Comparative Analysis of Vedant of Shankara and Vedant of Ramanuja

Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy that focuses on the interpretation of the sacred texts, the Vedas. There are different sub-schools within Vedanta, two of which are Shankara's Advaita Vedanta and Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. While both these sub-schools share some commonalities, there are significant differences between the two, which can be explored through a comparative analysis.

Concept of Brahman:

In Shankara's Advaita Vedanta, Brahman is the only reality, and the world is an illusion or Maya. According to Shankara, the individual self or Atman is not different from Brahman but is identical to it. The goal of human life is to realize this identity through self-inquiry and meditation.

In contrast, Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta considers Brahman as the highest reality, but not the only one. Ramanuja's view of Brahman is that it includes both the unchanging and the changing aspects of reality. Ramanuja also stresses that the individual self is distinct from Brahman and is dependent on it. The goal of human life, according to Ramanuja, is not to achieve identity with Brahman but to attain a state of eternal blissful existence in the presence of Brahman.

Concept of Maya:

Shankara's Advaita Vedanta holds that the world is an illusion or Maya, and the ultimate reality is Brahman. Shankara argues that the world is a product of ignorance and that the individual self is responsible for the creation of the world. The world is seen as an obstacle to spiritual realization and must be transcended through the practice of self-inquiry and meditation.

Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, on the other hand, holds that the world is real, but its reality is dependent on Brahman. Ramanuja argues that the world is a manifestation of Brahman's glory and is therefore not an obstacle to spiritual realization. The goal of spiritual practice is to see the unity of the world with Brahman rather than to transcend the world.

Concept of Bhakti:

Shankara's Advaita Vedanta focuses on Jnana Yoga or the path of knowledge as the means of realizing the identity of the individual self with Brahman. Bhakti or devotion is seen as a preliminary stage that can help purify the mind, but it is not the ultimate goal.

In contrast, Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta places a great emphasis on Bhakti or devotion to God as the means of attaining liberation. Ramanuja argues that the path of devotion can lead to knowledge of Brahman, and therefore Bhakti is a valid means of spiritual practice.

Concept of Liberation:

Shankara's Advaita Vedanta holds that the individual self realizes its identity with Brahman upon the realization that the world is an illusion. Liberation is achieved through the eradication of ignorance and the attainment of knowledge.

Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, on the other hand, sees liberation as a state of eternal blissful existence in the presence of Brahman. Liberation is attained through devotion to God and the attainment of knowledge of Brahman's nature.

In conclusion, while both Shankara's Advaita Vedanta and Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita Vedanta share some commonalities, they have significant differences in their understanding of the nature of reality, the role of devotion, and the attainment of liberation. These differences reflect different approaches to spiritual practice and can provide valuable insights into the diversity of Hindu philosophy.

Islamic Concept of Evolution of Life on Earth

 

In Islamic theology, the concept of the evolution of life on earth is closely tied to the concept of sath, which refers to the different stages or periods of creation in Islamic cosmology. According to Islamic tradition, there were seven saths, or stages of creation, before the creation of humans and the universe as we know it.

In the first sath, Allah created the arsh, or throne, which is the symbol of His power and sovereignty. In the second sath, Allah created the qalam, or pen, which is believed to have written the fate of all things in the universe. In the third sath, Allah created the loh, or tablet, which contains the divine decree and knowledge. In the fourth sath, Allah created the bayt al-ma'mur, or the frequently visited house, which is believed to be a heavenly replica of the Kaaba on earth.

In the fifth sath, Allah created the angels and the jinn. The angels are believed to be purely spiritual beings who serve as messengers of Allah and carry out His commands. The jinn are also spiritual beings, but they have free will and can choose to do good or evil.

In the sixth sath, Allah created the heavens and the earth. This is where the concept of evolution comes into play. According to Islamic theology, the creation of the universe did not happen all at once, but rather through a gradual process of evolution over a period of six saths. In each sath, Allah created different forms of life, leading up to the creation of humans in the final sath.

The Qur'an describes this process of creation as a series of stages, with each stage building upon the previous one. For example, in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 30, it says: "Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?"

This verse is often interpreted as a reference to the process of evolution, where the universe began as a single entity and gradually evolved into the complex ecosystem we see today. The reference to water is also significant, as it is believed to be the source of all life on earth.

Overall, the Islamic concept of evolution is based on the idea that Allah created the universe through a gradual process of evolution, with each stage building upon the previous one. This concept is closely tied to the idea of sath, which refers to the different stages of creation in Islamic cosmology. While there may be differences in interpretation and understanding of this concept among different scholars and communities, it remains an important part of Islamic theology and understanding of the universe.

Concept of Nishkam Karma of Bhagvad Gita

 

Nishkam karma is a concept in the Bhagavad Gita that refers to selfless action or action without attachment to the fruits of the action. In other words, it means performing actions without any desire for personal gain or reward.

According to the Bhagavad Gita, the ultimate goal of human life is to attain liberation or Moksha, which is the state of ultimate peace, bliss, and enlightenment. Nishkam karma is seen as a means to achieve this goal.

The concept of Nishkam karma emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties without being attached to the outcome. It suggests that one should focus on the action itself and not on the results, which are often beyond one's control. By doing so, one can attain a state of equanimity and detachment, which is essential for spiritual growth and realization.T

he Bhagavad Gita also emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties in a selfless and non-egoistic manner. It suggests that one should work for the greater good of society and not for personal gain or ambition. This is seen as an essential aspect of Nishkam karma, as it helps to purify the mind and cultivate a sense of detachment and equanimity.

Overall, the concept of Nishkam karma in the Bhagavad Gita is a powerful ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties in a selfless and non-egoistic manner, without attachment to the outcome. It is seen as a means to attain spiritual growth and realization, and ultimately, to achieve liberation or Moksha.

Educational Considerations in Islam

 In Islam, education is highly valued and considered an essential component of a Muslim's life. The religion encourages both men and women to seek knowledge and emphasizes the importance of education in building a strong and prosperous society. Here are some key educational considerations in Islam:

Seeking Knowledge: Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge throughout their lives. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." This means that acquiring knowledge is not just a desirable pursuit but an obligation for all Muslims.

Importance of Education: In Islam, education is seen as a means to achieve success in this life and the hereafter. It is believed that education not only helps individuals develop their skills and abilities but also enables them to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Gender Equality in Education: Islam emphasizes gender equality in education. Women have the same right as men to seek knowledge and pursue their education. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim, male and female."

The Role of Teachers: Teachers are highly respected in Islam. They are considered to be an important part of the community and play a crucial role in educating the next generation of Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "He who teaches a lesson to others is considered to have given life to them."

Emphasis on Practical Knowledge: Islam places a great emphasis on practical knowledge. This includes knowledge that can be used to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on society. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge that can be applied in their daily lives.

Balance between Worldly and Spiritual Education: In Islam, education is not limited to worldly knowledge but also includes spiritual education. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge about their religion and develop their spiritual understanding. This helps individuals maintain a balance between their worldly and spiritual pursuits.

In conclusion, education is an integral part of Islamic teachings. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge throughout their lives and are provided with guidelines on how to pursue their education in a balanced and meaningful way.

Importance of Education in Islam

Education holds a crucial place in Islam, as it is considered essential for the spiritual, intellectual, and moral development of a Muslim. The importance of education is reflected in various verses of the Quran, where Allah Almighty emphasizes the value of knowledge and encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and educate themselves.

In Islam, education is not limited to acquiring secular knowledge but also involves learning about the religion of Islam, its teachings, and its principles. Islamic education is designed to equip Muslims with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead a virtuous and productive life, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Islamic education is considered a lifelong process that begins from the early stages of life and continues throughout a Muslim's life. It includes the learning of various subjects, such as Quranic studies, Arabic language, Islamic history, jurisprudence, and ethics, among others.

Islam also encourages seeking knowledge from various sources and learning from the experiences of others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself emphasized the importance of education and encouraged his followers to seek knowledge, saying, "Seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim."

Moreover, Islamic education is not limited to just theoretical learning but also emphasizes practical implementation of the knowledge acquired. Muslims are expected to use their knowledge to benefit themselves, their families, their communities, and society as a whole.

In conclusion, education is highly valued in Islam, and it is considered an integral part of a Muslim's life. Islamic education aims to develop individuals who are knowledgeable, ethical, and productive members of society. It encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and use it to benefit themselves and those around them, thus fulfilling their duty towards their religion and their community.

Ethical Teachings in Qur'an

The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam and contains guidance and teachings on a wide range of topics, including ethics and morality. Here are some of the ethical teachings of the Qur'an:

Worshiping Allah: The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of worshiping Allah and following His commandments. Muslims believe that following the commandments of Allah leads to a righteous life, which is the ultimate goal of human existence.

Honesty: The Qur'an stresses the importance of honesty and prohibits lying, cheating, and deceit. Muslims are encouraged to be truthful and honest in their dealings with others.

Justice: The Qur'an teaches that justice is a fundamental aspect of Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to establish justice in their personal and social lives. They should be fair and just in their dealings with others, regardless of their race, religion, or social status.

Compassion: The Qur'an teaches that compassion is an important virtue and that Muslims should be kind and compassionate towards all living beings, including animals. Muslims are encouraged to help those who are in need and to be generous in their charity.

Modesty: The Qur'an encourages modesty in all aspects of life, including dress and behavior. Muslims are encouraged to be humble and modest in their actions and to avoid arrogance and boastfulness.

Forgiveness: The Qur'an teaches that forgiveness is a noble act and that Muslims should forgive those who wronged them. Muslims are also encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah for their own mistakes and to repent sincerely.

Respect for Parents: The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring parents. Muslims are encouraged to treat their parents with kindness, compassion, and respect, and to take care of them in their old age.

In conclusion, the ethical teachings of the Qur'an emphasize the importance of worshiping Allah, being honest, establishing justice, showing compassion, practicing modesty, forgiving others, and respecting parents. Muslims are encouraged to live a righteous life based on these teachings, which will lead to personal and societal well-being.

Concept of Sacred Life in Qur'aan

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, emphasizes the concept of leading a holy and sacred life. According to Islamic beliefs, every human being has been created with a specific purpose in life, which is to worship and serve God. The Quran provides guidance on how to lead a holy and sacred life that is pleasing to God.

The Quran teaches that leading a holy life involves developing a strong relationship with God and adhering to his commandments. Muslims are required to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as a way of demonstrating their devotion to God. These acts of worship are intended to purify the soul and

strengthen the individual's connection with God.

In addition to acts of worship, the Quran also emphasizes the importance of leading a moral and ethical life. Muslims are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the values and principles of Islam. This includes treating others with kindness and compassion, being honest and just in all dealings, and avoiding sinful behavior.

The Quran also emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of protecting human life. Muslims are forbidden from taking the life of another human being, except in cases of self-defense or in the pursuit of justice. The Quran teaches that all human life is sacred and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches that the natural world is also sacred and should be treated with care and respect. Muslims are encouraged to be stewards of the environment and to protect the earth and its resources. The Quran reminds believers that God has created the earth and everything in it, and that it is their responsibility to maintain its balance and harmony.

In conclusion, the concept of leading a holy and sacred life is a central theme in the Quran. It emphasizes the importance of developing a strong relationship with God, adhering to his commandments, and living a moral and ethical life. It also emphasizes the sanctity of human life and the natural world, and the responsibility of believers to protect and care for them.

The Concept of Universal Brotherhood and National Integration in Islam

Islam is a religion that places great emphasis on brotherhood and unity among its followers. It teaches that all human beings  be they profess to their faith in Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Budhhusm,  or Christianity, are equal in the sight of Allah and should treat each other with respect and dignity. This concept of universal brotherhood is deeply ingrained in the teachings of Islam and is reflected in various aspects of Islamic culture and practice.

Understanding Universal Brotherhood 

Universal brotherhood reflects the notion that the whole world is a single community and the people living in community share brother and sister like relationships irrespective of their caste, creed, culture and even religion. They must have the feelings of love and affection towards other human beings. 

Universal Brotherhood in Islam

The religion of Islam is the chief exponent of Universal brotherhood. Islam asserts that all human beings are the creature of only and one Almighty. All are given free will and are held responsible for their actions. Religion reflects  their faith , cultural and geographical identities only otherwise all human beings are same.

Thus, brotherhood is not limited to a particular race or ethnicity, but rather extends to all societies. Among Muslims the concept of brotherhood extends to the members of the Muslim ummah (community). This concept is based on the belief that all Muslims share a common faith and are united in their worship of Allah. This unity is strengthened by the daily prayers, which are performed five times a day, and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which brings Muslims from all over the world together in a spirit of brotherhood and unity. Furthermore, Islam holds the view that all the people of the world have been created by one and the only God. They all in the first instance have the relationship of brothers and sisters. The are the progeny of Adam, the first man on earth.

Islam also emphasizes the importance of national integration, which is the process of bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together to form a cohesive and unified nation. In Islam, national integration is achieved by promoting a shared sense of identity and a common set of values and beliefs.

One of the key ways in which Islam promotes national integration is through the concept of the ummah, which refers to the global Muslim community. This concept emphasizes the unity of al communities of the nations with Muslims to work for common cause. It encourages Muslim community to bring the people of other community closer  and work together towards common goals. It also promotes a sense of solidarity and mutual support among all community people, regardless of their regional or ethnic background.

Islam also teaches that all people are equal in the sight of Allah and that discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or nationality is forbidden. This means that Muslims are encouraged to treat all people with respect and kindness, regardless of their background.

In addition, Islam emphasizes the importance of social justice and fairness. Muslims are encouraged to work towards creating a just and equitable society, where everyone has access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This promotes national integration by creating a sense of shared responsibility for the welfare of all members of society.

Overall, Islam places great emphasis on the concepts of universal brotherhood and national integration. These values are reflected in Islamic culture and practice and are an important part of the Muslim way of life. By promoting unity, solidarity, and social justice, Islam encourages its followers to work towards creating a better world for all people, regardless of their background.

Non-Violence in Islam

Non-violence, also known as "ahimsa" in some other religious traditions, is a principle that is emphasized in Islam as well. The concept of non-violence in Islam is based on the idea that all life is sacred and that it is the duty of every Muslim to avoid causing harm or violence to any living being.

One of the fundamental principles of Islam is the concept of peace, and this is closely linked to the idea of non-violence. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of peace and non-violence in his teachings and actions, and he is considered a model of non-violent behavior for Muslims.

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, also promotes non-violence and encourages Muslims to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 9, the Quran states: "And if two parties of believers fight against each other, make peace between them; but if one of them acts wrongfully towards the other, fight that which acts wrongfully until it returns to Allah's command."

In addition, Islam prohibits aggression and violence against innocent people, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade Muslims from killing women, children, and elderly people during warfare, and he also prohibited the destruction of crops and trees.

Overall, the concept of non-violence in Islam is based on the principles of peace, compassion, and justice. Muslims are encouraged to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and to avoid causing harm or violence to any living being.

Islam also places a great emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation. The Quran teaches that forgiveness is a virtue that is rewarded by Allah, and Muslims are encouraged to forgive those who have wronged them. This is exemplified in the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) actions, who forgave those who had persecuted him and his followers in the early days of Islam.

In addition, Islam also teaches the importance of social justice, which is closely linked to the concept of non-violence. Muslims are encouraged to stand up against oppression and injustice, but they are also instructed to do so through peaceful means. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed," and the companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah! We help the one who is oppressed, but how do we help the oppressor?" The Prophet replied, "By seizing his hand."

Finally, it is important to note that while Islam emphasizes non-violence, it does not necessarily mean that Muslims are completely pacifist. Islam recognizes the right to self-defense and the defense of one's community and property. However, even in such cases, the use of force must be proportionate and must not result in the harm of innocent people.

In conclusion, the concept of non-violence in Islam is rooted in the principles of peace, compassion, justice, forgiveness, and social responsibility. It is a principle that is emphasized in the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is meant to guide Muslims in their interactions with others and their approach to conflict resolution.

Concept of Martyrdom in Islam

Meaning of Martyrdom in Islam:

On Islam, a martyr is someone who dies while engaging in a righteous and noble cause, defending the faith or the community, or performing an act of great good. The Arabic term for martyr is "shahid," which means witness. The martyr is considered a witness to the truth of Islam and a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of God.

The Roots:

The concept of martyrdom in Islam is rooted in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran describes martyrdom as the highest form of devotion to God, and promises great rewards to those who die in His cause. The Prophet Muhammad also emphasized the importance of martyrdom, stating that it is the only way to attain the status of a true believer and reach the highest levels of paradise.

Martyrdom: Types

In Islam, there are two types of martyrdom: the martyrdom of the heart and the martyrdom of the body. The martyrdom of the heart refers to the sacrifice and devotion that one makes in the path of God, such as enduring hardship, performing good deeds, and striving to please God. The martyrdom of the body, on the other hand, refers to the physical sacrifice of one's life in the cause of God.

Great Rewards & Blessings to Martyr:A

 person who dies as a martyr in Islam is believed to receive great rewards and blessings from God. The Prophet Muhammad said that the martyr is forgiven all of their sins and is spared the punishment of the grave. They are also given a special place in paradise and are allowed to intercede on behalf of their family members.

However, it is important to note that in Islam, martyrdom should not be sought after or glorified for its own sake. The Prophet Muhammad taught that the best form of jihad (struggle in the path of God) is to speak the truth and work for justice and righteousness. He also warned against reckless and impulsive actions that could harm oneself or others in the name of martyrdom.

Conclusion:

From the above discussion it can be concluded that martyrdom in Islam is a concept that represents the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of God and the community. It is considered a high honor and a symbol of devotion to the faith, but it should not be sought after or glorified for its own sake.

Concept of Ascension in Qur'an

 

Symbolic Image

The concept of Meraj (also known as the Night Journey or Ascension) is an important event in Islamic tradition, which refers to the journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the heavens and beyond. It is believed to have taken place in the year 621 CE, during the early years of Islam, when the Prophet was in Mecca.

The story of Meraj is narrated in the Quran and Hadith (the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). According to the accounts, the journey began when the Prophet was asleep in the house of his cousin, Umme Hani. The Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) appeared to him in his dream and brought him a winged horse called Buraq. The Prophet mounted the Buraq, which had the speed of lightning, and traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem in the blink of an eye.

Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Prophet alighted from the Buraq and led the other prophets in prayer at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. After that, he was taken on a spiritual journey through the seven heavens, where he met various prophets and angels and received revelations from Allah (God). Each heaven was more magnificent than the previous one, and the Prophet saw wonders that no human had ever seen before.

Finally, the Prophet reached the highest point of the heavens, where he met Allah himself and received the commandments of Islam, including the daily prayers (Salah) and the obligation of fasting (Sawm) during the month of Ramadan. He also saw Paradise and Hell and the souls of the deceased being rewarded or punished according to their deeds.

After the journey, the Prophet returned to Jerusalem and then to Mecca, where he narrated the events to the people. The concept of Meraj is significant in Islamic theology as it affirms the Prophet's prophethood, strengthens the believers' faith, and emphasizes the importance of prayer and spiritual purification. It also highlights the transcendental nature of Allah and the unseen world, which are beyond human comprehension.

Connection of Meraaj to Modern World

Meraaj is said to have been connected with modern concepts also. Although exact explanation of Prophet's Ascension to Jannah in scientific terms is not available, for the reason that science is not truly capable of explaining each and every happenings in and around the universe. Many scientific explanations are hypothetical and Scientists simply hold that the occurence may be due to this reason or that lacking in their abilities to provide any acceptable conclusions. However, science do affirm the possibilities of Time Travel and the journeys through worm whole. The time travel thery of science itself is an unexplainable phenomenon, for no scientific evidence has been gathered as yet. From religious viewpoints Meraaj or Ascension to Jannah could have been possible out of the Will of Almighty but sometimes scientists attach it or simply explain it as Time Travel to higher altitudes while in Islamic literature it is explicitly mentioned that Time had been stopped to pursue journey towards heavens. 

Worm whole theory is also not flawless rather said to have been based on useless assumptions.  Muhammad sahab never claimed to have been scientist or astronomer in its typical sense. He simply claimed himself to be messenger from God. He was even among non literate people. Although even today in Muslim World only prophecy is attached with him.Meeraj is in no way the result of scientific phenomenon rather it happened purely due to the Will of Almighty although having practical implications for modern world.

,.

Dreadful Consequences of the Communities, the Aad and the Thamud

 

According to Islamic theory, the sins of a community can have dreadful consequences that affect not only the individuals who committed the sins but also the entire community as a whole. Two communities mentioned in Islamic history that suffered the consequences of their sins are the community of Aad and the community of Thamud.

The community of Aad is believed to have been a powerful and prosperous civilization that inhabited the land of Al-Ahqaf, which is located in present-day Yemen. They were blessed with many blessings from Allah, such as fertile lands, abundant water, and massive structures that they built for themselves.

However, the Aad people turned away from Allah and started to engage in sinful behavior. They indulged in idol worship, oppression, and arrogance towards their fellow human beings. Despite being warned by the Prophet Hud to turn back towards Allah, they refused to listen and continued their sinful ways.

As a consequence of their sins, Allah sent a powerful windstorm that lasted for seven nights and eight days, which destroyed everything in its path, including the Aad people and their massive structures. The community of Aad was wiped out, and their once-thriving civilization was reduced to ruins.

Similarly, the community of Thamud, who lived in the land of Al-Hijr in present-day Saudi Arabia, also turned away from Allah and indulged in sinful behavior such as idol worship, greed, and injustice towards their fellow human beings. They were warned by the Prophet Saleh to turn back towards Allah and leave their sinful ways.

However, they also refused to listen and continued their sinful ways. As a consequence of their sins, Allah sent a severe earthquake that destroyed their civilization, and they were left in ruins.

The dreadful consequences of the sins of these two communities serve as a warning to all Muslims to turn towards Allah and avoid sinful behavior. The Quranic stories of Aad and Thamud remind us of the importance of following Allah's commands and avoiding sinful behavior to avoid similar consequences in our lives and communities.

Athiest, Polytheistic and Hypocrites

 

Three concepts named atheist, polytheistic and hypocrites  are prominently described in Islamic scriptures.  In Islam, atheism and polytheism are classified as unforgivable great sins.  Under Islam, belief in other life beyond this life has also been expressed and this present life on earth has been termed as temporary and life beyond earth as permanent life.  According to Islamic belief, every human being in the world will have to live a permanent life after a temporary life.  The nature of the permanent life of a human being will be determined on the basis of the deeds done in the present life.  That is, if good deeds are done in the present life, then in the world of permanent life beyond the earth world, with all kinds of material comforts, one will get supreme bliss and if misdeeds are done, then there will be immense suffering and chastisement.

Under the religion of Islam, the good deeds of atheists, polytheists and hypocrites will not be counted for a permanent life beyond this life, but if the atheists, polytheists or hypocrites have done any good deeds, then its fruit will be given to them in this world.  Nowadays, atheists, polytheists and hypocrites can often be seen making a lot of progress.  Their progress is due to the good deeds done by them in the present life, but such persons do not have any share in the permanent world beyond this life, but in the permanent world, they will have to bear immense sufferings and chastisement forever and ever.  Similarly, many theists and monotheists can be seen in the present world suffering immense sufferings and chastisement, seeing which many polytheistic Hindus say that all these people are enjoying the fruits of the sins committed in their previous lives, whereas in reality it is  It happens that theists and monotheists who are being chastised are being tried by God.  This chastisement of them is only for a short time because of the effort.  If the believers and monotheists exercise restraint during chastisement and do not do anything short of praising God, then they get a lot of merit from it, which becomes the reason for their ultimate bliss in the permanent world.

Under the Islamic view, an atheist is one who denies the existence of God, a polytheist is one who believes in the existence of God but does not believe in the unlimited power of God and believes in gods and gurus equal to or more than God, or  He considers the creations or things created by God as equal to God, a hypocrite is one who believes in polytheism but pretends to be a monotheist to mislead the monotheists.  According to the Islamic point of view, atheists, polytheists and hypocrites will be subjected to persecution forever.  But there are also many levels of chastisement.  The treacherous will deserve the highest level of chastisement.  They will be kept in a very narrow place in Hades, tied with chains and shackles.  If they ask for water, they will be welcomed with boiling hot water.  And if you ask for food out of hunger, you will be fed the fruit of a thorny tree called Zakhum which will get stuck in their throat and this will cause severe pain to the hypocrites.

नास्तिक, बहुदेववादी व कपटाचारी नामक तीन अवधारणाओं का इस्लामी धर्मग्रंथों में प्रमुखता से वर्णन किया गया है। इस्लाम धर्म में नास्तिकता, व बहुदेववाद को अक्षम्य महापाप की श्रेणी में रखा गया है। इस्लाम धर्म के अंतर्गत इस जीवन के परे दूसरे जीवन में भी विश्वास व्यक्त किया गया है तथा पृथ्वी पर के इस वर्तमान जीवन को अस्थाई व पृथ्वी से परे जीवन को स्थायी जीवन की संज्ञा दी गयी है। इस्लामी मान्यता के अनुसार संसार के प्रत्येक मानव को अस्थाई जीवन के पश्चात स्थायी जीवन जीना होगा। मानव के स्थायी जीवन का स्वरूप वर्तमान जीवन में किए गए कर्मों के आधार पर निर्धारित होगा। अर्थात यदि वर्तमान जीवन में यदि सद्कर्म किए जाएंगे तो पृथ्वीलोक से परे स्थायी जीवन वाले लोक में प्रत्येक प्रकार की भौतिक  सुख सुविधाओं के साथ परम् आनंद की प्राप्ति होगी और यदि दुष्कर्म किए होंगे तो अपार कष्ट व ताड़ना की प्राप्ति होगी।

इस्लाम धर्म के अंतर्गत नास्तिकों , बहुदेववादियों व कपटाचारियों के सत्कर्मों की गणना इस जीवन से परे स्थायी जीवन हेतु नहीं की जाएगी बल्कि यदि नास्तिको, बहुदेववादियों या कपटाचारियों ने यदि कोई सद्कर्म किया भी है तो उसका फल उन्हें इसी संसार में प्रदान कर दिया जाएगा। आजकल प्रायः नास्तिको, बहुदेववादियों तथा कपटाचारियों को बहुत तरक्क़ी करते हुए देखा जा सकता है। उनकी यह तरक़्की उनके द्वारा वर्तमान जीवन में किए गए सत्कर्मों के कारण होती है पर एसे व्यक्तियों का इस जीवन से परे स्थायी लोक में कोई हिस्सा नहीं होता बल्कि स्थायी लोक में तो उन्हें हमेशा हमेशा के लिए अपार कष्टों व ताड़ना ही सहनी पड़ेगी। इसी प्रकार बहुत से आस्तिकों व एकेश्वरवादियों को वर्तमान संसार में अपार कष्टों व ताड़ना को सहते हुए देखा जा सकता है, जिसे देखकर बहुत से बहुदेववादी  हिन्दू कहते हैं कि यह सब लोग अपने पूर्व जन्मों में किए गए पापों का फल भोग रहे हैं जबकि वास्तविकता यह होती है कि ताड़ना झेल रहे आस्तिकों व एकेश्वरवादियों को ईश्वर द्वारा आज़माया जा रहा होता है। उनकी यह ताड़ना आज़माए जाने के कारण थोड़े समय के लिए ही होती है। यदि ताड़ना के दौरान आस्तिक व एकेश्वरवादी संयम बरतते हैं व ईश्वर की स्तुति में कोई कमी नहीं करते तो उन्हें इसका बहुत अधिक पुण्य प्राप्त होता है जो स्थायी लोक में उनके परम् आनंद का कारण बनता है।

इस्लामी दृष्टिकोण के अंतर्गत नास्तिक वह है जो ईश्वर के अस्तित्व को ही नकार दे, बहुदेववादी वह है जो ईश्वर के अस्तित्व में तो विश्वास करे परन्तु ईश्वर की असीमित शक्ति में विश्वास न करे व ईश्वर के समकक्ष या अधिक देवी देवताओं व गुरुओं में विश्वास करे या वह ईश्वर द्वारा कृत कृतियों या वस्तुओं को ईश्वर के समकक्ष माने, कपटाचारी वह है जो विश्वास तो बहुदेववाद में करे पर एकेश्वरवादियों को गुमराह करने हेतु एकेश्वरवादी होने का ढोंग करे। इस्लामी दृष्टिकोण के अनुसार नास्तिक, बहुदेववादी एवं कपटाचारी हमेशा के लिए यातना सहते रहेंगे। पर ताड़ना के भी अनेक स्तर होते हैं। सबसे अधिक स्तर की ताड़ना के हक़दार होंगे कपटाचारी। उन्हें बहुत ही संकरे स्थान पर पाताललोक में ज़ंजीरों व बेड़ियों से जकड़ कर रखा जाएगा। पानी मांगेंगे तो खौलते हुए गर्म पानी से उनकी मेहमानी की जाएगी। और यदि भूख से तड़प कर खाना मांगेंगे तो ज़खूम नामक कांटेदार वृक्ष का फल खिलाया जाएगा जो उनके गले में अटक जाएगा और इससे कपटाचारियों  को सख्त पीढ़ा की अनुभूति होगी।