5]
وَلَقَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكَ لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ وَلَتَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Qur’an (39:65)
[6]
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/ataglance/glance.shtml
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/ataglance/glance.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism
[7]
حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ رَبِّ ارْجِعُونِ لَعَلِّي أَعْمَلُ صَالِحًا فِيمَا تَرَكْتُ ۚ كَلَّا ۚ إِنَّهَا كَلِمَةٌ هُوَ قَائِلُهَا ۖ وَمِن وَرَائِهِم بَرْزَخٌ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
Qur’an (23:99-100)
وَأَقْسَمُوا بِاللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَانِهِمْ ۙ لَا يَبْعَثُ اللَّهُ مَن يَمُوتُ ۚ بَلَىٰ وَعْدًا عَلَيْهِ حَقًّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Qur’an (16:38)
[8]
Ma’āriful-Qur’ān (23:99-100) (Vol.6, pg.332, Maktaba-e-Darul-’Uloom, Karachi)
أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ فَتَعَالَى اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّ ۖ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ وَمَن يَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ لَا بُرْهَانَ لَهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ
Qur’an (23:115-7)
[9]
وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Qur’an (41:36)
[10]
حَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ سُهَيْلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ جَاءَ نَاسٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَأَلُوهُ إِنَّا نَجِدُ فِي أَنْفُسِنَا مَا يَتَعَاظَمُ أَحَدُنَا أَنْ يَتَكَلَّمَ بِهِ . قَالَ ” وَقَدْ وَجَدْتُمُوهُ ” . قَالُوا نَعَمْ . قَالَ ” ذَاكَ صَرِيحُ الإِيمَانِ ” .
Sahih Muslim 132a (Bk.1, ch.60, sunnah.com)