Essence Of Wisdom In Hindu Scriptures: Can Hindus Be Considered Ahl-e-Kitab?

By Sultan Shahin, Founder-Editor, New Age Islam 11 September 2024 One of the reasons why Muslim scholars (ulema) have difficulty accepting Hindus as ahl-e-Kitab is their ignorance of Hindu scriptures. The essence of wisdom contained in Hindu scriptures eludes them altogether. They just consider Hindus as a polytheistic community just as Al-e-Hadees and other Salafis consider most Muslims, coming from Sufi traditions, as a polytheistic community, Mushrik or even Kafir. Those ulema who have studied Hindu scriptures a little and cannot deny the depth and breadth of Hindu mysticism, still refuse to call them ahl-e-Kitab, but deign to call them shibh (like) ahl-e-Kitab. I have studied Hindu scriptures a little and consider them inspired. God has told us in Quran that there is no nation on earth where messengers were not sent. وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ ۚ لِكُلٍّۢ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةًۭ وَمِنْهَاجًۭا ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًۭا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ ٤٨ Quran 5:48 “We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So, judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So, compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding your differences.” وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍۢ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةُ ۚ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ ٣٦ Quran: 16; 36; We surely sent a messenger to every community, saying, “Worship Allah and shun false gods.” But some of them were guided by Allah, while others were destined to stray. So, travel throughout the land and see the fate of the deniers! Allah also says, “For every community a warner has been sent.” (Qur’ān, 35:24) In another verse, He says, “We have sent messengers before you, some of whom We have mentioned to you and some We have not.” (Qur’ān, 40:78) And those prophets whom Allah Almighty has spoken about in the Qur’ān are twenty-five: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Hūd, Şāliḩ, Abraham, Lot, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Shu‛aib, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Job, Elijah, Jonah, Ezekiel, Elisha, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Jesus, and Mohammad, peace upon them all. Belief in all of them is obligatory, as stated in the Holy Qur’ān: “So [you believers], say, ‘We believe in Allah and in what was sent down to us and what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and all the prophets by their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we devote ourselves to Him.” (Qur’ān, 2:136) The reason given is that all prophets are brethren in the call to the religion of Allah, even though every one of them belonged to a particular people, and a particular epoch. Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) has also said: "The prophets are brothers in faith, having different mothers. Their religion is, however, one." (Hadith by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim) And no messenger was sent by God who was not given revelations. “[Prophet], all the messengers We sent before you were simply men to whom We had given Revelation.” (Qur’ān, 16:43) And when we collect revelations, they become books. So, it stands to reason that Hindu scriptures or parts of them which clearly appear inspired revelations were brought by prophets or messengers of God. One difficulty in my mind is the following: were the authors of these books prophets, or the heroic characters presented in these books as avatars of God almighty were prophets? How should we understand them? But I also wonder, if that is so important. We should concern ourselves more with the essence of wisdom contained in these books rather than either the literal text or other controversies. In the light of Quran’s revelations, it’s impossible for our vast sub-continent now divided into India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives, not to have had a number of prophets, as every community was bestowed a prophet and historically this vast landmass consisted of many communities and states. Indian scriptures are so many and the mystical literature is so vast that it would be difficult for any human to give us an accurate description. So, I turned to machine intelligence. I am giving below what I learnt from the Artificial Intelligence-run chatbot ChatGpt. How accurate this is only someone who has spent a lifetime studying these scriptures can tell. But with my little learning, it does appear fairly accurate to me. This is, of course, open to question, like everything else on this open site. The comment section is meant for that. I would request Muslim scholars (ulema), in particular, to study them and share their views. ChatGPT Nature and concept of God in Vedas and other Hindu scriptures The concept of God in Hinduism is complex and diverse, reflecting the rich tapestry of the religion. Hinduism does not have a single, standardized belief system, and different schools of thought within Hindu philosophy offer various perspectives on the nature of the divine. The Vedas, Upanishads, and other Hindu scriptures contribute to this multifaceted understanding. Here are some key aspects of the nature and concept of God in Hindu scriptures: 1. Brahman in the Vedas: • The Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas, contains hymns that express reverence for a supreme, all-encompassing reality called Brahman. • Brahman is often described as formless, infinite, and beyond all attributes. It represents the ultimate, unchanging reality that underlies the entire universe. 2. Personal Deities (Devas) in the Vedas: • While emphasizing the transcendent Brahman, the Vedas also recognize a pantheon of deities or devas. These deities are personifications of various natural forces, cosmic principles, and aspects of the divine. • Indra, Agni, Varuna, and others are celebrated in the Vedas as powerful deities with specific attributes and functions. 3. Henotheism and Polytheism: • The Vedas exhibit elements of henotheism, where one supreme deity is worshipped without denying the existence of other deities. This coexists with polytheistic aspects, where multiple deities are venerated. • Different hymns may focus on different deities as the supreme, reflecting diverse perspectives. 4. Bhagavad Gita and Personal God: • The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture within the Indian epic Mahabharata, presents Lord Krishna as the Supreme Being (Bhagavan). Krishna reveals himself to be the ultimate reality behind the cosmos. • The Gita introduces the concept of Bhakti Yoga, emphasizing devotion to a personal God as a means of attaining spiritual realization. 5. Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva): • In later Hindu tradition, the concept of Trimurti emerges, representing the three aspects of the divine: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). • This triad is a way of expressing the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution in the cosmos. 6. Ishvara in Vedanta: • Vedanta philosophy, especially as articulated in the Upanishads, introduces the concept of Ishvara, a personal aspect of the divine that governs the universe. • Ishvara is seen as the source of creation, but it is transcendent and immanent, encompassing both the personal and the formless aspects of God. 7. Saguna and Nirguna Brahman: • Hindu philosophy distinguishes between Saguna Brahman (Brahman with attributes) and Nirguna Brahman (Brahman without attributes). • Saguna Brahman is associated with personal deities, while Nirguna Brahman is the formless, attributeless reality beyond conceptualization. 8. Concepts in Bhakti Tradition: • In the Bhakti tradition, devotees often focus on a particular deity as the object of their devotion. Radha and Krishna, Rama and Sita, Shiva and Parvati are popular divine pairs in Bhakti literature. --- ChatGPT The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It takes the form of a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. The Bhagavad Gita addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna on the battlefield and imparts profound teachings. The essence of the Bhagavad Gita can be summarized as follows: 1. Duty and Dharma: The Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty (dharma) without attachment to the results. It teaches that individuals should act selflessly and responsibly, fulfilling their roles and responsibilities in society. 2. Detachment: Krishna advises Arjuna to act with detachment, meaning to perform his duties without being overly attached to success or failure. Detachment allows one to maintain inner peace and equanimity in the face of challenges. 3. Pathways to Liberation (Yogas): The Gita describes different paths to spiritual realization, known as yogas. These include Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), and Raja Yoga (the path of meditation). Each individual can choose a path that suits their temperament and inclinations. 4. Equality of Souls: The Gita underscores the idea that all beings are essentially the same at a spiritual level, and differences such as caste, gender, or social status are superficial. The realization of the oneness of all souls is central to spiritual growth. 5. Self-Realization and Liberation (Moksha): The ultimate goal of life, according to the Bhagavad Gita, is self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). This is achieved through understanding one's true nature as the eternal soul (atman) and realizing the divine unity of all existence. 6. Faith and Devotion: The Gita encourages faith and devotion to a higher power, recognizing the divine presence in all aspects of life. Devotion is seen as a powerful means to attain spiritual wisdom and liberation. 7. Resilience and Inner Strength: The Gita teaches the importance of facing challenges with courage and resilience. Arjuna is urged to rise above his doubts and fears, fulfilling his duty with a strong and focused mind. The Bhagavad Gita's teachings have had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy and have also been appreciated for their universal wisdom, influencing thinkers and leaders worldwide. --- The Essence Of The Teachings Of Ramayana ChatGPT The Ramayana, one of the ancient Indian epics, is attributed to the sage Valmiki and narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama. The teachings of the Ramayana encompass a wide range of moral, ethical, and spiritual principles. Here are some key aspects: 1. Dharma (Righteousness): The Ramayana emphasizes the importance of adhering to dharma, or righteousness, in one's life. Lord Rama is depicted as the embodiment of dharma, and his adherence to ethical principles, duty, and moral conduct is a central theme. 2. Devotion and Loyalty: The relationship between Lord Rama and his devotees, especially Hanuman and Sita, highlights the significance of unwavering devotion and loyalty. Hanuman's selfless devotion to Rama is particularly celebrated, illustrating the power of a sincere and dedicated connection with the divine. 3. Family Values: The Ramayana underscores the importance of family values, duty towards parents, and the responsibilities of each family member. Rama's deep love and respect for his parents, as well as his role as a responsible son, husband, and brother, serve as examples for the ideal family structure. 4. Sacrifice and Selflessness: The characters in the Ramayana, especially Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, exemplify sacrifice and selflessness. Rama's willingness to sacrifice personal comforts and his throne for the greater good of upholding dharma is a powerful lesson. 5. Victory of Good over Evil: The epic portrays the eternal battle between good (represented by Rama) and evil (embodied by Ravana). The triumph of good over evil symbolizes the victory of righteousness, truth, and virtue, conveying the message that ultimately, goodness prevails. 6. Lesson of Forgiveness: Despite facing numerous challenges and betrayals, Lord Rama demonstrates forgiveness. His ability to forgive even those who wronged him, such as the repentant Vibhishana, illustrates the importance of forgiveness as a noble quality. 7. Understanding the Nature of Life: The Ramayana delves into the transient nature of life, the inevitability of change, and the cyclical pattern of existence. It encourages individuals to approach life with equanimity and detachment from material desires. 8. Respect for Nature: The epic also conveys a sense of reverence for nature. Rama's alliance with the vanaras (monkey army) and their cooperation in building the bridge to Lanka reflects a harmonious relationship with the environment. In summary, the Ramayana imparts timeless wisdom about righteous living, devotion, family values, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The narrative serves as a guide for leading a virtuous and meaningful life, drawing inspiration from the exemplary conduct of its characters, especially Lord Rama. Essence of Teachings of Vasistha Ramayan or Yog Vasistha ChatGPT The "Yoga Vasistha," also known as the "Vasistha Ramayana," is a philosophical text that explores profound concepts related to the nature of reality, existence, and the path to spiritual liberation. Here are some key teachings and themes from the Yoga Vasistha: 1. Illusory Nature of the World (Maya): The Yoga Vasistha delves into the concept of Maya, emphasizing that the world is impermanent and ever-changing. It teaches that the material world is illusory and transient, and true understanding requires looking beyond the apparent reality. 2. The Mind and Consciousness: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the nature of the mind and consciousness. It explores the mind's role in creating the illusion of the world and the importance of understanding and transcending the mind for spiritual growth. 3. Pathways to Liberation (Moksha): The Yoga Vasistha discusses various paths to liberation, including the paths of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and meditation (Dhyana Yoga). It provides insights into how individuals can transcend the cycle of birth and death to attain ultimate liberation. 4. The Nature of the Self (Atman): The text explores the nature of the self (Atman) and its connection to the ultimate reality (Brahman). It teaches that realizing the true nature of the self leads to liberation from the cycle of samsara (the cycle of birth and death). 5. Detachment and Renunciation: Yoga Vasistha emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly attachments and desires. It encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of detachment to overcome the fluctuations of joy and sorrow and to remain steady in the pursuit of spiritual goals. 6. The Role of Guru and Disciple: The relationship between Lord Rama and Sage Vasistha serves as an example of the guru-disciple tradition. The guidance provided by the sage to the seeker represents the importance of seeking knowledge from a wise teacher on the spiritual path. 7. Stories and Parables: The teachings in Yoga Vasistha often take the form of stories, parables, and philosophical dialogues. These narratives are designed to convey complex philosophical concepts in a more accessible and relatable manner. 8. Time and Cosmic Order: The text explores the nature of time and the cosmic order, illustrating the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution. It emphasizes that understanding the eternal nature of reality requires transcending the limitations of time. In essence, the Yoga Vasistha provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the nature of existence and offers practical insights for spiritual seekers. Its teachings are rooted in deep philosophical inquiry and aim to lead individuals towards self-realization and liberation from the illusions of the material world. ------- Essence Of The Wisdom Of Vedas ChatGPT The Vedas, considered the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism, contain a vast body of knowledge encompassing various aspects of life, philosophy, rituals, and spirituality. While summarizing the wisdom of the Vedas is a challenging task due to their extensive content, here are some key themes and teachings that encapsulate the essence of Vedic wisdom: 1. Cosmic Order (Rita or Rta): The Vedas emphasize the concept of Rita or Rta, which represents the cosmic order and harmony. It signifies the natural order and balance in the universe, highlighting the interconnectedness of all aspects of creation. 2. Dharma (Righteous Duty): Dharma is a central theme in the Vedas, representing the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that individuals must uphold. Following dharma is seen as essential for personal well-being, societal harmony, and spiritual progress. 3. Yajna (Sacrificial Rituals): The Vedas prescribe various yajnas or sacrificial rituals as a means of harmonizing the individual with the cosmic order. Yajnas are considered a way to express gratitude to the divine forces, seek blessings, and maintain balance in the universe. 4. Fourfold Purusharthas (Goals of Life): The Vedas articulate the four primary goals of life, known as Purusharthas. These are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Kama (desire and pleasure), and Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Balancing these goals is seen as the key to a fulfilled and purposeful life. 5. Mantras and Hymns: The Vedas are rich in hymns (Samhitas) and mantras that are chanted during rituals and prayers. These sacred sounds are believed to have a transformative and purifying effect, connecting individuals with the divine and invoking spiritual energies. 6. Brahman (Ultimate Reality): The Vedas introduce the concept of Brahman, the ultimate, formless, and transcendental reality that underlies and permeates the entire universe. Understanding and realizing Brahman is considered the highest spiritual attainment. 7. Upanishadic Wisdom: The concluding portions of the Vedas, known as the Upanishads, delve into profound philosophical inquiries about the nature of the self (Atman) and its relationship with Brahman. The Upanishads form the foundation of Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing self-realization and union with the divine. 8. Gurukula System and Guru-Disciple Tradition: The Vedas prescribe the Gurukula system of education, where students live with a guru (teacher) to receive holistic education encompassing not only academic knowledge but also moral and spiritual guidance. The guru-disciple tradition is highly revered in Vedic culture. 9. Cycles of Creation and Dissolution: The Vedas describe the cyclical nature of the universe, involving periods of creation (Srishti), preservation (Sthiti), and dissolution (Samhara). This cyclical process is governed by cosmic laws and reflects the eternal rhythm of existence. In essence, the wisdom of the Vedas encompasses a holistic and integrated approach to life, blending rituals, ethical conduct, spiritual realization, and a deep understanding of the cosmic order. The teachings aim at harmonizing individual life with the greater universal consciousness, fostering balance, and facilitating spiritual evolution. --- Essence Of The Wisdom Of Upnishads ChatGPT The Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts that form the concluding part of the Vedic literature, explore the profound and metaphysical aspects of existence. The wisdom of the Upanishads is rich and multifaceted, but here are some key themes that capture the essence of their teachings: 1. Nature of Ultimate Reality (Brahman): The Upanishads extensively discuss Brahman, the ultimate, formless, and transcendent reality that underlies and permeates the entire universe. Realizing one's identity with Brahman is considered the goal of life and the path to liberation (moksha). 2. Concept of Atman (Self): The Upanishads expound on the concept of Atman, the individual self or soul. They teach that Atman is identical to Brahman, emphasizing the oneness of the individual soul with the universal consciousness. Self-realization involves recognizing this inherent unity. 3. Neti-Neti (Not This, Not This): The Upanishads employ the method of negation, known as "Neti-Neti," to describe the nature of Brahman. They assert that Brahman cannot be defined or limited by any specific attributes and can only be expressed by negating what it is not. 4. Importance of Knowledge (Jnana): The Upanishads emphasize the role of knowledge in attaining liberation. This knowledge is not intellectual or scholarly but a direct realization of the ultimate truth. It involves transcending the limitations of the mind and ego to perceive the underlying unity of all existence. 5. Concept of Maya (Illusion): Maya is a recurring theme in the Upanishads, representing the illusory and changing nature of the material world. Understanding and transcending Maya is essential for realizing the eternal and unchanging reality beyond it. 6. Meditation and Contemplation: The Upanishads prescribe various meditative practices and contemplative techniques to go beyond the limitations of the mind and senses. These practices aim at quieting the mind and attaining direct experiential knowledge of the self and Brahman. 7. Pathways to Liberation (Moksha): The Upanishads describe different paths to liberation, including the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and the path of disciplined action (Karma Yoga). These paths cater to individuals with different temperaments and inclinations. 8. Unity of All Existence: The Upanishads proclaim the unity of all existence, emphasizing that everything in the universe is interconnected and inseparable. Recognizing this interconnectedness is crucial for spiritual realization and ethical living. 9. Transcendence of Dualities: The Upanishads teach the transcendence of dualities such as good and bad, pleasure and pain, and success and failure. True wisdom lies in recognizing the underlying unity beyond these dualistic distinctions. 10. Guru-Disciple Relationship: The Upanishads highlight the importance of the guru-disciple relationship for spiritual guidance. The guru serves as a guide who imparts the knowledge of the self and helps the disciple navigate the path to realization. In essence, the Upanishads provide profound insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation. Their teachings inspire seekers to transcend the limitations of the material world, attain self-realization, and recognize the eternal and unchanging essence that underlies all of existence. In summary, Hindu scriptures present a diverse and inclusive understanding of the divine, ranging from the formless Brahman of the Vedas to the personal deities and the Trimurti of later traditions. The flexibility within Hinduism allows individuals to approach the divine in ways that resonate with their spiritual inclinations and cultural backgrounds. 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