Investigating the Possibility of Hinduism Being "the People of the Book" or "the Ones Who Have Pseudo-book" from the Perspective of Imami Principles

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 * PhD Graduate in Philosophy of Religion and New Theological Thoughts and Researcher in Religion, Mashhad, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran

Abstract

In general, there are two main issues in the possibility of classifying Hinduism in the category of "the People of the Book" or "the ones who have pseudo-book". First issue is whether "the People of the Book" are limited to only the four religions whose names are mentioned in the Quran. This article has come to the conclusion that this is not true, and on the contrary, there are other religions that may be part of "the People of the Book" whose names are not mentioned in the Quran, including Hinduism, and even if we do not accept this, at least Hinduism can be counted among "the ones who have pseudo-book". Hence, the second issue is: how close is Hinduism to the religions of "the People of the Book"? This study, after examining the teachings of Hinduism in the three fields of theology, revelation and prophethood, and eschatology, concludes that although the superficial shell of many myths and rituals of this religion is polytheistic and superstitious, there are deep and explicit monotheistic beliefs in its sacred texts and basic teachings. Also, contrary to popular belief, Hinduism does not deny divine revelation, but the belief in divine inspiration (Akashvani) is one of its important foundations. Of course, as for the Hereafter, Hinduism believes in reincarnation and is far from the view of other religions of "the People of the Book". However, the sacred texts of this religion explicitly refer to heaven (swargah), hell (naragah) and the Day of Judgment (mahapralyah), albeit from their own views. Therefore, we have finally come to the conclusion that this religion, based on the principles of the Imami sect, has the capacity to be included in the religions of "the People of the Book", or at least it is one of the religions of "the ones who have pseudo-book".

Keywords

References

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Religious Research
Volume 9, Issue 17 - Serial Number 17
September 2021
Pages 27-53

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